Top 15 Things to do in Valencia, Spain

Crowned with alluring art, captivating contemporary culture, palatable paella, and an enchanting mix of old and new, this is a must-see destination. Teeming with top sights and sprawling backstreets aplenty, Valencia is a travel aficionado’s treasure trove.

Situated on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia provides a panoply picturesque landscape, verdant natural splendour and rich cultural attractions that can’t be matched anywhere else.

Navigate through the network of notorious gems and uncover a slice of this scintillating city at every end.

Relish your taste buds in an authentic flavour-packed plate as you meander through the birthplace of paella, bask in the striking style of the futuristic museums and drink your way through the lively, riveting scene.

Discover the deep history ingrained in the Old Town, admire the array of ingenious Gothic-influenced architecture and wind your way through the dizzyingly snake-like emerald park.

This Spanish destination is one of a kind, embracing eclectic cultural endeavours, flourishing natural forays, veritable adventures, and a perplexing melting pot of modern and medieval influences.

Replete with riveting rendezvous, there’s no doubt you’ll be left in rapture… If you’re jet-setting off to Spain, save this guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Valencia.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• 15 Best Things to do in Valencia

• Best Time to Visit Valencia

• Where to Stay in Valencia

• FAQs

• Why Visit Valencia?

15. Indulge in a Picnic in Jardín del Túria   

Straddling a nifty 9km radius, the Jardín del Túria green-graced gardens bridge the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with the Biopark in the west. As a former flood-prone river, the city converted the riverbed into a long stretch of glorious, verdant space.

This snake-like stretch winds right through the city, with speckled sculptures, towering palm trees, inviting ponds, exercise enthusiasts and local buskers lighting up the area. If you’re travelling to Valencia with kids, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a miniature theme park and various colourful children’s playgrounds.  

If you want to see the top things to do in Valencia on a budget, spend €10 and rent a bike here in the gardens. Pedal through the palm-shaded tracks, stop by the beach for a rest and appreciate the architecture along the way.

14. Discover the Old Town   

With a wealth of well-preserved buildings, alluring attractions and lesser-known gems, Valencia’s Old Town certainly has no shortage of sights on offer. Put your best walking shoes on as you strut down the maze-like cobblestone streets, and sip on an espresso in the vibrant Plaza de la Reina.

Listen to the flowing Turia Fountain, enjoy a plate of authentic paella and get lost in the rich history of this Spanish city. The Old Town’s palaces, plazas, and petite cafes are amongst the top things to do in Valencia.

13. Soak up the Spanish Sun at the Beach   

There’s no doubt you’ve glanced over picture-perfect postcards of Alicante and Benidorm’s bliss-inducing beaches, and Valencia is no exception. Revel in the rapture of the mesmerizing Mediterranean summertime from one of the city’s best beaches.

Sip on a fruity cocktail at a seaside bar in Las Arenas Beach, go SUP boarding at La Malvarrosa Beach, and bask in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters at Port Saplaya Beach. Explore the rolling sand dunes at El Saler Beach, get lost in a new novel at La Devesa Beach, and don’t miss one of the best beaches in Valencia, El Portet in Moraira.

12. Get Cultured at La Tomatina   

Held in the Valencian town of Buñol, La Tomatina is an annual event where to put it simply; the participants can destroy each other with tomatoes. Destroy, annihilate, obliterate, whatever your preferred plan of attack... You can throw tomatoes at other participants purely for entertainment purposes and entertainment purposes only. Think Dodgeball, but with tomatoes. Tomatoball?

The bizarre battle occurs for one hour in the Plaza del Pueblo. Typically, the event, also known as the world’s biggest food fight, takes place every year on the last Wednesday in August.

11. Stroll Through Ruzafa 

This buzzing Valencian district is decked out as Carmen's rival neighbourhood with dramatic contrasts. From the myriad marketplaces and quaint squares to the hottest restaurants and trendy bar scenes, a visit to Ruzafa is well worth the effort.

Sip on a frothy cappuccino at a plant-fringed café, shop 'til you drop at a funky boutique, and as the sun sets for the day, spruce yourself up and hit the town for a night out you won't forget. If you're looking for cool things to do in Valencia, you'll find them here in this happening district.

