24 Things to Do in Valencia You Shouldn’t Miss

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Family-Friendly | Historic & Cultural | Food & Drink

The coastal city of Valencia is famous for creating some of Spain’s most iconic dishes. While it’s true that the area provides exceptional, authentic food, there is so much more to Valencia than just eating.

Visiting Valencia opens the door to a whole world of activities. We’re talking vibrant marketplaces, iconic historical sites, and lots of kid-friendly things to do. 

After getting to know Spain and many of its top destinations for months, I was still struck by Valencia’s charm. It is really easy to experience it all as well because there are so many incredible places to stay in Valencia. 

If you have limited time in the city and need a one-stop shop for the most fun activities, look no further – these are the very best things to do in Valencia.

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24 Best Things to Do in Valencia

Valencia Cathedral

Check out this gem of the Spanish Renaissance with its famed El Miguelete Tower.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-918-127 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 8:30 pm daily | Entrance: €10

The Valencia Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the whole city, meaning it should wind up on pretty much every traveler’s to-do list. It’s just a must-see when visiting Valencia. 

This church located in the Old Town is over 750 years old, so you can imagine how much history is tucked inside. There are also a few notable pieces by artists like Goya and Rodrigo de Osona in the cathedral.

One of the most renowned features of the Valencia Cathedral is El Miguelete Tower. You can climb its 200+ steps to the top for panoramic views over the area.

Since it’s one of the top sites in Valencia, there are plenty of walking tours that can provide deeper insight into its history, such as this Valencia Art & Architecture Guided Tour. Their guides are super friendly and bring you to see several other points of interest, like Torres de Serranos.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Catch a glimpse of the eye-catching architecture at this museum, noted as one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (961)-974-686 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: €46.40, Adults (For All 3 Attractions), Free Under Age 3 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences (or Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is one of the best things to do for children and adults alike when visiting Valencia. In fact, this complex is one of Spain’s top attractions and home to a few of the country’s best museums.

From the moment you lay eyes on this massive complex, you’ll understand why it’s so distinct from anything else. The architecture looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. 

The main building is a world-class science museum, but it also contains several other museums and exhibitions. Including the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (an opera house), the Principe Felipe Science Museum, L’Umbracle (a garden walkway), L’Oceanografic, and more.

You’ll likely need at least a full day if you want to get through the entire estate of the City of Arts and Sciences.

The Central Market of Valencia

Shop at a dynamic public market in the heart of the city filled with local Mediterranean fare.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-829-100 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 3 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free

As a traveler, getting a true glimpse into a new city’s culture can be more difficult than meets the eye. You just won’t find this atmosphere at a city’s largest tourist attractions. However, you will discover it at the local market. 

The Central Market of Valencia (or Mercado Central de Valencia in Spanish) is the city’s biggest market and you can feel the pulse of Valencia pumping through the aisles. With more than 1,200 vendors, I’d even go so far as to call it one of the best markets around Spain. [Source]

It is filled with fresh produce, meats, and desserts. There are also a few delicious tapas bars hidden throughout the market. Even if you’re not hungry, the Central Market is still worth a stop to see and take photos of its detailed architecture.

If you’re really trying to get a better sense of the Valencian food culture, I’d highly recommend this Paella Cooking Class that includes a visit to the Central Market to buy ingredients.

👉 FYI, our perfectly planned 10-day Spain itinerary includes a stop at the Central Market of Valencia as well as other attractions on this list. Get a free, printable version of our Spain itinerary here!

Torres de Serranos

Stand atop Valencia’s renowned Gothic defense towers, the largest of its kind in all of Europe.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 1:30 pm Sun | Entrance: €2 

I’m a sucker for a spot that gives me an expansive view of the city I’m visiting. Maybe it’s just the travel photographer in me. If you resonate, you’ll love Torres de Serranos. 

This old city gate is an important part of the local history and culture. Plus, it provides a panoramic view of Valencia from up at the top. I’d suggest visiting Torres de Serranos in the evening when you’ll get to see the cityscape aglow with lights.

El Carmen Neighborhood

Get to know this vivacious neighborhood known for its top-notch nightlife and gorgeous Valencia street art. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

There are nine unique neighborhoods that make up Valencia, and each one has something different to offer its visitors. 

