![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 1 girl at city of arts and sciences valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/D7F57CA2-5BDC-47CA-B1E9-77B50DCAFE94.jpeg)
13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
The third largest city in Spain is right on the coast and is a perfect combination of city life and beach vibes. Here are the best things to do in Valencia:
Quick facts about Spain
Population: | 47.35 million |
Currency: | Euro |
Capital city: | Madrid |
Major airports: | Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI) |
Language: | Spanish (Castilian dialect), Catalan, Basque, Galician |
What to see and things to do in Valencia, Spain
1. Visit the Ciutat de les Arts i les ciències
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 2 girl at city of arts and sciences](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/C1AB3709-916C-4AD2-9474-9C8C481C6E4B-768x1024.jpeg)
This museum complex is home to a science museum, an opera house, an IMAX theater, and an aquarium. You can spend days exploring the various buildings, so plan accordingly! The complex is sometimes the symbol of Valencia and is a must do photo op.
2. Take a bike around the Turia
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 3 Turia park](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-14-at-5.41.49-PM-859x1024-1.jpg)
The Turia park used to be a river, and now runs around the city centre. It’s common for people to go for a bike ride, jog, play sports, or picnic. There’s also a playground for kids that is shaped like the giant from Gulliver’s Travels.
3. Eat paella valenciana
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 4 girl eating paella valenciana](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-16-at-09.12.04-810x1024.jpg)
Valencia is the home of paella. Paella is a rice dish that is cooked in a huge pot for hours. There are several different types of paella, but the original one is paella valenciana, which has green beans, rabbit, and chicken.
4. Drink agua de valencia
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 5 agua de valencia cocktail](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/72160FE8-9692-4E15-8D4E-A00AAA2C6F0B-768x1024.jpeg)
Agua de Valencia, a local drink, is similar to a mimosa, but with a lot more added to it. Agua de Valencia normally has orange juice, cava (Spanish champagne), gin, vodka, and maybe some other ingredients. It’s very refreshing but you need to be careful with how much you drink!
5. Visit Malvarossa Beach
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 6 beach in valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/0B0719D9-6C57-4715-BA2F-BEE981DDCB03-768x1024.jpeg)
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 7 palm trees at golden hour valencia beach](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-21-at-22.04.25-768x1024.jpg)
You can’t visit Valencia without going to the beach! The main, tourist part of the beach (Malvarossa) contains many restaurants and clubs. If you head a bit more north on the same stretch of sand, you’ll reach Patacona, which has many different chiringuitos or, beach bars, for a more relaxing vibe. You can also visit the beach at El Saler, for a more natural type of scenery.
6. Visit the Valencia Cathedral
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 8 girl in front of Valencia Cathedral](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FE35F448-1749-4C63-BB24-C233EB890243-768x1024.jpeg)
The Valencia Cathedral is right in the old town. In addition to being beautiful by itself, this cathedral also has a tower where you can climb 207 steps for a panoramic view of Valencia.
Hint: If you’re looking for accommodation, Red Nest Hostel is close to the cathedral and the rest of the Old Town, with a great backpacker vibe
7. Cruise along the coast
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 9 Peniscola in the north of Valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-13-at-5.53.06-PM-1024x710-1.jpg)
There are so many amazing towns and beaches to visit on the coast! Check out the best Day Trips from Valencia for my favorites.
8. Explore Ruzafa
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 10 Ruzafa neighborhood in Valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-14-at-5.30.18-PM-813x1024-1.jpg)
While Ruzafa used to be one of the less desirable parts of the city, it has now made a name for itself as the hipster neighborhood. You can wander the streets of Ruzafa for unique bars and restaurants, as well as visit the market there.
9. See the Plaza de Toros
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 11 Plaza de Toros in Valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-13-at-5.38.00-PM.jpg)
Situated right next to the train station is the bullfighting arena. While bullfighting is a bit controversial nowadays, you can still visit the arena for other events like concerts and parties, or just see the outside.
10. Go to Las Fallas
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 12 las fallas sculpture](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A1C45669-56C7-44AD-840D-7C6E7309738B.jpeg)
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 13 las fallas festival valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/E58244EF-DD43-49CB-A5C9-0B13544F7F3B.jpeg)
If you’re lucky enough to be in Spain during Las Fallas, you absolutely have to go to Las Fallas. Las Fallas usually takes place during the middle of March and is a festival that is celebrated for weeks on end. Find out exactly when the festival is at the official website.
11. Shop at the Mercat Central
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 16 mercat central valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/A3B8660C-B1A6-4D51-AA6F-AB6E2B8219FA-1024x768.jpeg)
This main market in the city centre has fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. Even if you’re not there to shop, it’s still a great place to walk around and see all the options and the atmosphere or to grab a drink.
12. Visit the Silk Exchange
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 17 silk exchange/lonja de seda in Valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-14-at-5.30.31-PM-788x1024-1.jpg)
La Lonja de la Seda, or the silk exchange, is an important historical building in the old town. It’s also open everyday! Check the website for the latest information and see this beautiful piece of history
13. Bioparc Valencia
The Bioparc in Valencia is a zoo, but unlike any zoo you’ve seen before. This zoo was created under the concept of “zoo immersion” with carefully planned natural habitats for the animals and less barriers. Of course, you’ll still be far away from the tigers and lions in their exhibit, but when entering the lemur forest you’ll find that they are free rein
Have you visited Valencia? What other things do you love to do in this amazing city?
![13 of the Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain 20 repin: things to do in valencia](https://thetejanaabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/10-683x1024.jpg)
The Comments
kmf
I visited Spain last year for the first time – primarily in Madrid. I plan to return again when it’s safe to roam the world freely again. You have now inspired me to add Valencia to my must-visit itinerary. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to experience all 13 of your recommendations. Love history and paella and am a big fan of mimosas so want to try the Valencia’s drink…and those beach bars look so inviting!
Jori
kmfIt’s so amazing!! I’m sure you’ll love it
Lana
JoriI haven’t really had the chance to visit a lot of Spain yet but plan to next year and will definitely be adding Valencia to my itinerary! I love each and every one of your recommendations, it really does sound like the perfect place for me! I will definitely be looking more into Las Fallas as that’s really up my street! Thanks for sharing
Jori
LanaIt’s a lovely city!! And Las Fallas is a bucket list activity!
Patricia
I am normally an anti-zoo person, but the way you describe thew Valencia zoo makes me wonder if I should visit when I travel to Valencia. Thanks for sharing this guide! 🙂
Jori
PatriciaI think it’s really cool! Still a zoo of course but you can tell the keepers really care about the animals and their wellbeing 🙂
Sophia Bawany
Valencia is such a foodie heaven! We cant wait to have Paella and drink some delicous local delights! As a lover of fashion, the silk exchange would be a must visit for us as well! Thank you for such a well rounded list
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