10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Valencia, Spain

With 12mi (20km) of long, sandy beaches and more than 300 sunny days each year, you can stretch out a towel and soak up the rays year-round in Valencia. Closest to the Old Town and just minutes away by bus are the urban beaches of Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa and La Patacona, stretching for 4km (2.5mi) along the seafront. After a lazy afternoon of sunbathing, stroll down the palm tree-lined promenade, Paseo Marítimo, and slip into one of the buzzing bars to enjoy sundown with a crisp glass of vino in hand.

From Romanesque, Moorish and Gothic to Rococo and Art Nouveau, a hotchpotch of architectural styles awaits in Valencia, so you can chart its history by strolling through the city streets. Your first stop should be the 13th-century cathedral, which was once a Roman temple and later a mosque. La Lonja de la Seda, a Gothic chamber of commerce that is now a Unesco World Heritage site, is also a must-visit. Don’t miss La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

Valencia’s main monuments, including the cathedral, El Miguelete bell tower, La Lonja and the Mercado Central, are all within walking distance in Valencia’s compact Old Town. Wandering through the warren of narrow alleys, you’ll be struck by the abundance of vibrant street art that sits in contrast with the grand old buildings and cobbled streets. When you need a break, grab an outdoor table and soak up the local atmosphere in the Plaza de la Virgen.

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, which makes it perfect for a foodie pilgrimage. For authentic paella valenciana – made with chicken or rabbit, white beans and snails – visit La Pepica, a Valencian institution by the beach, once frequented by Ernest Hemingway. Paella aside, the city’s dining scene revolves around spectacular seafood and tapas, which you can tuck into at the modernist Mercado Central. Stop at La Huertana, a quaint cafe that serves up Valencia’s other signature dish: horchata (a traditional tipple made from tiger nuts) and fartons (sugary sponge fingers – try not to giggle when you’re ordering them).

Valencians love to party. The city is best known for Las Fallas, a wild, five-day festival in March when giant papier-mâché puppets are paraded through the streets and then set on fire. You can also soak up the party atmosphere if you visit during Carnival in February as the city comes alive with street parties, firework displays and parades. Music fans should come for the two-day Festival de les Arts, which includes a line-up of national and international musicians, modern art and creative gastronomy.

Valencia, one of Spain’s autonomous communities, isn’t a typical Spanish city. It has its own language (a dialect of Catalan) and unique cuisine, with a focus on rice, seafood and meat, plus a host of fascinating cultural traditions. During festival season, you can spot locals donning bright, patterned silk costumes that cost thousands. For authentic souvenirs, pick up a hand-painted silk fan in the Ruzafa district, paella rice from the Mercado Central or some colourful ceramic tiles from Plaza Redonda.

The city is rich in green spaces, from the Royal Gardens to the Botanical Garden. Most visitors flock to Turia Gardens, a stretch of greenery that curves 9km (5.6mi) around the city, following the Turia River’s former, carved-out course. Here, you’ll find orange trees, fountains, sports fields, playgrounds and more. If you want to get deeper into nature, take a day trip to Albufera Natural Park, a nature reserve with a freshwater lagoon, rice fields and up to 250 species of birds. About 30km (19mi) along the coast, it’s easy to get to by bus.

Some of the best museums in Valencia are completely free to enter, including the Museo de Bellas Artes, Spain’s second largest art collection, which is housed in a 17th-century convent and features works by Velázquez and Goya. The Museo de Historia de Valencia, which plots out 2,000 years of Valencian history, is also free entry. Meanwhile, Museo Taurino (the bullfighting museum) is free on Sundays and public holidays, and includes access to the impressive bullring (if you’re interested in seeing this contested practice for yourself). Squeeze in a free visit to the National Ceramics Museum on a Saturday evening or Sunday.

With over 150km (95mi) of cycle lanes and 40 bicycle-priority streets, Valencia is a great city to explore on two wheels. It’s almost completely flat, too, so cycling through the city’s labyrinthine streets, pedestrianised squares, parks and promenades is easy for people of all abilities. One of the city’s most rewarding cycle routes is along the breezy coast, or for an easier ride, head to Turia Gardens. You can hire a bike using the city’s Valenbisi scheme, or there are numerous rental companies dotted around the historic centre.

Valencia’s nightlife is young and lively thanks to its sizeable student population. Head out to bar hop in the Old Town, starting off at Café de las Horas for a jug of agua de Valencia (a potent mix of cava, orange juice, gin and vodka) before ambling to the bars in El Carmen such as Café Negrito. For a less touristy scene, visit Ruzafa, where you’ll find sleek cocktail bars and cafés. And to dance the night away, there’s Radio City, Mya Club or Black Note Club.