12 Exciting Things To Do in Valencia, Spain
Looking for fun things to do in Valencia, Spain? Well, then, you’re in the right place! There are so many activities in this stunning coastal city, from exploring the modern City of Arts and Sciences to wandering through elegant architecture in the historic center.
Set on the coast, Valencia is also spoiled with sweeping beaches. If you travel a little inland, you will find a myriad of hiking trails, including waterfalls and swimming holes, where you can cool down in the summer.
Read on to find out what to do in Valencia, whether you’re into history, architecture, or nature.
Visit Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral was built in the mid-13th century and is one of the prettiest cathedrals in Spain. Going inside is well worth it, especially climbing its tower, “El Miguelete” for views of the city. It is said that Valencia Cathedral is home to the real Holy Grail, the exact same one that Jesus used in the Last Supper in the 1st century.
Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is one of Valencia’s most prominent tourist attractions. The futuristic architectural area of the city where you find the Oceanogràfic and the Science Museum. You can learn about anything from astronomy to science through interesting films and exhibitions.
But even if you opt out of the museums, the entire area is loved by locals and tourists alike, with picturesque waterscapes where you can go paddleboarding and cafés where you can enjoy the architecture over a coffee or an ice cream. Up the stairs to the gardens, you can also walk around a completely free outdoor interactive astronomy museum, which is pretty cool.
Look for the best street art
There is amazing street art throughout Valencia, where you can see epic works by artists like Hyuro and Dridali, to name some. El Carmen neighborhood is one of the best areas for street art, where you can admire large, colorful pieces. But also the Ruzafa area, which is one of the hippest neighborhoods to stay in Valencia, has some of the city’s best street art pieces.
I highly recommend taking a street art walking tour with a guide to see the best street art and also learn more about the story behind the art.
Take a bike tour
One of the best ways to explore Valencia is by joining a guided bike tour. There are plenty of different options from exploring the old town to cycling to the City of Arts and Sciences with plenty of stops in between.
Some bike tours even take you to the beach to explore the beautiful Valencia coastline. One of the best things about taking a bike tour is that you cover a lot more ground than on a walking tour (which usually stay in the town center) but also that you get a better overview of the city so that you easily can explore more in-depth later.
Hit the beaches
Make sure you explore the stunning beaches of Valencia on your visit, especially if you travel in summer. The closest to the city is Arenas Beach, which you can easily reach in 15-20 minutes by public transport. The beach has all necessary amenities like lifeguards, loungers and parasols for rent, and plenty of beach bars. It is also close to the colorful Cabanyal neighborhood, which is a popular place to stay in Valencia in summer.
Malvarossa Beach, Patacona Beach, and Saler Beach are also worth visiting and reachable by public transport.
Take a day trip to Madrid
In only a 2-hours train ride, you find yourself in Spain’s capital city Madrid making it one of the most popular day trips from Valencia. In Madrid, there are plenty of things to do, but make sure you visit the Royal Palace and the cathedral. They are located right in front of each other so it is easy to see on a day trip.
Next, stroll through the Gran Via shopping street and grab a drink in Plaza Mayor, the most iconic square in Madrid. If you are a foodie, I suggest joining a tapas tour (there are even vegan tapas tours in Madrid) to try all the delicious food.
There are also plenty of museums in the capital like the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Admire the architecture in the old town
Valencia Old Town is jam-packed with impressive architecture and walking around the narrow streets is one of the best things to do as you come across so many stunning buildings.
One of the prettiest is the 18th-century palace where the Museu Nacional de Ceràmica i de les Arts Sumptuàries Gonzàlez Martí is located.
Hike to Cueva del Turche
Just a 40-minute drive from Valencia, you find amazing waterfalls and natural swimming pools. One of these is Cueva del Turche in Buñol (where the famous Tomatina Festival is held every year). It is easily reached by train, and you can walk to Cueva del Turche in half an hour from the town. If you come by car, there is parking just about a 5-10 minutes walk from the waterfall.
The waterfall is usually thin in the summer, but the swimming hole is absolutely amazing! On the other hand, spring is ideal for seeing the waterfall, especially after heavy rain. No matter when you go, this is a little piece of paradise that you should do your best to include in your itinerary.
Explore the Silk Exchange
The Lonja de La Seda is the old Silk Exchange dating back to the 15th century when Valencia thrived in its silk trade. The beautiful gothic building is protected by UNESCO and is one of the most important sites in Valencia.
Most walking tours take you there; if you want to learn more about it, it is a great way to visit.
Eat all the paella
Valencia is said to be the origin of the delightful Spanish rice dish Paella. Needless to say, if there is one food you should try in Valencia, it is paella.
Back in the day, they would put anything they had lying around, from vegetables to seafood, and mix it with the rice. Even today, seafood paella is the most typical paella you will find, but if you don’t eat seafood, fret not. You can even find vegan paellas that are absolutely delectable!
Let out your inner child at Gulliver’s Park
Set between the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences, Gulliver’s Park is in Turia Park, the city’s largest and longest park.
If you have read the children’s book Gulliver’s Travels, you know what I’m talking about when I say a large Gulliver figure is lying in the middle of the park with multiple slides, climbing nets, and other fun features for the kids to play on.
Usually, you see the parents watching the kids play in a playground, but this is big enough for the parents to play with the kids, and no one will look strange at you if you have a go at one of the slides. It is actually lots of fun!
Conclusion: What to do in Valencia
Summing up what to do in Valencia, there are so many great attractions and things to do that you can stay busy for days. From historical sites, great architecture, to a fantastic foodie scene, there is something to do for everyone.
BIO: Lin Haglund is an avid traveler and travel writer who has been based in Spain for the last 10 years. She now travels full-time in a van and you can follow her adventures on YouTube.
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