A Complete Guide to Valencia: Top Sights to See
Welcome to my Guide to Valencia. Where I hope to give you an idea of what you have to see and when to stay. But first let me introduce you to this beautiful city.
Valencia is located on the eastern coast of Spain and is the third largest city.
The City is famous for its historic old town, where visitors can explore buildings and monuments from different periods of the city’s history, including the Cathedral of Valencia, the Silk Exchange, and the Torres de Serranos. It is also famous for the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of futuristic buildings designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Valencia has a very vibrant culture with the annual Las Fallas festival, which takes place in March.
Valencia is often in the shadow of Barcelona (if you wnat to read about Barcolna in this Blogpost i cover everything) but I think that Valencia is a top travelers destination and belongs on everyones bucket list.
Best Time to visit Valencia
I visited Valencia in July. That means peak season of summer and oh boy, it was hot. In the streets of the city center you have almost no wind and at midday it can easily get to 40°C. During this time try to stay out of the sun and visit indoor attractions such as the cathedral or one of the many galleries and museums. If you go in summer and have enough time, plan a day to relax at the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea.
Here is a breakdown of the different seasons an what to expect:
- Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Valencia, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The beaches fill up, and the city buzzes with festivals and events. Expect higher prices and bigger crowds during this peak season.
- Spring (March to May): In Spring you have milder temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer. You’ll still be able to enjoy outdoor activities like the Turia Gardens, and the city is in full bloom with colorful flowers and trees.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Valencia, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. You can still enjoy the beaches and other outdoor activities, and the city is buzzing with cultural events and festivals.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Valencia is mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C. While the beaches may not be as appealing during this time, you’ll find plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained, such as museums and galleries.
How long should you stay?
The length of your stay in Valencia largely depends on your travel preferences and what you want to see and do during your trip. There are a lot of things to see and beaches to explore. I stayed for 5 days and loved it. That was enough time to see every attraction and sightseeing spot that I wanted and even had enough time for shopping and one full day to just lay on the beach and relax.
I would say a minimum of three to four days is a good amount of time to spend in Valencia. With this timeframe you have the chance to really explore the city, trying different restaurants and dive into the culture. However, if you have more time and want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle, i highly recommend staying for a week or longer.
If you stay longer than a week you could consider going on a day trip. I have some suggestions that are worth checking out.
Albufera Natural Park
This is a wetland nature reserve located just south of Valencia, famous for its stunning sunsets, beautiful lake, and traditional fishing villages. You can take a boat trip on the lake, try some local seafood, and learn about the local ecology and history.
Xàtiva
Located about an hour south of Valencia, this historic town is famous for its beautiful castle, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The town is also home to several museums and historic landmarks, including the Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria.
Sagunto
Just 30 minutes north of Valencia, this ancient Roman town boasts a well-preserved Roman theatre, a historic castle, and a charming Jewish quarter. It is also home to several beaches and hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
Peñíscola
This beautiful coastal town is located about 2 hours north of Valencia and is famous for its stunning medieval castle, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The town also has several beautiful beaches and a charming old town.
Requena
Located about an hour west of Valencia, this historic wine town is famous for its charming old town, scenic vineyards, and traditional wine cellars. You can take a tour of the vineyards and cellars, sample local wines, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Must-see Things in Valencia
Valencia is full of beautiful places. You can literally go anywhere and find a hidden gem. Just take your time, wander around and see to which amazing places it takes you. But here are my personal must-see places in Valencia that you absolutely can’t miss.
The City of Arts and Sciences
This futuristic complex is home to several buildings dedicated to science, art and culture, considered as one of the most important tourist destinations in the city. The standout feature is the Hemisfèric, an eye-catching building that houses a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a laserium. But that’s not all. You can also visit an art gallery, a science museum and my personal favorite, the Umbracle. A stunning garden with a beautiful view of all the other buildings.
The Central Market
This bustling market is a food lover’s paradise. Built in 1914, it stands as one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe, full of charm and culinary delights.
You’ll find a wide variety of fresh and local products such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, cheese, spices and other delicacies. In addition to the food products, the market also has a flower section, where you can find beautiful and colorful bouquets of fresh flowers. The market also offers a variety of restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy a traditional Valencian breakfast or lunch.
My secret tip is to get empanadas to go for a picknick in the Turia Gardens.
The Turia Gardens
This vibrant park offers a variety of fun activities and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Divided into distinct sections, each area provides a unique experience, including the stunning City of Arts and Sciences.
One of the most popular spots is Gulliver Park, a playground designed to resemble the famous character from Gulliver’s Travels. Kids can climb, slide, and explore tunnels in this imaginative and interactive space, making it a favorite for families.
