FALL SALE: Save up to $1,058 on our small-group trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Valencia, Spain

Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencias must-see destinations near the cathedral in the Old Town
Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia's must-see destinations near the cathedral in the Old Town | © Vlad Ghiea / Alamy Stock Photo

From the golden sands of Playa Las Arenas and the flamboyant Rococo architecture of the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, to the cobbled, maze-like Old Town, Valencia has a lot to offer.

Though it’s often overlooked in favour of Barcelona or Madrid, Valencia has plenty going for it. Located on Spain’s east coast, the 2,000-year-old city boasts wide sandy beaches, striking architecture, a buzzing food scene and culture, without the crowds found in other large Spanish cities. It’s the third-largest city in Spain, but the main attractions – including the cathedral, the Mercado Central and the Unesco-listed Lonja de la Seda – are walkable around the town centre. Here are the top reasons why Valencia should be on your radar.

For more ancient sites and historic architecture, book Culture Trip’s four-day Mini Trip to Andalucia, where you’ll explore the Alcazaba in Malaga and the Alhambra in Granada.

It’s (almost) always beach weather

Natural Feature

Palm trees lining the sandy beach at Las Arenas
© NATUREWORLD / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

To discover its diverse architecture

Building, Historical Landmark, Memorial, Market

Visitors outside the Principe Felipe Science Museum at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
© Val Duncan / Kenebec Images / Alamy Sto
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 Old Town is the perfect size to walk around

Historical Landmark

A young woman walking along a colourful street in the old town Barrio del Carmen quarter of Valencia, Spain
© Michael Brooks / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Paella originated in Valencia

Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean

Waiters show a huge bowl of paella in La Pepica restaurant in Valencia
© Lucas Vallecillos / Alamy Stock Photo

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).

If you’re into Spanish cuisine then you’ll love our Foodie Fling to Spain’s Basque Country – four days in Bilbao and San Sebastian sampling one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes.

Valencia has some bizarre annual festivals

Natural Feature

A large parade float of a woman with a microphone and peacock feathers, surrounded by other festival-goers
© Laura Primo / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

It has unique cultural traditions

Architectural Landmark

A woman with coiled braids sitting in front of fans on display in Valencia
© agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Valencia has several green lungs

Park

A large Valencia Banyan Tree at the Turia Gardens
© Ana Daniela Zucotti / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

The museums are free

Museum

A large painting on the blue walls in the gallery at Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia
© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

Discover the Artistic Side of nearby Barcelona with us on a four-day Mini Trip in the Catalan capital.

Valencia is cycle-friendly

Building, Cinema, Museum, Opera House, Aquarium, Concert Hall, Architectural Landmark

A woman riding her bike past the Turia Fountain in the Plaza de la Virgen in the center of Valencia on a summer day
© Michael Brooks / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

The nightlife is banging

Cafe, Pub, European

Large crowds of people at night on Calle de Caballeros in Valencia
© Kevin Foy / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Planning a Spanish fiesta? Take a look at our collection of trips in Spain, which includes this Culture-Rich Adventure in Andalucia.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Clare Speak.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article