Things to do · Valencia · Spain
20 best things to do in Valencia
20 sights and experiences ranked for a first visit, with honest notes on time, cost and crowds.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Felivet, Public domain
Quick answer
The essential sights in Valencia are City of Arts and Sciences, L'Oceanogràfic and Turia Gardens. Of the 20 picks below, 9 are free, 7 work on a rainy day and 7 suit children. Allow about 4 days to see the highlights without rushing.
Key facts
- Top sight
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Free sights
- 9
- Good on a rainy day
- L'Oceanogràfic
- Time to see the highlights
- 4 days
At a glance
| Sight | Area | Time needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Arts and Sciences | Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences) | 2–4 hours | Mid-priced |
| L'Oceanogràfic | Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences) | 4–5 hours | Expensive |
| Turia Gardens | Ciutat Vella | 2–3 hours | Free |
| Lonja de la Seda | Ciutat Vella | 45 minutes | Low cost |
| Mercado Central | Ciutat Vella | 1 hour | Free |
| Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete | Ciutat Vella | 1–1.5 hours | Low cost |
| Gulliver Park | Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences) | 1–2 hours | Free |
| Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal | Ciutat Vella | 30 minutes | Free |
| Torres de Serranos | El Carmen | 30–45 minutes | Low cost |
| Torres de Quart | El Carmen | 30 minutes | Low cost |
| Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas | Ciutat Vella | 1 hour | Low cost |
| Estación del Norte | Ruzafa | 20 minutes | Free |
| Mercado de Colón | Eixample and Pla del Remei | 45 minutes | Free |
| Malvarrosa beach | El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa | Half a day | Free |
| El Cabanyal | El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa | 1–2 hours | Free |
| Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia | Turia Gardens | 1.5–2 hours | Free |
| IVAM | El Carmen | 1–1.5 hours | Low cost |
| Bioparc Valencia | Turia Gardens | 3 hours | Expensive |
| Museo Fallero | Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences) | 1 hour | Low cost |
| L'Almoina Archaeological Centre | Ciutat Vella | 45 minutes | Low cost |
The 20 best things to do
Architecture · Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
1.City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava's complex of white, skeletal buildings rises from shallow pools at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens. It includes L'Hemisfèric, an eye-shaped cinema and planetarium; the Museu de les Ciències, an interactive science museum; the Palau de les Arts opera house; and L'Umbracle, a landscaped walkway of palms and sculptures. Walking around the outside is free.
Visit at dusk, when the buildings are lit and reflected in the pools, and book the science museum for the hottest part of the day.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Kids
- Photo spot
- After dark
Aquarium · Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
2.L'Oceanogràfic
One of Europe's largest aquariums, set in buildings with Félix Candela's shell-like roofs, recreates marine environments from the Mediterranean and tropical seas to the Arctic and Antarctic. Underwater tunnels pass through shark tanks, and there are beluga whales, penguins and a large dolphinarium.
Arrive at opening and see the shark tunnels and Arctic area first, before tour groups and school visits arrive.
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Buy tickets online in advance in summer and school holidays, when queues at the ticket office are long.
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Park · Ciutat Vella
3.Turia Gardens
After a devastating flood in 1957, the Turia river was diverted south of the city and its old bed became a 9-kilometre park running from the Bioparc to the City of Arts and Sciences. Paths for walking, running and cycling pass under historic stone bridges, past orange trees, sports fields, fountains and playgrounds.
Rent a bike or use the Valenbisi bike-share and ride the whole length; it is flat, traffic-free and the best way to get across the city.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
- Iconic
Historic site · Ciutat Vella
4.Lonja de la Seda
The late-Gothic silk exchange, built from 1482, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest civil Gothic buildings in Europe. Its Hall of Columns has twisted pillars spiralling up like palm trunks to a ribbed vault, and the orange-tree courtyard and gargoyles are as striking as the interior.
Look up at the gargoyles on the outside walls; some are surprisingly bawdy.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Iconic
- Rainy day
Market · Ciutat Vella
5.Mercado Central
One of Europe's largest fresh-food markets fills a Valencian Art Nouveau building of iron, glass and ceramic tiles, opened in 1928 opposite the Lonja. Hundreds of stalls sell jamón, Valencian oranges, rice, saffron, seafood and snails, and a few counters serve tapas and drinks.
Go in the morning, when the stalls are fully stocked; it does not open on Sundays.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Architecture
- Shopping
- Free
- Iconic
Religious site · Ciutat Vella
6.Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete
Built from the 13th century on the site of a mosque, the cathedral mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque doorways. A side chapel displays an agate cup venerated as the Holy Chalice, and the octagonal Gothic bell tower, El Miguelete, can be climbed by about 200 steps for views over the old town's domes and rooftops.
Climb the Miguelete late in the afternoon for softer light, then step out into Plaza de la Virgen for a drink.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Architecture
Park · Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
7.Gulliver Park
A giant figure of Gulliver lies pinned to the ground in the Turia Gardens, and children climb over his body, ropes and hair and slide down his clothes as if they were Lilliputians. It is free and one of the city's most popular play areas.
