Valencia Travel Guide

A detailed guide to Valencia, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options and logistics, nearby destinations and excursions.


Introduction to Valencia

Valencia, a beautiful city located on the east coast of Spain, is the capital of the province of Valencia in the Valencian Community. Known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, Valencia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Spain.

List of Places to Visit in Valencia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. City of Arts and Sciences: This futuristic complex houses several cutting-edge buildings including an IMAX cinema, a planetarium, an opera house and a science museum.
  2. Valencia Cathedral: Built in the 13th century, this stunning cathedral is home to some impressive art, including a stunning fresco by Goya.
  3. Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is an architectural gem built during the golden age of Valencia.
  4. Torres de Serranos: Built in the 14th century to defend the city, this is one of Valencia’s iconic landmarks.
  5. Museum of Fine Arts: This museum has an impressive collection of Spanish artwork ranging from the 14th to 20th centuries.

Natural Attractions of Valencia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Albufera Natural Park: A great destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this is a large freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice paddies and wetlands.
  2. Turia Gardens: Located on the old Turia riverbed, this park is perfect for a stroll or a bike ride.
  3. Cabecera Park: Located just a short distance from the city center, this park offers great views of the city and is perfect for a picnic.
  4. Malvarrosa Beach: Just a short tram ride from the city center, this long sandy beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
  5. Gulliver’s Park: A fun-filled park where children can climb on a giant Gulliver statue and explore his many pockets, while adults can relax on a picnic or People-watch.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Valencia

  1. Turia Gardens: The gardens provide a 7 km loop track for joggers and bikers. The garden path is well-manicured and smooth for all levels of experience to enjoy.
  2. Albufera Natural Park: This park includes a few different walking trails and cycling routes, for amazing views of the lagoon and surrounding rice paddies.

Best Things to Do in Valencia: Activities and Tours

  1. Paella Cooking Class: Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so take a class to learn how to cook it just right!
  2. Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the charming Spanish countryside and try the local wines.
  3. Hot Air Balloon Ride: See Valencia from above and enjoy the stunning views.
  4. Flamenca Show: Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and watch live Flamenco music and dance performances.
  5. Street Art Walking Tour: Discover the vibrant street art scene of Valencia and its beautiful murals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Valencia

Day Activity
1 Visit Valencia Cathedral and climb the Miguelete tower
2 Go on a walking tour of the historic city center
3 Visit the City of Arts and Sciences and watch an IMAX film
4 Take a paella cooking class
5 Rent a bike and explore Turia Gardens
6 Relax on Malvarrosa Beach
7 Explore the Albufera National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Valencia

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Paella: A rice-based dish cooked with many ingredients, including seafood, chicken, and vegetables. The best paella you will taste can be found in Valencia, the birthplace of paella.
  2. Horchata: A drink made from Tiger Nuts that has a hearty consistency and is sugary.
  3. Fartons: A pastry usually served with a glass of Horchata.

Local Beverages

  1. Agua de Valencia: This alcoholic cocktail is a classic in Valencia. Made from a blend of cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka.
  2. Cava - Spanish Sparkling Wine: This carbonated white wine is a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions.

Where to Stay in Valencia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Valencia offers several options to stay, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Most visitors prefer to stay in the city center, close to the main attractions and restaurants. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (June-August) and when there are festivals in Valencia. Some recommended options include:

  1. Westin Valencia: A luxury hotel located in the city center of Valencia.
  2. Vincci Lys: A four-star luxury hotel located a few hundred meters from Valencia Cathedral.
  3. Hostal Venecia: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms located in the heart of Valencia.
  4. Russafa Youth Hostel: A popular choice among backpackers, located in the trendy Russafa neighborhood.

