Things to do in Valencia is an intriguing issue attracts residents and visitors at home and abroad. Valencia is the capital of the province and autonomous community of the same name in Spain which is the third-most populated municipality in the country. It is located on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. The Port of Valencia is the 5th-busiest container port in Europe and the second busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is ranked as a Gamma-level global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, spanning approximately 169 hectares (420 acres). Due to its long history, Valencia has numerous celebrations and traditions, such as the Falles which was declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest of Spain in 1965 and an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in November 2016. In 2022, the city was voted the world’s top destination for expatriates, based on criteria such as quality of life and affordability. The city was selected as the European Capital of Sport in 2011, the World Design Capital 2022 and the European Green Capital 2024.
This blog selects and analyzes things to do in Valencia detailedly serving as a comprehensive guide, helping you have a better command of Valencia. If you want choose Valencia as your tourist spot or educational destination, you ought to read this blog carefully.
Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Go Sightseeing in Valencia Cathedral
- Entrance: €8 for the cathedral and museum, €2 for bell tower.
- Main Reasons: Gothic, baroque and Romanesque architectural styles. Octagon-shaped bell tower.
Valencia Cathedral, at greater length the Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, also known as St Mary’s Cathedral, is a Catholic church in Valencia, Spain. The cathedral was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia after the Reconquista, Pere d’Albalat, Archbishop of Tarragona, and was dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I the Conqueror. It was built over the site of the former Visigothic cathedral, which under the Moors had been turned into a mosque. Valencian Gothic is the predominant architectural style of the cathedral, although it also contains Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The cathedral contains numerous 15th-century paintings, some by local artists such as Jacomart, others by artists from Rome engaged by the Valencian Pope Alexander VI who, when still a cardinal, made the request to elevate the Valencian See to the rank of metropolitan see, a category granted by Pope Innocent VIII in 1492. A purported Holy Chalice, believed by many to be the true Holy Grail, is kept in one of the cathedral’s chapels. Valencia Cathedral was of great importance for Iberian sacred music and had many notable composers as mestre de capella.
It is one of Valencia things to do and things to see in Valencia.
Appreciate Beauty of Lonja de la Seda
- Entrance: €2
- Main Reasons: This majestic UNESCO site is the finest representation of Valencia’s golden age as it was built to show off the city’s wealth.
The Lonja de la Seda is a late Valencian Gothic-style civil building in Valencia, Spain. It is a principal tourist attraction in the city. The main hall, Sala de Contratación is a large lavishly decorated space supported by gorgeous twisted columns. This was the financial centre of La Lonja, where the merchants work out contracts. The side-wing is named the Pavilion of the Consulate, and this was the seat of the Tribunal del Mar – the first marine merchant tribunal to ever be formed in Spain. The first two floors were the main function rooms, with the upper one hosting a richly decorated ceiling. These rooms are still maintained original furnishings. On occasion, the Tribunal would imprison merchants for debts in the central tower of La Lonja – the third part of the structure.
It is one of cool things to do in Valencia and Valencia tourist attractions.
Explore Charm of Torres de Serranos
- Entrance:€2
- Main Reasons: It is an important landmark and one of the best preserved monuments of Valencia.
The Serrans Gate or Serranos Gate also known as Serrans Towers or Serranos Towers, is one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall, the Christian Wall of the city of Valencia, Spain. It was built in Valencian Gothic style at the end of the 14th century. Its name is probably due to its location in the northwest of the old city centre, making it the entry point for the royal road connecting Valencia with the comarca or district of Els Serrans along the road going northwest towards the mountains around Teruel and eventually leading to Saragossa as well as the entry point for the royal road to Barcelona, or because the majority of settlers near there in the time of James I of Aragon were from the area around Teruel, whose inhabitants were often called serrans by the Valencians. Alternatively, the gate may also have been named after an important family, the Serrans, who lived in a street with the same name.
It is one of top ten things to do in Valencia and Valencia Spain things to see.
