Valencia, Spain: Top 10 Things to Do
For anyone who makes the great decision to visit this city though- it certainly won’t disappoint! Check my curated list for the best Valencia things to do!
Valencia is a gorgeous Mediterranean city on the east coast of Spain. It’s not typically a common stop in the country however, with most travelers opting to visit nearby Barcelona instead.
I’ll admit- I’m a little bit obsessed. After studying abroad there, spending a year living there, (and visiting again!) I’ve compiled my list of the top 10 best Valencia things to do:
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1.) Relax at the Plaza de La Virgen
The architectural beauty and history speak for themselves in this iconic and central plaza of the city. You can spend the whole afternoon here relaxing, people watching, and taking in the views of the old part of the city.
The cathedral (a former mosque) is a beautiful centerpiece, and the colorful buildings and aroma of nearby restaurants simply add to the experience.
⇒ Read More: My 2-3 day Valencia itinerary for a first time visit!
2) Sample Food at El Mercado Central or Mercado Colón
Both locals and tourists alike enjoy visiting Spain’s lively public markets. The Central Market (Mercado Central) is located near the heart of the city, and provides plenty of photogenic sights.
Considered one of the oldest European markets still running, don’t pass up the chance to try and buy some local deliciousness.
Alternately, you can check out Mercat de Colom, which has many great places for horchata, and some arts and crafts!
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3) Eat Paella & Drink Agua de Valencia
Paella, a Spanish culinary tradition, all began in the Valencian region of Spain. The delicious mixture of rice, meats, seafood, and vegetables create a flavor that some might argue is the very essence of España!
Try it at one of the many restaurants along the beach near the America’s Cup Port- or Playa Malvarrosa. It doesn’t get more authentic than it does here, in the place where it originated!
While you’re out, check the menu for Agua de Valencia– a local cocktail made of champagne, orange juice (of the famed Valencian oranges), vodka, and gin. Valencia things to do!
4) Discoteca Night
Spaniards know how to party. With salsa clubs and discotecas staying open all night, and the metro opening at 6am, there is no excuse NOT to stay out all night, catch a sunrise on the beach, and then take the metro back to your hostel at sunrise.
The dancing scene, the music, the drinks, and the overall environment are unlike any other city. Here, you’ll actually experience dancing like it was meant to be!
You can’t have a true Spanish experience without partaking in the thriving nightlife- and with countless options, you have no excuse!
I recommend L’Umbracle Terraza, located in the City of Arts & Sciences, as a good start! If beach-side clubs with swim up bars are more your scene, check out Marina Beach Club and Lounge.
5) Stroll and Shop the Central Plaza del Ayuntamiento
With its marbled streets, unique shops, beautiful buildings, and sprinkling of fountains, this area of the city has a sophisticated and refined air to it.
Stroll the streets in the nicest outfit you packed, stop in and try some tapas or grab a glass of vino, and hit up the shops like Zara, Mango, and of course… El Corte Inglés.
⇒Read More: See the natural springs (day-trip from Valencia)
6) Climb the staircase to the top of El Miguelete
The Cathedral of Valencia, constructed at the end of the 13th century, has seen its fair share of history. At one point a mosque, now a Catholic Church (home to the real Holy Grail), the beautiful interior of the church is worth a visit.
Climbing the bell tower (added in 1459) and its 300ish steps is a MUST. For a small fee, you can climb the winding narrow stairs to the top of the cathedral.
There, you can spend time near the old bell (called “El Miguelete”), while enjoying views of the city, ocean, and more. It is simply beautiful, and the history of the church makes it more so.
7) Marvel at the Architecture of the City of Arts of Sciences
Words cannot accurately describe the unique, futuristic, and stunning architecture of renowned architect Santiago Calatrava’s magnificent City of Arts and Sciences.
With construction beginning in the late 90’s , this area has rapidly become a cultural, architectural, educational, and entertainment based space, and a must for all visitors to the city.
Simply walk around, gawk at the beautiful structures, or maybe pay a visit to the planetarium, the 3D cinema, or the large aquarium as well. You will not regret it!
8) Try Horchata near Plaza de La Reina
The Horchatería Santa Catalina was founded in 1835, and has a noble tradition of serving up a local breakfast dish like no one else can. True horchata originated in this city.
Come into this restaurant in the Plaza de Santa Catalina (within walking distance of the Cathedral), and order yourself a glass of horchata, with a side of fartones.
Horchata, a milky drink made with tiger nuts, sugar and water goes perfectly with the doughnut like dippers, called fartones.
Sit a while enjoying this local treat, and soak in the lively plaza atmosphere. Another great place to find excellent horchata options is the Mercado de Colón!
9) Walk or Swim the beautiful Playa de la Malvarrosa
This amazing urban beach, north of the city center, has great Mediterranean swimming in summertime.
Come in July or August and you’ll find yourself surrounded by local beach-goers, soaking in the glorious Spanish sunlight (some choosing to tan in the nude!).
The water feels great, and if you’re hungry there are shops and restaurants all along the beachfront promenade.
If you have time, you can walk down to the old America’s Cup Port (home of the world’s largest sailing competition). If you want a fancy dinner with a great view, check out Restaurant Panorama.
10) Climb the Historical Torres de Serranos
These towers formed what was once one of twelve entries through the original medieval city gates. Constructed in 1392, they are one of Valencia’s most iconic sights.
Visitors can walk up into the towers, read a bit about the history, and check out the surrounding view. If time permits, visit the nearby Torres de Quart too- a place riddled with bullet holes from Napoleon’s troops. Overall these are quick stops, but worthwhile visits!
More Spain Info!
♥ Read more about a day trip to the nearby hot springs!
♥ Check this list of Valencia DAY TRIPS and TOURS !
♥ Read about where to stay in Valencia
♥ Visit the nearby medieval beach town of Peñíscola.
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♥ Book your hotel in Valencia
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Valencia, Spain things to do!
10 Comments
Nice list, I’m more into the Adventure side of the city’s. Just outside the city is a great hike that’s well known in Spain.
Great post I have been to valencia and this really relate the beauty of this city 🙂
Thanks. A big help for our upcomingtrip.
Great to hear! I hope you have fun- Valencia is AMAZING! 🙂
I’m definitely planning on including Valencia in my circuit tour of Spain: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao. (Andalusia will have to be a separate trip!)
Hi Billy- That is a smart idea- there is SO much to do and see in Spain that it’s not possible to fit it all into one 10 day trip. I think the way you are splitting it up is great! Each one of those cities is wonderful, although Valencia is of course my favorite 🙂 Enjoy!
You should also try Horchata in Alboraya surrounded by the fields of chufa (the main ingredient) and have paella in El Palmar surrounded by the rice paddies. Things always taste better (providing you don’t fall into a tourist trap) at the source.
For us, one of the joys of travelling is trying new food & regional specialities. Paella originates in the Valencia region, so when we were there last October we decided to a Paella making experience. We spent a fun half day with a paella master learning the secrets of authentic Paella Valenciana.
To get things started was a trip to Mercat Central to buy our ingredients. It was absolutely fascinating to hear the history and traditions of the market whilst going from stall to stall buying our ingredients.
Now we’re hooked and look to do at least one cooking experience in each city we visit. Recently in Barcelona we did two. It’s so much fun, and you get to meet some really fab people.
[…] be anything from some fries and a bit of stew to a plate of fried anchovies to a small helping of Valencian paella to fried eggplant with honey and […]
Thanks for posting. Researching for a Travel client.