With its gorgeous beaches, enchanting old town, grand municipal buildings, and some of the cleanest air of any city in Europe, Valencia really does deserve to make it on anyone’s must see list. But what are the best things to do in Valencia, Spain? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to Valencia to tell you just that!
If you’re still undecided about Valencia, we’ve written a post on the reasons why Valencia is absolutely worth visiting, so check it out.
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WHAT TO DO IN VALENCIA, SPAIN
Located on Spain’s eastern coast and founded in 130 B.C, Valencia has one of the largest historic centres in Europe. The old town which was originally surrounded by a Great Wall and the many remaining city gates is where most of the city’s historical monuments can be found.
However, Valencia’s attractions aren’t just limited to the oldest part of the town.
This ultimate guide of things to do in Valencia, includes attractions from across the city that are great for kids, as well as things to do for free. We’ve included places to see in Valencia that are a little more unusual, and even thrown in a spectacular UNESCO World Heritages site for good measure.
We’ve put this ultimate guide to serve as a complete list of sights to see in Valencia. However it can be used, along with the Valencia tour map below, as a means to build your own one, two, or even three day itinerary.
THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA OLD TOWN
Cuitat Vella, which means old town in Spanish, really lives up to its name. With city gardens dating back to Roman times and churches built in the Middle ages you’ll not be short of monuments to see and visit. Valencia old town is a must for lover’s of architecture. But we defy anyone not to be blown away by the grandeur and workmanship.
Potter Around the National Ceramics Museum
It’s honestly hard to say what the biggest attraction is, what’s on the inside, or the building it! The magnificently Baroque Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas houses the largest collection of ceramics as far back as the 18th century including pieces by Picasso.
The National Ceramics Museum is open most days between 10am and 2pm and 4pm and 8pm, entry for adults is €3, and free for those under 18 or over 65. A 50% discount is also available if you hold a Valencia Tourist Card.
Climb the Miquelete Tower of Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral is not just a place of worship. The Cathedral Museum also exhibits over 90 works of different styles including Gothic and Renaissance. The collection includes pieces by Maella and Goya or panel paintings by Juan de Juanes.
Admission is a little more expensive than some of the other sights at €9. A reduced rate for pensions and children under 12 of €6. A 20% discount is available with the Valencia Tourist Card.
Opening times are 10.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, reduced to 5pm on Saturdays, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Times vary outside the summer peak and the cathedral is closed to visitors on days of celebration.
The bell tower, Miguelete Tower, at almost 51 offers fantastic views across the city if you choose to brave the 207 steps of its spiral staircase. There is an additional charge for the tower of €2, reduced to €1 for children under 14.
Spend a Mindful Moment in a Plaza
Whether you take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat, or drink in the sights with a cerveza in hand, or simply take a quiet moment by a fountain a trip to Valencia would not be the same without experiencing at least one of the many plazas.
Placa de la Reina and Placa de la Verge are great for this, and are easy walking distance from each other through beautifully traditional back streets.
Marvel at the Marble in the Silk Exchange
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe and once housed the city’s centre of commerce.
The Silk Exchange, having been constructed as a civic building, lacks the gaudy opulence of a palace, but the power represented in the stone pillars and marble floor is unmistakable. Admission is a mere €2 (free on Sundays and bank holidays) and in our opinion is worth every cent.
The Silk Exchange is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA WITH KIDS
As with most European cities, Valencia is very child-friendly with a ton of activities to keep them entertained (and tired out). Plenty of which are FREE! The other great thing about Valencia is that many of the attractions are a short, and flat, walking distance from each other.
Take a Wonder Through Turia Park
On the site of the old river bed, the park has been part of the city since the river was diverted in 1957 following a devastating flood. The huge park,which stretches for over five miles in the centre of the city, is partly responsible for the city’s clean air, and is the largest purely urban park in Spain.
Filled with a huge array of plants and trees, including orange and palm trees, the park is ideal for entertaining children and adults alike. Cycling (including bike hire), play parks, and sports are just some of the activities available within the park. Spend an hour or spend a day, either way you won’t regret it.
Be Transported to Another World at Gulliver Park
Based on the main character in Jonathan Swift’s famous novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, the attraction is brimming with stairs and ramps to climb, and fast slides to slip down.The playground is wheelchair accessible and the surrounding area, which is green and full of benches, is perfect for a lunchtime picnic.
Admission is free and the park is open year round, although opening times vary depending on the time of year. The only days the park is not open are December 25 and January 1.
Blow Their Minds at the City of Arts and Science
The City of Arts and Science looks like something out of a futuristic Hollywood movie………and that’s because it is. It’s featured in both Tomorrowland: A World Beyond (2015) and Intergalactic (2021), as well as a number of television dramas.