10. Admire La Llotja de la Seda

Offering a peek into Valencia’s Golden Age, the Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) boasts heraldic lights, towering ceilings, awe-worthy architecture and eerie Gothic influences. This 15th-century Medieval gem is one of the top things to do in Valencia if you're interested in architecture, history and culture.

Traipse the orange-tree-lined outskirts, step into the light-filled courtyard, scale the grand stone staircase and look up at the soaring arches. Enjoy a discounted entry and audio guide for the perfect budget-conscious activity. Better yet, on Sundays, it’s free!

9. Explore Parc Natural de l’Albufera 

Get a dose of greenery! Undoubtedly, this city is filled with veritable things to do, and knowing what's worth your time can be challenging. If you don't know what to see in Valencia but are looking for a verdant oasis, don't miss this.

Sitting just outside the cusp of the city, Parc Natural de l’Albufera is replete with rice fields, towering trees and a wealth of woodlands. Wind through the wetlands’ bike trails, listen out for local bird species fluttering around and set out for sunset on a romantic-fuelled boat ride.

8. Check out Mestalla Stadium 

Unleash the football fanatic within! Home to Spain’s FC Valencia team, the Mestalla Stadium is a must-do activity for all football aficionados and avid sports lovers. Plan your visit to catch an enlivening match of La Liga, and watch as the crowd goes wild.

As the 8th largest stadium in the country, this Valencian attraction even has the steepest stand in Europe.

Book a tour to experience the stadium like no other – follow the dark tunnel through to the vibrant Mestalla lawn, walk along the walls as if you were a player and check out all the hidden corners of this football enthusiast's oasis.

7. Get Artsy in the Carmen Neighbourhood

Tucked within the heart of the colourful Ciutat Vella, Carmen is a dazzling district that'll render you speechless.

Prance through the picture-perfect cobblestone streets, observe trivial Tetris-style parking and admire the effortless fusion of medieval and modern influences. Plant your feet in the Plaza del Negrito, stroll along Calle Caballeros and walk through the arch of Torres de Quart to the palm-lined Jardin del Turia.

Release your inner artist as you explore the eclectic street art, get inspired by the intricacy in the Convent del Carme Art Centre and stop for a speedy café con leche in a hipster-infused café. As night falls, one of the top things to do in Valencia is to hit up the underground bars and LGBTQ+ venues in Carmen.

6. Stand in Awe at the City of Arts and Sciences

Navigate the captivating complex of white-coloured, spaceship-style complexes in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences.

As one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, this perplexing puzzle of futuristic-inspired attractions is a must-see in Valencia.

Dabble in the dazzling beauty of the wave-like aquarium, listen to the harmonies in the ship-influenced opera house and get enchanted by a film in the eye-inspired Planetarium. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Valencia on a rainy day.

For those fortunate enough to experience better weather, soak up the Spanish sun as you kayak through the turquoise-coloured pools or transport yourself years ahead on a flyboard.

Dotted with lush greenery, rich cultural activities and mind-boggling architecture, this is the beating heart of modern-day Valencia. If you're seeking something eccentric, memorable, and adverse, the City of Arts and Sciences is one for you.

5. Grab a Bite to Eat in Mercat Colón

Peppered with intricately-pieced iron and stained glass, the Mercat Colón Gastro Market is just as vivacious as it is appealing to the eyes.

Brimming with booze-infused bars, leg-lined jamon iberico stalls, juicy fresh fruits and a handful of gourmet tapas stalls, this gem offers an authentic insight into local Spanish local living.

Grab yourself some fresh ingredients, pack up a picnic and head out to the green-graced Jardín del Túria for an afternoon in the sun.

If you’re looking for one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Valencia, then a quick dash around the market followed by a playful picnic is well worth it.

4. Spot the Valencia Cathedral and Micalet

Nestled in the city's heart, Valencia Cathedral is an intricately-influenced attraction that blends a baffling combination of architectural styles.

As a former Roman temple, mosque and modern-day cathedral, there is an enrapturing mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque influences.

Discover the divine relics, detailed sculptures, frescoes and colossal-sized Door of the Apostles.

For a deeper understanding of the city's historical and religious background, listen to the free audio guide as you stroll through this sight in Valencia.

Step outside to the main tower, the Miguelete or Micalet, for sweeping views of the terracotta-tiled city.

