Valencia: Ultimate Guide to Top Attractions

From Moorish walls to futuristic architecture, sleepy beach cafés to bustling food markets - Valencia is a city of contrasts and charm. If you’re planning a 3- or 4-day trip, here’s how to experience the best of this Mediterranean gem.

There are countless reasons to visit Valencia! Here are just a few:

Rich History & Culture: Valencia boasts a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, evident in its stunning architecture, including the iconic Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the winding streets of the historic old town to discover centuries of culture and tradition.

Incredible Cuisine: Renowned as the birthplace of paella, one of Spain's most famous dishes. Indulge in authentic paella made with fresh local ingredients, or sample other delicious Valencian specialties like horchata, fideuà, and orxata.

Beautiful Beaches: With its prime location on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia offers stunning beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy water sports like windsurfing and sailing. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de la Patacona are two popular options close to the city center.

City of Arts and Sciences: This futuristic complex designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava is a must-visit for its striking architecture and array of cultural attractions. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, marvel at marine life in the Oceanogràfic aquarium, and catch a show at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.

Festivals & Events: Valencia hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the famous Fallas festival in March, where giant papier-mâché figures are paraded through the streets before being set on fire in spectacular displays of fireworks and bonfires.

Green Spaces: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by relaxing in Valencia's beautiful parks and gardens. The Turia Gardens, created in the former riverbed of the Turia River, offer miles of green space perfect for walking, cycling, or picnicking.

Shopping & Markets

Valencia is famous for its handcrafted leather products, ceramics, and textiles. The city boasts upscale clothing boutiques and famous designer brands. Valencia’s mercados (markets) are integral to the city’s character - lively centers where locals shop, chefs gather fresh ingredients, and visitors immerse themselves in the daily life. Whether you're seeking gourmet treasures, artisan gifts, or simply a taste of jamón and a cold caña, the markets offer cultural experiences in themselves. Calle Colón & Poeta Querol (Eixample) - Valencia’s “Golden Mile” for big-name brands (Zara, Benneton, Mango) and upscale boutiques - great for both high‑street and designer finds. Ruzafa (in Eixample/Russafa) - Hip, low key, multicultural district full of diverse small boutiques, artist studios, vintage stores, and trendy shops. It’s the perfect place to find unique fashion items and accessories from independent Spanish designers and up-and-coming brands. Ruzafa has the biggest concentration of second-hand clothing shops in Valencia. Visit Ruzafa’s curiosity and antique stores, such as Pop 65 Vintage. This neighborhood also has a few good gift and souvenir shops, such as Gnome, selling all kinds of original art prints, earrings, notebooks, and stationery by local artists. Calle de las Cestas - Ideal for handmade wicker, leather goods, and artisanal pieces - a charming shopping detour.

Mercado Central (Central Market) - One of Europe’s largest and oldest fresh food markets, Mercado Central is an architectural gem in the heart of the city. The iron, glass, and ceramic Art Nouveau structure (built in 1928) houses more than 300 stalls under its colorful domed roof.

What to try or buy:

• Iberian jamón and local cheeses

• Valencia oranges, olives, saffron, and tiger nuts (for horchata)

• Fresh seafood and local clams

• Spices, tinned seafood, and olive oils (great for gifts)

Don’t miss: Grab a stool at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena - a sleek tapas bar run by a Michelin-starred chef, serving croquetas, grilled sandwiches, and daily specials using ingredients straight from the surrounding stalls.

Mercado de Colón (Columbus Market) - This stunning modernist building was once a local produce market but has been beautifully repurposed into a gourmet food and shopping hall. With its stained-glass windows and Gaudí-esque flourishes, it's a feast for the eyes and palate.

What to do here:

• Sip an espresso or horchata at Daniel’s, a beloved horchatería

• Sample local wine and pintxos at upscale bars

• Browse gourmet shops and designer pop-ups

• Enjoy relaxed people-watching under the vaulted arches

Mercado de Ruzafa - A more local, gritty market in the heart of Valencia’s hipster neighborhood. Less touristy than Central or Colón, but full of charm - and great for produce, flowers, and small eateries.

El Cabanyal Market - A traditional market close to the seaside. Stop here for picnic provisions before heading to Malvarrosa Beach or if you're biking along the coast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Center & City Intro

• Hotel check-in (Hotel Palacio Santa Clara)

• Ceramics Museum

• Valencia Cathedral

• La Lonja de la Seda

• Mercado Central

• Dinner at Bacaro

Early arrival and check into Hotel Palacio Santa Clara in the Sant Francesc district in old town.  This is a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, small, sublime, a central location. What we love about the Hotel:

-         Rooftop pool & bar with great views of the city.

-         Stunning art deco décor.

-         Pleasant. knowledgeable staff.

National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts "González Martí" - A 20-minute walk from the hotel; gorgeous barocco-cococco interiors, this palace holds an impressive selection of Spanish ceramics.  Inexpensive entrance fee € 3, and worth an hour or two visit. A great initial immersion into this beautiful city. Valencia Cathedral - In the center of old town, the Cathedral stands as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and historical importance. Built on the ruins of a Roman temple, its grand facade and intricate interior is captivating, offering a glimpse into a world of unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. Mildly busy with visitors, the experience is undeniably worth it, especially with the aid of an audio guide., included with the € 10 ticket price. La Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange.  A short distance from the cathedral and square, is the Silk Exchange, an UNESCO World Heritage site. An impressive collection of historical buildings, well detailed and informative.  An easy, relaxing afternoon.  Note: on Sundays, from 10:00 – 1:00, there is a flea market in front of the Lonja with loads of antique collector’s items; stamps, coins, ceramics, books, art, etc.  Mercat Central de València

Next, Plaza Redonda.  I love this market for the textiles, lace, embroidery, yarn and more!  If you are lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday, they have an incredible open-air market with art, food vendors, local artisans. 

