Is Valencia worth visiting?
- jlentz24
- May 6
- 6 min read
While Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, it is often overlooked by tourists. Even when I first visited Spain, I missed this great city. Located on the east coast of Spain, Valencia is full of vibrant culture, modern architecture and some amazing food. As the birthplace of paella, I think Valencia is definitely worth visiting. Check out all these things to do (and eat/drink) when visiting Valencia.
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Things to Do in Valencia on a Budget
Even on a budget, there are many things to do in Valencia. As a solo female traveler, especially in Europe, I was mindful of my daily budget (only $75) and tried to stretch my dollar wherever I could. Here are some affordable ways to enjoy Valencia:
Walking Tour: Whenever I arrive in a new city, I also find a free walking tour to get my bearings and meet a local. Guruwalk is a great resource to see what’s available in the city. Usually a reservation is required, though it’s free to cancel should your plans change. While the tours are free, the guides do make a living from the tips, so usually €10-€20 per person is recommended depending on the time and how well you enjoyed the tour.
Explore the Ciutat Vella: Usually the walking tours will include some exploration around the old town, but make sure you stop at the Valencia Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen. Admire the beautiful landmarks and wander through the historic streets to get a sense of Valencia.
Visit Turia Gardens: Once a riverbed, this massive park is now a lush green space perfect for walking and biking. Stretching from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts & Sciences, the Turia Gardens is 9 km and one of the largest urban parks in Spain.
City of the Arts & Sciences: It’s hard to miss this ultra-modern complex filled with futuristic architecture and a full day of fun. Now considered one of the 12 treasures of Spain, the complex offers an aquarium, opera house, science museum, concert hall and IMAX planetarium. You can buy individual tickets for the Oceanogràfic, Hemisferic and Science Museum or buy a combo ticket. Travel from the aquarium to the 3D digital cinema and then to the hands-on exhibitions on science and technology. Since we were on a tight daily budget, we didn’t pay for entry, but did enjoy visiting the lobbies and wandering around the beautiful fountain/pool where you can even rent motorized paddle boards!
La Lonja de la Seda: This was one of my favorite spots in the city as it showcases Valencia’s medieval trading history. The Silk Exchange (in English) was the city’s 15th century financial center. Today, the Gothic sculptures all around the outside are not appropriate for children 😊 For more information, make sure your walking tour stops here for some insight from a local or grab the audio guide.
Church of San Nicolas: While traveling through Valencia, you must visit Spain’s own Sistine Chapel. This beautifully restored Gothic church with 15th century Baroque style frescos overlaid is truly remarkable. Designed by Antonio Palomino and painted by his mentee Dionis Vidal, the church is 21,500 square feet of pure art. While general admission to the church is €11, it includes the audio guide (in several languages) and I believe the wonderful interior is worth the price. Reduced admissions for youth and elderly are also available.
Wander Mercado Central: Even if you don’t buy anything, this bustling market is such a fun way to enjoy a few hours. Built more than 100 years ago, this market is just across from the Silk Exchange. From souvenir shops to Europe’s largest range of Valencian oranges and produce, it’s a great spot for tourists and locals alike.
Malvarrosa Beach: Easy to get to by tram, Malvarrosa Beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent. There’s an area set aside for sports, including paddleboarding and free gym equipment (think Santa Monica). There aren’t many public restrooms and the beach is lined with homes instead of cafes, so be sure to bring some snacks and lots of water. While not the best beach along the coast, this Valencian beach offers a deep stretch of sand to enjoy for free!
Things Not to Do in Valencia
While Valencia is a fantastic city, here are a few things to avoid:
Skipping Paella: Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so don’t miss out on trying the authentic version. That means, it’s NOT seafood paella. Traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken and rabbit and features flat green beans and garrafón (a butter bean). Want to learn to make your own? Check out this paella cooking class.
Underestimating the Heat: Summers can be scorching, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Ignoring Local Customs: Dinner starts late in Spain, usually around 9 pm. Locals also take long leisurely afternoons, many sitting outside to enjoy the weather and people watch (while drinking the famous agua de Valencia). Most activities don’t get started until 10-11 am and many shops are closed on Sundays.
Sticking to the Tourists Spots: Get a feel for the local life by visiting El Carmen neighborhoods. The Old Town is a part of this area, but you can also explore La Seu, La Xerea and Sant Francesc. The area is a little hipster with street art, local bars and quirky museums. Visit the 2-foot-tall House of Cats or the Portal de Valldigna, the entrance to the Moorish quarter. Get off the metro at Angel Guimera and explore by foot.
Things to Drink in Valencia
Valencia has some unique drinks you won’t want to miss:
Agua de Valencia: Until arriving in Valencia, we had never heard of Agua de Valencia; but we do now!!! This delicious cocktail is made with cava, orange juice, vodka and gin. One pitcher for the table and you will be feeeeeling it.
Local Wines: Valencia has excellent wines (as you will find throughout Spain). The nearby Utiel-Requena region produces reds that are readily available. You have to work hard to spend more than €5 on a glass.
Café Bombón: This sweet coffee drink reminded me of Vietnamese coffee, as both of them are made with condensed milk. Try this Valencian version to compare around the world.
Horchata: While this is drink is usually found in Central America, having originated in El Salvador and Nicaragua, horchata can also be found around Valencia. If you’ve never had the drink, this version is made from tiger nuts and offers a refreshing, nutty flavor.
Traveling with Kids in Valencia?
While we didn’t have kids with us on our trip, I quickly saw how many activities Valencia offers for families and kids visiting the city. Valencia is a great destination with many kid-friendly activities, such as:
Oceanogràfic: One of Europe’s largest aquariums, Oceanogràfic has dolphins, sharks and more. If you have kids, this aquarium is worth the visit and a great way to get out of the summer heat. Tickets can be purchased here or combined with the IMAX and science museum here.
Museu de les Ciències (Science Museum): This interactive science museum is perfect for little kids and curious young minds. Wear comfortable shoes as the entire City of Arts and Sciences complex is quite large and requires a lot of walking.
Gulliver Park: Located inside Turia Garden, this free attraction is inspired by Jonathan Swift’s novel, “Gulliver’s Travel.” It has a huge figure of Gulliver with dozens of slides, ropes and stairs for kids to climb and play on. It was refurbished in 2022 but be careful in the heat as the slides can get very hot. It’s usually open by 10 am, but they take a siesta during the hot summer months in the middle of the afternoon.
Serranos Towers: If you have older children, inspire their love of exploration (and maybe pirates) to climb the Serranos Towers. Built in 1392 to guard the city walls, it was used as a prison for aristocrats between 1586 and 1887. You can climb to the top to see great views of the city and the Turia River. If you want to include this stop in a tour, check out this guided option.
I really loved our time in Valencia. One day we were surprised by a local prank with bubbles in a fountain. The city offers a playful vibe and something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, architecture junky or traveling with family, Valencia is worth a visit. Have you been before? Comment below.
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