Valencia, Spain: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Valencia, the capital of the Valencian Community, is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern innovation. Its Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, where visitors can stroll through Plaza de la Virgen, admire the Valencia Cathedral, and explore the atmospheric streets of Barrio del Carmen. Meanwhile, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences offers an entirely different experience, showcasing cutting-edge museums, an opera house, and an oceanarium, all set against striking contemporary architecture.

Beyond its urban landmarks, Valencia's Mediterranean coastline provides idyllic seaside retreats. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas invite visitors to soak up the sun, enjoy beachfront dining, or take a scenic walk along the promenade. For nature lovers, the Albufera Natural Park, just a short drive from the city, is a serene escape where travelers can experience Valencia's traditional fishing villages and enjoy boat rides through its tranquil lagoons. The balance between city life and coastal beauty makes Valencia a unique destination that caters to every travel style.

Valencia's rich culinary scene is another highlight, with the city proudly recognized as the birthplace of paella. Whether savoring an authentic paella Valenciana in a seaside tavern or indulging in fresh market produce at Mercado Central, food lovers will find endless delights in the city's vibrant gastronomic offerings. The local traditions also come alive during festivals like Las Fallas, where giant artistic sculptures and firework displays create an electrifying atmosphere. Whether drawn to Valencia for its historical depth, beachfront serenity, or thriving culinary scene, the city offers an unforgettable experience year-round.

History of Valencia
55 Best places to See in Valencia
6 Best Day Trips from Valencia
Where to Stay in Valencia
Best Time to Visit Valencia
How to get to Valencia

History of Valencia

Roman Foundation

Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC by the consul Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus. It was originally named Valentia Edetanorum and served as a settlement for retired Roman soldiers. The city quickly grew due to its strategic location on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Moorish Occupation

In 714, Moroccan and Arab Moors occupied Valencia. They introduced their language, religion, and customs to the city. The Moors implemented advanced irrigation systems and cultivated new crops, which significantly boosted the region’s agriculture. Valencia became the capital of the Taifa of Valencia during this period.

Christian Reconquest

In 1238, King James I of Aragon conquered Valencia. He redistributed the land among his nobles, a process documented in the Llibre del Repartiment. James I also established the Furs of Valencia, a new legal code that extended to the entire Kingdom of Valencia. This period marked the beginning of significant Christian influence and architectural development in the city.

Loss of Autonomy

In the 18th century, during the War of the Spanish Succession, Valencia sided with the Habsburgs. After their defeat, King Philip V of Spain abolished the Furs of Valencia and other regional privileges as punishment. This led to a loss of autonomy and significant changes in the city’s governance and legal systems.

Capital of Spain

Valencia briefly served as the capital of Spain twice. The first instance was in the summer of 1812 when Joseph Bonaparte moved the Spanish Court there during the Peninsular War. The second instance was between 1936 and 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, when the city became the capital of the Second Spanish Republic.

Modern Era

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Valencia has grown into a major urban center. The Port of Valencia became the busiest container port in the Mediterranean Sea. Significant urban development projects, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, have transformed the city into a modern metropolis. Valencia’s historic center remains one of the largest in Spain, with approximately 169 hectares of ancient monuments, scenic views, and cultural attractions.

Festivals and Traditions

Valencia is renowned for its vibrant festivals and traditions. The most famous is the Fallas, a festival celebrated every March that includes the creation and burning of large wooden and papier-mâché sculptures. The Fallas was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in Spain in 1965 and recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2016.

Political Leadership

From 1991 to 2015, Rita Barberá Nolla served as the mayor of Valencia. In 2015, Joan Ribó from Coalició Compromís was elected mayor. Under their leadership, the city has continued to develop its infrastructure, cultural institutions, and international profile.

Valencia’s rich history, from its Roman foundation to its modern development, reflects its importance as a cultural and economic hub in Spain.

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Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Valencia for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Valencia on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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55 Best places to See in Valencia

This complete guide to Valencia not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Valencia and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Bioparc Valencia

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Bioparc Valencia is a 10-hectare zoo park on the Turia riverbed, owned by Valencia’s City Council and run by the Spanish zoo specialist Rainforest. Opened in 2008, it replaced the old city zoo and is built around “zooimersion,” where you walk through African ecosystems while animals are separated by rivers, ponds, rocks, and changes in height rather than obvious bars. The landscaping is dense with African plants, and the design creates long, clean sightlines that make the scenes feel closer than a typical city zoo. Visitors often remember how easy it is to see animals from multiple angles and how calm the enclosures feel, plus moments like hearing a lion roar. It’s also known locally as the birthplace of Makena, the region’s first elephant born in captivity.

Location: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, Campanar, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00. | Price: General (13–64): from €29.50; Reduced (4–12, 65+): from €23.50; Under 4: free. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

Visiting Bioparc Valencia

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2. Jardin Botanico

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Jardin Botanico is the University of Valencia’s botanical garden on Quart Street in the El Botànic neighborhood, a working scientific collection that also feels like a calm city refuge. Founded from a 16th-century teaching orchard and reshaped in the 18th century, it grew through 19th-century collecting and acclimatization work led by botany professor Félix Pizcueta. Today you wander among roughly 3,000 plant species, with memorable pockets of palms and tropical trees alongside cacti and other desert plants, plus structures like the La Balsa greenhouse and airy umbracle-style shelters. The garden’s library, herbarium, and germplasm bank underline its research role, but visitors mostly remember the quiet paths and well-tended, museum-like plant groupings.

Location: C/ de Quart, 80, Extramurs, 46008 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00 (November – February). Daily: 10:00–19:00 (March & October). Daily: 10:00–20:00 (April & September). Daily: 10:00–21:00 (May – August). | Price: Adults: €4.00; Reduced: €1.70; Under 7: free. | Website | Distance: 1.4km

Visiting Jardin Botanico

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Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Valencia. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Museum of Prehistory and Culture

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Valencia’s Museum of Prehistory and Culture is an archaeology museum set inside La Beneficència, the former House of Charity (built 1841) later restored into a complex of galleries around five courtyards. Its permanent displays walk you from the Paleolithic to the Visigothic era, with memorable local finds like Bolomor Cave fossils and Parpalló Cave engravings. Upstairs, Iberian material includes painted vessels from Sant Miquel de Llíria, the Warrior of Moixent figure, and rare lead “books,” followed by Roman rooms with the Font de Mussa mosaic and an Apollo statue from Pinedo. A dedicated numismatics section explains ancient coin-making and showcases recovered hoards.

Location: Centro Cultural la Beneficencia, C/ de la Corona, 36, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–20:00. Closed on Monday. Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25. Special hours: December 24, December 31: 10:00–14:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1.6km

Visiting Museum of Prehistory and Culture

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4. IVAM

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IVAM (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern) is Valencia’s main modern and contemporary art museum, known for geometric abstraction and avant‑garde work in two distinct settings. In the Centro Julio González building, you’ll find permanent collections by Spanish artists, including Julio González sculptures and paintings by Ignacio Pinazo, alongside rotating exhibitions. One of the most memorable spaces is the underground Sala de la Muralla, where you view art beside the footings of Valencia’s medieval wall. The museum also includes a library of photography and written works, education spaces, a café, and a gift shop—an easy place to linger, especially when you want a cool, weather-sheltered break.

