Viva Valencia 🥘🍊: The 21 best Valencia sights and lots of tips

You’re guaranteed not to get bored in Valencia. Not only are there really great sights here, as you would expect in a major Spanish city with history, but also a fantastic, long sandy beach. So you can kill two birds with one stone here: a city trip and a beach vacation in one.

Valencia was also named World Design Capital in 2022 by the World Design Organization (WDO). No wonder, as modern architecture meets Spanish Mediterranean flair and ornate facades. You will of course explore all of this during your visit

Valencia’s best districts for a city trip

In fact, almost everything in Valencia happens in its center – the historic old town. This is where you will find most of the city’s sights, restaurants, bars and museums.

In the far north-west of the city is one of the coolest districts, El Carmen, which you should definitely explore without a plan.

To the south of the old town is the Art Nouveau train station Estación del Norte and the Plaza de Toros bullring.

Another worthwhile district is Russafa. Many artists and creative people live here. There are many hipster bars and cafés as well as plenty of places to go out.

Valencia beach is located around 6 km from the old town in the El Cabanyal district. But you shouldn’t skip it during your visit. Not far away is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències complex, one of Valencia’s most famous sights.

1. The green belt: Valencia’s extraordinary park

A long river used to run through Valencia. In 1957, however, there was a major flood that caused several deaths and immense material damage. It was then decided to drain the river completely.

Initially, a large highway was to be built along the riverbed. Fortunately, those responsible decided to build a park here instead. And that was a good decision. Because the green belt that runs through the whole of Valencia today gives the city its very own character.

The best way to explore the park completely on your own is by bike. You will discover green spaces, soccer and baseball pitches, great children’s playgrounds such as Gulliver Park and lots of cool bridges.

2. Lonja de la Seda

Lonja de la Seda means the Silk Exchange. It is one of the city’s most famous sights and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

What I found most impressive was the large trading hall with its 8 imposing curved columns, which are reflected in the polished marble floor. The Gothic building, which was begun at the end of the 15th century, was technically far ahead of its time, e.g. cranes were used for construction, which was by no means common in the 16th century.

Entry is free for EU citizens. You can get an audio guide for €2.25, which I think is worthwhile. It gives you lots of extra information about individual stations in the building. All stations take about 1 hour. If you only listen to the highlights, it takes about 30 minutes.

I thought the explanations of all the whimsical stone figures hidden throughout the building were particularly cool. Without the audio guide, I probably wouldn’t have discovered them at all.

3. Mercat Central

The Mercat Central is a large market hall in the middle of the old town that extends over 8,000 m². The market has over 1200 stalls. It is an absolute must-visit when you visit Valencia.

The highlight of the market, apart from the hustle and bustle of the stores, is the imposing dome construction in the middle, through which the light floods in the early hours of the morning.

Of course, you can also get all kinds of local and fresh products from the Valencia region here. I went here every morning to get delicious bocadillos for 1 euro for breakfast. These are typical Spanish bread rolls topped with various ingredients such as olives and tuna. The Central Bar in the middle of the market is also popular. It serves coffee and tapas.

The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 3.00 pm.

4. Mercat de la Tapinera

You will find a slightly different market further into the center. The Mercat de la Tapinera offers many art stores, fashion stores and hip bars. It is more of a meeting place, with regular events and workshops by and for locals, than a normal market. However, tourists are just as welcome.

5. Bioparc Valencia

The Bioparc in Valencia is particularly suitable if you are traveling with children.

Here you can marvel at all kinds of animals from all over the world, spread over more than 100,000 m². There are elephants, giraffes, zebras, gorillas and many other species of monkeys, crocodiles, flamingos and many more to marvel at.

Ticket prices vary between €28.90 and €31.90 per person, depending on the time of year.

6. CCCC – Center del Carme Cultura Contemporánea

Admission to this museum is free. It is located in an old monastery. There are several exhibitions, such as one on modern art. But there are also a few paintings and urban art exhibited in the old monastery corridors, which makes for an exciting contrast.