The park is also a popular destination for sports enthusiasts with several sports fields and courts, including football, basketball and volleyball. There are also several fitness stations throughout the park, where you can exercise using the outdoor equipment.
The Turia Gardens is a great place to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. It is easily accessible by public transport or on foot and it offers a variety of activities for all ages. The park is open every day and there is no admission fee. I really recommend to grab yourself a drink, something to eat or snacks and a blanket to make a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
The Cathedral of Valencia
Also known as the Saint Mary’s Cathedral and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The impressive Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, houses several significant religious artifacts, including the relic believed to be the Holy Grail. One of the most notable features of the cathedral is its bell tower, known as the Miguelete Tower. Visitors can climb the tower’s spiral staircase to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
The Cathedral of Valencia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture or art. Whether you’re exploring the cathedral’s beautiful interior, admiring its intricate facade from the outside, or enjoying the stunning views from the Miguelete Tower, the cathedral is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
The Barrio del Carmen
The Barrio del Carmen is a lively and historic neighborhood located in the heart of Valencia’s old town. The neighborhood is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings and vibrant nightlife.
The Barrio del Carmen is home to many of Valencia’s most popular attractions that I mentioned earlier as the Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market and the Lonja de la Seda.
You can spend hours exploring the neighborhood’s many shops, restaurants, and bars and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The Lonja de la Seda
The building was constructed in the 15th century and was originally used as a medival marketplace for trading silk and other luxury goods. It has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building consists of three main parts: the Hall of Columns, the Tower, and the Consulate of the Sea. The Hall of Columns is the most impressive part of the building, with its grandeur and elegance. It has a rectangular shape with a high ceiling supported by twisted columns, and it was used for trading silk and other goods. The Tower is a cylindrical structure that offers panoramic views of the city. The Consulate of the Sea was a tribunal that resolved disputes related to maritime commerce. Tourits can take a guided tour or explore on their own with an audio guide
Paella
Valencia is the birthplace of the famous Spanish dish, paella. You’ll find countless restaurants serving up this delicious rice dish. It is typically cooked in a wide, shallow pan with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, rabbit, seafood, and vegetables.
The key ingredient in paella is the rice, which is cooked with a flavourful broth made from saffron, vegetables and meat or seafood. The rice is mixed with the other ingredients and cooked until it develops a crispy crust, known as “socarrat”.
There are many variations of paella, depending on the region and the ingredients used. For example, a seafood paella might include shrimps, clams, and mussels, while a mixed paella might include chicken, rabbit and seafood.
I would suggest to ask the locals where to eat the best Paella. Everyone will probably tell you a different place, but they know where the best hidden gems are. Keep in mind that Paella is often served as family style. If you are travelling alone get yourself a date as I did or make sure that the restaurant offers single portions.
Horchata
Horchata is a sweet drink made of water, sugar and ground tiger nuts. It is often served cold as a refreshing drink on hot days. The drink has a distinctive nutty and slightly sweet flavor, with a creamy texture that comes from the tiger nuts. Horchata is also known for its health benefits, as tiger nuts are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great alternative to dairy-based drinks, as it is lactose-free and suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.
It is often served with a traditional pastry called “fartons,” which are long, thin, sweet pastries that are dipped into the horchata. Try it at the Horchateria de Santa Catalina near the Cathedral, it was delicious.
The Best Beaches in Valencia
Valencia has several beaches along the coast. They are popular for the tourist and the locals. If you stay during the warmer months it is definitely worth it to explore the beach and relax, even if you can’t go swimming.
Here are some of the most popular beaches in Valencia:
Playa de la Malvarrosa
This is the most famous and busiest beach in Valencia, located just a few minutes from the city center. It offers a long stretch of fine sand, a variety of restaurants and bars and many fun activities.
Playa de las Arenas
This is another popular beach in Valencia, located next to Playa de la Malvarrosa. It offers a wide range of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and beach bars.
El Saler Beach
This beach is located in the Albufera Natural Park, a few kilometers south of Valencia. It offers a quieter and more secluded atmosphere with unspoiled dunes and crystal-clear waters.
Playa del Perellonet
This is a long and wide beach located south of Valencia near the Albufera Natural Park. It offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with fine sand and clear waters.
Playa de Pinedo
This beach is located just south of Playa de la Malvarrosa and it offers a more traditional and authentic experience. It has a small fishing village nearby and it is popular with locals.
If you’re planning a trip, I hope this Guide to Valencia and what to see has given you a taste of what this vibrant city has to offer. From the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences to the delicious flavors of horchata and paella, Valencia is a city that truly has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Valencia adventure today and discover the beauty and charm of this unique Spanish gem and please share your experiences with us.
If you want to know more about other citys in Europa have a look here.