Valencia, Spain: travel guide
Paella's home, futuristic architecture and a long city beach
Mediterranean port city, birthplace of paella, home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
About Valencia
Valencia is a Mediterranean city on Spain's east coast, easygoing and sunny, where a medieval old town sits beside futuristic architecture and a broad green park running through a former riverbed.
The City of Arts and Sciences, with its Oceanogràfic aquarium, is the modern highlight. The old town offers the Torres de Serranos, the Lonja de la Seda, the Plaza de la Virgen and the modernista Mercado de Colón. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, best eaten at lunch in the rice-growing countryside or at beach restaurants, and the city beach is a short ride away.
Valencia suits families, cyclists and food lovers. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Valencia for cycling and long lunches.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
- Nearest airport
- VLC
Last updated
Top places to visit in Valencia
Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete
Church · about 1.3 h · entry €9 (≈ ₹960)
Gothic cathedral claiming to hold the Holy Grail, with the climbable Miguelete tower.
Lonja de la Seda
Heritage · about 0.8 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹210)
Gothic silk exchange with twisted columns, a UNESCO masterpiece of civil architecture.
Mercado Central
Market · about 0.8 h · free entry
One of Europe's largest Modernista food markets under stained glass and tilework.
Oceanogràfic
Wildlife · about 3 h · entry €35 (≈ ₹3,780)
Europe's largest aquarium, part of the City of Arts, with marine habitats and dolphins.
City of Arts and Sciences
Heritage · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Futuristic Calatrava complex of museum, planetarium, opera house and aquarium.
Turia Gardens
Nature · about 1 h · free entry
9km green park in the old riverbed threading through the city.
Torres de Serranos
Fort · about 0.5 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹210)
14th-century Gothic city gate with panoramic views over the old town.
Plaza de la Virgen
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Lively historic square by the cathedral with the Turia fountain and Basilica.
Mercado de Colón
Heritage · about 0.5 h · free entry
Restored Modernista market hall now full of cafés and horchata bars.
Playa de la Malvarrosa
Beach · about 2 h · free entry
Broad city beach with a palm-lined promenade and paella restaurants.
Barrio del Carmen
Heritage · about 1 h · free entry
Bohemian medieval quarter of narrow lanes, street art and nightlife.
Things to do
- Authentic Paella Cooking Experience Cooking Class · 4 h · from EUR 80 per person
- City of Arts & Oceanogràfic Visit Cultural · 4 h · from EUR 40 per person
- Turia Gardens Bike Tour Bike Tour · 3 h · from EUR 30 per person
- Old Town & Central Market Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 60 per person
- Albufera Sunset Boat Trip Cruise · 1.5 h · from EUR 15 per person
Day trips and tours
- Valencia City & Albufera Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 110
Where to stay in Valencia
- Ciutat Vella about EUR 120 per night
Valencia's old town around the cathedral and Central Market, walkable to everything.
- Ruzafa about EUR 110 per night
Trendy bohemian district of tapas bars, boutiques and nightlife.
Hotels
- Caro Hotel 5-star · EUR 220 to EUR 480 per night
- Hotel Palacio Vallier 5-star · EUR 200 to EUR 430 per night
- Hotel Balandret 4-star · EUR 130 to EUR 290 per night
- SH Palace Valencia 4-star · EUR 110 to EUR 220 per night
- Red Nest Hostel Valencia 2-star · EUR 18 to EUR 60 per night
Where to eat
- Casa Carmela Spanish, Valencian, Paella · about EUR 40 per person
- La Pepica Spanish, Valencian, Seafood · about EUR 38 per person
- Central Bar Spanish, Tapas, Modern · about EUR 20 per person
- Casa Montaña Spanish, Tapas · about EUR 35 per person
- Ricard Camarena Restaurant Spanish, Fine Dining, Modern · about EUR 180 per person
- Horchatería Santa Catalina Cafe, Dessert · about EUR 6 per person
Getting to Valencia
Airport: Valencia (VLC)
Getting around
- Metro
- Tram
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Beach belongings theft
Malvarrosa beach
Bags and phones left on towels are snatched while you swim.
How to avoid it: Take turns swimming; use lockers at beach bars.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about Valencia
- What are the main places to visit in Valencia?
- Places covered in our Valencia guide include Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete, Lonja de la Seda, Mercado Central, Oceanogràfic, City of Arts and Sciences.
- Where should I stay in Valencia?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Valencia: Ciutat Vella, Ruzafa.
- How do I get around Valencia?
- Ways to get around Valencia covered in our guide: Metro, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Valencia?
- Scams reported to us for Valencia include Beach belongings theft. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Valencia?
- The nearest airport to Valencia has the code VLC.