Final Stop, Bacaro for tapas and wine.

Day 2: Art, Food, & Fashion

• Sant Francesc stroll

• Mercado de Colón

• Coworkshop Spain (Ruzafa)

• Lunch at Canalla Bistro

• Shopping La Gran Via

• Dinner at Nostra Terreta

We didn’t stray beyond a small radius, getting over jet lag and enjoying some low-key shopping and dining.  A few highlights: Sant Francesc district., Mercado de Colón,, Basilica Sant Vicent Ferrer – Stunning Gothic Revival church located next to the Colón.  Free audio tours available.  Perfect respite amid the bustling city. Ruzafa Barrio – For a different shopping experience, visit Coworkshop Spain. This multicultural space hosts all kinds of exhibitions and workshops while selling paintings, illustrations, ceramics, and sculptures created by in-house artists. Lunch at Canalla Bistro was exceptional, tapas and shared plates with tasting menus available. La Gran Via – Affluent district packed with high-end restaurants, sophisticated fashion boutiques, antique shops, with a beautiful boulevard, Gran Via del Marques del Turia, tree-lined with lush gardens and areas to sit and rest. Dinner at Restaurante Nostra Terreta - Laid back, outdoor dining, traditional cuisine. 

Day 3: City of Arts & Sciences + Beach

• Scooter rental & Turia Park

• L’Hemisferic + L’Oceanogràfic

• Ploblats Maritims

• Lunch at La Pepica (on the beach)

• Shopping near hotel

• Dinner at La Pappardella

SCOOTER DAY!  We love scooter day!  You can rent from a number of local shops.  Note that there are bike lanes throughout the city; it is very cycle/scooter friendly.  Scooter and bike rental at EcoBikeRent - C/ de les Avellanes, 3, Ciutat Vella. Their staff was amazing and helpful.  Full day rental around € 30. Today is about exploring the City of Arts & Sciences, one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.  It’s located in the former riverbed of the river Turia, which was drained and rerouted after a flood in 1957.  The riverbed is now a picturesque sunken park.   Highlights along the way: L’Hemisferic – an IMAX Cinema, planetarium and laserium.  Resembles a giant eye and known as the ‘eye of knowledge’. Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe – Interactive Museum that resembles the skeleton of a whale.

L’Umbracle – an open structure enveloping a landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia (a favorite!)  It houses the Walk of the Sculptures, an outdoor art gallery.  This was designed as an entrance to the City of Arts & Sciences. L’Oceanografic – an open-air oceanographic park with the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe and built in the shape of a water lily. (not to be missed!) Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia – an opera house and performing art center. Montoliver & Assut de l’Or Bridges.

After spending hours at the L’Umbracle and L’Oceanografic, we continued south along the riverbed, took a detour through the colorful neighborhood of Ploblats Maritims, then onto the beaches; Playa de las Arenas and Platja de la Malva-rosa and the boardwalk.

Lunch at La Pepica on the beach; a long-standing hotel where Dover Sole was presented to us whole, and carved tableside.  It was amazing. Headed back to the hotel through the park, washed up and went shopping around the area, Clothing stores with international recognition like Zara, Benneton, Natura, and local boutiques as well.  Dinner at La Pappardella, close to the hotel; gluten free pasta.  Delicious. 

Day 4: Road Trip to Valencia’s Countryside

• Drive north: Playa Puebla de Farnals

• Puçol, Marjal dels Moros

• Sierra Calderona Natural Park

• Monasteries & Castle

• Dinner at Marinetta Mia

  
  

Road Trip! We grabbed a rental car and headed north. First stop, Playa Puebla de Farnals to stretch our legs, a sleepy little seaside town with narrow streets and Mediterranean architecture. Through El Puig de Santa Maria and on to Puçol.  Puçol is an amazing area with loads of ruins, farmlands lush with olive trees and orange trees.  Just outside the town entre is Marjal dels Moros; a wetland bird protection area. Another great excursion; Moli de Vent, one of a handful of windmills in the Region of Valencia. Just outside town, this mill is a lovely place to take a walk and breathe in views over the surrounding scenery. Final destination Gilet and excursions to the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. Cartuja de Porta Coeli – a 13th century monastery in Serra.  An imposing building with a mix of styles ranging from Gothic to Neoclassical, complete with a 15th century aqueduct.

Cartuja de Valldecrist – a monastic compound. Monastery of Santo Espiritu del Monte – another monastery in the area that has an Inn, Franciscan library and church. Castell de Serra – towering over the Sierra Calderona Natural park with views of the Turia Valley to the coast.  (A must see!)   We ended the long day with an incredible dinner at Marinetta Mia; great food, great staff, great lemoncello!

Valencia is easy to fall in love with—whether you're sipping horchata in a sunny plaza, admiring Gaudí-style tilework, or hiking through a quiet olive grove. Whether you're traveling solo or with your favorite people, this city invites you to slow down, savor, and stay a little longer.

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