Famous for its beautiful Mediterranean weather and for being the birthplace of Spain’s famous dish, paella, Valencia is a prime location for travelers looking to enjoy a new part of Spain.
This charming city is filled with gorgeous architecture and delicious food.
As the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia is a cultural touchstone and one of the most festive cities in the Mediterranean.
Did you know Valencia produces more oranges than any other region in Spain?
This has earned it the nickname “The Orchard of Spain.”
In our last post, we explored some of the best things to do in Madrid.
This time, we’re expanding our travels to sunny Valencia!
Whether you’re a diehard beach goer or a museum aficionado, our list has something for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Valencia
Starting off our list of the 9 best things to do in Valencia is an iconic cathedral known for its historic artifacts.
1. Valencia Cathedral
We’re kicking off our list of things to do in Valencia, Spain with a visit to the stunning Valencia Cathedral.
Dating back to the 13th century, this Gothic cathedral is a sight to behold.
Not only is the cathedral itself a work of art, but it is also dedicated to showcasing both art and history, housing many valuable pieces inside its doors.
The museum located within the cathedral houses art exhibits from different periods of time like the Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerist eras.
Peruse through this historic building before climbing 207 steps up to the Miguelete Tower for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Price of general admission to visit this historic building is usually around €9.
2. Turia Garden
Turia Garden, or Jardín del Túria, is a sprawling urban park that runs through the city of Valencia.
This is an excellent place to visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and those simply looking to bask in the beautiful Mediterranean weather.
The garden is composed of many different services to enjoy such as ponds, cycling paths, fountains, all located along the Turia River.
It stretches from the Bioparc, a 10-hectare zoo, all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences (which we have on our list below!)
Turia Garden is open for visitors to access at any time day or night.
This park offers an excellent variety of things to do, easily making it on our list of top things to do in Valencia.
3. Central Market
Central Market, or Mercado Central, is a public market that boasts the title of being one of the largest covered markets in Europe!
From incredible architecture to a wide variety of food stalls, this public market is a can’t-miss stop during your Valencia sightseeing tour.
It was first held as an open-air market in 1839. At the time, Mercat Nou was its name.
Most recently, Mercado Central underwent a total renovation from 2004 to 2010.
This Art Nouveau-style market now spreads over 8,000 square meters of space.
With a huge metal frame, stained glass windows, and colorful stalls, we recommend adding the stunning Mercado Central to your list of places to visit in Valencia.
4. El Saler Beach
It’s tough to visit Valencia and not spend time at the beach.
With gorgeous Mediterranean waters and velvety sand, the beaches in Valencia are unparalleled.
That’s why we’ve included El Saler beach on our list of best things to do in Valencia.
Easily accessible from the city center, you can reach El Saler within a few short minutes.
Picturesque pine forests and sand dunes surround this beach which runs for 4,900 meters (3 miles).
Enjoy a bite to eat at any of the nearby bars or restaurants after soaking up the sun at this stunning location.
5. Gran Feria de Valencia
If you’ve ever typed a ‘Valencia what to do’ search, you might’ve stumbled upon the Gran Feria de Valencia.
A festival held in July each year, the Gran Feria de Valencia has been taking place for over 140 years!
Hundreds of different events and activities make up this festival.
These all culminate in a final event known as the Battle of the Flowers.
During the event, a procession of elaborately flower-decorated carriages parades down the Paseo de la Alamenda.
Spectators and carriage-occupants alike toss thousands of flowers at each other during the event, turning the street into a flaming red and orange river of petals.
The festival is a Valencia must see event.
Be sure to add it to your list if you’re in the city during the month of July!
6. The Mestalla
The Mestalla is one of the best Valencia attractions to visit for football fans.
It’s the stadium that hosts the majority of Valencia football club’s games.
You can take a tour of this grand stadium to learn all about the history of the València Club de Fútbol.
Inaugurated in 1923, the stadium has since seen decades worth of international matches between football clubs the world over.
For those who wish to see this over 49,000-person capacity stadium, you can take a tour Sunday through Saturday for around €12.50.
7. Torres de Serranos
Torres de Serranos, or Serranos Towers, is a Gothic style tower gate built in the 14th century.
It was initially built as a defensive structure at a busy city gate. It was one of 12 gates that surrounded the city.
Today, this ancient tower is open for public viewing. It is one of the top Valencia tourist attractions for a reason.
Don’t be afraid to climb all the steps to the tower. The steps lead to one of the best views of Valencia!
Entry to view this historic site is around €2 but you can enter on Sundays for free.
8. Stroll Through Ruzafa
Ruzafa is a neighborhood in the city filled with plenty of fun boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops.
Spend a day strolling through any of the numerous restaurants or vintage shops in this area.
Or wander through the Ruzafa food market packed with fresh, local vegetables and fruits.
Take a peek at the Jewish House, a 1930 Art-Deco masterpiece of a home built by Juan Francisco Guardiola Martínez.
Walk over to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento from this district to marvel at the Gothic architecture and stunning buildings from Valencia’s golden age.
9. City of Arts and Sciences
Perhaps one of the most well-known attractions in Valencia, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, is a structure that has been lauded as one of the top reasons to visit Valencia.
This complex is located at the end of an old riverbed of the Turia river.
It’s made up of multiple structures such as a theater, an interactive museum, and even a planetarium.
It’s easily one of the best things to do in Valencia.
That’s why we saved it for the final item on the list.
The museum section has multiple floors, and the building itself resembles a whale’s skeleton.
From incredible architecture to scientific discoveries, the City of Arts and Sciences is a must add to your list of things to see in Valencia.
Entry prices vary but expect to pay a little bit more as the complex is huge.
Ticket prices to explore the entire City of Arts and Sciences are €46.70 for adults.
A Tip for Things to Do in Valencia
When traveling through Valencia, a helpful item to have is a Valencia Tour Card.
This card includes free entry to many sights throughout the city, as well as free transportation, and occasional restaurant discounts.
Get to and from the airport with ease, take a trip down to the beach, and enjoy entry to historic attractions like the Serranos Towers for free!
Ready to Explore The Orchard of Spain?
This list is just a small taste of all the many wonderful Valencia must see attractions and cultural touchstones.
Valencia is a beautiful city brimming with restaurants to try and historic sights to explore.
From iconic Gothic towers to stunning urban parks, Valencia is a city that truly has it all.
This Spanish city is also famous the world over for its traditional cuisine.
Whether you spend time eating your way through the city, or exploring the many museums and historic buildings, Valencia has something to offer every traveler.
