Things to do in Valencia 🇪🇸

We were lucky to be able to spend 4 months in Valencia in the spring of 2022. And although we stayed in the suburb town of L’Eliana, we were a short ride away from Valencia: 20 mins by car and 45 mins by metro (the metro system in Valencia is efficient, reliable, air conditioned and cheap). Over the years we have always enjoyed our stays in Spain and love the culture, food, people and history. Valencia certainly didn’t disappoint!

While we had more time to explore the area, below are the top activities in town and vicinities:

Just stroll around downtown Valencia: we often would just take a metro into town and walk around (get off at Xativa, Turia or Plaza Espana). There are many fun neighborhoods such as Ciutat Vella, El botanic, Colon, just to name a few. This is mainly the area between the Turia park and Av. De Giorgeta and Av. di Peris i Valero. You can simply walk around to admire the architecture, stop for a tapa or enjoy a park.
The beach: Similar to exploring the “downtown” area of Valencia, you can also go towards the beach and walk around! El Cabanyal is a fun neighborhood to explore. There is also a nice boardwalk right by the beach or get your feet wet in the ocean!
Albufera: The rice region. This is to the south of Valencia and is a fun day trip. We drove around and saw the rice paddies, walked by the ocean, stopped at the informative wetlands visitor center and had a delicious paella at one of the many restaurants. (We recommend arroceria El Rek)
Hikes: we are a hiking family and definitely explored the area well! HERE you can find some of the hikes we did and recommend!

The Holly Grail in the Cathedral of Valencia

Some of the top places we enjoyed in Valencia:
- The cathedral of Valencia: We have been to many cathedrals and this one really stood out. It is beautiful and offers a great collection of art and history. You can even get a glimpse of the Holly Grail.
- L’Oceanographic: Its the biggest aquarium in Europe and it is really well done and maintained. It has interesting exhibition on sealife as well as birds, reptiles and even offers a dolphin show. We spent 4 hours exploring!
- Museo Faller de Valencia: We were in Valencia during the famous and fun Las Fallas festival. (You can learn more about it HERE) The Falla museum hosts the winners of the falla winners of previous years as well as the history, how they are made and festival art. It was really interesting, colorful and fun! Definitely worth a stop!
- Cuidad de las artes & ciencias: besides the beautiful building and artificial lake, it offers many exhibitions, activities, movie theaters, cafes, etc. During the summer there are concerts, you can rent boats and bikes.
- Central Market: this is very touristy and a must when in town. However you can also see many locals buying their produce, fish, meat, etc There are many places that sell tapas, fruit, snacks, making it a perfect place to have lunch (they close at 3pm!)
- Turia river park: this used to be the old riverbed of the Turia River, however it is now a very popular park with playgrounds, a running and biking path, exercise park, soccer fields, picnic areas, cafes and so much more. It’s about 10km long and a perfect spot to stroll around or park your car nearby to explore the city (it runs right north of “old downtown” Valencia)

Some of our favorite restaurants and breweries in Valencia:
- Olrait: super friendly service, great menu with some fun croquettas flavors!
- Beer & travels bars: perfect location, great beer and tapas options (try the Pulpo Gallego: octopus, potatoes, olive oil and paprika! YUM!)
- Tyris on tap: great beer and near the central market with outdoor seating
- Central Market: as mentioned above, many options!
- Mercabanyal: a outdoor foodcourt near the beach. From asian food, tapas to pizza and burgers, you’ll find something for all tastes.
- Bodega La Rentaora: great old school tapas place with outdoor seating and friendly service.

We were in Valencia from February through June and one thing that did catch us by surprise was that it got chilly (through May) and we were lucky to stay in a place with central heating and a fireplace! We even had to buy some sweaters and pants! However in the summer we also heard it is impossibly hot. You will notice that, as many places in Spain, the siesta period is very popular and many business close from noon until 3 - 4 pm, year round!

We have travelled extensively in Spain (Just to name a few: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Murcia, Granada, Malaga, Barcelona) and every time we love this country more! Valencia was the longest we stayed in one place and we enjoyed being part of a community. We really had a fabulous time in Valencia!