There are also regular events here and the building itself is a historical and artistic monument. Right at the entrance to the museum, you can admire a small urban work of art in the form of the cat house.

7. Museu del Corpus

Not as well known, but still quite interesting, is this museum about the Corpus Christi holiday, which you can visit for free. The exhibition rooms are located in the Casa de las Rocas.

Corpus Christi, known in this country as Corpus Christi, has a particularly high status in Spain as a Catholic holiday. On this day, processions with colorful giant figures and heads take place in many places, parading through the streets to local music. Valencia’s processions are particularly famous for their unusual nature. You can learn a lot about them here in the museum and also see the giant figures and many photographs of them.

8. El Micalet

For just €3 admission, you can access this bell tower next to the cathedral. Climb 200 steps to the top of the 50.85-metre-high viewpoint. From there, you have one of the best panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the sea and the mountains.

9. Cathedral of Valencia – the holy grail

Valencia Cathedral is also worth a visit. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but you have to pay €10 to get into the museum. This also includes an audio guide.

All Indiana Jones fans should hold on tight now: In the cathedral, you can admire the Holy Grail – a golden chalice decorated with precious gemstones, from which Jesus is said to have drunk at the Last Supper.

But there are also many famous paintings and architectural features to admire in the cathedral.

10. Jardin Botanico

For just €4 admission, you can visit the botanical garden of the University of Valencia. It is a haven of peace, nestled in the middle of the city’s residential buildings. Various paths lead you through the different areas and buildings of the garden.

There is, for example, a cactus area or a greenhouse for orchids. Some buildings from the 19th century also mingle with the many exotic plants, such as the shade house or the pond greenhouse.

11. Football stadium Estadio Mestalla

As a soccer fan, you should walk around the Valencia FC stadium at least once. It is located quite centrally in the city and is the second oldest stadium in Spain, which you can see to some extent, but which in turn adds to the charm of this building.

If you are visiting Valencia on a home match day, consider watching a game live. The unique and fascinating design of the stadium gives the Che (as Valencia FC fans call themselves) a very special view of the action. You can buy official tickets here.

However, you can also book stadium tours without a match here.

12. Jardí de Montfort park

If you visit the stadium, then also visit this great neoclassical park, away from the tourist crowds near the university. Entry is free and it’s a great place to relax for a short while. There are many great elements here that are arranged geometrically.

13. Parc Natural de l’Albufera

In the south of Valencia, about an hour’s bike ride away, lies this fantastic lake and nature reserve. It is particularly popular at sunset and the walk along the beach through pine forests is fantastic.

Here you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature, take a boat trip on the lake or visit the rice fields. In winter, these are flooded with water for several months. You can then drive through the area on the roads surrounded by water.

The region is also the birthplace of paella and there are many popular restaurants in the area, especially in the village of El Palmar.

14. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

A visit to this architecturally quite appealing building and park complex should definitely be part of your must-see program for Valencia. It is basically the city’s landmark.

There is a 3D cinema, a science museum, L’Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), an opera house, a green area with sculptures (L’Umbracle), a cable-stayed bridge and an event venue.

There are various exhibitions in the individual buildings, which you don’t necessarily have to visit if you don’t want to. It’s also great just to walk along here and discover the many architectural details.

15. the beaches of Valencia

To the north of the harbor there are several beaches, which are actually just one single, but quite long white sandy beach:

• Platja de Llevant
• Playa del Cabañal
• Playa de la Malvarrosa
• Platja de la Patacona
• Platja de Alboraya

This is also where most of the action is along the promenade. There are many stores, cafés, restaurants and bars. The mixture of old and new buildings is particularly striking.

But there is also a long sandy beach along the coast to the south of the harbor. There are a few bars and cafés here and a beautiful pine forest at the end of the beach.

16. Torres de Serranos & Torres de Quart

These two gates with their distinctive towers are part of the city’s medieval fortifications. The Torres de Serranos are located in the very north of the historic old town and the Torres de Quart in the west.

You can also climb both. While the Torres de Serranos don’t cost an entrance fee, you have to pay €2 for the Torres de Quart. The view over the rooftops of the old town is great from both.

