14 Unmissable Things to Do in Valencia for 2022

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On the lookout for a few of the greatest issues to do in Valencia? Properly, you’re in luck, as a result of there are such a lot of points of interest in Valencia which are value testing!

Valencia is the three^rd largest metropolis in Spain and but for some cause, guidebooks like Rick Steve’s don’t even point out this metropolis as one of many high locations to go to in Spain.

Skipping Valencia out of the guidebooks is like skipping the phrase ‘Apple’ out of the dictionary. It’s a metropolis bursting with tradition, implausible procuring services, world-class museums, and historic landmarks.

It’s additionally a foodie paradise, and in the event you’re unsure the place to eat in Valencia, don’t fear as a result of we’ve added some nice meals choices to this checklist, too.

There are sufficient sights and issues to do in Valencia Spain to simply preserve a customer busy for a complete weekend, or extra if you need extra seaside time. However in the event you’re unsure what points of interest so as to add to your Valencia itinerary, then preserve studying…

Is Valencia Value Visiting?

As a result of Valencia was skipped from our guidebooks, I requested myself if it was value visiting Valencia Spain? Looking out Pinterest and different journey blogs it appeared prefer it was a worthwhile metropolis to go to, which left me perplexed as to why it appears to be neglected by many.

As a result of Valencia is smaller than different Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it’s lots simpler to seek out quiet spots, and empty streets, and go to fashionable sights with out feeling cramped.

Valencia has a College really feel with round 55,000 college students, colourful neighborhoods, sandy seashores, and wonderful meals. It feels extra genuine and “lived in” than the neighboring vacationer hotspot Barcelona.

This metropolis additionally appears to be a preferred vacation spot for Spaniards. I observed there have been extra Spanish individuals vacationing right here than vacationers from overseas, which I beloved!

Wandering town, I usually felt like I discovered a hidden gem. And for that cause, it’s completely value visiting.

The place is Valencia

First issues first, the place is Valencia Spain?

Valencia is positioned on the coast of jap Spain. It’s beneath Barcelona and east of Madrid. Its location makes for a straightforward add-on to Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, and/or Mallorca.

It’s a couple of 4-hour drive from Madrid to Valencia and three.5 hour’s drive from Barcelona. You too can get direct trains and buses, which makes touring between these main cities simple.

Methods to Get to Valencia

Valencia does have its personal airport so you could possibly simply fly proper into Valencia (although it is probably not the most cost effective airport to fly into in the event you’re coming from outdoors of Europe).

Cab and metro are the 2 greatest choices to get into town heart. A cab will take about 15-20 minutes and price round €20. The metro will take round 25 minutes and price €3.90.

In case you’re searching for a less expensive flight or including extra cities to your itinerary I like to recommend flying into Madrid or Barcelona.

Madrid has a high-speed prepare that will get you to Valencia in simply over 2 hours. Barcelona to Valencia will take about 4 hours by prepare.

Valencia is a handy metropolis to go to if wish to hit some Spanish islands later. A simple itinerary for Spain can be Valencia, Ibiza, and Mallorca.

Flights are lower than 1 hour to those islands and in the event you plan forward you possibly can snag tickets for underneath $15…sure…that isn’t a typo.

Getting round Valencia

When you attain town heart it’s extraordinarily simple to get round.

The core of town is walkable and compact. Renting a motorcycle is a well-liked choice as Valencia is bike pleasant and you’ll really bike all the way in which to the seaside by way of the Turia Gardens.

Like different giant European cities, Valencia additionally has a metro system that’s simple to make use of and low cost to get round. Chances are high the one time you’ll actually need to make use of the metro is to and from the airport.

Strolling and biking are preferable as most sights are shut collectively and also you’ll get to benefit from the views and people-watching as you go from place to put.

Greatest Time to Go to Valencia Spain

Valencia has a Mediterranean local weather similar to Barcelona. Climate-wise, it’s first rate to go to year-round.

In case you’re searching for heat sunny days and fewer crowds, April by way of Could and late September to early November are the most effective occasions to go to.

If seaside climate is excessive in your precedence checklist goal for Could and October as temperatures vary from the high-50s to mid-70s. Take into account that fall may have the next probability of rain and clouds than spring.

