Valencia is a wonderful mix of exciting architecture, art, green spaces and great food. Here you’ll find vibrant city life and relaxation on long stretches of sandy beaches.
Valencia is Spain’s third largest city and known as the birthplace of paella. In recent years, the city has added the titles of World Design Capital (2022) and European Green Capital (2024).
In addition to a vibrant cultural scene, diverse architecture and exciting gastronomy, the city is a great mix of story and relaxed seaside lifestyle. It attracts many creative souls and digital nomads.
Valencia has plenty of green spaces, pedestrian streets and bike paths, and their tourism model ensures you get a local experience in the city.
The city of art and science
Valencia’s main attractions include the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). The futuristic complex of organic shapes and stylized lines is predominantly the work of Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. The complex was created from the mid-1990s and the last building was completed in 2009… Walking around there feels like stepping straight into a science fiction movie.
The complex includes a concert and opera house, an IMAX theater shaped like a human eye Museu de les Ciènces, which looks like a series of giant bones on the outside, houses an experimentarium.
The aquarium, Oceanogràfic, is dedicated to different aquatic environments, including the Mediterranean, Antarctica and the Red Sea. Here you can see everything from jellyfish and thousands of coral fish to dolphins, walruses and sea lion shows.
There’s also a covered garden with art and concerts and Àgora, which houses the CaixaForum cultural center. Allow plenty of time for your visit, as you can easily spend a whole day.
Tickets can be purchased for individual buildings. In addition, you can buy combo tickets for several buildings at a discount.
Buy tickets for the experimentarium and aquarium. (advertising link). Buy a ticket for the aquarium (promotional link). Buy a ticket for the Experimentarium (promotional link)
Ciutat de les arts i les ciències y Oceanogràfic, Quatre Carreres
Valencia’s old silk exchange – La Lonja
Valencia’s old silk exchange, La Lonja, is another of the city’s architectural gems. The magnificent complex was built in the 15th century and served as a centre for the silk trade during the city’s heyday of silk production.
The complex consists of four parts, the Consulado del Mar room, the contract room (with beautiful twisted columns), the tower that served as a prison for dishonest merchants and silk thieves, and the central orange courtyard.
In 1996, the complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lonja de la Seda
Carrer de la Llotja 2
The Cathedral of the Holy Grail
Valencia’s cathedral is beautifully situated between Plaza de la Virgin and Plaza de la Reina, where a Roman temple and mosque once stood. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Inside you’ll find the Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Det eftertragtede klenodie står beskyttet bag glas i et kapel i højre side. In the cathedral you can also see two paintings by Goya and climb to the top of the octagonal bell tower. From here you get great views.
Valencia Cathedral, Plaza de la Reina
Water Court – Tribunal de las Aguas
Every Thursday at noon, at the back of the cathedral, at Puerta de los Apóstoles, you can experience Valencia’s Water Tribunal, Tribunal del Agua. The Water Tribunal meets to settle disputes about the irrigation canals in the area. It is the oldest judicial institution in Europe, having existed since James I. The tribunal is made up of eight farmers wearing typical black clothes from the agricultural area around Valencia. The thousand-year-old tradition draws plenty of tourists, so arrive early if you want a good view.
The Quart towers that are the gateway to Valencia
Torres de Quart was one of the most important of the two city gates to Valencia in the Middle Ages. The towers were built in the 15th century and have served several purposes over time. In 1562 there was a large spice shop, and in the 18th century they were used as a prison for female prostitutes.
I 1808 brugte Valencias borgerne tårnene til at tvinge Napoleon og hans tropper tilbage. You can still see the bullet holes from the fight for Spanish independence. At the top you get great views of the Turia gardens and neighborhood.
Torres de Quart, Plaza de Santa Úrsula
African animals in Bioparc Valencia
If you have children on vacation, or if you’re an animal lover yourself, you should visit the modern zoo, Bioparc Valencia. The park was created to conserve wildlife and raise awareness of the importance of them staying in their native ecosystems.