Location: C/ de Guillem de Castro, 118, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: General admission: €5. Free entry: Wednesday 16:00–19:00 & Sunday (all day). | Website | Distance: 1.6km

Visiting IVAM

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Explore Valencia at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Valencia one of the best places to visit in Spain.

5. Asilo del Marques de Campo

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Asilo del Marques de Campo is an 1882 neo-Gothic charitable institution in Valencia’s historic center, founded through the philanthropy of José Campo Pérez, the Marqués de Campo, and originally used as an orphanage. The exterior is what most visitors remember: an ashlar stone façade with oversized pointed arches, ornate archivolts, and a long continuous balcony that gives the building an almost ceremonial weight. Look for the side elevation’s pointed Gothic-style windows and the eclectic, slightly Germanic twist in the detailing. If access is possible, the small chapel surprises with a cathedral-like plan—three naves, an ambulatory, and tribunes—set off by a metal structure and painted iron columns. Today it functions as part of the Catholic University of Valencia.

Location: Plaça de l´Arquebisbe, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 1.7km

Visiting Asilo del Marques de Campo

6. Torres de Quart

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Torres de Quart is a 15th-century Gothic city gate in Valencia, built to strengthen the medieval walls and guard the road toward Quart de Poblet and Castile. Its two hefty stone towers still feel like a fortress, and the exterior carries visible pockmarks from French cannon fire during the 1808 bombardment under Napoleon. Inside, the experience is straightforward—stone passages and stairways—yet the climb delivers broad rooftop views across the old town and newer streets beyond. Even if you don’t go all the way up, the scale of the masonry and the surviving stretch of wall nearby make the city’s former defenses easy to picture.

Location: Plaça de Santa Úrsula, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on January 1, January 6, May 1, December 25. | Price: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free. | Website | Distance: 1.7km

Visiting Torres de Quart

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7. Palace of the Alpuente Counts

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Mortel

The Palace of the Alpuente Counts (Palacio de los Condes de Alpuente) is an 18th-century noble residence in Valencia’s Ciutat Vella, built over the foundations of an older Gothic palace and still readable in its layout. From the street, what lingers is the exposed-brick Baroque façade: lintelled balconies with iron parapets, split pediments (curved on the outer bays, straighter toward the center), and three oversized pilasters that give it a stage-set symmetry. Look closely and you’ll spot burlesque mask carvings tucked into the decoration. When the entrance is open, a central patio with broad carpanel arches and a stone staircase hints at the ceremonial life once played out inside.

Location: C/ dels Cavallers, 26, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Check official website. | Distance: 2km

Visiting Palace of the Alpuente Counts

8. Pineda Palace

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Pineda Palace (Palau de Pineda) is an early-18th-century neoclassical residence-turned-institution on Plaça del Carme in Valencia’s El Carme quarter, best appreciated from the square. Built in 1728–1733 for royal official Francisco Salvador de Pineda, it presents a strict symmetry with rows of balconies and small entrance towers, and the Pineda coat of arms above the doorway still shows a worn “1732.” Inside, the roughly rectangular building (about 23 × 34 meters) was later adapted for religious use and now holds classrooms and meeting rooms for Generalitat-linked institutions. A rear garden functions as a quiet terrace, a detail some visitors mention when stopping by for lunch.

Location: Pl. del Carme, 4, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30–14:00. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2km

Visiting Pineda Palace

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9. Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari

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Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari is a parish church in Valencia’s Ciutat Vella that pairs a restrained Gothic exterior with an interior drenched in late-17th-century Baroque painting. Built in the mid-1200s after the Christian reconquest on the site of a former mosque, it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, later joined by Saint Peter Martyr as co-patron. Inside, a single nave with six side chapels sits beneath nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes (1690–1700) that interlace scenes from both saints’ lives with allegories of Christian virtues. A 2016 restoration stripped away centuries of grime, and visitors often remember the sudden “space-opening” effect and the hourly light show.

Location: C/ dels Cavallers, 35, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday – Friday: 10:30–19:00. Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 13:00–20:00. | Price: Adults: €15; Reduced: €10; Under 12: free. | Website | Distance: 2km

Visiting Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari

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10. Iglesia del Carmen

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Iglesia del Carmen is a parish church in Valencia’s Carmen Square, rooted in a convent founded in 1281 and still closely tied to neighborhood religious life. Its long, piecemeal construction left a patchwork you can read on site: a medieval chapel, a Gothic cloister, a Renaissance cloister, and a later church blending late Gothic and Renaissance lines. Look closely at the façade, where Baroque touches sit alongside a bell tower and quieter Neoclassical elements. Next door, the former convent now functions as the Carmen Museum, known for temporary exhibitions linked to the Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors often remember the warm feel during Mass, sometimes with singing, even as parts of the complex show wear.

Location: C/ d'Alboraia, 33, La Saïdia, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 2km

Visiting Iglesia del Carmen

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11. Mercado Central

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Mercado Central is Valencia’s vast covered food market, set inside a bright Modernista hall where early-20th-century ironwork, ceramic flourishes, and stained glass turn everyday shopping into a visual spectacle. Opened in 1928 with more than 1,000 stalls (now about 700), it still runs on local routines—voices calling orders, baskets piled high, and counters stacked with jamón, cheeses, and just-landed Mediterranean seafood. Look up for small surprises, including red-and-yellow stripes of the Valencian flag worked into the design. The fish-and-seafood section is its own world, while other stalls tempt with herbs and spices, dried fruit and nuts, and occasional oddities like ostrich meat or giant eggs.

Location: C/ de Palafox, 13, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 07:30–15:00. Sunday: Closed. Closed on public holidays. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Mercado Central

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12. Torres de Serranos

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Torres de Serranos is a 14th-century Gothic city gate in Valencia, built as part of the medieval walls and used as a ceremonial entrance for royalty as much as a fortification. Up close, the twin battlemented towers feel stern and defensive, but the carved stonework around the arch is surprisingly ornate. One memorable quirk is the rear side, left open so the gate couldn’t easily be turned against the city during unrest; from this side you can also pick out rooms that later held noble prisoners. Look for the four stone gargoyles projecting from the back wall. Climb the tight, winding stairs to the terraces for broad views over rooftops and the Turia’s green corridor.

Location: C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. | Price: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free; Free with València Tourist Card. | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Torres de Serranos

4.6(50,754)

13. Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Juan Mayordomo

Iglesia de los Santos Juanes (Sant Joan del Mercat) is a historic church on Valencia’s Plaça del Mercat, facing the Central Market and long tied to the city’s everyday commercial heart. Begun in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque, it was rebuilt repeatedly—Gothic elements after later renovations, then a dramatic Baroque makeover around 1700. On the façade, look for the Virgin of the Rosary in a sculpted niche, a clock tower flanked by Saint John the Baptist (with a lamb) and John the Evangelist (with an eagle), and the quirky “Saint John’s Sparrow” weather vane above. Inside, visitors remember Palomino’s ceiling frescoes and the row of thirteen plaster figures of Jacob and the twelve tribes. Ongoing restoration can mean some areas are covered.