Winter is the right time of 12 months for vacationers searching for low crowds and costs and first rate sightseeing climate. Temperatures vary from the mid-40s to mid-60s.

Valencia is not any totally different than the remainder of Europe in that it will get costly and crowded in the summertime. Keep away from June by way of mid-September if you wish to keep away from the headache of crowds and costly resort charges.

Issues to Do in Valencia Spain

Now that you understand how to get to Valencia and when to go to, let’s get into the good things about what to do in Valencia!

There are sufficient Valencia points of interest to fill a fast-paced 2-day itinerary or a extra leisurely 3 or 4-day itinerary. If you wish to spend various hours on the seaside I undoubtedly suggest staying at the very least 3 nights.

We now have some nice recommendation for you down beneath on what to do, the place to eat, how one can get there, and the most effective time to go to.

1. Mercado Central Valencia (The Central Market)

This busy market is a should, particularly for foodies. Wander the stalls stuffed with colourful fruit juices, greens, jamon, and snacks. Attempt some samples or purchase a number of gadgets to make a meal out of it.

Cease at Retrogusto Coffeemates for top-quality espresso. Mercado de Colon is one other market to say with extra ready-to-eat gadgets vs. produce.

2. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Alternate)

One other traditional work of gorgeous structure is La Lonja de la Seda. It was constructed within the late Fifteenth-century in a Valencian Gothic model.

It was a market and one in every of Europe’s high commerce facilities. The identify interprets to “Silk Alternate”, and was the place merchants from the East would come to make offers with these within the Mediterranean.

At present, the constructing is a UNESCO World Heritage website and a celebration of historical past and tradition.

The doorway payment is €2. Pay the additional €3 for the audio information to study in regards to the constructing and a bit about Valencia’s previous.

3. Valencia Cathedral

The declare to fame of the Valencia Cathedral, or St Mary’s Cathedral, is that it supposedly homes the Holy Grail (chalice), the cup Jesus drank from on the final supper, which is positioned within the Holy Chalice Chapel on the within of the church.

The cathedral is positioned in Plaza de la Virgen, the principle sq. and an ideal spot to seize a espresso and other people watch.

The location of the cathedral has historic significance because it was as soon as the situation of an historical Roman Temple, a mosque, and now the cathedral you see right this moment. The interiors are a mixture of Gothic and Baroque kinds.

Tickets are €7 and embrace an audio information. When you’re carried out touring the cathedral head subsequent door to climb the Miguelete bell tower for the most effective views of town beneath. It’s a further €2 and effectively value the fee and the 207-step climb.

4. Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia )

One other backyard value visiting in Valencia is the Jardin del Turia within the metropolis heart. It’s one in every of Spain’s largest city parks and spans 9 kilometers throughout town.

The river that after flowed by way of Valencia was diverted to forestall flooding of town. The riverbed then was transformed into an enormous park full with jogging and biking trails.

It’s an enormous inexperienced house that provides a spot for leisure and sports activities, in addition to providing a romantic backdrop for these searching for someplace quiet to spend with their family members.

It connects Cabecera Park and the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences (The Ciudad de les Arts y las Ciències), and options 18 historic bridges over the River Turia. Essentially the most iconic of these bridges is the San José bridge, which was constructed within the seventeenth century, the sixteenth century Serranos bridge, and Fifteenth century Trinidad bridge.

In case you’re searching for points of interest in Valencia to go to with the children, you’ll want to head to the Cabecera Park aspect and trip within the swan boats. You’ll discover Gulliver Park right here, in addition to a skate park and soccer area.

Strolling or biking the Turia Gardens is a should as a result of the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences is positioned inside the park and in the event you go all the way in which down the park and proceed following the cycle path you’ll ultimately attain Malvarrosa seaside.

5. Metropolis of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

In case you’re fascinated by visiting museums in Valencia, then the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences is the one to go to. This contemporary and futuristic complicated is among the most iconic and fashionable issues to do in Valencia Spain.

It’s most well-known for its structure, which was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The Metropolis of Arts and Sciences is definitely a number of totally different museums and points of interest.

Inside, you’ll discover a science museum, a planetarium and IMAX cinema, in addition to the aquarium and a performing arts venue (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía).

It’s not only a museum, however a metropolis celebrating the humanities and historical past of Valencia. It’s an enormous complicated and undoubtedly someplace value exploring throughout your journey to Valencia.

