Tourism in Valencia. What to see | spain.info (2024)

Tourism in Valencia. What to see | spain.info (1)

The Mediterranean as a city

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia (Region of Valencia)

Tourism in Valencia. What to see | spain.info (2)

Valencia-València

Region of Valencia

Valencia-València

Max 28ºC / Min 21ºC

Valencia-València / Region of Valencia

A place full of contrasts awaits the visitor with a charming old town next to futuristic buildings. This is Valencia, one of Spain’s most welcoming cities to spend a few days. Beyond the cultural effervescence of its cities, a stroll is always a good idea, or bathing at its Mediterranean beaches. Of course, you must try the star dish, paella (true authenticity!) and other delicacies such as clams or tiger nut milk.

Any time is a good time to visit Valencia, although if there is one day that is even more special than the rest, it's 19 March, when they celebrate the famous Fallas by burning gigantic ‘cardboard sculptures’. Its Mediterranean light, mild climate and the bewitching fire make this a city you’ll want to stay in.

A cultural stroll: between the classic and the avant-garde

Valencia is perfect to discover on foot One of the most fascinating attractions is the Plaza de la Reina, with the Cathedral and the Miguelete tower, where you should climb the 207 steps for some beautiful views. In the city centre you can also find the Silk Exchange -one of Valencia’s most beautiful buildings, a World Heritage Site, with its idyllic Patio de los Naranjos courtyard full of orange trees- and the Modernist Central MarketEurope’s largest fresh produce market, so taking in its stalls is a true experience. A few metres away is the National Ceramic Museum with its impressive façade or the Quart and Serrano Towers. And also museums such as the IVAM or many surprising spots full of street art.A little further from the centre is the most modern face of Valencia: the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, it has fought to become a landmark with buildings such as the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium. Its original shapes make the ideal backdrop for taking a photo.

A paella by the sea

There is no better plan than visiting one of the large beaches and having a paella by the sea. Valencia offers over 300 days of sun a year. The Malvarrosa beach is one of the most well-known options. Once there, the fine golden sand and blue water remind you of the famous paintings in which Sorolla would depict the city. How could you resist a dip in the sea?Those looking for ‘wilder’ landscapes can visit El Saler, or El Palmar and try its famous paella. You can end the day taking in the sunset at the Albufera, a navigable lake next to the sea known as the ‘mirror of the sun’, where you can see the best sunsets on the Mediterranean.The beach is not the city’s only outdoor plan, you can also take a walk along the huge Turia city garden or a family visit to the Bioparc zoo.When the evening comes, there is nothing better than sitting at a terrace or an innovative restaurant, perhaps with a Michelin Star, and enjoying the buzzing nightlife atmosphere of El Carmen, or new fashionable areas for foodies such as Ruzafa.

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    Practical information

    How to get there - transport information

    Select the means of transport to see how to get there or how to get around at your destination.

    How to get toaeroplane

    • The airport is 8 kilometres from the city, about a 15-minute drive on the V-11 motorway.

    • Metro lines 3 and 5 run between the airport and the city from the metro station on the ground floor of the regional flights terminal. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

    • City bus 150 takes you into the city centre in about 35 minutes. The bus runs from Monday to Saturday.

    • More information

    How to get totrain

    • Valencia has two main railway stations:

    • Joaquín Sorolla Station:High-speed AVE trains to Madrid, Cuenca, Seville, and Cordoba, and long-distance Alvia or Euromed trains between Valencia and Barcelona or other cities.There is a free bus service to and from Estación del Norte for travellers arriving by train.You can easily leave the station by public transport: metro lines 1 and 5, bus line 64 and taxi services.

    • Estación del Norte:This station is mainly for local trains, known as the Cercanías network.You can easily leave the station by public transport: Metro lines 3 and 5, bus lines 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 32, 35, 40, 63, 70, 71, 73 and 81, and taxi services.