Location: Pl. del Mercat, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: 10:00–20:00. Tuesday: 10:00–20:00. Wednesday: 13:00–20:00. Thursday: 10:00–20:00. Friday: 10:00–20:00. Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 13:00–20:00. | Price: Adults: €13; Reduced: €10; Under 12: free. | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

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14. Lonja de la Seda

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Valencia’s Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a late-15th-century secular Gothic trading complex that reflects the city’s commercial peak and now holds UNESCO World Heritage status. The exterior reads like a fortified civic palace, with elaborate stone carving, traceried windows, and a lineup of 28 gargoyles—bats, beasts, and winged figures—perched along the balustrades. Inside, the Transactions Hall is the showstopper: eight soaring spiral columns rise like palms into a ribbed vault, turning the room into pure stone geometry. The central tower contains a small chapel and a former debtor’s prison, and the orange-tree courtyard provides a quiet, sunlit pause between rooms.

Location: C/ de la Llotja, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. | Price: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free. | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Lonja de la Seda

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15. El Miguelete

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El Miguelete (El Micalet) is the octagonal Valencian Gothic bell tower attached to Valencia Cathedral, a defining vertical marker in the old town. Begun in 1381 and finished in 1429, it rises about 63 meters, with proportions so balanced that its height roughly matches its perimeter. Inside, you climb a tight 207-step spiral past former functional levels—rooms once used as a prison and as the bell-ringer’s quarters—before reaching the belfry. Eleven bells hang above, including the enormous Miguelete cast in 1532 at over 10 tons, and they’re still rung by hand for traditional “toques.” The rooftop terrace fixes Valencia in a single panorama, from clustered domes to the distant Mediterranean on clear days.

Location: Pça. de la Reina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00–18:45. | Price: General: €2.50; Reduced: €1.50. | Website | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting El Miguelete

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16. Iglesia de San Lorenzo

Public Domain / CRESPO-AZORIN

Iglesia de San Lorenzo is a small historic church in Valencia’s old center, rooted in the early Christian period after the Reconquest and documented as far back as 1245. Its fabric began in a Gothic vein but was dramatically reworked in the late 17th century, so what you experience inside is largely Baroque—ornate, intimate, and layered, with faint medieval traces beneath. Outside, look for the distinctive hexagonal bell tower added in 1746 and the way the building sits tightly on its corner plot, meant to be read from shifting street angles. The main altarpiece, with twisting Solomonic columns, is notable for surviving the destruction of 1936. It still functions as a working church, often quiet between services.

Location: Pl. de Sant Llorenç, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting Iglesia de San Lorenzo

4.6(113)

17. Palacio de Benicarlo

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Palacio de Benicarló (Palau dels Borja) is a late-15th-century palace on San Lorenzo Square that now houses the Valencian Parliament, giving it the unusual feel of a working civic building inside a Gothic shell. Construction began in 1482 under architect Pere Compte, with the central body finished by 1510 and the towers added much later, in 1585, bridging late Gothic and early Renaissance tastes. After a small courtyard, visitors enter rooms remembered for painted walls, deep coffered ceilings, and patterned tile floors crafted by specialist artisans. The building passed through powerful hands—including the Borgia family from 1485—and even served as a government seat during the Spanish Civil War.

Location: Carrer del Duc Alfons el Vell, 1, 46701 Gandia, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: 10:00–13:00. Friday: 10:00–13:00. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. (August) No guided visits. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting Palacio de Benicarlo

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18. Casa Ordeig

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Casa Ordeig is a 1907 residential building by architect Francisco Mora on Valencia’s Plaça del Mercat, a compact statement of Valencian Modernisme with Neo-Gothic swagger. What you notice first is the vertical corner tower, edged with battlement-like pillars and pierced by small rose-window motifs above sgraffito-patterned surfaces. Look closer at the upper floors for tripartite windows separated by slender columns, and a third-floor balcony that adds a crisp rhythm to the façade. Wrought-iron railings curl with leafy designs, while carved corbels and Gothic details nod to the medieval architecture nearby. Around the Ramilletes Street corner, the same decorative cadence wraps the building like a continuous skin.

Location: Carrer dels Ramellets, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting Casa Ordeig

19. Plaza de la Virgen

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

Plaza de la Virgen is a pedestrian square in Valencia’s Old Town where the city’s religious and civic life still plays out in public. At its center, the Turia Fountain anchors the scene: a reclining Neptune stands for the Turia River, surrounded by eight women pouring water to symbolize the region’s historic irrigation canals. The cathedral and the pink-toned Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken frame the plaza, so your photos naturally catch stone façades and domes in the same shot. On Thursdays at noon, the Water Court convenes at the Cathedral’s Apostles’ Gate to rule on irrigation disputes, a ritual recognized by UNESCO. In March, Fallas brings the flower offering that carpets the square in color.

Location: Plaça de la Mare de Déu, Ciutat Vella, València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting Plaza de la Virgen

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20. Centro de Artesania

Centro de Artesania is Valencia’s craft center, founded in 1987 by the Generalitat Valenciana and the city council to promote and safeguard the region’s artisan trades while helping workshops and small companies stay competitive. Inside, you’ll browse a compact, three-level space with two exhibition rooms—one permanent, one temporary—plus a carefully curated shop that feels closer to a small gallery store than a souvenir counter. Displays spotlight Valencian making across media, with ceramics often stealing attention alongside jewelry and other decorative pieces. The program changes through the year with workshops, exhibitions, and occasional presentations, keeping the focus on living craft rather than nostalgia. Many visitors are surprised by how calm it feels—and that entry is free.

Location: Centro de Artesanía de la Comunitat Valenciana, acceso plaza peatonal MuVIM, C. del Hospital, 7, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00–16:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.3km

Visiting Centro de Artesania

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21. Plaza de la Reina

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Plaza de la Reina is Valencia’s central square in the old city, a broad meeting point that opens onto the Cathedral and the surrounding web of medieval streets. Created in 1878 to commemorate the marriage of Alfonso XII and Queen María de las Mercedes, it has since become a daily crossroads for coffee stops and lingering in the open air. One edge is dominated by Valencia Cathedral’s Baroque Door of the Irons, with the Miguelete bell tower beside it—207 steps up for rooftop views. The plaza also marks kilometer zero for Valencia’s road network, echoing the route of the Roman Via Augusta. A 2022 redesign expanded pedestrian space, added trees, and introduced adjustable awnings for shade.

Location: Plaza de la Reina, Ciutat Vella, València, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Plaza de la Reina

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22. Plaza Redonda

Public Domain / Joanbanjo

Plaza Redonda is a perfectly circular, enclosed square tucked into Valencia’s old center, entered through four narrow streets that suddenly open into a ring of arcaded buildings. Built in 1840 by Salvador Escrig Melchor and restored in 2012, it was designed as a compact commercial “room” where everyday trade stays concentrated and walkable. Today, what you notice most are the small kiosks and shops selling lace, embroidery, fabrics, ribbons, and other haberdashery items, plus a few tapas bars at street level. The central fountain anchors the space, and from beside it you can spot the Late Baroque bell tower of Santa Catalina rising above the curved façades. A quote set into the paving nods to writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and his novel “Arroz y Tartana.”

