Things To Do In Valencia

Valencia is a beautiful historical city that is located on the south-eastern coast of Spain. The city has lots of beautiful sights to offer for tourists. Valencia is well known for its art and science and there are some amazing devoted structures that include an oceanarium, an interactive museum and a planetarium. But not just this makes the city special, Valencia is a place where you can find the best Paella in Spain, beautiful beaches, and a great old town. These things and more are included in this list of things to do in Valencia.

Table Of Contents

1. L’Oceanogràfic
2. La Lonja de la Seda
3. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
4. Valencia Cathedral
5. Torres de Serranos
6. Jardín del Turia
7. Plaza de la Virgen
8. The Central Market of Valencia
9. Torre del Micalet
10. Plaza del Ayuntamiento
11. Bullring of Valencia
12. Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats
13. Playa de la Malvarrosa
14. Museo National de Ceramica y Artes Suntuarias Gonzalez Marti
15. The Best Paella

L’Oceanogràfic

I put the L’Oceanogràfic on the first place, because it is just an amazing place that you must visit while staying in Valencia. The whole complex of the Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències is in the east of the center of the city. Although every part of the complex is unique and worth it to visit, I think that  L’Oceanogràfic is the best of them.

L’Oceanogràfic is one of the biggest oceanariums in the world and the biggest in Europe. Inside has all the different marine habitats that you can visit and see a huge variety of different animals, dependent on the habitat.

Prepare to spend a whole day at L’Oceanogràfic. On the territory there are some cafes with an okay price and some souvenirs shops with T-shirts and toys. It is kind of reminds me an amusement park mixed with an educational center.

The best parts that you should not miss are the whales, dolphins and sea turtles. At L’Oceanogràfic there are three beluga whales. Two adults and one baby whale. It is the most adorable thing I have seen. The baby whale and his mom are swimming together all the time and they are so cute, and you can see so much love between them, it just takes you by surprise. Cody and I spent almost an hour just watching those two swimming together.

The Dolphinarium has three dolphin shows a day and it is nice to see that they are treated very nicely as well as to learn about these fantastic animals. While the dolphins are swimming and jumping, the worker gives people a small lecture about them. The lecture is in Spanish and English.

And finally the sea turtles part is amazing because they are have rescued turtles that workers take care of until the animals are ready to go back in to the ocean. There is even an electronic panel with the numbers of rescued and released sea turtles.

Read the full review of L’Oceanogràfic here.

Key Information:

Price: Adults 31.30€ Children (4-12) 23.30€ ; click here to buy the tickets;

Hours: Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM; Sunday to Friday 10 AM – 6 PM;

Location: Carrer d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain;

La Lonja De La Seda

La Lonja de la Seda is a major tourist attraction in Valencia. It is a Gothic style building with a magnificent courtyard, where the orange trees are growing around a cute pond. The whole place is just so romantic, and it smells like oranges everywhere.

However there is little romantic about the history of this building. La Lonja de la Seda was a financial centre, where trade was held. It is a good place to learn about the history of trading in this region in La Lonja

The building inside looks even better than the façade. The fantastic stonework and woodwork (the ceilings are made of wood) will keep your attention for a while. You can easily spend few hours just looking at all the details, especially with the audio guide that you can get at the entrance (the audio guide is included in a ticket price). If you are not a fan of audio guides and would like to have a proper tour, there plenty of guides outside. But no matter if you wander alone or with the guide, or if you want to spend 2 hours inside or just 20 minutes, you will have a great time and experience.

Key Information:

Price:  2€;

Hours:  Monday – Sunday : 9:30 AM to 7 PM;

Location: Carrer de la Llotja, 2, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain;

Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is translated as the City of Arts and Sciences and as you know is located in the east of Valencia. This huge complex is the most important modern tourist destination in Valencia.

The City of Arts and Sciences was built on the riverbank of the drained Turia river (it was drained after a catastrophic flood).

The complex includes 8 different parts such as:

• L’Hemisfèric (cinema, planetarium, laser light show);
• Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (an interactive museum that looks like a skeleton of a whale);
• L’Umbracle (an open structure with a walk among the native to Valencia plants);
• L’Oceanogràfic (an oceanographic park);
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (the part that is dedicated to music);
• Assut de l’Or Bridge (a white cable bridge);
• L’Àgora (a plaza for concerts and sport events);
• Valencia Towers (three towers, although the project is currently on hold and there is no information when the construction will begin).