    • Book your ticket

    How to get toboat

    • The Port of Valencia is about 5 kilometres from the city centre.

    • Many cruise lines stop here, mostly on routes to and from Italy and France.

    • There is a free transport service between the cruise terminals and the main terminal.

    • There are plenty of transport options from the port: bus routes 4 (to the city centre), 95 (to the City of Arts and Sciences) and 95 (to the beach). It also connects with bus line 30.

    How to get tobus

    • Valencia bus and coach station is in a very central location.

    • The following city bus routes run from the station: 1, 63, 79, 80, 90

    • Metro line 1 connects to the rest of the metro network.

    How to get there byroad

    • The AP-7 motorway links Valencia to Barcelona and Alicante.

    • The A-3 motorway runs to Madrid.

    • During 2023, a large part of the city centre will become a Low-Emissions Zone, where driving and parking are restricted. If you plan to visit Valencia by car or motorbike, find out about the possible restrictions before your trip through your accommodation.

    Practical information

    • The main tourist areas can be explored on foot.

    • Tourist pass: Valencia Tourist Card can be used on the bus, metro and tram for 24, 48 or 72 hours, or you can choose a 7-day option without transport. Free entrance to some museums and monuments and discounts on leisure.

    How to get around inmetro/tram

    • The metro network operates from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. during the week. On Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays, the hours are extended until 3 in the morning.

    • More information

    How to get around inbus

    • Over 60 routes cover every neighbourhood in the city.

    • They normally run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..

    • The night bus service begins at 10:00 p.m., at different intervals, on 23 lines (4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 40, 60, 62, 63, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 81, 92, 93, 95, 98, 99, C1, C2 and C3).

    • Take bus routes 24 or 25 or the Albufera Bus Turístic to get to La Albufera Natural Park.

    How to get around inother means of transport

    • Taxi: easily identifiable white vehicles with a red stripe. A green light on the roof shows they are available.

    • Bicycle: an easy, unusual and sustainable way to get around the city. The city has an extensive cycle lane network. There are many bike rental companies, plus the municipal service Valenbisi.

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    PreviousNext

    Calendar

    Shows, festivals, sports...

    View some of the most relevant events you will be able to enjoy at the destination.

    FestivalInternational Youth Film FestivalValencia20 June 2024 - 29 June 2024

    20Jun

    SportSailing: S. M. La Reina TrophyValencia28 June 2024 - 07 July 2024

    28Jun

    Fallas bonfire festival of San JoséValencia

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    Tourism in Valencia. What to see | spain.info (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Valencia in Spain famous for? ›

    TOP 10 VALENCIA
    • City Of Arts and Sciences Monuments. ...
    • Cathedral, Miguelete and Holy Grail. ...
    • La Lonja (The Silk Exchange) Unesco World Heritage. ...
    • Barrio del Carmen: A co*cktail of history and leisure. ...
    • Central Market. ...
    • Albufera Natural Park. ...
    • Valencia's beaches: within the city limits or wild, the choice is yours!

    How many days is enough to visit Valencia, Spain? ›

    While most travelers plan to spend one day in Valencia, or a maximum of a weekend in Valencia, the city has way more to offer. Especially, if you add a few Valencia day trips into your itinerary – even spending one single week in the area might not be enough.

    Is Valencia, Spain walkable? ›

    Valencia may be Spain's third-largest city, but it's essentially very compact and walkable, and a lot easier to explore on foot than Madrid.

    What is the best area for tourists to stay in Valencia? ›

    5 best places to stay in Valencia on holidays
    • Ciutat Vella Old Town. Ciutat Vella, commonly known as the Old Town, tops our list of where you should stay. ...
    • Ruzafa. ...
    • El Cabanyal. ...
    • Quatre Carreres. ...
    • Extramurs. ...
    • Where to Stay in Valencia.
    Dec 25, 2023

    What food is Valencia known for? ›

    Valencian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine as cooked in the Valencian Community, Spain. Its basic ingredients are vegetables, seafood and meat. It is famous worldwide for its rices, such as paella, and its citrus fruits.

