24 Top Things to Do in Valencia, Spain – Best Attractions & Hidden Gems
If you're planning a trip to Spain, you can’t miss the top things to do in Valencia. This vibrant city is the perfect mix of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm, with something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, or the famous festivals, Valencia won’t disappoint.
From exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to wandering through the charming streets of the Old Town, there’s no shortage of incredible sights. You’ll also find some of Spain’s best markets, museums, and a lively nightlife scene that keeps the city buzzing year-round.
In this guide we're going to share all of our favorite things to do and see in this fantastic city, from top attractions to hidden gems. So get ready to dive into the best this city has to offer - because there’s so much to see, do, and experience!
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we've used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Skyscanner (flights)
Booking.com (hotels)
🎫 Get Your Guide (tours)
Ticket Master (events)
📸 Best Buy (equipment)
🚗 Rental Cars (car rentals)
Train Line (train tickets)
Bus Bud (bus tickets)
Direct Ferries (ferries)
Cruise Direct (cruises)
Exploring the Top Things to Do in Valencia: Basic Info About Visiting Valencia, Spain
Before diving into the top things to do in Valencia, Spain, let's take a look at what makes the city special, and what it's worth visiting for.
⭐️ What is Valencia Best Known For?
Valencia is best known for being the birthplace of paella, its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and its lively festivals such as Las Fallas and Tomatina.
The city also stands out for its sandy beaches, sunny weather, beautiful parks like the Turia Gardens, and its mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modernist architecture.
When searching for the top things to do in Valencia, most travelers often prioritize its world class museums, historic plazas, lively food markets, and iconic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. It's one of the most popular cities in Spain to visit, and a destination that a variety of visitors can enjoy.
🤩 What Should We Do in Valencia as First-Time Visitors?
If you're a first-time visitor in Valencia, we'd recommend browsing through this list of the top things to do in Valencia and see what piques your interest. Then you can pin them on the map and start with the historic center, moving your way through the city.
There are also some really cool day trips from Valencia to consider, so we highly recommend saving a day or two to enjoy all of the fabulous sites nearby.
How To Travel Cheaper and Better in 15 minutes!
How much more would you travel, if it costed you less resources?
With our Free eBook, you will learn how to save money and time on your future trips. Plus, you'll see the exact system we use.
Grab your copy for free when you sign up for our newsletter 👇
Top Things to Do in Valencia
Now that you know a bit about what makes this Spanish city special, let's check out all of the top things to do in Valencia, Spain.
1. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
This futuristic complex is not just one of the top things to do in Valencia, but it's actually the city's most famous attraction. It's home to various attractions in one location including the Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema), and the Science Museum, offering a mix of culture and entertainment.
2. Wander Through the Old Town (Ciutat Vella)
One of the top things to do in Valencia is to explore the Ciutat Vella. Stroll through the historic center and visit iconic landmarks like Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and the stunning Valencia Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views.
We love this area of the city in the morning, to enjoy all of the incredible architecture and small streets without the crowds.
3. Admire the Central Market (Mercado Central)
One of Europe’s most beautiful markets, Mercado Central is the perfect place to try local products in Valencia, from fresh seafood to jamón ibérico and horchata with fartons.
4. Relax at Malvarrosa Beach
If you’re visiting Valencia in the warmer months of the year, head to Playa de la Malvarrosa for a classic Mediterranean beach day, complete with beachside restaurants serving authentic paella Valenciana.
We also came here for sunrise, the perfect way to enjoy a more peaceful moment at the seaside in Valencia.
5. Discover the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gothic masterpiece is a must-see for history and photography lovers alike. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval trading center in Europe, and one of the top things to do in Valencia, Spain.
6. Explore Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
Once a river, this 9-km-long green space wraps around the center of Valencia, and is perfect for biking, jogging, or just enjoying nature. It also leads to the Gulliver Park, a fun spot inspired by Gulliver’s Travels.
7. Experience Las Fallas Festival (if you're visiting in March)
Valencia is one of the best places to visit in March, as it holds one of the most unique festivals in the world. If you're thinking of visiting Valencia in the spring, then make sure you plan your dates to coincide with the Las Fallas Festival.