What to Buy in Valencia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Ceramics: Valencia is famous for its ceramics, with colorful designs that are perfect gifts or home decor pieces.
  2. Lladro Figurines: Lladro is a famous brand in the ceramic art sector and is based in Valencia.
  3. Handcrafted fans: A fun and colorful accessory to ward off the summer heat and also a beautiful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Valencia

Valencia is a city deeply rooted in history and culture. The locals are friendly and always ready to help tourists. Siesta, which is a break during the afternoon, is a local custom. They take an hour-long break from work or studies to go home and relax before resuming in the evening. Respect local customs and keep quiet during the break hours in the afternoon.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The best time to visit Valencia is in the spring (March to May) when temperatures are mild. Autumn (September to November) is also an excellent time to visit as the city is quieter, and the weather is pleasant. The summer months between June and August are the peak season due to the summer holidays. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Valencia

Do:

  1. Make sure to try Valencia’s famous paella dishes and fresh seafood.
  2. Learn about Valencian customs and traditions to immerse and understand the local culture.
  3. Carry a Spanish phrasebook and try to converse in the local language.
  4. Dress modestly for visits to religious monuments and cultural sites.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t discuss Spanish politics or religion unless you are well-informed and feel confident that the person you are talking with wants to have this conversation.
  2. Don’t forget to carry plenty of change when taking the bus or metro.
  3. Do not litter or create a nuisance in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Valencia

Valencia is a relatively safe city, but it is good to be cautious and take standard safety measures. Pickpocketing can be a problem in some areas, especially in crowded areas during peak tourist season. It is recommended to use only licensed taxis or transportation providers. In the summertime, take extra precautions against sunburn, as Valencian summers are hot and dry.

Health in Valencia

Spain has a good health care system, and Valencia has several hospitals that provide top-class services for visitors in case of any health issues. Make sure to carry your health insurance card, passport, and the phone number of your embassy in case of any emergencies.

Getting to Valencia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Valencia

There are two main airports near Valencia, Valencia Airport and Alicante Airport. Valencia Airport is more convenient as it is 25 minutes’ drive from the central part of Valencia, while Alicante Airport is 2 hours’ drive from the city of Valencia.

Bus Stations Near Valencia

The main bus station in Valencia is Estación de Autobuses de Valencia, which is located in the central part of the city and connects Valencia to several nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Valencia is well connected by a network of high-speed trains, connecting it to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga.

How to Get Around in Valencia

Valencia has a good public transportation system with buses, trams, and metro. It is easy to get around by bike or foot in the city center, while for longer distances, buses or metro are convenient and affordable. Taxis are available but relatively expensive, especially during peak tourist season.

Where to Go Next from Valencia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Alicante

Alicante is a coastal town located south of Valencia and is famous for its beautiful beaches, landscapes, and stunning architecture. It is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Barcelona

Barcelona, located north of Valencia, is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. The city’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches make it an excellent next stop after a visit to Valencia.

Madrid

Madrid is Spain’s capital city and is located a few hundred kilometers away from Valencia. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning art collections and museums, beautiful parks, and grand architecture.

Conclusion

Valencia is a beautiful city that has something for everyone. Whether it’s the city’s cultural attractions, outdoor activities, food, and drink scene, or the beautiful beaches, Valencia has it all. Take some time to explore the city, immerse yourself in the local culture, and you will undoubtedly have a memorable experience.