    Why do people go to Valencia Spain? ›

    Yes, Valencia is 100% worth visiting. It's a unique Spanish city full of culture, history, and delicious food. The city meets every traveler's expectations, and everyone can find some of the best things to do here.

    What is the best month to visit Valencia? ›

    If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Valencia is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 22 C. The coolest month of the year is December with an average daily maximum of 17 C and an average low of 7 C.

    Is Seville or Valencia better? ›

    Valencia is generally seen as a coastal city, while Seville is more about the historical sights but this doesn't mean Valencia isn't full of history or that you can't spend a day a the beach when in Seville. Both are great for a long weekend, a city-break or even as a base while exploring the area.

    Which is better to visit Barcelona or Valencia? ›

    Therefore, if you are short on time and money and just want to relax on the shore and eat paella, go to Valencia. But if you want to visit a city with countless historic monuments, an ongoing architectural phenomenon and exceptional nightlife that is home to a beach as well, you cannot miss visiting Barcelona!

    What is the most beautiful part of Valencia? ›

    The most beautiful villages in Valencia you can't miss
    • Requena. ...
    • Sagunto. ...
    • Alcoy. ...
    • Denia. ...
    • Bunyol (Buñol) ...
    • Villajoyosa. ...
    • Chulilla. ...
    • Cofrentes. In the Valle de Ayora-Cofrentes region, this town is known for its natural environment, with the Júcar river and the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park.

    What is the best way to get around Valencia, Spain? ›

    Valencia is a sustainable destination thanks to its excellent public transport network, which connects all neighbourhoods and major tourist areas. Although the city's size allows you to get almost everywhere on foot or bike, for longer journeys, we recommend the underground, tram or bus.

    Is it OK to speak Spanish in Valencia? ›

    Yes, it is perfectly fine to speak Spanish in Valencia. As a major city on the Mediterranean coast, it is a vibrant place where Spanish is widely spoken. Whether in student residences, cafes, or just walking around, you'll find plenty of opportunities to communicate in Spanish and practice your skills.

    Is it better to stay on the city or beach in Valencia? ›

    We spent a month in Valencia (holiday), stayed in the city but travelled by metro to the beach some days. From a tourist perspective I would definitely stay in the city, there is life (bars and restaurants) at the beach but geared up for lunch/afternoon and I don't think it's very busy in the evening.

    Is Valencia a friendly city? ›

    As is typical in Spanish culture, the locals in Valencia are friendly and welcoming. It's pretty normal for them to start a random conversation on the street and they'll usually be happy to help you out.

    What is the popular street in Valencia? ›

    Valencia's main shopping street

    Calle Colón is one of Valencia's busiest shopping streets, home to international high-street clothing brands, interior design studios and exclusive jewelry stores.

    What is an interesting fact about Valencia Spain? ›

    Did you know that Valencia actually means valour or bravery? The Spanish city got its name in 138BC after the Romans recognised the bravery of the soldiers and called it Valentia Edetanorum. You can marvel at the Roman remains at the museum behind the famous Valencia Cathedral.

    Is Valencia nicer than Barcelona? ›

    Depending on what you're looking for, Barcelona is nicer if you're looking for the best nightlife, unique architecture and history, fun tapas restaurants, and a more vibrant atmosphere. Valencia is nicer for the beaches and an overall relaxing experience - though it still offers a great nightlife and music scene.

    Is Valencia a cheap city? ›

    Being the 8th most expensive city in the country, Valencia counts as friendly to tighter budgets.

    Is Valencia Spain a clean city? ›

    Low pollution and long daylight hours

    A pleasant climate that fills the terraces of bars, parks, swimming pools and beaches. Valencians are not lacking in vitamin C. Added to this is Valencia's very small ecological footprint.

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