Location: Pl. Redona, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–20:00. Sunday: 08:00–14:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Plaza Redonda

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23. Jardin del Turia

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Jardin del Turia is a 9-kilometre green corridor running through Valencia in the former Turia Riverbed, reshaped after the 1957 flood and the river’s diversion south. Opened in 1986, it functions as the city’s everyday car-free spine, with long lawns, shaded walking trails, fountains, orange groves, and palm-lined paths stitched together by bridges. Each stretch feels slightly different, shifting from quiet, tree-heavy sections to more open spaces where people sprawl in the shade. On a slow walk or bike ride you’ll notice the park’s scale and calm, plus small surprises like ducks on ponds and flashes of bright birds in the canopy.

Location: 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Jardin del Turia

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24. Cripta Arqueologica

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

Cripta Arqueologica is a compact underground archaeological site in Valencia’s old town, near the Cathedral, where multiple eras stack in one room. Built in the 6th century as a Visigothic funerary chapel, it still shows a barrel-vaulted nave, carved limestone screens, and arched niches that once held sarcophagi, with a burial chamber visible under glass. Under Islamic rule it was repurposed as palatial baths, and excavations revealed 10th-century ceramics, bronze vessels, and even a gold dinar. Today, a 20-minute audiovisual projection plays directly on the ancient stonework, with a small display including a Roman mural and fragments of a Visigothic altar.

Location: Plaça de l´Arquebisbe, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–19:00. Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free. | Website | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Cripta Arqueologica

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25. Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcok

Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados is a 17th-century Baroque church in Valencia devoted to the city’s patron, Our Lady of the Forsaken, and it still feels like a working center of local devotion. Inside, visitors tend to remember the theatrical ceiling frescoes and the densely ornamented altar in an intimate space with plenty of seating. Above the altar stands the revered statue nicknamed the “Little Hunchback,” its slight curve linked by tradition to funeral rites for society’s outcasts and now largely concealed by lavish garments and jewels. The figure is mounted on a swivel so it can face either the main nave or a smaller chapel depending on the occasion. A covered Renaissance-style passage connects the basilica directly to the Cathedral’s high altar, reserved for clergy.

Location: Plaça de la Mare de Déu, 6, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Sunday: 07:30–14:00 & 16:30–21:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

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26. La Catedral

La Catedral (Valencia Cathedral) anchors the heart of Ciutat Vella, built after the 13th-century Christian reconquest on the site of a former mosque, and its patchwork of Gothic structure with later neoclassical chapels is easiest to grasp by circling the exterior. Inside, the nave feels spare and calm until you reach the crossing, where an octagonal tower replaces a dome, lit through alabaster windows and edged with pointed stone arches. Look up near the high altar for Renaissance frescoes of musical angels against a deep, starry blue. Visitors linger over the carved walnut choir stalls and the alabaster “Our Lady of the Choir,” then seek out the Holy Chalice—an agate cup kept behind a Gothic screen.

Location: Pl. de l'Almoina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:30–18:30. Saturday: 10:30–17:30. Sunday: 14:00–17:30. | Price: Adults: €9; Reduced: €6; Under 8: free. El Miguelete tower: €2.50 (reduced €1.50). | Website | Distance: 2.4km

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4.5(39,527)

27. Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Davidmj

Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina is a centuries-layered parish church in Valencia’s Ciutat Vella, built after 1238 on the site of a former mosque and still anchored in the city’s medieval street grid. The main body reads largely Gothic, but the eye is pulled upward to its later 18th-century Baroque bell tower: a hexagonal, heavily ornamented shaft about 56 meters high that feels even taller rising from a tight square. Inside, side chapels and a Baroque-reworked interior recall the 1548 fire, while mid-20th-century restoration aimed to recover earlier Gothic character. Near the entrance, look for a carved head of Saint Eligius, a nod to the silversmiths’ guild once connected to the church. Visitors remember the steep tower climb and wide rooftop views.

Location: Pl. de Santa Caterina, 8, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00–13:00 & 19:00–20:00. | Price: Church: free; Tower: €2 per adult. | Distance: 2.4km

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28. Museo Nacional de Ceramica

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias “González Martí” is Valencia’s national museum for ceramics, housed in the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, an 18th-century Baroque palace whose building is as memorable as the collection. The alabaster entrance is a theatrical scene: the Virgin above the door, and reclining figures pouring water from urns to evoke the “Two Waters” of the Turia and Júcar rivers. Inside, palace rooms lean into excess—twisted columns wrapped with gilded grapevines, cherubs, and pink cornices—alongside curiosities like the extravagant Carriage of the Nymphs. The ceramics span millennia, from Roman fragments to medieval Valencian wares with green-blue metallic glazes, and a reconstructed 19th-century tiled kitchen of everyday life. Reviews often note the modest ticket price and free Sundays.

Location: C. del Poeta Querol, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–20:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: General: €3; Reduced: €1.50; Free admission: Saturday from 16:00 & Sunday. | Website | Distance: 2.5km

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4.5(12,041)

29. Almudin de Valencia

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

Almudin de Valencia (L’Almodí) is a compact Gothic civic building in Ciutat Vella that began in the early 1300s as the city’s grain store, its name tied to an Arabic measure for cereals. Enlarged in the 15th–16th centuries with a covered courtyard and a basilica-like roofline, it still feels like a working municipal space rather than a palace. Inside, visitors linger over frescoes of the grain market and saints linked to the guilds, plus small archaeological traces such as an 11th-century Islamic water trough. After serving as the Municipal Museum of Paleontology in the 20th century, it reopened in 1996 for rotating exhibitions—sometimes modern art that divides opinion, but the interior often surprises.

Location: Plaça de Sant Lluís Bertran, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.5km

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30. Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bene Riobó

Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital is a tucked-away medieval church complex in Valencia’s old center, consecrated in 1238 and considered the city’s oldest post-Reconquest church, commissioned by James I for the Order of Saint John. Enter through the quiet courtyard and you’ll find a single-nave interior where a Romanesque north portal sits beneath a Gothic window marked with a Maltese cross. In the chancel, reused Roman and Islamic columns—including 10th-century caliphal capitals—support the space, and the Chapel of Saint Michael preserves rare 13th-century frescoes. Outside, the south courtyard reveals remains of Valentia’s Roman circus and an unusual medieval cemetery with arched tombs. Despite past neglect and Civil War damage, it survives as an active church and small museum.