Stroll on Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. It is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. The City of Arts and Sciences is situated at the southeast end of the former riverbed of the river Turia, which was drained and rerouted after a catastrophic flood in 1957. The old riverbed was turned into a picturesque sunken park. The complex is made up of the following buildings and structures, presented in the order of their inauguration.
It is one of unique things to do in Valencia and things to see in Valencia Spain.
Exciting and Adventurous Activities
Have Fun in Sports
Valencia is internationally famous for its football club, Valencia CF, one of the most successful clubs in Europe and La Liga, winning the Spanish league a total of six times including in 2002 and 2004 the year it also won the UEFA Cup and was a UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2000 and 2001. The club is currently owned by Peter Lim, a Singaporean businessman who bought the club in 2014. The team’s stadium is the Mestalla, which can host up to 49,000 fans. The club’s city rival, Levante UD, plays its home games at Estadi Ciutat de València. Valencia is the only city in Spain with two American football teams in LNFA Serie A, the national first division: Valencia Firebats and Valencia Giants. The Firebats have been national champions four times and have represented Valencia and Spain in the European playoffs since 2005. Both teams share the Jardín del Turia stadium.
Enjoy Falles
Every year, the five days and nights from 15 to 19 March, called Falles, are a continual festival in Valencia beginning on 1 March, the popular pyrotechnic events called mascletàes start every day at 2:00 pm. The Falles is an enduring tradition in Valencia and other towns in the Valencian Community where it has become an important tourist attraction. The festival started being celebrated in the 18th century and came to be celebrated on the night of the feast day of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, with the burning of waste planks of wood from their workshops, as well as worn-out wooden objects brought by people in the neighborhood. This tradition continued to evolve and eventually the parots were dressed with clothing to look like people-these were the first ninots with features identifiable as being those of a well-known person from the neighborhood often added as well. In 1901 the city inaugurated the awarding of prizes for the best Falles monuments and neighborhood groups still rival with each other to make the most impressive creations. Their intricate assemblages, on top of pedestals for better visibility, depict famous personalities and topical subjects of the past year, presenting humorous and often satirical commentary on them.
Head Down to Valencia Bioparc
Bioparc Valencia is a 10-hectare zoo park in Valencia, Spain. The zoo is owned by the City Council of Valencia and designed and managed by Rainforest a private Spanish company devoted to building and managing zoos. It has a large collection of African fauna. Located in Valencia’s Turia riverbed, most of the animals moved to the new Bioparc facilities from the old city’s zoo when the park opened in 2008. The concept of the zoo called Zooimersion in Spanish, consists of immersing visitors into the animals’ habitat and not vice versa. This is achieved by not using the traditional railings and cages that are common in many zoos, using instead rivers, ponds, streams and rocks to separate visitors from the animals. Also, great care has been taken in reproducing the eco-systems, including an important collection of African flora. The zoo is the birthplace of Makena, the first elephant born in the Valencian Community.
Popular and Pleasant Restaurants
Taste Delicious Food in Zalamero
- Location: Carrer de Sevilla, 20.
- Open Time: 20:00 – 11:00
- PriceRange: €8.00 – €15.00
- Types of Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish, Bars to eat
Zalamero is a vibrant Spanish restaurant that invites you to experience the rich flavors and diverse cuisine of the Mediterranean and Spain. Nestled in a cozy yet contemporary setting, Zalamero offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Spanish culture. The menu features a delightful mix of traditional Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, savory paellas, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all prepared with the finest ingredients. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of a classic jamón ibérico or the comforting warmth of a seafood paella, Zalamero offers something for every palate. In addition to the food, Zalamero boasts a well-curated selection of Spanish wines, craft cocktails, and refreshing sangrias, perfect for pairing with your meal or simply enjoying at the bar.
Enjoy Coffee in Tallat
- Location: C/ de la Barraca, 25, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia
- Open Time: 8:30 – 16:00
- PriceRange: €10–20
Tallat is specialty-coffee heaven. Situated a few blocks from the beach, there isn’t a better place to sit under the palm-tree-lined street and sip away a Sunday morning. It’s owned and passionately run by Lorenzo, who cut his teeth in the coffee industry in the U.K. working for coffee roasters like Perky Blenders and Ikawa. All of the coffee at Tallat is roasted on two Aillio Bullet roasters to a level of precision that is hard to match anywhere in Spain. If you are partial to a pourover, let the barista talk you through the menu for a coffee that suits your palette.
