Valencia, Spain: Five Fabulous Things

In the years I’ve lived in Spain, I’ve always been appreciative of the fabulous things to do in Valencia. As a result, I visit the city (Spain’s third largest) at least once a year. Actually, I like Valencia so much, I’ve actually written about it before.

However, instead of focusing on fly-boarding and how I’m generally an annoying person to make plans with, this post will focus on all the best things to do in Valencia. I hope you enjoy!

Five Fabulous Things to Do in Valencia

The City of Arts and Science/Cuidad de Artes y Ciencias

The first thing that is important to consider in your Valencian plans: They get a fair amount of rain, especially in the fall.

If you happen to be there on a rainy day, the first place you should consider visiting is The City of Arts and Sciences. A relatively modern addition to the noteworthy architecture of Spain, construction on the campus started in 1996. The first building was completed in 1998. The facilities now include an iMax cinema, an aquarium, a science museum and a large variety of art installations. It is considered one of the twelve treasures of Spain and is an easy place to pass a day (or two or three). Pro-tip: buy your tickets online and head over early in the day to beat the crowds.

Beaches

When the weather is nice in Valencia, the best way to spend a day is outside, preferably with your toes in the sand. The Malvarrosa beach is just 15 minutes from downtown. The area boasts great restaurants (the famous La Pepica is great for an afternoon paella) and even better views (the promenade was designed by the head gardener for the Champs-Elysees).

You can bring your towel and just plop down wherever you please (see photo), or there are lots of places to rent a chair and/or umbrella for the day.

Pro-tip: there are also some great puestos de la playa (beach stalls) set up where you can get a beer or even a massage. If you walk out to the pier, there’s are lots of companies that will rent supplies for water activities from sailing to fly boarding.

City Sights

There is a LOT to see in the downtown area of Valencia. Its sun-warmed streets are perfect for strolling at a leisurely pace from sight to sight. These recommendations are some of my personal favorites:

The Silk Exchange

This is another site to visit early in the day, before the crowds. The Silk Exchange (Longa de la Seda) is one of the most interesting cultural attractions in the city. The building dates back to the 15th Century, when Valencia was part of the kingdom of Aragon and a powerful force in the Mediterranean trading community. The Silk Exchange is home of the Consulate of the Sea, one of the first courts in Spain to settle trade disputes. Now, the area is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its stunning architecture and important history.

The Central Market

In a country full of beautiful public markets, the Mercado Central in Valencia might be the best. Its stunning design and airy interior make it ideal for a slow walk, a lunch or a functional grocery-shopping trip.

Valencia Cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral in the El Carmen neighborhood is easy to admire from all sides. My favorite view is probably from the ‘Plaza de la Virgen’ (see photo).

Jardin de Turia City Park

The old town of Valencia is encapsulated by the beautifully-maintained Jardin de Turia park, located in the dried out Turia riverbed. The city altered the course of the river in the 1960’s to prevent flooding. Now the park houses various art installations, soccer field and beautiful trees and flowers. It’s a lovely area for a stroll or a bike ride, with some shady picnic spots available.

Street Art

Street art is prolific in Valencia. In every neighborhood you will find interesting murals, doodles and cultural pieces. It’s fun to spend an afternoon wondering around, sipping Agua de Valencia (Pro-tip: This is NOT water. It is like a mimosa on steroids, with vodka and gin mixed in) and looking for your favorite pieces.

Food and Beverages

Valencia is famous in Spain as the birthplace of paella. As a result, the old town abounds with sub-par, touristic paella restaurants. My suggestion would be to save your paella lunch for the beach (see above tip about La Pepica on the beach). Also, if you are real rice fanatic, you can visit the ‘paella origin point’ in El Palmar. To get to El Palmar, you take take Bus 25 from the center of the city and ride for about 40 minutes. Make it a day trip by also visiting the Albufera bird sanctuary and nature reserve.

In the center of Valencia, you will find fantastic horchata, a sweet kind of grain-based drink customarily enjoyed with a small stack of pastry called fartons. Note: the fartons are not anything special in terms of their flavor but do always win in my book for the funniest pastry name in the universe. Horchataria Santa Catalina is a well-known traditional spot.

To Stay

I recommend staying the old town. Hostels, hotels and Airbnb places abound. I have enjoyed staying at the MD Design Hotel on Carrer de Boix, the Valencian Dreams Airbnb on Carrer de la Llotja and for a super cheap, friendly option, I would recommend The River Hostel on Placa del Temple.