Spain

Things to do in Valencia

Valencia is the home of paella and a city built for cycling: the Turia Gardens, a 9 km park in a former riverbed, run from the old town to the City of Arts and Sciences. The Gothic Silk Exchange, a UNESCO site, faces the Central Market, and the rice fields and lagoon of the Albufera start 10 km south of the centre.

  • Paella cooking class with market visit
  • City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanografic tickets
  • Turia Gardens bike tour
  • Albufera boat ride at sunset

Experiences in Valencia

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Valencia

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Highlights

  • Paella cooking class with market visit
  • City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanografic tickets
  • Turia Gardens bike tour
  • Albufera boat ride at sunset
  • Old town tapas and horchata tour
  • Utiel-Requena wine day trip

Best time to visit

March to June and September to November are warm without the humid heat of July and August. Las Fallas, from 15 to 19 March, fills the city with giant sculptures, fireworks and crowds, so book early or avoid those dates.

Getting around

The centre is flat, compact and covered by bike lanes and the Valenbisi bike share. Metro lines 3 and 5 link the airport with the city centre in about 25 minutes, and the tram reaches the beaches at Malvarrosa.

Local tips

  • Locals eat paella at lunch, not dinner; a restaurant serving it all evening is aimed at tourists.
  • The Central Market is closed on Sundays and at its best before noon.
  • Try horchata with fartons, ideally in Alboraya, the village north of the city where tiger nuts are grown.

Day trips from Valencia

  • Albufera and El Palmar
  • Xativa
  • Sagunto
  • Requena
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Valencia?

The most booked experiences in Valencia are Paella cooking class with market visit, City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanografic tickets, Turia Gardens bike tour and Albufera boat ride at sunset.

When is the best time to visit Valencia?

March to June and September to November are warm without the humid heat of July and August. Las Fallas, from 15 to 19 March, fills the city with giant sculptures, fireworks and crowds, so book early or avoid those dates.

How do I get around Valencia?

The centre is flat, compact and covered by bike lanes and the Valenbisi bike share. Metro lines 3 and 5 link the airport with the city centre in about 25 minutes, and the tram reaches the beaches at Malvarrosa.

Do I need to book tours in Valencia in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Valencia?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Madrid303 km awayBarcelona303 km awayGranada379 km awayMalaga468 km away