8 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

If you’re planning on visiting Spain and Valencia is in your itinerary, keep reading this blog post to find out what are some of the great things to do in Valencia!

I love the south of Spain, and Valencia is one of many absolute gems located there. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring quite a bit of Spain, but Valencia completely swept me off my feet. These are eight amazing things to do in Valencia that you should definitely include in your itinerary!

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IS VALENCIA WORTH VISITING?

Oh my God, I can’t recommend Valencia enough! Although we didn’t stay very long this time, we loved it so much that we’re already planning our return. Valencia is a city that truly has a bit of everything. Whether you enjoy history, beaches, a calm and relaxed pace of life, or something completely different, you’ll find it here.

There’s so much to do, from exploring the charming Old Town to cycling, swimming, visiting museums, and more. The food is incredible (hello, Paella!) and the people are friendly and welcoming. Valencia feels genuine and inviting. There’s plenty to see and do, yet it doesn’t feel as crowded as some other Spanish cities.

8 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA

CYCLE THROUGH TURIA GARDEN

Turia Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Valencia, and cycling through it is one of the best ways to experience the city. This long, green park stretches for several kilometers, following the path of a former riverbed. You can start your ride in the Old Town and cycle all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences without leaving the park. It’s lined with trees, fountains, and bridges, and feels both peaceful and full of life. There’s no traffic noise, just the chirping of birds, while locals jog, picnic, and play sports along the way.

Renting a bike is easy. You can get one from a rental shop in the Old Town for a longer ride, or from a bike-sharing station near any park entrance. Bikes cost around 7 euros per day. That is a super affordable way to see the city in a fun and active way!

TRY AUTHENTIC PAELLA

You can’t visit Valencia without trying authentic paella! Unlike the seafood versions you often find elsewhere, traditional Valencian paella is made with rice, chicken, rabbit, and fresh green beans. The best versions are usually in local restaurants away from the main tourist areas.

If you’re short on time or traveling on a budget, you can enjoy paella at the central market. A portion there costs around 6 euros. If you have more time, you can even take a cooking class and learn how to make authentic Valencian paella yourself.

VISIT THE MERCADO CENTRAL

I’ve already mentioned the central market for paella, but it has so much more to offer. The Mercado Central is one of Valencia’s liveliest and most colorful spots, and it’s a must-visit on any itinerary. The market is housed in a beautiful modernist building with stained glass and intricate ironwork. Amazingly, it’s also one of the oldest food markets still running in Europe.

We’ve visited quite a few markets in Spain (Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga) but this one is by far the most beautiful. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling fresh fruit, seafood, local cheeses, and spices. If you want to grab a quick lunch or a snack while experiencing something truly unique, this is the place to go.

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

There’s nothing I love more than a beautiful Old Town, and Valencia truly takes the cake. The city’s Old Town is full of history, charm, and hidden corners just waiting for you. You’ll see historic churches, narrow colorful streets with famous balconies, lively plazas filled with people, and charming restaurants and bars.

You can visit landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, and Torres de Serranos. Along with that, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of local shops and markets. Walking through the Old Town was one of my favorite activities in Valencia, it’s truly mesmerizing!

VISIT THE VALENCIA CATHEDRAL

While I’ve already mentioned exploring Valencia’s Old Town, the Valencia Cathedral deserves a special mention. This unique church is a beautiful blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque. Inside, you’ll find stunning altarpieces, intricate chapels, priceless works of art and, famously, the Holy Grail is kept here! You can see all that for 10 euros, which is the price of the entrance ticket. Also, don’t miss the chance to climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city. The ticket is 3 euros, and the view from the top is simply amazing.

ENJOY THE ARCHITECTURE

I’ve already told you that the Old Town is stunning, but there’s so much more to see in Valencia when you’re talking about architecture. The Old Town is mainly Gothic and Baroque, the Mercado Central is quite modernist, while the City of Arts and Sciences is completely and unbelievably futuristic. Each neighborhood in Valencia can offer you something unique, so I highly recommend simply walking through the city and discovering all the gems Valencia has to offer.

VISIT THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of Valencia’s most iconic attractions, and it deserves a special mention because it’s truly mind-blowing. This futuristic complex not only features stunning architecture, but it’s also home to interactive science exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater. Here, learning meets entertainment, and both children and adults will absolutely love it. The entrance tickets are a bit pricey, at 46 euros for adults and 36 euros for children, but you’ll get to see the biggest aquarium in Europe (Oceanogràfic), incredible 3D movies in a digital cinema (Hemisfèric), and a Science Museum!

It’s a bit far from the Old Town, but you can reach it by a 45-minute walk, a taxi, or even by bike. Even if you don’t have time to explore the museums or the aquarium, just seeing the architecture of this amazing complex is enough because it looks like something straight out of a futuristic movie!

EXPLORE THE BOTANICAL GARDENS

One thing we didn’t plan on visiting but accidentally stumbled upon were the Botanical Gardens of Valencia and honestly, they completely blew us away! Valencia’s Botanical Gardens are a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. You step into a building complex and suddenly find yourself in one of the largest green spaces in Valencia.

The gardens are home to thousands of plant species from around the world, with shaded paths, beautiful flower beds, and historic greenhouses. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing walk, photography, or simply enjoying nature away from the city crowds. Entrance costs 4 euros, and you can easily spend a few hours there. Bring a snack and a good book, and you’re all set!

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA

Valencia is absolutely stunning, and these are just a few of the fun things we managed to do during our short visit. I highly recommend trying them all, and I can’t wait to go back to explore even more of what Valencia has to offer!