Valencia, Spain: 15 Recommendations for One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World

As the old saying goes..."The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Valencia several times now and every single time, I discover something new, but still leave with the same calm and happiness as I had the first time. Having good friends that are from Valencia helped me to get to know the city from a local perspective, diving head-first into a raucous Las Fallas Festival. The people make the city special, but the sheer beauty will leave you speechless. Well, maybe not speechless, as it has inspired me to write all about it.

Valencia gets overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid more than it deserves to, and honestly, that's part of the charm. You get beaches, a futuristic architectural complex, a medieval old town, and some of the best food in Spain, without the insane crowds. I could talk about this city for hours, but I've narrowed it down to 15 things that I think earn a spot on every Valencia itinerary. Let's get into it.

1. Spend a Day at the Beach

Valencia is a coastal city, and people forget that. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas give you wide, soft sand and a proper boardwalk lined with paella restaurants. Grab a towel, order a horchata, and do absolutely nothing for a few hours. I couldn’t beat ordering paella Valenciana and doing some people watching while also taking in the pristine blue waters.

2. Wander Mercado Central de Valencia

This is one of the oldest and largest fresh markets in Europe, and it is an absolute sensory overload in the best way. Stalls piled with jamón, cheese, seasonal produce, and fresh seafood sit under a stunning glass ceiling. It's open Monday through Saturday, roughly 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 or 3 p.m., and closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. Arrive hungry and leave happy.

3. Get Lost in El Cabanyal

This former fishing quarter was once its own independent town before Valencia absorbed it, and it still feels like a world of its own. The houses are covered in colorful azulejo tiles, and the whole neighborhood has that lived-in, slightly bohemian energy that makes for the best wandering. It sits right next to Las Arenas beach, so pair the two. The weather is seemingly always lovely, so take your time with a winding walk.

4. Eat Paella Valenciana Where It Was Born

You cannot come to Valencia and skip paella. This is its birthplace, and the traditional version uses rabbit, chicken, and green beans rather than the seafood-heavy versions you'll find elsewhere in Spain. Skip anywhere with a laminated tourist menu out front and look for a spot that only serves it at lunch, made to order. I can’t say exactly which one out of the many that I had was the best, but I can say that it is a must-have.

Pro-tip: it gets better as you eat it. At first, it seems to be a lot of liquid, but the dish really comes together as the rice starts to absorb the broth.

Agua de Valencia

5. Try Sangria... Or Better Yet, Agua de Valencia

Sangria is everywhere in Spain, but Valencia has its own signature drink, and it's the one you actually want. Agua de Valencia is a mix of fresh orange juice, cava, gin, and vodka. It's citrusy, bubbly, and a lot stronger than it tastes, so pace yourself.

6. Do a Proper Tapas Crawl

Beyond paella, Valencia has its own tapas culture worth exploring, including "esmorzaret," a hearty mid-morning bite that's basically a second breakfast for people who work hard and eat well. Pick a neighborhood, order small plates at two or three different bars, and let the evening unfold. One of the most fun nights I had in Valencia was drinking and eating tapas with a big group of friends at Maria de la O Taberna. Amazing memories will be made.

7. Marvel at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic complex sits in what used to be the riverbed of the Turia, before the river was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957. It houses Europe's largest aquarium, L'Oceanogràfic, along with a science museum and an IMAX cinema. Even if you don't go inside a single building, walking through at sunset is worth the trip on its own. I’ve been there in the morning, at sunset and late at night. It is stunning any time of day.

8. Walk or Bike Through Jardín del Turia

Speaking of that old riverbed, it's now a nine-kilometer green park that runs through the entire city, connecting the old town to the Ciudad de las Artes. There are orange groves, fountains, football pitches, and Gulliver Park, where kids climb over a giant sculpture of Gulliver himself. It's one of the best free things to do in the city, and it's basically Valencia's backbone.

9. Visit Catedral de Valencia

This cathedral blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, and it's home to a chalice that many believe is the Holy Grail. Climb the Micalet bell tower for one of the best views in the city if you don't mind a few flights of narrow stairs. The view is truly breathtaking though, so give it a try.

10. Step Inside La Lonja de la Seda

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built between 1482 and 1548 as the city's silk exchange, back when Valencia was one of the wealthiest trading ports in the Mediterranean. The main hall is full of twisted columns that make you feel like you've walked into a Gothic forest. It sits right across from Mercado Central, so it’s easy to hit both in one stop.

11. Explore Barrio del Carmen

This is Valencia's old town, full of narrow medieval streets, striking street art, and some of the city's best nightlife. It's home to two remaining gates from the old city wall, the Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, both worth climbing for the view. Give yourself a few hours here with no fixed plan and just let yourself wander. The street art alone is worth it.

12. Take a Day Trip to Montanejos

About an hour and a half outside the city, Montanejos is home to natural hot springs called Fuente de los Baños that stay around 25ºC/77ºF all year round. The Romans were soaking in these same waters centuries ago, drawn by the mineral-rich waters said to be good for skin, stomach, and overall wellbeing. It's a full-day trip, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. 

13. Spend an Afternoon in Parque Natural de la Albufera

This is Spain's largest freshwater lagoon, and it's also where paella actually originated, among the rice farmers who worked these wetlands for generations. Take a traditional boat ride through the rice paddies and canals. If you go around sunset it’s a whole different experience when the whole lake turns gold. Follow it up with a rice dish in the nearby village of El Palmar.

14. Catch a Valencia CF or Levante Match, If You're There in Season

Football runs deep in this city, and if your trip lines up with the season, which typically runs from mid-August through May, catching a match is a great way to feel the local energy. Valencia CF plays at Mestalla, while Levante plays across town at their own stadium, and the two teams share one of Spain's oldest local rivalries, the Derbi del Turia. Even if you don't follow football closely, the atmosphere alone is worth the ticket.

15. Las Fallas, If You Can Time It Right

If there's one festival worth planning an entire trip around, it's Las Fallas. Held every year from March 1 to 19, with the biggest events packed into the final week, this UNESCO-recognized celebration fills the city with massive, satirical sculptures called "ninots," daily fireworks displays called mascletà that you feel as much as hear, and a finale where everything burns to the ground on the night of March 19th. It's chaotic, loud, and unlike anything else I've experienced in Spain. The food, the fireworks and the tradition rival even Brazil's Carnival. It’s the biggest festival that I had never heard of until my friends made sure I experienced it myself. I'm dedicating an entire separate post to Las Fallas, so keep an eye out for that link if you want the full breakdown.

Why I Keep Going Back

Valencia doesn't try as hard as some other Spanish cities to impress you, and that's exactly why it does. It has that buzz of Barcelona mixed with the relaxed nature of Sevilla. They have a language all their own and a spirit that imprints on your soul. Eat all the food, take all the pictures and leave knowing you’ve been somewhere truly special.

Have you been to Valencia? Drop your favorite spot in the comments, I'm always adding to this list.

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