El Carmen is actually the oldest neighborhood in Valencia, so the area is steeped in history. It’s also known throughout the city for having some of the very best Valencia street art.

Young travelers who want a taste of the nightlife will adore the El Carmen district. Even if you’re a solo traveler, it’s really easy to make friends around here by joining something like this Valencia Pub Crawl that goes all around El Carmen.

Plaza de la Virgen

Chill out at a beloved little Valencian square in the Old Town near many of the city’s most famous attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Right in the middle of Valencia is the famed Plaza de la Virgen. This well-known town square is a popular stop for tourists to appreciate the Turia Fountain.

Plaza de la Virgen is right near all the main sights of Valencia, so it’s the perfect starting-off point for a day of exploring. Valencia Cathedral, La Almoina Archaeological Museum, and Reina Plaza are all within walking distance. 

Black Note Club

Sit back and catch a boogie-inducing performance at this local favorite jazz club.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619)-394-665 | Website | Hours: showtimes vary | Entrance: Varies

Cocktail bars are all well and good, but what about when you need a little extra zhuzh? Well, then you spend the evening at the Black Note Club in Valencia. 

This intimate jazz club puts on live performances that will have you leaving the venue with a boogie in your step. Occasionally, the joint also puts on blues, rock, and indie shows. Music lovers who prefer a more quaint venue are going to inevitably put the Black Note Club on their favorites list. 

Visitors planning to catch a live show should check the venue’s website beforehand. You’ll usually have to purchase tickets in advance to nab a spot since the space is very popular and small.

Family-Friendly

Gulliver Park

A quirky park with interactive, dream-like structures for kids to climb all over.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (658)-532-155 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

If you’re on a cheap family vacation in Valencia, you’re going to get excited when you hear about this next attraction. Gulliver Park looks like something plucked out of a child’s most creative dreams. Namely, thanks to its unconventional structures that visitors are encouraged to interact with. 

Besides the fact that Gulliver Park will keep your kids entertained for hours, it is also completely free to visit. Even if you’re childless, it’s still a super interesting place to check out because it’s almost like an interactive outdoor sculpture museum. 

Cabanyal Beach

Spend a sunny afternoon relaxing on the golden shores or playing sports at this family-friendly beach.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free 

After spending a sufficient amount of time visiting all of Valencia’s attractions in the city center, why not head out for a beach day? 

Specifically, pencil in an afternoon at the stunning Cabanyal Beach only a 15-minute drive from the heart of Valencia. This Mediterranean Beach is easily one of the top beaches in Spain.

It covers a long stretch of land, so there will be plenty of room for you to set up camp even on the busiest summer days in Spain. There are a variety of outdoor activities available on Cabanyal Beach, from volleyball to windsurfing. Even if you just want to lay out a towel and enjoy the sunshine, Cabanyal has you covered.

👉 Need help packing? Check out my packing checklist for Spain.

Turia Gardens

Wander through miles of primed greenery at one of Spain’s biggest urban parks. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-599-967 | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Sometimes, traveling through a big city like Valencia can bog you down and you just need a little green space. When that feeling hits, it’s time to check out Jardín del Turia, or Turia Gardens in English. 

The park is fairly large for a public garden with over five miles of plant life to explore, from orange to palm trees. There are also several artfully designed ponds, fountains, and bridges throughout the park. 

Overall, it’s a relaxing, chill place to go for a walk or read a book in your spare time and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Albufera Natural Park

Take a boat tour through the Valencian nature at this stunning protected wetland reserve. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Another one of Valencia’s escapes into nature is Albufera Natural Park. It’s located about 25 minutes outside of the city center by car. Personally, I think this would be a very serene and unique destination for a date in Valencia. 

The main feature of this Spanish park is the huge lagoon right in the center. For the most scenic experience, try to time your visit an hour or two before sunset and join one of the local boat trips. 

On this Albufera Natural Park Tour with a Boat Ride from Valencia you won’t have to worry about anything except soaking in the views. As soon as the sun starts dipping below the horizon, the boat will stop so everyone on board can get a good look and plenty of photos. 

There are also a bunch of secret paella gems around this area, like Restaurante Bon Aire and Arrocería Maribel, where you can head for dinner after appreciating the regional nature.

