Valencia : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Valencia

Valencia attracts tourists with its sunny Mediterranean atmosphere and futuristic architecture. It has a vibrant culture, history, and traditions. Recommended highlights and things to do in this city include:

The City of Arts and Sciences featuring museum, aquarium, and interactive exhibitions in an architectural wonder,
Sunbathing on the sand at Malvarrosa Beach, or simply walking along the beach with restaurant options every step of the way,
Strolling the streets of El Carmen where you'll find street arts, small cafés for a lunch and a coffee, and century-old churches,
Visiting the Valencia Cathedral, and of course, climbing the Miguelete tower for a photo op or to get that beautiful panoramic view over the rooftops and Turia Gardens,
Tasting real paella since it's the town where they invented it, ideally in a traditional restaurant with open doors to the Albufera lagoon,
Walking or cycling through the Turia Gardens, which is a large urban park that allows you this opportunity because of the former river bed filling.

Don't forget to stop at a local horchatería and try the refreshing drink horchata with fartons included for a 100% Valencian requirement!

Cathedral of Valencia

Torres de Serranos

Central Market of Valencia

Activities

Valencia is a city where tradition and innovation blend effortlessly. From its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to its centuries-old old town, you'll discover sunlit beaches, bustling markets, and quiet gardens that reflect the true Mediterranean spirit.

When to go to Valencia

Valencia, like much of the Spanish coastline, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is mild all year round, making the city attractive whatever the season. In spring, between March and May, temperatures range from 13°C in March to as much as 18°C in May, when the orange trees blossom and perfume the city. This is a good time to visit the city, with tourist numbers remaining reasonable and prices relatively moderate. In winter, between December and February, temperatures remain between 9 and 13°C, which means that there are often many sunny days, providing a pleasant atmosphere for strolling through the markets, enjoying the empty beaches or strolling along the sea. In summer, from June to August, it can be hot, up to 25°C, which is excellent for enjoying the beaches and nightlife, but during the peak tourist season there are more crowds on the streets and in the hotels and restaurants. Finally, between September and November, in autumn, we can discover the historic centre on mild days when the temperature is between 22 and 13°C, or go cycling in the Turia gardens, where there are fewer tourists and more space available in a hotel at a better rate than in the summer months. Valencia remains a dynamic, sunny city all year round, with something to suit every budget and season.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Valencia is a Mediterranean escape that caters for all budgets and tastes and allows you to travel in your own style. Accommodation options start with simple - yet comfortable - hotels at €50 for two people per night, to luxury hotels which could set you back up to €290 for exquisite stays. Eating out stays affordable, with local eateries offering meals from €10 - €20 per person, and reasonable dining experiences for two ranging from €40 - €70, with local beer often available (€2.5-5.5), or even tap water (€1.5-3). There are numerous activities available, with the cheapest being a €5 visit to a museum, and much higher price points such as premium tours and activities such as paella-making classes, private guiding, and sailing excursions ranging up to €545. Transportation is also cheap and limited, with public transport from €0.85 to €2, and taxis available for very cheap at €1.18/pkm. A daily budget of around €48 and €843 should enable you to have an authentic experience and enjoy yourself, however there is plenty of room for excess with a focus on authentic cultural experiences and authentic culinary experiences, or a classy coastal vacation.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

50€290€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

10€20€50€

Local beer (33cl)

2.5€5.5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

40€70€200€

Bottle of water

1.5€3€5€

Public transport single ticket

0.85€2€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

1.18€

Visits and activities

5€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 48.00€ to 843.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Your day in Valencia begins at Mercado Central, one of the huge markets of Europe. The locals usually busy themselves there buying their fruit, vegetables, ham... and the hustle and bustle of the place is probably the most authentic Mediterranean vibe. You can enjoy a squeezed orange juice and a pastry, of course, all with traditional Valencian flavours in it. From Mercado Central you can make your way to La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange) a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After that, you can continue down streets of the historic centre to Plaza de la Virgen, one of the cathedrals of Valencia sits there. If it interests you, you could probably try to climb the Miguelete tower, which you gives you a view of a large part of the skyline (and it looks out to the sea, just in case you were wondering!). Lunchtime can be your chance to have (finally) a traditional paella from one of the local restaurants near the Plaza de la Reina, or later from down by the sea.

In the afternoon, I would recommend discovering the futuristic scenes of the City of Arts and Sciences which has stunning architecture, we have to admit. You can't beat a short stroll about the pools and gardens, or a visit to the oceanography aquarium. Don't forget to dip your feet in the Mediterranean on Malvarrosa beach! Finally, as the sun sets, it's dinner time for a nice quiet meal by the sea.

Practical information about Valencia

Valencia is a relatively large city, but quite simple to get around. Most of the major sites in this city (which are mainly in the historic centre) are within walking distance. Longer distances (for example, from the City of Arts and Sciences to the beaches) can be easily traveled due to a trusty, regular and inexpensive metro-bus-tram system. The major Estación del Norte station is next to the centre and Joaquín Sorolla station for the high-speed train is very close, only a few minutes by metro or taxi. Credit cards can be used most places like restaurants, shops and attractions, however having a few euros is useful for markets and cafés. Valencia is a popular city all-year round especially in March with Las Fallas and during summer (so it is good idea to make reservation for your accommodation and activities). Generally, it is a safe city, some places have a lively atmosphere late into the night, most of the time in the historic centre and the seaside areas. If you are considering staying longer, know that you may enjoy the Albufera nature park for a boat trip at sunset, or the Turia gardens if you want a quiet place to bike around. And don't forget your comfortable shoes. Valencia quite literally calls to be 'explored' within its quaint cobbled streets and seaside promenades.