Essentially the most spectacular of those is the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe. The aquarium can be dwelling to a wide range of sea animals, reminiscent of beluga whales, tiger sharks, penguins, walruses, dolphins, and sea lions.

Even in the event you don’t wish to enter any of the museums or buildings, it’s nonetheless a worthy sight to stroll round and see the structure.

6. Malvarossa Seashore

The simplest seaside to succeed in in Valencia is Malvarossa Seashore as you may get right here by bike.

Loosen up within the solar, stroll or trip down the palm tree lined promenade, and order some paella for lunch earlier than you head again to town heart.

Do you know paella was invented in Valencia?

7. Barrio del Carmen

This neighborhood is positioned within the Ciutat Vella, or Previous City.

Wander the cobblestoned streets and gaze on the Serrano and Quart towers (all that’s left of the medieval wall that surrounded town), stroll previous quaint squares, and decide a number of tapas bars for dinner later.

Strolling round this historic quarter was one in every of my favourite issues to do in Valencia.

8. Ruzafa

The place Barrio del Carmen is charming and historic, the Ruzafa neighborhood is hipster and artsy.

Take a look at the Ruzafa market, go to a number of artwork galleries, take a break at a cute café, and store a few of the stylish boutiques. This space has a neighborhood vibe and is the right spot to not really feel like a vacationer.

9. Las Fallas Pageant

Las Fallas Pageant is a must-see occasion in Valencia in the event you’re visiting in March. The pageant celebrates the arrival of Spring, and formally spans for 5 days from the Fifteenth-Nineteenth March. The pageant is known for its papier-mâché statues (fallas) which adorn the streets all through the pageant, and are then burnt on the final day La Cremà.

It’s additionally well-known for Mascletà, an enormous pyrotechnic spectacle of firecrackers and fireworks shows. You will see that fireworks and firecrackers are set off for just about most of March, even outdoors these dates.

It started within the center ages when carpenters used to burn items of wooden that used to carry up their lights throughout winter. As time moved on, they added previous garments and rags which was bonfires and inventive puppet shows (ninots).

The occasion has been added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity checklist and is a must-see factor to see in Valencia this time of 12 months.

10. Albufera Pure Park

Situated simply 10km outdoors town heart is that this gorgeous place of pure magnificence. The park is Spain’s largest lagoon, and is known for its sunsets, in addition to being a spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of town and luxuriate in boat rides.

The park is surrounded by rice fields and woodlands, and has six signposted strolling routes by way of the reserve. In case you’re wanting fastidiously, you may even see waterfowl swimming within the vegetation.

11. Gulliver Park

In case you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Valencia with youngsters, then you’ll want to make a journey over to Gulliver Park. Impressed by the guide, Gulliver’s Travels, the enjoyable, and quirky park permits youngsters to climb and play on an enormous play construction of the character Gulliver, which is manufactured from climbing frames and slides.

Within the guide, Gulliver washed ashore on an island of tiny 6-inch individuals. Whereas we’re not a fan of playparks (as you possibly can see them in all places), Gullivers Park permits youngsters to make use of their creativeness and creativity.

As they climb and slide across the park, youngsters can faux to be one of many Lilliput inhabitants as they play on this iconic Valencia monument!

12. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

In case you get pleasure from seeing gorgeous and historic structure, then you’ll want to swing by the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The sq. is lined with gorgeous buildings that have been constructed throughout Valencia’s golden age.

Within the heart, there’s an ornate fountain that’s usually surrounded by flower stalls. You’ll discover cafes and bars nestled on the edges of the sq., and down the aspect streets are many boutique shops and eating places.

It’s the right place to take a seat and luxuriate in an espresso whereas absorbing the gorgeous Spanish structure and watching the world go by.

13. Central Market of Valencia

In case you’re considering of making an attempt a few of the native produce, then you’ll want to head over to the central market of Valencia. It was inbuilt 1928 and took 14 years to construct. The market is a large 86,000 sq. ft and covers two flooring.

It has a number of stalls that primarily promote meals and native produce. Make sure to test it out and seize some produce for a picnic. Even in the event you’re not seeking to purchase, it’s an important place to see for its magnificence.

