This Valencia, Spain Travel Guide features the ultimate list of the best things to do and see in Valencia. Within this mini-guide, you will find recommendations for the best restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and activities in Valencia.
Valencia Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours in Valencia. Find unique free tours with GuruWalk in any city in the world. We took the free tour, and it was amazing! Our tour guide was born and raised in Valencia with extensive knowledge of the city’s history and insights. Taking a tour the day you arrive is always a great way to get a layout of the city.
You can visit the town hall for free; however, the museum has an entry fee.
Church of Saint Nicholas
A must-see in Valencia, absolutely gorgeous and often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Spain. Highly recommended, the audio-guide is very informative and helps you notice things you might otherwise miss.
It costs 10 €; however, you can get a combined ticket for Saint Nicholas, The Lonja, and The Church of the Santos Juanes for 12€.
My First Paella
VALENCIAN PAELLA EXPERIENCE: Valencian Paella Cooking Class with Market Tour + Private Class.
Simply amazing. This was one of the most memorable experiences during our stay in Valencia. Do yourself a favor and book it!
Agua De Valencia
A must-have drink when visiting Spain.
Agua de València is a Spanish cocktail made with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava (sparkling wine), vodka, and gin. A fruity and refreshing cross between a mimosa and sangria.
Cafe Negrito is the place where we had a pitcher of Agua de València. We really enjoyed this laid-back little spot and would recommend stopping by for a drink or two.
Tabenia la Senia
We came across this excellent little tapas bar while exploring the old city of Valencia. They serve really good food with an original twist and excellent service. A highly rated restaurant that we were lucky to find by chance.
The cuttlefish served like tagliatelle with pesto is a must-try!
Luciano’s
For those who love tasty gelato!
A lot of amazing choices of different flavours and options. Service was great. One of the best gelatos I’ve ever had! I definitely recommend this place.
Central Market of Valencia
There are over 1200 stalls at the market, mostly selling food items, and it’s a real taste of Mediterranean life. Plenty of food options make it a good place to explore local products. I think you should try a smoothie or some fresh squeezed juices, it’s delicious! Also the neighborhood is lovely to walk around.
Casa Carmela
A restaurant of traditional Valencian cuisine, founded in 1922.
This is the place for authentic Paella Valencia. They make the paella on a wood fire stove, and the smoky taste takes the paella to another level.
Reservations are necessary; if you want Paella Valencia, you must reserve it ahead of time before arriving
Horchata & Churros
While you are near the Central Market of Valencia, grab some horchata and churros.
Horchata in Spain is made from tiger nuts (chufa in Spanish), water, and sugar. It has a sweet and milky flavor with a hint of nuttiness. The drink is popular in various regions of Spain, especially in the Valencian Community. It’s often served chilled and is a refreshing option, particularly during the warmer months.
Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This museum is definitely one of the highlights of Valencia—a beautiful and unique building from the outside, equally beautiful inside. It has a great collection of ceramics to view in the museum.
The exhibits include the palace rooms and a ceramics display. Worth the €3 admission
It is free to visit on Saturdays.
Ice Skate in front of Valencia City Hall
In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento during Christmas Holiday Time.
I love ice skating especially around Christmas time! The skating rink is set up in Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Also, adding to the festive charm, they had a traditional Christmas Carousel positioned in the heart of the square.
La Lonja de la Seda
Old medieval silk market—a truly stunning building with so much history. It has gothic style ceilings in the main floor with tall spiral columns, which are very impressive. There is a room accessed via the stairway from the orange garden with wooden carved and painted ceiling, a spectacular medieval work of art.
Entry is 2€ and free on Sundays.
Oceanográfic
What a lovely aquarium! The exhibits are arranged by habitat, some indoor and some outdoor. I recommend going to the Dolphin show, the jellyfish zone and to visit the penguins. A great place for kids.
Not gonna lie, seeing the Beluga whales in a small tank kind of made me sad. I lived in Alaska and loved seeing the Beluga whales freely roaming at Beluga Point.
The Umbracle
The Umbracle was one of my favorite parts of visiting the City of Art and Science. It is a huge, open-access garden that is home to various Mediterranean plants and trees. It is free to enter and you are able to explore freely. Be sure to snap some photos because this spot is beyond amazing on camera.
City of Arts and Science Valencia
These amazing futuristic buildings in Valencia are a must see. The architecture is truly breathtaking and provides countless photo opportunities.
Vuelve Carolina
A truly lovely food experience! The ambiance is posh, featuring unique global dishes, tapas, and one of the best agua de Valencia. A must-try if you’re in the area! The eggplant is incredible, the patatas souffle is amazing, and the desserts are really tasty. Highly recommended! It is very Instagrammable.
Tips From Our Valencia Tour Guide.
More Places to Try in Valencia, Spain
Tapas
- Oli Bar, Plaza de Manuel Granero, 20
- Maui Ruzafa, Carrer dels Vivons, 27
- Central Bar, Mercado Central
Bakeries
- Pastelería Horno García
- Horno de Ubeda, Calle de Rubén Vela, 8
- Buñoleria Churreria El Contraste
- Horachatería Santa Catalina
Vegeterian and Vegan
- Restaurante Copenhagen
- Café Madrigal
- Almalibre Açaí House València
Places to go out
- Ruzzafa
- Close to the city center, it is the trendiest and most modern part of the city to go out. While it doesn’t have a lot of clubs, it is more focused on pubs and bars. Even so, pubs close at 3 am, providing plenty of time. It is a bit pricey, and the average age group consists of people in their 30s and 40s. Nevertheless, it has a very nice atmosphere.
- El Carmen
- City centre. According to our tour guide, this is the most densely touristic area. It is similar to Ruzafa in terms of having nice bars and pubs. However, it is a bit expensive. Although it is always nice to enjoy drinks next to historical monuments.
Clubs
- Oven
- Techno club located in Ruzzafa. It is nice and has very good vibes. It is not very big but not too small either.
- Spook
- This is a legendary techno club located just outside of Valencia you will have to take the bus to get there and back. Really good vibes people are very friendly. He recommends bringing your own drinks and pre-drinking in the parking lot just in front of the club..
- Umbracle | Mya
- Reggaeton club located next to the city of art and sciences. It is a big club with three different rooms, and one of them is outdoors.. It ́s a bit posh, it is unique and pretty.
- Deseo
- Probably, together with Latex (Roto), one of the most famous gay clubs in Valencia. Very nice vibes and friendly people. Warning: it opens at 01:00, so don’t start drinking too soon
If you have any recommendations that you think should be added to the list, please contact us here. Thank you, travelers unite!