By the way: one of the oldest parts of the former city wall is the Portal de la Valldigna. It dates back to the time when the Arabs were in Spain.

17. narrowest house in Europe

I can’t guarantee 100% whether it really is the narrowest house in Europe. But at 107 cm, this building is definitely damn narrow. However, nobody lives in the house anymore. Only the façade remains today. Inside, the two neighboring houses are connected.

18. Museu Nacional de Ceràmica i de les Arts Sumptuàries Gonzàlez Martí

Even from the outside, this building is an absolute eye-catcher. The façade is adorned with all kinds of sculptures and decorations.

Inside you will find the National Museum of Ceramics with the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas. Many ceramics dating back to the 8th century are exhibited here. But you can also see how one of Valencia’s most important noble families once lived here. I was particularly impressed by the sumptuous and richly decorated halls.

19. Mercat de Colón

This market only used to be a real market and is now more of a shopping center with a few restaurants. And to be honest, it wouldn’t be that interesting if it wasn’t located in one of Valencia’s most beautiful buildings. Parts of it reminded me a little of the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.

20. Placa de L’Ajuntament

One of the most beautiful squares in the old town is Placa de L’Ajuntament. Most of the streets here are pedestrianized. There is a large fountain in the middle and you can also admire the magnificent government building and the famous post office building from 1923. In general, the facades of the houses here are very ornate and there are many cool bars, cafés and restaurants.

21. Plaça de la Mare de Déu

I also found this square right next to the cathedral and the Jardines de la Generalitat, which is home to orange and lemon trees that smell of the Mediterranean, very beautiful. Live musicians play here from time to time, which you can also watch from the many adjoining street cafés.

Going out & partying in Valencia – cool bars and clubs

Valencia does not have a big club scene. The party life here tends to take place in tapas bars and on the street. The party hotspots are somewhere different every day. However, there are still some cool places, especially in the old town and the Rusafa district, that you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re looking for a good party. Sometimes DJs play in the bars and it gets a bit wilder.

Café de las Horas (Old Town) – Cool cocktail bar with a very extravagant interior that you should have seen once. You’ll almost feel like you’re inside a church here. There are various cocktails and the classic Aqua de Valencia.

L’Ermità Café (Altstadt) – Cool alternative bar in Berlin hipster style. Live bands also play here from time to time.

La Fabrica de Hielo (beach) – cultural center in an old factory building. There are a few cool cafés and bars here and occasionally live music or DJs. Check the website to see exactly what’s on and when.

Ghecko (Placa del Negret) – The Ghecko is a café, pub and club in one, depending on what time of day you are there. You can’t always see what’s going on inside from the mirrored windows on the outside. But at later hours it is often quite crowded here, and a mixture of Spanish songs and chart music is played.

Café Negrito (Placa del Negret) – This pub is located right next to the Ghecko. You can relax and drink your beer here and watch the locals having a good time.

Peter Rock Club (El Carmen) – As the name suggests, mainly rock music is played here.

Christopher Cócteles (El Carmen) – This cocktail bar has been here for 50 years. The interior is pretty cool and the owner will personally advise you on your cocktails, even if his English isn’t the best.

Delicacies from Valencia that you have to try

In general, you should pay attention to the siesta times in Valencia, which vary depending on the district but take place roughly between 14:00 and 19:00. This is when many stores, restaurants and bars are closed.

Aqua de Valencia

Translated, this means “water of Valencia”. But it actually consists of vodka, orange juice and Prosecco. So be careful: the sweet taste masks the hangover potential of this delicious drink.

Paella

Of course, you should definitely try paella in Valencia. It’s best to order it for lunch only. The restaurants that serve paella all day often only use frozen food.

Incidentally, the typical Valencia paella often contains rabbit or chicken meat and sometimes mussels, but no seafood.

You can find original paella at Pelayo Gastro Trinquet – many locals come here. The paella is freshly prepared and takes around 30 minutes.

The Bon Aire in El Palmar, south of Valencia, also serves great paella, which is recommended by the locals – there are lots of cool restaurants in El Palmar where you can order original paella.