Location: C. del Trinquet de Cavallers, 5, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 06:45–07:45 & 09:30–13:30 & 17:00–21:00. Saturday: 09:30–13:30 & 17:00–21:00. Sunday: 11:00–14:00 & 17:00–21:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 2.6km

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31. Iglesia de San Juan de la Cruz

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pere López

Iglesia de San Juan de la Cruz is a small Catholic church in central Valencia, built on the site of a former mosque and among the first churches consecrated after the Christian Reconquest. Its early-1600s exterior is relatively restrained, but look for Solomonic columns and carved figures before stepping inside. The real impact is the late-18th-century Rococo interior: dense stucco angels, curling foliage, and draped forms that climb the walls and vaults with a distinctly local exuberance. Two side chapels add intimacy, including one historically linked to the Fisherman’s Guild. After more than 50 years closed, it reopened in 2009 following a restoration that revived the decoration, and it still feels like a working parish—quiet, respectful, and often uncrowded.

Location: C. del Poeta Querol, 6, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:30–20:00. Sunday: 10:00–20:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 2.6km

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32. Museo de Bellas Artes

Public Domain / Felivet

Museo de Bellas Artes is Valencia’s main fine-arts museum, set in the former San Pío Seminary College, a vast 17th–18th-century complex designed by Juan Bautista Pérez Castiel and later reused as everything from a cadet academy to a military hospital before becoming a museum in 1946. Inside, airy galleries hold around 2,000 works, with the strongest rooms devoted to 14th–17th-century painting—especially Valencian Gothic and Renaissance altarpieces with luminous gold and meticulous detail. You’ll also encounter major Spanish names such as Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya, plus an extensive run of Piranesi engravings and smaller sections for sculpture and archaeology. Visitors often remember the calm, well-kept spaces and the fact that admission is typically free.

Location: C/ de Sant Pius V, 9, La Saïdia, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: 11:00–17:00. Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.6km

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33. Ayuntamiento

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bene Riobó

Valencia’s Ayuntamiento (City Hall) stands on Plaça de l’Ajuntament, anchoring the city center with a clock tower and a façade shaped by centuries of work—begun in 1758 and finished in the early 1900s. Its architecture reads as a deliberate mix: largely Neoclassical, with Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance flourishes that reward a closer look. Inside, visitors can wander ornate ceremonial rooms with chandeliers, marble, and a grand staircase, plus the Municipal History Museum. Among the most memorable objects are the sword linked to King Jaime I, the surrendered Moorish flag, medieval ceremonial keys, and a detailed 1704 map of Valencia. When open, the balcony gives a clear view over the square.

Location: Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30–14:00. Closed on Saturday, Sunday. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.6km

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34. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Francesc Fort

Plaza del Ayuntamiento is Valencia’s central civic square, where grand early-20th-century architecture frames the city’s daily flow. The Town Hall and the Central Post Office face each other in a stately Neo-Classical showdown, with the post office’s cast-iron telegraph tower and sculpted façade easy to pick out. Look for the Town Hall’s clock-tower statue bearing Valencia’s coat of arms, crowned by the city’s long-standing bat emblem, and nearby figures symbolizing Prudence, Fortitude, Justice, and Temperance. In the middle, a broad circular fountain draws people to linger, while century-old flower stalls add color and scent. Step inside the post office to see the stained-glass dome lit above shields representing Spain’s provinces.

Location: Pl. de l'Ajuntament, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.6km

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35. Iglesia de Santo Tomas y San Felipe Neri

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Iglesia de Santo Tomas y San Felipe Neri is an 18th-century Baroque parish church in Valencia’s Ciutat Vella, designed in the 1720s–1730s under architect-mathematician Tomás Vicente Tosca with clear echoes of Roman Baroque. Its red-brick façade is picked out with pale stone and built in two tiers: a broader lower front with an arched entrance and entablature, and a narrower upper section crowned by a triangular pediment and big volutes; look, too, for the old sundial among the classical details. Inside, a Latin-cross plan leads to a broad transept and a soaring central dome, with side chapels capped by small domes. Visitors often remember the unexpectedly grand altar and the calm, well-kept interior.

Location: Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30–13:00 & 18:30–20:30. Saturday: 08:30–11:00 & 18:30–20:30. Sunday: 09:30–13:00 & 18:30–20:30. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Distance: 2.7km

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36. Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

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Edificio de Correos y Telégrafos is Valencia’s early-20th-century main post office on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, built from 1915 to 1922 and opened in 1923 to project modern civic confidence in the age of mail and telegraph. Miguel Ángel Navarro’s design mixes official eclecticism with Valencian modernist touches: a grand entrance with paired Ionic columns, a semicircular arch, and façade sculptures that nod to the five continents. Look for the playful symbols of communication—a boat and a locomotive—alongside angels carrying letters and telegraph motifs near the clock. Inside, the airy oval hall is crowned by a stained-glass work by the Mauméjean brothers made of 370 panels showing Spain’s provincial shields, and it still functions as a working post office.

Location: Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 24, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30–20:30. Saturday: 09:30–13:00. Sunday: Closed. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.7km

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37. Jardines del Real

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Jardines del Real (Jardines de Viveros) is Valencia’s Royal Gardens, a large public park near the Museum of Fine Arts that grew from a 16th-century nursery garden once tied to a small royal palace. That palace was dismantled in 1810 during the Spanish Independence War, and the grounds were later reshaped into the leafy park visitors enjoy today. Wandering the broad paths, you’ll notice towering old trees, frequent benches, and a mix of fountains and outdoor sculptures tucked among formal plantings. A small lake draws ducks and other birds, and there are aviary enclosures that add extra movement and sound to the greenery. It’s a popular local escape that still feels spacious and calm in its quieter corners.

Location: C/ del Gral. Elio, s/n, La Saïdia, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 31; Daily: 07:30–21:30. (Winter) November 1 – March 31; Daily: 07:30–20:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.8km

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38. Plaza de Toros

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dorieo

Valencia’s Plaza de Toros is a vast 19th-century bullring in the city center, built between 1850 and 1859 and inaugurated in 1859. Designed by Valencian architect Sebastián Monleón Estellés, it channels Roman amphitheatres with a 48-sided polygon plan and a ring of 384 exterior arches that read like stacked arcades from the street. The structure is unusually transparent inside thanks to early use of cast-iron columns supporting the seating tiers. With an outer diameter of about 108 meters and capacity once near 16,800 (later reduced to roughly 12,900), the arena feels monumental even when viewed only from the surrounding plaza.

Location: C/ de Xàtiva, 28, L'Eixample, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €2; Concessions: €1; Sundays & public holidays: free. | Website | Distance: 2.8km

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4.1(1,421)

39. Estacion del Norte

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Rafesmar

Estació del Nord is Valencia’s early-20th-century central railway station, and it matters as a working transport hub that doubles as a showcase of Modernista design. The exterior reads like a postcard: a balanced façade dressed with colorful mosaics and regional motifs that signal you’ve arrived in the Mediterranean. Inside, daylight washes across stained glass and tiled murals, and you can still spot original wooden ticket counters alongside ornate light fixtures. Most of the ground level is open to wander through, while the mezzanine above functions as offices, giving the place a lived-in, daily rhythm. Travelers also notice the practical side—small shops, a tourist desk, and sometimes pay-to-use bathrooms.