Although the animals live in captivity, Bioparc Valencia goes to great lengths to ensure that they are fed a healthy, natural diet and live in as much harmony with their natural environment as possible. Therefore it is not allowed to feed the animals in the park.
Bioparc Valencia has over 100,000 square metres dedicated to the African continent. Here you can visit the Savanna, Madagascar, the equatorial forests and the wetlands. Dyrerne tæller bl.a. elefanter, giraffer, krokodiller, gazeller og pelikaner.
Each area has original vegetation as well as identical local vegetation and reproductions such as large stones and caves.
BIOPARC Valencia. Av. Pío Baroja 3
Valencia’s parks
Valencia is blessed with large green spaces, and the locals’ favorite is the Turia Gardens, home to the City of Arts and Sciences. The Turia Gardens are nine kilometers long and one of the largest urban parks in Europe. They are located in an old riverbed
Parc Central is located between the Ruzafa and Malilla neighborhoods. Here you can stroll through recreational areas with lush vegetation and fountains. There are also plenty of play opportunities.
Mercat Central – Europe’s largest food market
The central market of Valencia has stood in the same place for over 1000 years. It was originally a street market until the beautiful structure was built. Gå gennem markedet og kig nærmere på den smukke arkitektur, som er et miks af træ, glasdøre, kupler med mosaikker og blyindfattede ruder, jern og keramik.
The whole place is a bright, airy and lively market with a huge selection of delicious produce. Here you will find everything from the city’s famous oranges, vegetables, fish, spices, rice, cheese and ham. In the market you will also find a few good bars where you can enjoy a tapa.
Mercat Central de València, Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges
Valencia’s long sandy beaches
Valencia has almost 20 kilometers of beaches, three of which are city beaches. The other beaches are located in El Saler, La Devesa and La Garrofera, among others, which you can cycle to. All beaches have blue flags.
Urban beaches include El Cabanyal, Malvarrosa and Patacona, with Cabanyal being closest to the center. Relax on the golden sands and enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas at the town beaches, which are disabled-friendly and offer medical assistance, lifeguards, toilets and outdoor showers. If you fancy sporting activities, the nearby marina offers a good selection.
Follow the locals on a walk along the seafront promenade, surrounded by palm trees. It runs from Cabanyal to Malvarossa. Along the promenade there are plenty of restaurants and bars.
Eating Valencian paella on the waterfront
Don’t leave Valencia until you’ve tasted the signature dish paella. The classic (valenciana) consists of rice, chicken, rabbit, possibly snails and beans.
On Sundays, the locals gather for lunch paella. When it’s not made at home, it’s often eaten by the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the locals and try paella at Casa Carmela, a restaurant that has been family-run for generations. Carmela’s take on Valenciana paella adds duck and vegetables and, of course, is cooked over an open fire.
At Brasserie Sorolla, located in the 5-star Hotel Balneario Las Arenas, the paella is also good. The restaurant adds a modern twist to their dishes and here you can also enjoy a good valenciana paella and a seafood paella. At both restaurants you can enjoy your paella with beach and sea views.
Book a table in advance at both locations.
Casa Carmela, Carrer d’Isabel de Villena 155
Bistro Sorolla, Hotel Balneario Las Arenas, Calle Eugenia Viñes 22-24
IVAM – the museum of modern art
IVAM Institut Valencià d’Art Modern is the main institution for modern art in Valencia.
The museum has two permanent exhibitions and various temporary ones. The permanent exhibitions include works by two great Spanish artists, the sculptor Julio González and the impressionist artist Ignacio Pinazo.
In addition to exhibitions, IVAM also has an extensive art library with 47,000 documents. IVAM also organises conferences and arts and cultural events such as poetry readings, concerts and film screenings. Several of the events are free.
In the basement you can study parts of the old wall from the Middle Ages, which was discovered during the construction of the museum. It also has a cosy café.
IVAM – Institut Valencià d’Art Modern , Calle de Guillem de Castro 118
The round seat
Lace, silk ribbons, sewing thread, lace, ceramics and souvenirs are sold in the small wooden stalls in the distinctive round square, Plaza Redonda.