Orxata and cartons

Orxata (also spelled horchata) is a rather sweet milk-like drink. It is made from ground almonds. This tuber is grown in the Valencia region. It is best served with fartons, an elongated yeast pastry with powdered sugar.

One of the best stores for orxata is the traditional Orxateria Santa Catalina.

Cool restaurants and cafés in Valencia

Dulce de Leche

A store full of calorie sins awaits you twice in Valencia. Either in San Vicente in the historic old town or in Rusafa.

You can order all kinds of delicacies from the counter here. There are all kinds of delicious cakes and pastries, as well as foccacio and baguettes.

Ubik Café

I found this rather alternative café in Rusafa really cool. It looks a bit like a library where you can also order drinks and cakes. There are works of art on the walls and books on the shelves that you can buy.

Boatella Tapas

Tapas bars are to Spain as beer gardens are to Bavaria. One of the better ones can be found right next to the Mercat Central. Boatella Tapas is a typical Spanish tapas bar with delicious food that comes fresh from the market.

Almalibre Açaí House

This vegan restaurant offers delicious food and bowls in a relaxed atmosphere.

Accommodation in Valencia

There is a large selection of hotels and airbnbs in Valencia, but I would recommend staying directly in the old town. Because from there you can reach all the highlights on foot. And by bus or bike, you can also quickly get to the Valencia sights a little further outside the city center and to the beach.

Here are a few great options:

Cantagua Hostel – One of the best hostels in the city with cozy common areas where you can meet other travelers. | Location: Close to the trendy Russafa district | Price range: €

Hotel Malcom and Barret – Modern facilities with large, comfortable beds. | Location: Just outside the center | Price range: €€

Venecia Plaza Centro – Room with balcony from which you can watch the hustle and bustle on the square, breakfast buffet. | Location: Very central, directly on Placa de L’Ajuntament | Price range: €€

Palacio Vallier 5* – Not exactly cheap, but the luxury and comfort of a 5-star hotel, elegant and stylish furnishings. | Location: Perfect in the middle of the old town| Price range: €€€

Street art in Valencia

If you stroll through the alleyways of the city center, you will walk past lots of graffiti. You can discover lots of street art in the El Carmen district in particular, but also in the rest of the old town. Keep your eyes open and wander into the side streets to discover urban works of art like the following:

How long to stay in Valencia?

In principle, you can see the most famous sights in Valencia in a normal weekend, with a stay of around 3 days and 2 nights. If you want to see all the sights in this article, some of which will take you outside Valencia, and also party for a day or two, then around 5 days should be enough.

By the way: it is still quite pleasant in Valencia in late fall and winter. You can no longer swim, but you can simply lie on the beach and listen to the sound of the waves without any problems. It doesn’t rain too often here. But the crowds of tourists are also not so big out of season.

All pictures in this article are from November.

How do you get from A to B in Valencia?

The best way to explore Valencia’s old town is on foot. The distances are not very great and the sights here are very close together.

If you want to see the sights outside the old town and also the beach, you can either take a bus or hire a bike or e-bike from one of the many providers, e.g:

• Mo-Bikes – There are also modern mountain bikes available here for €15 – €20 per day.
• The Easy Way – from just €6 per day, including guided tours
• Bikes and Roll – special prices for online bookings
• DoYouBike – also offers guided tours
• Blue Bikes
• Dodo Bikes

Souvenirs from Valencia

Of course, you shouldn’t return home from Valencia empty-handed, but should bring back a few souvenirs that are as authentic as possible.

Right next to the Museu i Collegi de l’Art Major de la Seda there is a store where you can buy all kinds of products made from silk, such as scarves, handbags, ties and much more.

Travel guide and further information about Valencia

This article shows you the most important sights in Valencia. But there is much more to discover. You can find out more in the following literature:

• MARCO POLO travel guide Valencia with insider tips + free tour app
• Reise Know-How CityTrip Valencia: Travel guide with city map and free web app

As you can see, Valencia also has a lot of Spanish Mediterranean flair to offer. Which Valencia attraction is your favorite? Write it in a comment.