Location: València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 03:45–23:55. Sunday: 06:00–23:55. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.8km

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40. Jardines de la Glorieta

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

Jardines de la Glorieta (La Glorieta) is a compact garden in central Valencia, a shaded pause between busy streets near Puerta del Mar and the start of Colón. It began in 1812 during the French occupation, when a French general with a passion for botany laid out a city-center garden that later evolved into today’s park. Visitors notice the towering ficus trees planted in 1852 and the calm, bench-lined paths that make it easy to linger with a drink or a small picnic. Scattered monuments add a quiet, museum-like layer, including a sculpture of Doctor Gómez Ferrer with children at his feet and bronze busts of Valencian painters such as Francisco Domingo Marqués.

Location: Carrer del General Palanca, 4, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Sunday: 08:00–22:00. | Price: Free. | Distance: 2.9km

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41. Taurino

CC BY-SA 4.0 / 19Tarrestnom65

Taurino in Valencia centers on the Museo Taurino beside the city’s grand Plaza de Toros, a neoclassical bullring near Estación del Nord. The museum is small but dense, with engravings, paintings, and etchings that trace bullfighting’s imagery, plus close-up displays of matadors’ ornate suits and explanations of the training behind them. Standouts include a bronze bull statue and mounted heads that make the tradition feel tangible rather than abstract. Visits often include commentary on how a bullfight is staged, and there’s a library and film screenings for deeper context. Many people remember the bullring’s sweeping curve of arches, even when the interior is closed.

Location: C/ de Xàtiva, 28, L'Eixample, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 3km

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42. Casa Judía

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joanbanjo

Casa Judía in Valencia, Spain is a 1930 Art Deco residential building by Valencian architect Joan Guardiola, best appreciated from the street for its theatrical facade. Its nickname comes from the Star of David set on the entrance lintel, a Hebrew symbol that locals once associated with discreet Jewish gatherings in the building. Look up to see a ground floor plus seven levels, with the top two floors stepped back like an attic, and a dense mix of “exotic” ornament—Oriental, Arabic, Egyptian, Hindu, and Hebrew cues layered over Deco geometry. Parts have changed over time: the ground floor and roofline were altered, and the original Hindu-style finials at the top are gone. Many visitors find the facade most striking in softer evening light.

Location: Calle de Castellón, 20, Ensanche, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 3km

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4.3(551)

43. Porta de la Mar

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Falk2

Porta de la Mar is a white-stone commemorative arch at a busy Valencia crossroads, standing where the medieval “Gate of the Sea” once marked the route from the walled city toward the port. The original gate, built in 1356, was demolished in 1868, and the current monument was erected in 1946 as a memorial to those killed in the Spanish Civil War. Its design nods to Roman triumphal arches, with a central opening flanked by two rectangular side passages. Look for the heraldic bat above the main arch—an emblem tied to Valencia—and the large cross beneath that gives the site a solemn tone. Small surrounding gardens soften the stone and make the arch feel like a ceremonial island in the traffic.

Location: Plaça de la Porta de la Mar, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 3.1km

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44. Mercado de Colon

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Francesco Bini

Mercado de Colón in Valencia, Spain is a restored early-20th-century Art Nouveau market hall by architect Francisco Mora Berenguer, now more food-and-drink hub than produce market. The 3,500-square-meter building is split into three sections and framed by two triumphal-arch entrances in brick and stone, with colorful ceramic ornament and a carefully restored wrought-iron fence. Inside, the light-filled pavilion and lofty ceilings make the architecture the main event, with plenty of symmetry and detail for photos. Visitors tend to linger for horchata at Daniel-a or settle into the restaurant lineup (including Habitual by Ricard Camarena), while the courtyard keeps a floral note with shops like Vinos y Flores.

Location: Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, L'Eixample, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Thursday: 07:30–02:00. Friday – Saturday: 07:30–03:00. Sunday: 07:30–02:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 3.2km

Visiting Mercado de Colon

4.4(47,113)

45. Mercadillo de Ruzafa

Public Domain / Joanbanjo

Mercadillo de Ruzafa in Valencia, Spain, is a neighborhood market experience split between the everyday indoor Ruzafa Market and the weekly street mercadillo around Plaça del Baró de Cortés. Inside the 1962 brutalist building by Julio Bellot Senent, concrete-heavy architecture frames about 160 stalls across roughly 4,780 m², with a dedicated fish section and produce from L’Horta. A few surprises break the routine, like Insectum selling edible insects and flowers, and a hands-on “My First Paella” setup that lets you cook with ingredients bought on-site. On market days, the surrounding streets turn into a bargain hunt for budget and second-hand clothing—fun for browsing, even if it feels smaller than expected.

Location: Pl. del Baró de Cortés, L'Eixample, 46006 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday: 09:00–14:00. Thursday: 09:00–14:00. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. | Price: Free. | Distance: 3.5km

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46. Gulliver Park

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joanbanjo

Gulliver Park (Parque Gulliver) is a playful corner of Valencia’s Jardín del Turia built around a colossal, walkable Gulliver sculpture that functions as a full-body playground. The 70‑meter figure recreates the Lilliput scene from Jonathan Swift, so you climb over sleeves and shoes and shoot down slides as if you’re one of the tiny captors. Commissioned by the Valencia City Council and opened in 1990, it was created by architect Rafael Rivera and artist Manolo Martín from a design by Sento Llobell. The circular grounds span about 15,000 square meters, with greenery, mini-golf and skate areas, a bar, and oversized chess tables. Visitors often remember the scale—and how slippery the climbs can feel without grippy shoes.

Location: Jardín del Turia, s/n, Camins al Grau, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 31; Daily: 10:00–20:00; July – August: 10:00–13:30 & 17:30–21:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 31; Daily: 10:00–17:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 4.3km

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4.5(28,184)

47. Museu Faller de Valencia

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

Museu Faller de Valencia is a museum devoted to Las Fallas, preserving the festival’s artistry and satire through the ninots “pardoned” from the annual burn. Since 1971 it has occupied the former San Vicente de Paül mission-house convent (1831), where corridors and old cells hint at its past lives as a prison, barracks, and warehouse. Renovated and reopened in 1995, it was later recognized in 2016 as an official Museum of the Generalitat Valenciana, with updated displays and the “Josep Alarte” hall for temporary exhibitions of Fallas artists. Visitors linger over decades of posters and the expressive, often comic figures, a record of how a neighborhood craft became a specialized guild of Fallas makers.

Location: Plaza Monteolivete, 4, Quatre Carreres, 46006 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €2; Reduced: €1; Sundays & holidays: free. | Website | Distance: 4.5km

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4.5(7,210)

48. City of the Arts and Sciences

Valencia’s City of the Arts and Sciences is a futuristic cultural complex built in the former Turia riverbed, created after the river was diverted following the 1957 flood. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, it began construction in 1996 and opened in stages—from L’Hemisfèric in 1998 to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in 2005, with L’Àgora added in 2009. Visitors remember the gleaming white, fish-skeleton-like forms, long reflecting pools, and the sense of walking through a cinematic set. Inside, the interactive science museum encourages hands-on play, while the Oceanogràfic—Europe’s largest aquarium—showcases 500+ species in large habitat zones.