The complex is as huge as it is beautiful, and offers array of activities including:
- Bike hire
- The Oceanografic
- 3D Cinema
- Science Museum
- Palau de les Arts
- Walk through the Umbracle with its mediterranean plants and modern sculptures
With so many activities, you could quite easily spend an entire day here. It’s not short on the usual amenities either. With reasonably priced parking, cafes, plenty of toilets and areas to sit and have a picnic.
Get Some Sand Between Your Toe on the Beach
Pack up some sandwiches, plenty of cool drinks, don’t forget your towels and the sunscreen, and while away the hours relaxing on the beach. Honestly, thinking back to our own childhoods a day is never better spent than at the beach. The beautiful sandy beaches of Valencia will have you going back for more day after day!
THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA FOR FREE
In terms of food and accommodation Spain is a relatively affordable country to visit when compared to some other European cities, and Valencia is no different. However, for those on a tight budget, fret not there are plenty of free things to do in Valencia. We’ve included a few here, but for our full list check out our post on 13 Unique Free Things to do in Valencia.
Wonder at the Old City Gates
Torres de Serranos and Quart Towers are basically the only two gates which remain of the original twelve that formed the ancient city wall.
Both gates are very popular with tourists and definitely worth taking a detour on your way around the city. You can also visit inside the gates for which general admission is €2 or €1 for children and concessions. Admission is free on Sundays and bank holidays.
Go on a Spree at the Central Market
The Central Market is Europe’s largest fresh produce market. It offers up a huge and colourful array of local produce including fruits and vegetables, spices, nuts, and much more. There’s a whopping 1200 stalls.
But if shopping is not your thing why not take a pit stop at the Central Bar which serves an assortment of dishes including tapas and sandwiches.
Take a Stroll Gran Via Del Marques Del Turia
This beautiful tree lined esplanade stretches from Valencia’s central train station to Turia Park. Take a peaceful stroll and marvel at the architecture of the grand buildings either side and as well as the statues and fountains along the way.
Don’t forget to stop at one or two of the bars, cafes and shops along the way. Maybe grab a cold cerveza or an Aperol Spritz – you are on holiday after all!
Stroll through the Old Town Streets
This sounds really simple. But believe me when I say that taking a wander through the back streets of Valencia is something you absolutely must experience. One minute you have the sun on your face, the next you’re walking through a shaded backstreet picking up the gorgeous aromas from nearby restaurants.
Many of the streets are pedestrian only, and depending on the time of year, not too crowded.
UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA
Hopefully by now you’ll realise that you really won’t be short of things to see and do while you’re in Valencia. But if you’re after something a little different during your time in Valencia we’ve also got you covered.
Be Shown the Sights – Take a Tour
One thing about going to new places is that we’re always scared of missing something. You’ve travelled a long way to be here so FOMO is real! That’s especially the case when you’re limited on time, you want to make sure you make the most of it.
For that reason, we recommend pre-booking one or two tours so that you can be sure you’ve covered all the best sights. There’s lots of options out there so here’s a few we recommend; a walking guided tour of the city, a cycling tour from the city centre to the beach, a private segway tour of Valencia. Happy touring!
Explore the Colourful Streets of El Cabanyal
This old fisherman’s quarter sits directly behind Las Arenas beach, and has been through the mill over the years. The area has however now been declared a protected historical zone following a protracted battle with the local government.
This area, with its colourful and tile clad traditional houses, is packed with character and definitely worth a wander through on your way to the beach.
You’ll find plenty of cafes and places to eat here that cater for vegans. We recommend Mestiza, a vegan tapas restaurant.
Hunt for Street Art in Valencia Old Town
Street art seems to be all the rage now. Like it or not can be found adorning buildings in cities all around the world. We happen to love it, and have even taken guided street art tours in places like Shoreditch.
So why not go on a hunt and see what you can find. Street art is ever changing so make sure to take a snap.
Take a Boat Trip Around Albufera Natural Park
A mere 6 miles away, and less than 30 minute drive from the city. The Albufera Natural Park is an oasis of tranquillity full of breath-taking watery scenes and incredible wildlife. The area is surrounded by paddy fields and woodland, and is the origin of the traditional Spanish dish, Paella.
One of the easiest ways to experience the reserve is to book an excursion. This is the Albufera Natural Park excursion we recommend, which includes pick up, narration from an official tourist guide, and a boat trip.
The tour has a number of pick up points throughout the city including the City of Arts and Science, and receives consistently good reviews.
CONCLUSION – THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA
We hope you’ll enjoy Valencia as much as we have. With this ultimate guide to Valencia there’s no reason you shouldn’t. The city has something for all ages and with its compact old town quarter, something for all mobilities.
I think you’ll agree that there’s also something for all budgets. Like any European city there’s plenty of things for you to spend your Euros on. However we find Valencia particularly affordable with plenty of inexpensive or even free things to do.
Now you have a good idea of what you’d like to do when you’re there, take a look at our post to decide when the best time year is to visit Valencia.
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