L’Oceanografic

Cross paths with 500 different aquatic species inside Europe’s largest aquarium. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (960)-470-647 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: €41.80, adults, €31, children ages 4 to 12

Technically, this attraction is part of the aforementioned City of Arts and Sciences. L’Oceanografic is so impressive that it deserves its own spot on this list of best things to do, though. 

At L’Oceanografic, you’ll discover 45,000 different animals from a whopping 500 species. Many of which you’ve probably never heard of before. The massive aquarium is actually the largest of its kind in all of Europe.

There is even a long stretch of tunnel where you can walk your way through the tanks. It’s an exceptional afternoon activity for families traveling with young children.

Plaza de la Reina

Take in stunning views of Valencia’s most famous landmarks at this charming square.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-525-478 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Only a two-minute walk from Valencia’s other most famed square is Plaza de la Reina in the Old Town. The plaza has been a staple of the city for over 150 years, so it’s definitely a key part of Valencia. 

Plaza de la Reina is a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat or even a sweet treat. The plaza is surrounded by yummy restaurants and cafes, like Llinares ice cream shop and Marinetta Mia.

Historic & Cultural Attractions

La Lonja de la Seda

Stop by one of the most well-known Gothic monuments in Europe and learn about the silk trade.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (962)-084-153 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 2 pm Sun | Entrance: €2

La Lonja de la Seda is a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most interesting places to visit in the region in my opinion. Often dubbed as the Silk Exchange, this historic site is a stone building and is one of the country’s best examples of Gothic architecture.

From its stained glass windows to the perfectly carved stone pillars, the Silk Exchange is simply gorgeous. This is one of the coolest places in Valencia for budget travelers as well because entry only costs €2 per person. You can also splurge on an audio tour for a better understanding of the landmark.

Torres de Quart

Step through a Gothic-style, ancient entranceway to the city of Valencia.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (618)-803-907 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 1:30 pm Sun | Entrance: €2, adults, €1 under 7, Free on Sundays

Once upon a time, Valencia lived within confined walls like many municipalities back in the day. We don’t usually get to see relics of history from that long ago, but in Valencia, you can appreciate Torres de Quart in the Old Town firsthand.

These medieval towers are the last remaining pieces of the wall. There is something kind of magical about staring at a structure that is so ancient. Plus, it’s in remarkably beautiful condition for its age. 

Valencian Institute of Modern Art

Take a gander at the sizable collection inside Spain’s very first modern art museum. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-176-600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €5 general admission

Art fanatics will have a ball diving into the collection at the Valencian Institute of Modern Art. This popular museum is actually well-known around the country for being Spain’s very first modern art museum. It made the cut just a few years before the Reina Sofia museum, one of the best things to do in Madrid. 

Inside, you’ll come across astonishing exhibits that feature more than 11,000 pieces in total. These works are thought-provoking, interesting, weird, and everything in between. You won’t be able to peel your eyes away from it all.

👉 Pro Tip: The Valencian Institute of Modern Art offers free access on Wednesdays between 4 pm and 7 pm and all day on Sundays.

Valencia City Hall

Snap a photo of one of Valencia’s most recognizable buildings by Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 2 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

Visiting Valencia’s City Hall might not seem like the most exciting activity in the world for your vacation, but it’s worth a few minutes of your time at least. 

Valencia City Hall is one of the most well-known buildings in the city and admittedly, it’s pristine. It is located right in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is another intriguing place to check out in the city. 

👉 Pro Tip: Visitors who are in Valencia during any holiday will definitely want to check out Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the City Hall. Usually, this is where the city will put on its big show with tons of sparkling lights at Christmas or fireworks for the Fallas celebration.

Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir

Experience the intricate, hauntingly beautiful architecture of this historic 780-year-old church. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: vary seasonally | Entrance: €15 general admission 

History buffs should carve out time during their Valencia trip to visit the 780-year-old Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir. It’s a truly spectacular example of Baroque architecture, and you’ll need your camera in hand the whole way through. This is more than just a church; it’s a piece of artwork you won’t want to miss.

Plaza de Toros de Valencia

Visit a classic bull-fighting ring that still partakes in the Spanish tradition to this day. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tue-Sat, 10 am – 2 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €2

Bull-fighting is a bit of a taboo for Americans, but it’s an age-old tradition in Spain. When in Spain, you might as well take the chance to learn more about these aspects of the culture. 

