These are the experiences worth building your trip around, from Calatrava's futuristic skyline to a Gothic silk exchange, a Modernista market, a green riverbed park, and a sunset on the rice paddies. They span sights, food, nature, and architecture; save the ones that appeal to you and slot them into your own itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Valencia
1
Architecture
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia's futuristic landmark: Calatrava's white buildings mirrored in turquoise pools, home to Europe's largest aquarium.
Quatre Carreres, southern end of the Turia Gardens
2Must visit
Market5.0
Mercat Central (Central Market)
A breathtaking Modernista food hall with nearly a thousand stalls, one of the most beautiful markets in Europe.
Ciutat Vella
3
Architecture
Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete
The old town's cathedral, with the climbable Miguelete tower and a chapel said to hold the Holy Grail.
Plaça de la Reina / Plaça de la Mare de Déu, Ciutat Vella
4
Nature
Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria)
A nine-kilometre green park in a former riverbed, the city's playground, best explored by bike.
The former Turia riverbed, curving through the city
5
Architecture
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
A UNESCO Gothic silk exchange with a soaring hall of palm-like twisted stone columns.
Carrer de la Llotja, opposite the Central Market
6
Street
Barrio del Carmen (El Carme)
The medieval old quarter of narrow lanes, hidden plazas, and some of Spain's best street art.
Northwest of the old centre, between the medieval towers
7
Nature
Malvarrosa Beach (Platja de la Malva-rosa)
A wide golden city beach with a palm-lined promenade and seafood restaurants by the sea.
Seafront, east of the centre via tram or bus
8
Experience€35-39
L'Oceanogràfic Aquarium Visit
Europe's largest aquarium: a walk-through shark tunnel, beluga whales, penguins, and more.
City of Arts and Sciences, Quatre Carreres3-4 hours
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9Must visit
Restaurant5.0
Casa Carmela
Eat a wood-fired paella the traditional way at this revered century-old restaurant near the beach.
Malva-rosa
10
Market4.0
Mercado de Colón
A glorious 1916 Modernista market, now cafés and horchaterías beneath an iron-and-glass roof.
Eixample
11
Viewpoint
Torres de Serranos
One of Europe's grandest medieval gateways, climbable for old-town views and the gateway to Fallas.
Northern edge of the old town, by the Turia Gardens
12
Experience€25-45
Albufera Natural Park Boat Trip & El Palmar
A sunset boat trip on the lagoon south of the city, through the rice country that gave paella its rice.
Albufera lagoon, El Palmar (about 20 minutes south of the city)Half day (4-5 hours with transport)
Book this tourFAQ
- What is the one thing not to miss in Valencia?
- The City of Arts and Sciences. Calatrava's futuristic complex is unlike anything else in Spain, and even walking the grounds for free is a highlight; pair it with the Oceanogràfic aquarium and a sunset visit.
- What is free to do in Valencia?
- Plenty: cycling or walking the Turia Gardens, wandering El Carme and its street art, the Malvarrosa beach, the exterior of the City of Arts, browsing the Central Market, and the squares of the old town. Several museums also have free days.
- Is Valencia good for families?
- Very. The Oceanogràfic and science museum at the City of Arts, the giant Gulliver play structure in the Turia, the easy flat cycling, and the beach all make it one of Spain's most family-friendly cities.
Make it your trip
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