Location: Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00 onwards (closing times vary by season and venue). | Price: Outdoor areas: free. Paid entry applies to individual venues and combined tickets; check official website. | Website | Distance: 4.7km

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4.7(169,295)

49. L'Hemisfèric Building

L’Hemisfèric Building in Valencia, Spain is the City of Arts and Sciences’ IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laser venue, designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 1998. Its 13,000-square-meter structure reads as a giant eye: an eyelid-like shutter of aluminum awnings opens along the curve to reveal the dome “iris,” while a shallow pool and even a glass pool bottom heighten the illusion of a single ocular form. Inside, you descend past a stair split into a vaulted concrete lobby lit by translucent glass panels, then into a hemispherical dome that wraps films overhead. Visitors often remember the futuristic exterior reflections as much as the immersive shows—though some note the translation headsets can be loud.

Location: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 3, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00–19:00. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 5.1km

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50. Prince Philip Science Museum

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Prince Philip Science Museum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe) is Valencia’s large, hands-on science and technology museum inside the City of Arts and Sciences, built to make learning physical through interactive exhibits rather than long labels. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, its 55-meter-tall structure stretches across more than 40,000 square meters and is often compared to a whale skeleton, with rib-like beams and bright, airy spans that visitors remember as much as the displays. It was symbolically inaugurated in March 2000 and opened to the public on November 13, 2000. Inside, expect rotating shows plus long-running areas on electricity, genetics, “zero gravity,” and life in space; some travelers note a few stations feel worn, but the building itself is part of the experience.

Location: Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00–18:00. Friday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. | Price: Adults: €8; Children & seniors: €6.20. | Website | Distance: 5.2km

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51. Jardines de Ayora

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

Jardines de Ayora is a compact, leafy neighborhood park in Valencia’s Ayora district, created in the late 19th century as a bourgeois garden around a palace-like modernist palacete now listed as a Site of Local Interest. Covering about 17,000 square meters, it preserves much of its original planting, including more than 40 tree species and the locally significant feijoa tree. Visitors tend to remember the deep shade, the quiet once you step off the street, and details like ceramic benches and small fountains tucked along the paths. It’s an easy place to slow down on a bench, listen to birds—and the surprisingly loud parrots—and watch local life drift by.

Location: C/ dels Sants Just i Pastor, 98, Camins al Grau, 46021 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: (Spring–Summer) March – October: 07:30–21:30. (Autumn–Winter) November – February: 07:30–20:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 5.2km

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4.5(3,235)

52. L'Umbracle Sculpture Garden

L’Umbracle Sculpture Garden is a 320-meter open-air promenade in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava as a landscaped gateway and roof over the car park below. Visitors walk beneath a ribbed canopy of 55 fixed and 54 “floating” parabolic arches, with long sightlines that make the white structure especially photogenic. The planting leans Mediterranean and aromatic—rosemary and lavender mingle with bougainvillea, honeysuckle, and rows of palms and bitter orange trees—so the air often smells as memorable as the views. Along the Walk of the Sculptures, rotating contemporary works turn the stroll into a casual outdoor gallery, and many people appreciate that it’s free and calm in the morning.

Location: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 5, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 5.2km

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53. Assut de l'Or Bridge

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Saffron Blaze

Assut de l’Or Bridge (Pont de l’Arpa, nicknamed “the harp”) is a white cable‑stayed bridge by Valencian architect-engineer Santiago Calatrava, completed in December 2008, spanning the Jardín del Turia beside the City of Arts and Sciences. What visitors remember is the backward-leaning, curved pylon—about 125 meters high—anchored by hidden concrete counterweights, and the 29 near-parallel cables that create a taut, musical “string” effect. The deck carries multiple traffic lanes plus space reserved for a tramway, while pedestrians and cyclists cross along a central spine between the stays. After dark, spotlights pick out the pylon and cables, turning the structure into a bright line over the former riverbed.

Location: C/ d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 5.4km

Visiting Assut de l'Or Bridge

4.5(273)

54. L'Àgora

L’Àgora is a dramatic, elliptical hall inside Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava as a flexible indoor arena. The space covers about 5,000 square meters and rises roughly 70 meters, with a glass roof along the central spine and a movable system that tempers the overhead light. Visitors notice the soaring white steel ribs inside and the sharp, shell-like exterior that looks especially striking by day or when lit at night. Opened in 2009, it has hosted everything from major events to the Valencia Open tennis tournament. Today it also houses CaixaForum València, with exhibition halls, a 300-seat auditorium, and a bookstore and bar-restaurant.

Location: C/ d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1A, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00–20:00. Special hours: December 24, December 31 & January 5: 10:00–18:00. Closed on January 1, January 6, December 25. | Price: General admission: €6; Under 16: free. | Website | Distance: 5.5km

Visiting L'Àgora

4.5(5,330)

55. L'Oceanogràfic

L’Oceanogràfic is a vast oceanarium in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Félix Candela with engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro, and opened in 2003. Spreading across about 110,000 m², it’s Europe’s largest aquarium complex, built as a walk-through journey of ecosystems rather than a single hall of tanks. Visitors move between distinct zones—Mediterranean waters, Arctic seas, mangroves, tropics, and more—then linger on the outdoor paths where the white, thin-shell concrete forms and water features feel as memorable as the animals. Inside are around 45,000 creatures from roughly 500 species, from sharks and rays to penguins and belugas, with a huge dolphinarium that many travelers time their visit around.

Location: C/ d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €35.90–€43.05; Children (4–12): €26.65–€31.95; Seniors (65+): €26.65–€31.95; Under 4: free. | Website | Distance: 5.8km

Visiting L'Oceanogràfic

4.5(131,849)

Best Day Trips from Valencia

A day trip from Valencia offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Valencia provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Playa de la Malvarrosa

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Raffaele Nicolussi

Playa de la Malvarrosa is Valencia’s main city beach, on the northern edge of the city along the Mediterranean. It is a wide public beach with fine golden sand and a long promenade running behind it, so the setting feels more like part of daily Valencia than a separate resort area. The boardwalk brings together cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops,…

Location: Passeig de Neptú, 34, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 6.6km

Visiting Playa de la Malvarrosa

2. America's Cup Pavilion

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Santi Garcia

America’s Cup Pavilion in Valencia, also known as Veles e Vents, is a waterfront attraction in La Marina de València. It was built for the city’s America’s Cup role and now stands as a modern architectural landmark overlooking the port and the Mediterranean.Visitors notice its layered terraces, open platforms, and the way the building seems to hover above the marina.…

Location: Edificio Veles e Vents La Marina de València, Poblados Marítimos, 46024 València, Valencia, Spain | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free (entry to the building/terraces); prices vary for events and dining. | Website | Distance: 7km

Visiting America's Cup Pavilion

3. Castellón de la Plana

CC BY-SA 3.0 / velomartinez

Castellón de la Plana, located in the Valencian Community, offers visitors a delightful mix of coastal charm, vibrant city life, and cultural treasures. The city’s historic center provides an inviting atmosphere, with tree-lined boulevards, charming plazas, and architectural highlights such as Plaza Mayor and the striking Concatedral de Santa María. A leisurely stroll through the city reveals lively markets, boutique…