In Valencia’s Old Town, there is actually a fairly famous bullfighting ring called Plaza de Toros de Valencia. It’s a fantastic location to catch a glimpse of these immense stadiums and learn a bit about the tradition. Even if you don’t want to catch an actual match.

The National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts

Peruse the country’s largest collection of ceramics tucked away in a lavish palace. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-516-392 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm Tue-Sat, 10 am – 2 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €3, adults, Free under 18

The National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts is one of Valencia’s more unique attractions. This museum holds Spain’s biggest collection of ceramic pieces. Plus, there are lots of other types of art to check out as well. 

The thing that makes the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts really stand out is that it’s housed inside an 18th-century palace. It’s like a two-for-one attraction because the building is just as captivating as the art it holds.

👉 Read Next: 25 Best Things to Do in Madrid

Food & Drink

Casa Carmela

Munch down on the Valencian specialty of paella at one of the best spots for it in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-710-073 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 4 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free, reservation recommended

As the inventors of the delicacy, Valencia is known for its paella in Spain and around the world. It’s a traditional Valencian dish that’s made with rice, delicious seasonings, and all types of meat and seafood. Don’t worry, vegan friends! There are vegetable varieties, too. 

Visitors who want to taste some of the best paella in the city should book a table at Casa Carmela.

This traditional establishment is one of the best places to eat in Valencia and is famed for its perfectly-cooked paella dishes. Plus, the restaurant is right near the beach, so you can head there after your meal.

Cafe de Las Horas

Sip on the famed regional drink of Agua de Valencia at this eccentric cocktail bar.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-917-336 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 1:30 am daily | Entrance: Free

It’s places like Cafe de las Horas that make Valencia one of the best cities to visit in Spain. You can happily spend a full day exploring by grabbing a cocktail here. Specifically, order yourself the local staple of Agua de Valencia. 

The drink contains cava, gin, vodka, a sweetener, and finally, the special ingredient – Valencia oranges. It’s quite a refreshing concoction, and this adorable cocktail bar brews a very tasty one. 

Besides the signature drink, Cafe de Las Horas is just a fun bar in general and 100% worth one of your evenings in Valencia.

Mercado de Colón

Eat and drink your way through this gorgeous market with over a century of history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (963)-371-101 | Website | Hours: 12:30 am to 3 am & 7:30 am to 12 am, Daily (Varies by vendor) | Entrance: Free

Not many functioning markets can say that they’ve been in business since the early 20th century, but Mercado de Colón wears that medal of honor proudly. Since being founded in 1916, this Valencia market has been restored and revitalized. 

Today, visitors are welcome to explore their many tempting restaurants and cafes. It’s an excellent way to compromise if you’re traveling in a large group. 

Make sure you try out the market’s signature horchata drink. There are also quite a few places to pick up souvenirs at Mercado de Colón to commemorate your Valencia trip.

Ruzafa Neighborhood

Dive into the incredible restaurants and markets in one of Valencia’s most stylish districts.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free

First-time visitors trying to figure out where to stay in Valencia should consider the Ruzafa neighborhood. This is another one of those Valencia districts that is just dripping with the ‘cool’ factor. 

The streets are colorful and well-kept. Ruzafa is also within walking distance from some of Valencia’s best attractions, like Gulliver Park and Mercado de Colón. 

There are a bunch of top-notch eateries scattered throughout the Ruzafa neighborhood, like Masusa paella bar and La Chingada. Along with many cute cafes, like Ubik Cafè, Cafeteria Llibreria, and Bluebell Coffee Roasters. 

There are places to go during happy hour too, such as the charming pub called Liverpool. It’s the ideal spot to stay for visitors who want to be able to walk to everything they need.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? There are quite a few accommodations to choose from in Valencia’s Ruzafa district, but one of the best is YOURS Boutique Stay. It’s elegant, immaculately clean, and right in the heart of the neighborhood. 

***

You’re ready to hit the road. Hopefully, you’re buzzing with excitement at all the intriguing attractions, activities, and fun things to do around Valencia.

I’m willing to bet that there is a good chance you’re visiting Valencia’s neighbor of Barcelona as well. If so, don’t forget to read my round-up of the best things to do in Barcelona, too!

–Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this article.