Panoramic view of Valencia from the Micalet tower looking south Panoramic view of Valencia from the Micalet tower looking south ''Saló Columnari'' (Hall of Columns) in the Llotja de la Seda ''Saló Columnari'' (Hall of Columns) in the Llotja de la Seda Jardí del Túria, the old Túria riverbed, with the Museum of Fine Arts in the background Jardí del Túria, the old Túria riverbed, with the Museum of Fine Arts in the background Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, in the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, in the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava Valencia Airport Valencia Airport Estació de València Nord Estació de València Nord Estació d'Autobusos de València Estació d'Autobusos de València Metro Valencia Metro Valencia Public EMT bus and Valencia Bus Turistic Public EMT bus and Valencia Bus Turistic Valenbisi station Valenbisi station L’Oceanogràfic in the City of Arts and Sciences L’Oceanogràfic in the City of Arts and Sciences Visitors in underwater tunnel of L’Oceanogràfic Visitors in underwater tunnel of L’Oceanogràfic Capella del Sant Calze with the Holy Grail Capella del Sant Calze with the Holy Grail ''Sala Consulado del Mar'' ('Consulate of the Sea') in the Llotja de la Seda ''Sala Consulado del Mar'' ('Consulate of the Sea') in the Llotja de la Seda Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis Torres de Serranos Torres de Serranos Banys de l'Almirall (Almirante Muslim Baths) Banys de l'Almirall (Almirante Muslim Baths) View of the cathedral, with the Centre Arqueològic de l'Almoina in the foreground View of the cathedral, with the Centre Arqueològic de l'Almoina in the foreground Façade of the Palau del Marqués de Dosaigües, now the Museu Nacional de Ceràmica Façade of the Palau del Marqués de Dosaigües, now the Museu Nacional de Ceràmica Museu d'Història de València, in a 19th-century reservoir Museu d'Història de València, in a 19th-century reservoir Museu de Belles Arts de València Museu de Belles Arts de València Casa-Museu Benlliure Casa-Museu Benlliure Centre Cultural La Nau Centre Cultural La Nau Parc Gulliver Parc Gulliver Jardí de Montfort Jardí de Montfort Walk-in lemur exhibit at Bioparc Valencia Walk-in lemur exhibit at Bioparc Valencia Protected house in Cabanyal Protected house in Cabanyal ''Casa Jueva'', a Valencian Modernist residential building in Russafa ''Casa Jueva'', a Valencian Modernist residential building in Russafa Tribunal de les Aigües Tribunal de les Aigües La Dama Ibérica La Dama Ibérica ''La Cremà'' (The Burning) ''La Cremà'' (The Burning) Bunyol de carabassa Bunyol de carabassa Falla de ''Secció Especial'', surrounded by ''ninots'' Falla de ''Secció Especial'', surrounded by ''ninots'' Illuminated street in Ruzafa Illuminated street in Ruzafa ''L'Ofrena'' (The Offering) ''L'Ofrena'' (The Offering) Street procession during Semana Santa Marinera Street procession during Semana Santa Marinera Festivitat Verge dels Desemparats Festivitat Verge dels Desemparats La Moma i els Momos during Corpus Christi La Moma i els Momos during Corpus Christi Correfoc during the Fira de Juliol Correfoc during the Fira de Juliol Batalla de Flors, Fira de Juliol Batalla de Flors, Fira de Juliol Interior of the Palau de la Generalitat, open to the public during Nou d’Octubre Interior of the Palau de la Generalitat, open to the public during Nou d’Octubre Palau de la Música Palau de la Música ''Palau de les Arts'' and ''L’Hemisfèric'', in the City of Arts and Sciences ''Palau de les Arts'' and ''L’Hemisfèric'', in the City of Arts and Sciences Malvarrosa Beach Malvarrosa Beach Recortes are a nonviolent alternative to bullfighting Recortes are a nonviolent alternative to bullfighting Plaça Redona (''Plaza Redonda'') Plaça Redona (''Plaza Redonda'') Mercat Central Mercat Central El Rastro El Rastro Arròs negre Arròs negre Tapas at Central Bar, in the Mercat Central Tapas at Central Bar, in the Mercat Central Mercat de Colom (''Mercado de Colón'') Mercat de Colom (''Mercado de Colón'') Grilled mushrooms and sardines at Tasca Ángel Grilled mushrooms and sardines at Tasca Ángel ''Arroz con pato'' at Alquería del Pou ''Arroz con pato'' at Alquería del Pou Tapas at Bodega La Rentaora Tapas at Bodega La Rentaora Tapa at Vuelve Carolina Tapa at Vuelve Carolina Paella at La Pepica Paella at La Pepica Ricard Camarena Restaurant Ricard Camarena Restaurant Café del temps Café del temps Horchata and fartons at Horchatería Santa Catalina Horchata and fartons at Horchatería Santa Catalina Interior of Horchatería Santa Catalina Interior of Horchatería Santa Catalina Bodega Fila 'El Labrador' Bodega Fila 'El Labrador' The Marina Beach Club – beach club by day, party central by night The Marina Beach Club – beach club by day, party central by night L'Umbracle Terraza in the City of Arts and Sciences L'Umbracle Terraza in the City of Arts and Sciences Hotel Balneario Las Arenas Resort Hotel Balneario Las Arenas Resort The Westin Valencia The Westin Valencia Biblioteca Pública Biblioteca Pública