It's a several-day celebration of art, gathering the most spectacular artists that build vibrant, fun, sculptures. The week is full of street parades, firework shows, and a final celebration of burning the art pieces to the ground.
It's unique, exciting, and one of the best ways to enjoy a core part of Valencian tradition.
8. Celebrate Tomatina Festival (if you're visiting in August)
Another incredible festival that you can find just outside the city of Valencia in the town of Buñol, is Tomatina, a massive tomato-throwing festival. It's the world's biggest food fight, and definitely one of the things to add to your bucket list.
Celebrating Tomatina happens the last Wednesday of August each year, so if you have plans to visit Spain at this time, then make sure you plan to add this unique experience to your itinerary!
Tomatina is a festival of the biggest food fight in the world.
8. Visit the Albufera Natural Park
Just outside the city, this peaceful park is the birthplace of paella and a great place to go and spend an afternoon. Walk up and down the small streets, admire the rice fields, and have an incredible lunch.
Albufera National Park is also a really nice place for a boat tour to see beautiful sunsets over the lagoon. It's a fun and affordable activity, and definitely one of the top things to do in Valencia for a blend of culture and relaxation.
9. Marvel at the Street Art in El Carmen
Most people think of Valencia for it's breathtaking architecture, but the city is also home to a ton of great street art. The El Carmen neighborhood is covered in vibrant murals, making it one of the best places in Valencia for street art lovers.
Simply walk around on your own, or join one of the cool tours that gives you deeper insight to each piece with a fun group of other art-lovers.
10. Watch a Sunset at Torres de Serranos
A visit to the Serranos Towers is one of the top things to do in Valencia, and it's hard to miss. Climb the medieval towers for an epic sunset view over the city for one of the best free things to do in Valencia! Unfortunately during our visit it was closed for Las Fallas, but the view from the outside also makes it worth a visit.
11. Try Authentic Paella Valenciana
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so you have to try the real deal! Head to the beach or the area of Albufera for some of the best paella you'll have in your life. It's one of our favorite Spanish foods, and an excellent choice for lunch.
😌 (Spaniards DO NOT serve paella for dinner - if they do, it's a red flag for inauthentic food).
Paella is the number one dish to try in Valencia, Spain.
12. Step Inside Valencia Cathedral & See the Holy Grail
Legend has it that the Holy Grail, the cup from the Last Supper, is kept inside Valencia Cathedral. Whether you believe it or not, the cathedral’s mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture is stunning, and it's also one of the top tourist highlights of Valencia to check out.
13. Discover the Bullring of Valencia (Plaza de Toros)
This 19th-century bullring is an important piece of Spanish culture. While bullfights are controversial and something we NEVER recommend, the venue itself is impressive and sometimes hosts concerts and events you can attend instead.
14. Take a Stroll Through Ruzafa (The Trendy Neighborhood)
Known as Valencia’s hipster district, Ruzafa is packed with stylish cafés, boutique shops, and cool bars. It's also home to a ton of the different Fallas during Las Fallas, and is a really fun neighborhood to walk around and go out in.
Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!
15. Visit the National Ceramics Museum
If you're a photographer, the National Ceramics House is one of the top things to do in Valencia for you. Housed in a stunning Baroque palace, this museum showcases Spain’s rich history of ceramics and porcelain, and has gorgeous and intricately detailed rooms.
16. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
If you love art, the Museo de Bellas Artes has an amazing collection of paintings from Spanish masters like Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla. It's not only one of the top things to do in Valencia, Spain, but it’s also free! We'd especially recommend this if you see bad weather in the forecast, as it's one of the few things to do in Valencia when it rains.
17. Check Out the Colón Market (Mercado de Colón)
This beautiful modernist market is stunning on the outside, and trendy on the inside. It's now home to cafés, restaurants, and gourmet food shops, making it perfect for a coffee or tapas break.
18. Walk Along Calle de la Paz
One of Valencia’s most elegant streets, Calle de la Paz is lined with beautiful architecture, luxury shops, and cozy cafés. It's one of those places that catches your attention, but is all about just soaking up the atmosphere of Valencia's city center.
19. Try Agua de Valencia (Valencia’s Signature Cocktail)
This refreshing cocktail is a mix of cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin. You can find it at most bars, and it's often offered in pitchers, making it a fun drink to try with friends.