Key Information:

Price:  29.10€ to visit the whole complex; you can buy or check tickets prices here;

Hours:  Monday – Sunday : 10 AM to 6 PM;

Location: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain;

Valencia Cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral is a Gothic building which was built in 1238 and has a big impact on the city. The cathedral is mostly known under the name of Valencia cathedral or Saint Mary’s Cathedral, but the official name is the Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia.

The cathedral is considered a place where the real Holy Grail is kept. Although to be frank, a few other churches had made the same statement, so I don’t really believe any of them, but it is still interesting to see.

At the entrance you will be offered a few different tickets. There is a ticket that will allow you to walk everywhere inside plus you can get an audio guide and learn a lot about this place. And the other option is the ticket with the access to the bell tower with fantastic view of the city.

Valencia cathedral is surprisingly is huge inside. There are a few halls and a separate chapel with one of the most precious relics for Christians – The Holy Grail. Although it is hard to have a good look of it, since the Grail is placed far from people. However I was impressed not by the relic, but by the stained glass. Beautiful stained windows are located in the corridor on the right side of the main hall. And in sunny days the colorful reflection on the walls   is stunning.

Key Information:

Price:  5€;

Hours:  Monday – Saturdey : 10 AM to 6:30 PM; Sunday: 2 PM to 6:30 PM;

Location: Plaça de l’Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain;

Torres De Serranos

Torres de Serranos is also known as the Serrans Gate (or Serranos gate).  Serrans Towers are former gates to the city. And they are the remnants of the twelve gates that were part of the ancient wall or the Christian wall around the city of Valencia.

The wall was built in the 14^th century and you clearly can see the Gothic style of it. Nowadays is some sort of a viewpoint. You can pay 2 Euros and get on top of the tower. It worth it to see the city from above 30 meters. The whole place is very well maintained and safe to visit.

I simply recommend walking around the gates and imagining how big the protecting wall must have been. It is a great spot for pictures with a nice walking path into the old town.

Key Information:

Price:  2€; Sunday – free;

Hours:  Monday – Sunday : 9:30 AM to 2 PM;

Location: Plaça dels Furs, s/n, 46003 València, Spain;

Jardín Del Turia

Jardín del Turia was once the location of a river and now it is a park that goes around the whole old city of Valencia. It was the river Turia that was drained after a big flood and the Park Turia was created.

I must say, they have done a good job creating the park. There are lots of walking and bicycle paths around, with areas for kids and general sitting areas. Beautiful gardens run through the whole city and the old stone bridges really create an amazing atmosphere.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours:  24/7;

Location: Carrer del Pintor López, 1, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain;

Plaza De La Virgen

Plaza de la Virgen is a must-see place in Valencia. The plaza is located in the old historical centre of Valencia and has a stunning fountain with the statue of Neptune.

Around the plaza there are lots of cozy cafes, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink. The whole place is full of kids freely running around while parents are having a good time at the bars and restaurants, which makes me think that this plaza is very safe. Of course, I would still be keeping an eye on my kids and belongings.

Plaza de la Virgen is full of Gothic buildings and after taking a rest here you can choose any narrow street to start with and explore Valencia more.

Key Information:

Price:  free of charge;

Hours:  24/7;

Location: Plaça de la Verge, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain;

The Central Market Of Valencia

The Central Market of Valencia is located across from the Llotja de la Seda and the church of the Juanes in central Valencia. Valencia has lots of fresh markets, where you can enjoy fresh, affordable, and tasty food. And if you have time you can visit all of them, but if you are short on time I recommend coming to the Central Market of Valencia. It is still touristy, but also a place for locals to buy goods which means a variety of fresh food with prices that are very fair as well.

The Central Market is located in a beautiful building that is worth seeing anyway. The whole facility is well maintained and very clean. Here you can find different types of meat and fresh vegetables and fruits. A huge verity of nuts and spices and of course, sweets. Outside the market there are a few vendors that sell kitchen accessories. And of course, Cody couldn’t go by without buying something. So, we got a dish for Paella to cook back at home. By the way I think that this is a great souvenir from Valencia, since it is the place where the dish is from.

Key Information:

Price:  the entrance is free of charge ;

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:30 AM to 3 PM; Sunday – closed

Location: Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain;

Torre Del Micalet

Torre del Micalet is all about the view of the city. It is a bell tower that you can climb up for a small price and enjoy a beautiful view from up high. Although I must say, it is not a place for people that are not in shape or have claustrophobia.