The round square, with three-storey houses and a fountain in the middle, was designed by Salvador Escrig Melchor in 1840. Back then, fish and meat were mainly sold in the small stalls.
The covered steel structure is a recent addition, when the city government wanted to give the square a facelift and ensure that vendors could stand out of the rain. It is debatable whether the modernisation has made the square more beautiful. On the ground floor of the buildings you will find several bars where you can have a tapas and a beer.
Plaza Redonda
González Martí Ceramics Museum
Behind a gigantic, ornate gate in the center of the city lies Spain’s national ceramics museum.
Museo Nacional de Carámica y Artes Suntuarias, Gonzalez Marti is housed in Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
The museum was founded by Spanish ceramicist Manuel González Martí and inaugurated in 1954. Inside you’ll find Spain’s largest national ceramics collection, which includes items from the 18th century to the present day. You can see works by Picasso and items from the Silk Road, among other things.
The rooms are decorated as noble families lived in Valencia at the time.
Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí, C. del Poeta Querol 2
Taste the Valencian drink horchata
All over the city, cafés and ice cream parlors sell the refreshing, creamy drink horchata (called orxata in Valencian). It is also available as ice cream and frappe. Horchata is made from pressed tiger nuts (chufas) that are sweetened and cooled. Tiger nuts can only be grown in climatic conditions like those in Valencia.
The drink is rich in vitamins and nutrients and refreshing on a hot summer day. It is often served with “fartons”, a pastry-like oblong cake with icing sugar.
I recommend you try the drink at one of the most iconic cafés in Valencia. Daniel is a traditional place of the hotchata tradition. Also at Santa Catalina they have been serving horchata for generations.
Daniel, Calle del Mar 4
Santa Catalina, Plaza de Santa Caterina 6
Valencia’s trendy neighborhoods – El Carmen, Ruzafa and El Cabanyal
Valencia has some fantastic neighborhoods that exude both local and creative international city vibes. Don’t miss the three neighborhoods of El Carmen, El Cabanyal and Ruzafa. They are ideal to explore by bike.
El Carmen is home to plenty of galleries, small artisan shops, sidewalk cafés and bars. You’ll also find the city’s largest concentration of street art. There are some works by locals such as Hyuro and Escif (aka the Spanish Banksy).
Ruzafa is the city’s hipster district with colorful apartment blocks, hip restaurants, cafes and bars, and plenty of galleries and vintage shops. The neighborhood has a unique local artist vibe.
El Cabanyal is Valencia’s former fishing district. It’s filled with old fishermen’s houses, decorated with colorful mosaics. Here, traditional local life mixes with an urban, international vibe. Visit both iconic old tapas bars and hip new restaurants. And you’re close to the beach.
Shopping in the curve street
Bags, hats, chairs, slippers and bread baskets are stacked from floor to ceiling in the basket shops that fill most of the legendary Calle de las Cestas.
What’s available in straw and wicker, you’ll find here. Many of the items might be a little too difficult to fit into your suitcase, but it’s fun just to go and look at the huge selection.
In the old craftsmen’s street, where you used to see the craftsmen assembling the baskets, you can also find a lot of things in wood and cork. The street was named after these craftsmen who settled in the 1940s and 1950s.
Kurvegaden, Carrer del Músic Peydró
Save money on your experiences in Valencia
If you like to see as much as possible on your city break, I recommend the Valencia tourist card (promotional link). Kortet giver dig adgang til gratis transport (også til og fra lufthavnen), gratis adgang til offentlige museer og op til 25% rabat på lokale ture og rabat i udvalgte butikker og på restauranter.
You can buy Valencia tourist cards that last for 24, 48 or 72 hours. You can buy the map online or at the Valencia Tourist Office.
More travel tips for Valencia
Find many more tips for things to do, places to eat and shopping in the guides to sustainable experiences in Valencia and design experiences in Valencia. Also read the guides to the neighborhoods of El Cabanyal and Ruzafa.
For a little Valencian vibe at home, try the recipe for the Valencian drink agua de Valencia, which is made with orange and cava.