Large-Scale and Luxurious Shopping Malls
Bonaire
Bonaire is a charming and vibrant area located just outside the heart of Valencia, offering a unique blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty. Known for its wide-open spaces, shopping destinations, and family-friendly atmosphere, Bonaire is an ideal spot for both locals and visitors seeking a more relaxed, yet well-connected, experience in Valencia. One of the highlights of Bonaire is its large, modern shopping center, Centro Comercial Bonaire, which is home to a wide range of stores, from high-street fashion brands to specialty boutiques. With numerous restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options, it’s a popular spot for a leisurely day of shopping, dining, or catching a movie.
Centre Comercial Saler
Centre Comercial Saler is one of Valencia’s most popular shopping malls, offering a dynamic and vibrant retail experience for locals and visitors alike. Located just a short distance from the city’s stunning beaches and the Port of Valencia, Saler combines convenience with a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a spacious and modern setting. With over 150 shops, Centre Comercial Saler is home to a mix of fashion, electronics, beauty, home goods, and specialty stores, featuring both international brands and popular Spanish retailers. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, high-tech gadgets, or unique gifts, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. The mall’s diverse selection ensures that there’s something for everyone, from stylish clothing and accessories to toys, sports gear, and more.
Tips For Cutting Cost in Valencia
- Plan Your Budget
Find out how much it will cost to get there and how much money you’re likely to need on a weekly basis taking into account local transportation, accommodation, food & drink and leisure expenses.
- Use ADesignated Savings Account
Once you start to free up some extra money, it’s important to put that money in a designated savings account.
- Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
Cast a critical eye on all your monthly subscriptions and ask yourself the following question. Do you really need them?
- Use Alternative Transport Methods
Before ordering that taxi or getting on that bus, ask yourself if you could get to your destination on foot or by bicycle.
Conclusion
Things to do in Valencia are selected and analyzed detailedly in this blog serving as a comprehensive guide, helping you have a better command of Valencia. If you want choose Valencia as your tourist spot or educational destination, you ought to read this blog carefully.
After you have decided to pay a visit to Valencia or go to Valencia for further education, accommodation is the first and foremost thing. uhomes.com is a platform providing affordable, reliable and comfortable student accommodation in Spain.
FAQ
10 Reasons to Come. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia offers its visitors a unique combination of sun, leisure and culture. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, its welcoming atmosphere and history-filled streets make it the ideal place for an unforgettable stay.
Valencia is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. It’s particularly known for being the birthplace of paella, hosting the incredible Las Fallas festival, and housing the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
Valencia is a sunny Mediterranean city perfect for a long weekend break. If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Valencia, I’ve crafted a cool itinerary that will take you around the city, show you the most interesting bits and sit you at the table of some of the most delicious restaurants.
It’s easy to walk or pedal through the flat, pretty streets of the Old Town.
Is it expensive to live in Valencia, Spain? With living costs around €650 (excl. rent) a month, Valencia is a very affordable city to live in. This makes it cheaper than other Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.
Cofrentes. Located at the point where the rivers Júcar and Cabriel meet, Cofrentes is often considered the most beautiful village in Valencia. It is a treasure trove for nature and adventure lovers. Like many villages in the area, it is dominated by Cofrentes Castle, built in the 12th century.
Valencian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine as cooked in the Valencian Community, Spain. Its basic ingredients are vegetables, seafood and meat. It is famous worldwide for its rices, such as paella, and its citrus fruits.
Valencia has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you’re a sunseeker the best time to visit Valencia is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 22 C.
Founded in 138B. C. by the Romans, Valencia is an overlap of Roman, Visigothic, Muslim and Medieval cultures. Indications of this are iconic monuments such as the Silk Exchange (declared a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO), the Almoina, The Serrranos and Quart towers and the Cathedral.