To get to the top of the tower you will have to climb up more than 200 narrow steps and the higher you go, the way becomes narrower. There are lights that indicate when people are going up or down which is very helpful. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, you definitely will need it.

On the top of the tower you will see the huge bell. And I have no idea how they brought it up there through that narrow pass. I would recommend going there for the midday bells, it is an amazing experience and the view is fantastic—well  worth the price.

Key Information:

Price:  2€;

Hours:  Monday – Saturday : 10 AM to 6:30 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 1 PM and 5:30 PM to 7 PM;

Location: Plaça de la Reina, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain;

Plaza Del Ayuntamiento

Plaza del Ayuntamiento is another plaza that makes Valencia a fantastic city. This is the perfect place for a romantic walk or relaxing on the bench by a fountain. Surrounding buildings including the City Hall and Post Office which are stunning pieces of architecture and the overall atmosphere is amazing.

There are lots of cafes and shops with good ice cream around the plaza. While you are staying in Valencia, you can check if there are any events held at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours:  24/7;

Location: Plaça de l’Ajuntament, 1, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain;

Bullring Of Valencia

The Bullring of Valencia also is known as Plaza de Toros de Valencia, and was built around 1850. It was constructed by a Valencian architect, who was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. The bullring of Valencia is a huge place, it has 384 external arches and was constructed for 12000 people.

The bullring is located next to the train station and across the metro station Xativa, so it is pretty easy to get to. Although we took a walk from the center of Valencia and it didn’t take us a long time to get there.

The place is well maintained, and clean. You can get inside for 2€ and visit the museum with the costumes. It is a great spot for pictures and I highly recommend visiting the bullring of Valencia.

Key Information:

Price: 2€;

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday : 10 AM to 7 PM; Monday: 9 AM to 2 PM;

Location: Carrer de Xàtiva, 28, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain;

Basílica De La Mare De Déu Dels Desamparats

The Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats is located at the Plaza de la Virgen. It is a beautiful basilica in baroque style. The basilica looks very simple outside, but inside you will find lots of detailed decorations.

The place is perfect for a quick visit. The basilica will take about 15 – 20 minutes to see inside. The basilica de la Mare can be very crowded at the masses, so better to visit it before or after.

Key Information:

Price: 2€;

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30AM–2PM, 4:30–9PM;

Location: Plaça de la Verge, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain;

Playa De La Malvarrosa

Playa de la Malvarrosa is a beautiful long beach with a great walking path. The sand is yellow, but quite soft. Along the beach there are lots of good restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy sipping a sangria or tinto de Verano. There is something for everyone. It is a great place for cycling, skateboarding and other activities. The place is very easy to reach by a tram and it is a great spot to bring kids.

Cody and I visited Valencia in off season, so the Playa de la Malvarrosa was empty with the exception of few young people hanging out on the beach. Although it wasn’t that warm, we still had a great time at the playa de la Malvarrosa.

Key Information:

Price:  free of charge;

Hours:  24/7;

Location:  Playa de la Malvarrosa;

Museo National De Ceramica Y Artes Suntuarias Gonzalez Marti

The National museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts is a museum dedicated to ceramics, potteries, porcelains and other decorative arts. The museum is stunning outside and inside.

The second floor is mostly the interior, where you will see beautiful couches, chairs and other stuff. O the third floor is displayed a fantastic collection of ceramics. It is divided by periods and each room represents a different style.

The visit will take you over one hour and if you speak Spanish, there are free Spanish excursions. Take a moment outside and enjoy the beauty of incredible façade.

Key Information:

Price:  3€;

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday: 10AM–2PM, 4–8PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 2 PM; Monday – closed.

Location: Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain;

The Best Paella

Valencia is known as the birthplace of paella (well, technically a lake town next to Valencia proper) and it is definitely something that every tourist has to try. It is not even a thing just for tourists, it is part of Valencian culture and you’ll see tons of locals at even the most popular restaurants.

Because Cody was writing an article on where to get the best paella in Valencia, we pretty much ate this classic rice dish every day. I implore you to stick with the classic Paella Valenciana which has chicken, rabbit, and snails.

Only have one day and want to know which restaurant to choose? Read The Best Paella In Valencia and don’t forget to make a reservation!

Price: Price per person for Paella Valenciana: 10-20€ depending on location

Things To Do In Valencia