Visiting Castellón de la Plana

4. Denia

Dénia is a relaxed coastal town on Spain’s Costa Blanca, in the northern part of Alicante province within the Valencian Community. It sits between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Montgó Natural Park, so you get a rare mix of sea views and mountain scenery in the same frame. The town feels like a working port as much as…

Visiting Denia

5. Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant Mediterranean city that offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty, urban charm, and cultural experiences. Its seafront promenade, Explanada de España, is a must-visit, featuring palm-lined walkways, lively cafés, and stunning ocean views. The city’s main beach, Playa del Postiguet, provides golden sands and clear waters, ideal for sunbathing or enjoying a sunset stroll. Whether relaxing…

Visiting Alicante

6. Albacete

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Angel Aroca Escámez

Albacete is a city and municipality in the Spanish autonomous community of Castilla la Mancha, serving as the capital of the province of Albacete. Located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, it lies within the Meseta Central and the historic region of La Mancha, specifically La Mancha de Montearagón, with the surrounding area known as Los Llanos. With a…

Visiting Albacete

Where to Stay in Valencia

Valencia offers a wide range of accommodations suited to different travel styles, whether you’re looking to stay near its historic attractions, enjoy coastal views, or experience modern conveniences. Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is the best option for visitors who want to be at the heart of Valencia’s rich cultural heritage. This area features key landmarks such as the Plaza de la Reina, Valencia Cathedral, and the charming Barrio del Carmen, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants. A great stay in this district is Hotel SH Ingles Boutique, offering stylish accommodations in a historic building near major attractions.

For those looking for a seaside retreat, La Malvarrosa and Cabanyal are ideal areas along Valencia’s coastline. Staying here means easy access to Playa de la Malvarrosa, a stunning beach perfect for sunbathing, waterfront dining, and evening strolls along the promenade. The area is vibrant yet peaceful, making it perfect for visitors who want a mix of relaxation and city exploration. A recommended hotel here is Hotel Neptuno, offering breathtaking sea views and modern amenities steps away from the beach.

If you prefer a contemporary setting with easy access to top attractions, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is an excellent choice. This futuristic district, home to Valencia’s iconic architectural complex, is surrounded by spacious green parks, modern shopping areas, and high-end restaurants. It’s perfect for visitors who appreciate a sleek, urban environment while remaining close to both the historic center and the beach. A fantastic accommodation option is Barceló Valencia, providing elegant rooms and stunning views of the City of Arts and Sciences. Whether you’re drawn to Valencia’s historic charm, coastal beauty, or modern attractions, the city offers accommodations that match every traveler’s preference.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Valencia. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Valencia Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Valencia

Spring

Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time to visit Valencia. The weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, exploring the city’s parks and gardens, and experiencing the famous Fallas festival in March.

Summer

Summer, from June to August, is hot with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is the best time to enjoy Valencia’s beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be quite crowded, especially in tourist areas, so be prepared for busy streets and attractions.

Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, offers cooler temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). The crowds begin to thin out, making it a more relaxed time to visit. It’s an excellent season for exploring historical sites, enjoying local cuisine, and attending cultural events.

Winter

Winter, from December to February, is mild with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This is the off-peak season, providing a quieter and more peaceful experience. Winter is ideal for visiting museums, historic landmarks, and experiencing Valencia’s Christmas markets and festivities.

Annual Weather Overview

January 15°C
February 17°C
March 21°C
April 23°C
May 24°C
June 30°C
July 29°C
August 30°C
September 28°C
October 24°C
November 20°C
December 16°C

How to get to Valencia

By Air

Valencia is served by Valencia Airport (VLC), located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of the city center.

From the Airport:
- Metro: Lines 3 and 5 of the Valencia Metro connect the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available and take approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the city center.
- Bus: The Aerobus provides a direct service from the airport to the city center, taking about 25 minutes.

By Train

Valencia has two main train stations: Estación del Norte and Joaquín Sorolla.

Estación del Norte: This station handles regional and commuter trains.
Joaquín Sorolla: This station handles high-speed AVE trains.
From Madrid: High-speed AVE trains from Madrid to Valencia take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Barcelona: High-speed trains from Barcelona to Valencia take about 3 hours.

By Bus

Several bus companies operate routes to Valencia from various cities in Spain.

From Madrid: Buses from Madrid to Valencia take around 4 hours.
From Barcelona: Buses from Barcelona to Valencia take about 4.5 hours.

By Car

Driving to Valencia is convenient, especially for those exploring the surrounding regions.

From Madrid: The drive from Madrid to Valencia takes about 3.5-4 hours via the A-3 highway.
From Barcelona: The drive from Barcelona to Valencia takes about 3.5-4 hours via the AP-7 highway.

Local Transportation

Metro: Valencia’s metro system has six lines that cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Bus: The EMT Valencia operates an extensive bus network throughout the city.
Bike: Valencia has a bike-sharing program called Valenbisi, with numerous stations across the city.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for getting around the city.

Valencia, Spain: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Table of Contents

History of Valencia

Roman Foundation

Moorish Occupation

Christian Reconquest

Loss of Autonomy

Capital of Spain

Modern Era

Festivals and Traditions

Political Leadership

Moira & Andy

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Valencia (2026)

Renting a Car in Spain 2026: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Mahon (2026)

1. Bioparc Valencia

2. Jardin Botanico

3. Museum of Prehistory and Culture

4. IVAM

5. Asilo del Marques de Campo

6. Torres de Quart

7. Palace of the Alpuente Counts

8. Pineda Palace

9. Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari

10. Iglesia del Carmen

11. Mercado Central

12. Torres de Serranos

13. Iglesia de los Santos Juanes

14. Lonja de la Seda

15. El Miguelete

16. Iglesia de San Lorenzo

17. Palacio de Benicarlo

18. Casa Ordeig

19. Plaza de la Virgen

20. Centro de Artesania

21. Plaza de la Reina

22. Plaza Redonda

23. Jardin del Turia

24. Cripta Arqueologica

25. Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

26. La Catedral

27. Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina

28. Museo Nacional de Ceramica

29. Almudin de Valencia

30. Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital

31. Iglesia de San Juan de la Cruz

32. Museo de Bellas Artes

33. Ayuntamiento

34. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

35. Iglesia de Santo Tomas y San Felipe Neri

36. Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

37. Jardines del Real

38. Plaza de Toros

39. Estacion del Norte

40. Jardines de la Glorieta

41. Taurino

42. Casa Judía

43. Porta de la Mar

44. Mercado de Colon

45. Mercadillo de Ruzafa

46. Gulliver Park

47. Museu Faller de Valencia

48. City of the Arts and Sciences

49. L'Hemisfèric Building

50. Prince Philip Science Museum

51. Jardines de Ayora

52. L'Umbracle Sculpture Garden

53. Assut de l'Or Bridge

54. L'Àgora

55. L'Oceanogràfic

1. Playa de la Malvarrosa

2. America's Cup Pavilion

3. Castellón de la Plana

4. Denia

5. Alicante

6. Albacete

Valencia Accommodation Map

Spring

Summer

Autumn