20. Visit the Archaeological Museum of La Almoina
This underground museum lets you explore Roman ruins right in the heart of Valencia. You’ll see ancient baths, streets, and even a Visigoth palace! It's one of the top things to do in Valencia off the beaten path, and is a fun spot not all tourists know about.
21. Visit Palau de la Musica
Palau de la Música is Valencia’s premier concert hall and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Located inside the Turia Gardens, it hosts classical performances, orchestras, and cultural events throughout the year.
Even if you do not attend a show, the building’s glass design, peaceful surroundings, and reflecting pools make it a beautiful place to visit during a walk or bike ride through the park.
It’s a great addition to any itinerary focused on the top things to do in Valencia for music and architecture lovers.
22. Rent a Bike and Explore the City
Valencia is one of Spain’s most bike-friendly cities, and it's a destination that has pretty good weather year-round. Rent a bike and cycle through the Turia Gardens, along the beachfront, or through the Old Town. Alternatively, you can also join a bike tour to ride around with a fun group of other travelers.
23. Visit the Most Narrow Building in Europe
Tucked inside Plaza Lope de Vega, La Estrecha is famous for being the narrowest building in Europe, measuring just over 100 centimeters wide. It’s a quick but quirky stop that adds a unique twist to exploring the city center, and a fun place to snap a photo.
It’s one of those unusual but fun finds when exploring the top things to do in Valencia, and isn't on everyone's list, but should be!
24. Take a Day Trip
Valencia is perfectly located for exploring nearby towns, beaches, and natural parks. Whether you prefer nature, history, or the coast, day trips from Valencia offer variety and are easy to reach by train, bus, or car, and there are plenty offered by tour companies.
Including a day trip from Valencia is one of our favorite parts of visiting this area, and a great way to expand your Valencia itinerary.
We have a full article dedicated to day trips from Valencia coming up, so stay tuned! In the meantime though, here are a few popular ones you can check out:
Top Things to Do in Valencia, Spain: Final Thoughts & What's Next
Now that you know all of the top things to do in Valencia, Spain, here are a few quick tips for visiting:
✈️ Getting to Valencia: You can fly straight to Valencia, or get there by train, bus, Bla Bla Car, cruise ship, ferry, or rental car.
🚌 Getting Around Valencia: Walking is an excellent way to explore the center, and you can use buses, trains, and metros to get around as well.
🏨 Where to Stay: Valencia's historic center is ideal to be close to restaurants, markets, and top cultural sites.
🗣 Language: Valencian is the official language of Valencia, a dialect of Catalan. Spanish is spoken everywhere though, and English is spoken at many hotels and tour companies.
💶 Currency: Spain uses the Euro.
👮🏻♀️ Safety: Valencia is pretty safe for tourists, with no major safety concerns.
☀️ Weather: Valencia experiences all four seasons, and has a lot of sunshine throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and cooler.
Looking To Travel Somewhere?
Off The Beaten Trips is our travel agency.
But this isn't anything like you've ever experienced before. You'll have an epic trip without having to break the piggy bank.
Unique locations. Epic adventures. Lifetime memories.
👀 What's Next?
Now that you know the top things to do in Valencia, Spain, you probably want to know more about visiting! Well, right now we have a couple other Valencia guides for you:
🍅 Experiencing Tomatina festival
Here are also some other Spain guides we have:
💃🏻 Celebrating Feria de Abril in Sevilla
📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Barcelona
🌊 Places to Visit in Costa Blanca
...and more coming up each Friday!
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
So are you ready to experience all of the top things to do in Valencia, Spain? This charming city has so much to offer for all different types fo travelers.
Want to learn more about Valencia? Don't miss out on our other Valencia articles, as well as some of our other Spain travel guides. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, and so you can get exclusive discounts on our shop!
Ready to start planning an awesome trip to Valencia and some other cities in Spain? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, designed to create the perfect itinerary for you and your group. Want to learn more? Simply Send us an email for your free consultation!
Here are some other articles you'll love:
Like this article? Please share it with your family and friends, so that we can continue to keep creating free travel guides for you! It takes just a second, and would mean the world to us. Thanks for being here!