Get your heart racing as you scale the 200-and-something steps, soak up the sublime scenery and listen as the bells grace the city's symphonies.

3. Get up Close and Personal with Animals at Bioparc Valencia

Illustrated by innovative design and immersive experiences, Bioparc Valencia takes the traditional zoo to a whole new level.

Replete with river beds, glass screens and flourishing flora, this is an enticing sensory experience with gentle giants, furry animals, stick-like insects and friendly flying birds.

If you're looking for top things to do in Valencia with a family or during the off-season when beach days are no longer in the equation, visiting Bioparc Valencia is a great choice.

2. Appreciate the Array in Institut Valencià d’Art Modern

For a sample of all things contemporary and chic, pop on over to Institut Valencià d’Art Modern. This gallery hosts a rich tapestry of cutting-edge paintings, sculptures and video installations.

If you’re looking for something to do in Valencia during September, October and November, you must see many museums. With over 34 of them, highlights include the Fine Arts Museum San Pío V, the CaixaForum Valencia, the National Museum of Ceramics and the Monument of the Patriarch.

1. Indulge in an Authentic Plate of Paella

Step aside Barcelona and Madrid, all Spaniards know that paella is from Valencia. No matter what time of year you’re travelling, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Valencia, a plate of paella should be number one on your bucket list.

This gourmand’s delight is made up of a mouth-watering combination of short-grain rice, saffron and vegetables serving as the base, with chicken, chorizo or seafood too. Served in a pan, relish in the flavour-packed combo and crusty bottom called socorrat. This Spanish city is a gastronomic treasure trove, so don’t miss out on this sense-filled experience. 

Best Time to Visit Valencia

Perched on the cusp of the Mediterranean, Valencia is a year-round destination that boasts more than 300 days of blissful sunshine every single year.

With a temperate climate, July to October is the most popular time to taste the beautiful beaches.

Typically speaking, the ideal time to visit Valencia is between April and May when the crowds haven’t peaked and the weather is still warm enough to swim, snorkel, or doggy paddle your way through the ocean.

The off-season, December to February, is somewhat comfortable, with the weather rarely dropping below 10°C, even in the height of winter. Another plus: the crowds have evaporated.

Where to Stay in Valencia

Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella, also known as Valencia’s Old Town, is where most attractions and activities are situated.

As the heart of Valencia, the town boasts history and culture. There are plenty of hostels and apartments and other accommodation options on offer. However, keep in mind that it's generally more expensive.

Ciutat Vella has excellent access to public transport, making it a perfect fit for those travelling without a vehicle.

Ruzafa

Ruzafa is essentially Valencia's hipster district. Topped with tons of street art, unique vintage and modern clothing stores, trendy restaurants and wild nightlife, Ruzafa has many hostels and apartments, making it a suitable option for backpackers and budget-friendly travellers.

El Carmen

El Carmen, technically speaking, is located within the Ciutat Vella. However, the area is slowly starting to make a name for itself.

Home to winding, cobblestone streets, traditional tapas bars and local restaurants, this is your slice of the more authentic side of Valencia. Prices in El Carmen tend to be a bit higher than in other areas.

FAQS

What is Valencia famous for?

As the hometown of paella, Valencia is undoubtedly famed for its cuisine. Topped by that tasty dish, the city is known for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Las Fallas Festival and the Old Town.

How do you spend the day in Valencia?

In 24 hours, you can skim the surface of Valencia’s best attractions. Don’t miss the following: Turia Gardens, Plaza de la Virgen, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral and of course, tasting the iconic paella dish.

Are 2 days enough for Valencia?

48 hours allows you to tick off the top-rated attractions and stumble upon hidden gems. With time to eat authentic paella, swing by the beach and even spend an afternoon in Turia Park, 2 days are ideal to kick off any Spanish itinerary.

How many days in Valencia is enough?

Although parts of the city can be seen in 1 to 2 days, it’s best to set aside at least 3 to 4 days. With this time frame, you can take a day trip down the coast, explore the nearby nature parks or hang out at the beach.

Why Visit Valencia?

Framed by a futuristic design, ancient architecture, quirky museums and a killer culinary scene, this corner of Spain makes for a fantastic foray. This historical haven is a top-notch destination, with teeming cultural activities, sports events and trendy boutiques. Save these Top 15 Sights to See in Valencia, Spain, for your upcoming trip!