Valencia Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Spain, a country celebrated for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, offers a variety of experiences for travelers. Among its many remarkable cities, Valencia stands out as a compelling destination located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is known for its innovative architecture, lush parks, and a harmonious blend of old and new. The City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural and cultural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, is an emblem of modern Valencia. The complex includes the Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, a majestic opera house.
The city's historic center, on the other hand, is home to the Valencia Cathedral, which claims to house the Holy Grail, and the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The Mercat Central, one of the oldest running food markets in Europe, offers a bounty of fresh produce and local delicacies, encapsulating the essence of Valencian gastronomy.
Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, Spain's iconic rice dish, which is best savored in its hometown, where it is prepared with traditional ingredients such as rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails. Beyond its culinary prowess, the city hosts the annual Fallas Festival, a fiery celebration featuring parades, fireworks, and the burning of ninots—large satirical figures made of papier-mâché.
The Turia Gardens provide a verdant escape in the heart of the city, a sunken park that winds through Valencia where the Turia River once flowed. It's a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and leisurely walks amidst fountains and sports facilities.
For beach enthusiasts, Valencia offers a Mediterranean retreat with its expansive sandy beaches, such as La Malvarrosa and El Saler, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
Valencia Attractions - What to See and Explore
Valencia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts, Principe Felipe Science Museum, L'Oceanogràfic. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Valencia by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Valencia.
Culture
Institut Valencià d'Art Modern
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaMuseum Art museum Art gallery El Carme 
Palau de la Música
El Pla del Real, ValenciaConcerts and shows Concert hall Event space Mestalla 
Main Theatre
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaConcerts and shows Theater Sant Francesc 
Casa-Museu Benlliure
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaMuseum Specialty museum Historical place El Carme 
L'Auditori Municipal de Torrent
ValenciaConcerts and shows Theater Concert hall
Shopping
Mercado Central
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaRestored market with over 1000 stalls
Shopping Market El Mercat 
Mercat del Cabanyal
Poblats Maritims, ValenciaShopping Market Farmer's market 
Mercado de Campanar
Campanar, ValenciaShopping Shopping centre
Active
Plaza de Toros de Valencia
L'Eixample, ValenciaImposing 19th-century bullring and museum
Sport venue Sport Russafa 
Estadio Mestalla
El Pla del Real, ValenciaSport venue Sport Sport complex Mestalla 
Estadi Ciutat de València
Rascanya, ValenciaSport venue Sport Arenas and stadiums Sant Llorenç 
Pavelló Municipal Font de San Lluís
Cuatre Carreres, ValenciaSport venue Sport Outdoor activities Na Rovella 
Pelayo trinquet
Extramurs, ValenciaSport venue Sport Historical place La Roqueta
Museum
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
Cuatre Carreres, ValenciaState-of-the-art science and culture park
Museum Event space 
Principe Felipe Science Museum
Cuatre Carreres, ValenciaScience museum with a sleek exterior
Museum Science museum 
Lonja de la Seda
Ciutat Vella, Valencia15th-century Gothic mercantile exchange
Gothic architecture Architecture El Mercat 
Museu de Ciències Naturals
La Saïdia, ValenciaMuseum Natural history museum Science museum Trinitat 
Museu de Belles Arts de València
La Saïdia, ValenciaMuseum Baroque architecture Art museum Trinitat
Area
Specialty museum
González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaMuseum Specialty museum Sant Francesc 
Museu Valencià d'Etnologia
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaMuseum focusing on Valencian culture
Museum Specialty museum El Carme 
Museu de Prehistòria de València
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaArchaeological museum of local artifacts
Museum Specialty museum El Carme 
Lladró Museum
Rascanya, ValenciaMuseum Art museum Specialty museum Sant Llorenç 
La Nau
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaBaroque architecture Specialty museum Universities and schools La Xerea
Church
Valencia Cathedral
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaLandmark 13th-century place of worship
Gothic architecture Baroque architecture La Seu 
San Esteban
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaBaroque architecture Church Sacred and religious sites La Xerea 
Real Colegio Seminario del Corpus Christi
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaBaroque architecture Church La Xerea 
Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaChurch La Seu 
Santa Caterina
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaChurch La Seu
Garden
L'Umbracle
Cuatre Carreres, ValenciaSculpture park under modern arches
Park Dance club 
Botanical Garden of Valencia
Extramurs, ValenciaPark Garden Botanical garden El Botànic 
Jardí de Montfort
El Pla del Real, ValenciaPark Garden Exposició 
Jardins del Real
La Saïdia, ValenciaPark Garden Trinitat 
Jardins de Vivers
La Saïdia, ValenciaPark Garden Trinitat
Beach
Platja de Pinedo
Pobles del Sud, ValenciaBeach Pinedo 
La Malvarrosa Beach
Poblats Maritims, ValenciaBeach La Malva-rosa 
Platja del Cabanyal - Les Arenes
Poblats Maritims, ValenciaBeach 
Port Saplaya
ValenciaSailing Beach Park 
Platja de Massalfassar
ValenciaBeach
Art museum
Museu de Belles Arts de València
La Saïdia, ValenciaMuseum Baroque architecture Art museum Trinitat Institut Valencià d'Art Modern
Ciutat Vella, ValenciaMuseum Art museum Art gallery El Carme Lladró Museum
Rascanya, ValenciaMuseum Art museum Specialty museum Sant Llorenç 
Bombas Gens Centre d'Art
La Saïdia, ValenciaMuseum Art museum Marxalenes
Other categories
ParkHistorical placeValencia – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Valencia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ducal Palace of Gandia (Gandía), Circuit Ricardo Tormo (Cheste), Estadio de la Cerámica (Villarreal).
Best Time To Visit Valencia
Learn when is the best time to travel to Valencia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience Valencia
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Fideuà
Fideuà is a delectable seafood dish hailing from the coast of Valencia, reminiscent of paella but with a unique twist: it substitutes noodles for rice. The primary ingredients include pasta noodles, fish, and shellfish, all harmonized with a zesty lemon seasoning.
Dish
Bocadillo
The bocadillo, or bocata, is a cherished type of sandwich in Spain, typically prepared with a Spanish baguette sliced lengthwise. Originally a humble and affordable meal, it has evolved into an iconic staple of Spanish cuisine.
Food
Pincho
A pincho, also known as a pintxo or pinchu, is a delightful small snack commonly found in bars throughout northern Spain, particularly in regions such as La Rioja, Cantabria, Asturias, the Basque Country, and Navarra. These tasty morsels are typically enjoyed with...
Spanish omelette
The Spanish omelette, or "tortilla española" is a cherished classic in Spanish cuisine. This traditional dish is primarily composed of eggs, potatoes, and occasionally onions and is often enjoyed at room temperature as a tapa.
Dish
Churro
Churros are a beloved fried-dough pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal. Made primarily from choux pastry, these delectable treats have gained global popularity, especially in regions with Spanish and Portuguese heritage, such as the Philippines and many parts...
Pastry
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Altarpiece of Saints Ursula, Martin and Anthony
The "Altarpiece of Saints Ursula, Martin, and Anthony" is an exquisite work of art created by the Spanish late Gothic artist Gonzalo Pérez around 1420. This remarkable piece is housed at the Museu de Belles Arts in Valencia, Spain.
Painting by Gonzalo Pérez
Font de Mussa Mosaic
The Mosaic de la Font de Mussa is a magnificent Roman mosaic that was discovered in Benifaió, Spain, and dates back to the 1st or 2nd century. Today, this remarkable piece can be admired at the Museum of Prehistory of Valencia, where it is considered one of the...
Region: Valencia