14. Torres de Serranos

For unimaginable views of Valencia, climb as much as Torres de Serranos, the traditional gate of previous city Valencia. The gate has many names; from Serrans Gate, Serranos Gate, Serrans Towers, or Serranos Towers, Torres de Quart – whichever identify you give it, you possibly can’t deny this historical monument is spectacular.

It’s one in every of twelve gates that after shaped the traditional metropolis wall of town of Valencia (also referred to as the Christian Wall) and was constructed throughout the 14th century.

The gate has a gothic Valencian model and it has been lovingly restored by sculptor José Aixá between 1893 and 1914. The stones have been additionally cleaned in 2000 which is why it appears like a brand-new constructing.

Make sure to flip round and admire the views from up right here.

Locations to Eat in Valencia

We promised foodie followers that we would come with some high meals points of interest in Valencia on this checklist and we weren’t mendacity! Whether or not you’re seeking to strive some scrumptious seafood or one in every of Spain’s most iconic dishes (paella), these locations received’t disappoint.

Listed here are our favourite locations to eat in Valencia.

Horchateria Santa Catalina

You may’t go to Valencia and never partake within the conventional snack. A glass of chilly horchata milk (made out of tiger nuts and combined with sugar) paired with fartons, a slender pastry topped with powdered sugar.

Horchata is a bit too candy for my liking, however this can be a Valencian custom and price a strive. Horchateria Santa Catalina is the oldest and hottest spot serving horchata and fartons. It’s additionally proper within the metropolis heart and near lots of the Valencia points of interest listed above.

Trencat

An ideal café for a fast chunk or espresso. The salads are significantly good together with the breakfast plates and pastries. Trencat is centrally positioned by Mercado Central Valencia.

Federal

One other stable café choice positioned inside the previous city is Federal. It is a nice selection for espresso, breakfast plates, toasts, sandwiches, and desserts. It’s laptop computer pleasant, has WiFi, and loads of desk house.

Escalones de la Lonja

Escalones de la Lonja is a standard Spanish tapas joint stuffed with vacationers and locals. Enjoyable environment and good costs.

Pintxo i Trago

Pintxos are small toasts topped with a wide range of components. In order for you an informal expertise, go straight to the bar stuffed with toasts and seize a plate. You decide whichever toasts you need and preserve the toothpick. That’s how the servers know what to cost you. Every pintxo is €1.80.

You possibly can simply make a complete meal out of making an attempt a number of pintxos. Upstairs is an precise sit-down restaurant. I choose downstairs because it’s a bit livelier.

Flor de Valencia

One other specialty in Valencia is paella – it was invented right here. Historically, paella is made with white rice, hen and rabbit, with white beans, snails, saffron and rosemary – however yow will discover many various flavors right here.

In case you go to La Malvarrosa seaside you’ll discover the boardwalk lined with paella eating places. Simply stroll alongside, take a look at the menus and resolve which one appeals to you.

In order for you the most effective paella in Valencia head to Flor de Valencia. It’s positioned about 25 minutes on foot from the previous city or 10 minutes by bike. You too can get there by metro or cab.

El Poblet

Do that Michelin star restaurant for a particular night and excellent delicacies. You may select from a number of tasting menus starting from €85 to €125.

Véneta meals & Gelato Italiano

Palms down the most effective gelato in Valencia and positioned proper subsequent to the Valencia cathedral.

Dulce de Leche Boutique

Situated within the Ruzafa neighborhood, Dulce de Leche is the right cease for an Instagrammable espresso and cake break.

I hope this journey information helps in planning your journey to Valencia.

Earlier than You Go

So there you will have it, these are the highest issues to do in Valencia and greatest locations to eat. Now you virtually have the whole lot it’s worthwhile to plan the right journey to Valencia.

All you want now could be your lodging. We extremely suggest you flick thru Reserving.com, which has over 1400 motels, trip leases and hostels to select from.

You also needs to be sure you have journey insurance coverage. Valencia could be very protected, however you possibly can by no means assure what is going to occur on the highway. Give your self some peace of thoughts and get your self some journey insurance coverage earlier than you go.

Now you already know the most effective issues to do in Valencia, the place to eat, how one can get round, and the whole lot in-between. I’ve a sense this metropolis goes to proceed to achieve reputation so now could be the time to go!

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