Go in the morning or late afternoon in summer, as the surfaces get very hot in the midday sun.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Free
- Outdoors
- Active
Landmark · Ciutat Vella
8.Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal
The old town's most beautiful square is framed by the cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados and the Palau de la Generalitat, with a fountain representing the Turia river and its irrigation channels. Every Thursday at noon, the Water Tribunal, a centuries-old court of farmers that settles irrigation disputes in Valencian, meets at the cathedral's Apostles' Door.
Arrive a few minutes before noon on a Thursday to watch the Water Tribunal; the session is short and held entirely in Valencian.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
Historic site · El Carmen
1.Torres de Serranos
This massive 14th-century gate was the main entrance of the medieval city walls, facing the river. You can climb its terraces for views over the Turia Gardens and El Carmen's rooftops, and in late February it is the stage for the Crida, the ceremony that opens Fallas.
Combine it with a walk through El Carmen to the Torres de Quart, the other surviving gate, about 15 minutes away.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Architecture
Historic site · El Carmen
2.Torres de Quart
The second surviving medieval gate, built in the 15th century, still shows cannonball scars from the French siege of 1808. It sees fewer visitors than the Serranos gate, and its steep stairs lead to battlements overlooking the western old town.
Look for the impact marks on the outer façade facing away from the old town.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Views
Museum · Ciutat Vella
3.Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas
A palace with an extravagant rococo alabaster doorway of river gods and the Virgin, home to the National Ceramics Museum. Inside are lavish 18th- and 19th-century rooms, an ornate gilded carriage and ceramics from Manises and Paterna, including a recreated Valencian tiled kitchen.
Even if you skip the museum, stop to study the carved façade on Calle Poeta Querol.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Art
- Rainy day
- History
Architecture · Ruzafa
4.Estación del Norte
Valencia's main railway station, opened in 1917, is a showpiece of Valencian Art Nouveau, its façade decorated with oranges and orange blossom. The old ticket hall is lined with ceramic mosaics, and the station stands next to the 19th-century bullring.
Step inside to see the mosaic panels in the hall, even if you are not catching a train.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Photo spot
Architecture · Eixample and Pla del Remei
5.Mercado de Colón
A modernist market hall finished in 1916 with brick, iron and ceramic decoration, now converted into cafés, restaurants and horchata bars on two levels. It is a stylish place for a drink or lunch in the shopping district.
Order horchata and fartons here to try the drink in a striking setting.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Food
- Free
Beach · El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa
6.Malvarrosa beach
A wide, sandy city beach backed by a promenade of paella restaurants and beach bars, running north from Las Arenas towards Patacona. It has lifeguards and facilities in summer and is about 20–30 minutes from the centre by tram or bus.
Walk the promenade for a beachfront paella at lunchtime; locals eat it around 2pm.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Neighbourhood · El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa
7.El Cabanyal
The former fishing village behind the beach is a protected district of narrow parallel streets lined with single- and two-storey houses covered in colourful ceramic tiles. Old taverns serve local wine and seafood tapas, and the Semana Santa Marinera processions take place here at Easter.
Walk the streets between Calle de la Reina and Calle Escalante for the best tiled façades, then eat in one of the old bodegas.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Food
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Turia Gardens
8.Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia
Valencia's fine arts museum, housed in the San Pío V building beside the Turia Gardens, holds Valencian Gothic altarpieces, a Velázquez self-portrait, works by Goya and El Greco, and many paintings by the Valencian Joaquín Sorolla. Entry is free.
Head for the Sorolla rooms first; his sunlit beach scenes are a good preparation for Malvarrosa.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
Gallery · El Carmen
9.IVAM
The Valencian Institute of Modern Art, opened in 1989 on the edge of El Carmen, holds a major collection of the sculptor Julio González and hosts changing exhibitions of 20th-century and contemporary art and photography.
Pair it with a walk to the Torres de Quart and lunch in El Carmen.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
Zoo · Turia Gardens
10.Bioparc Valencia
A zoo at the western end of the Turia Gardens designed as immersive African landscapes, where barriers are hidden so that lions, giraffes, elephants and lemurs appear to share the savannah and forest with visitors. Lemurs roam freely in one area.
Check the schedule for the bird show and keeper talks, and plan two to three hours.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Museum · Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
11.Museo Fallero
The Fallas museum displays the ninots indultats, the figures 'pardoned' from the flames by popular vote each year, together with posters and photographs of past festivals. It is the easiest way to understand Fallas outside March.
Visit after the City of Arts and Sciences; it is about a 10-minute walk away.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
- History
- Art
Historic site · Ciutat Vella
12.L'Almoina Archaeological Centre
Beneath a glass-covered square beside the cathedral, walkways pass over the excavated remains of the Roman city of Valentia, a Visigothic church and Islamic buildings, showing two thousand years of Valencia's history in one site.
Look down through the glass pool on the square above before going in, to understand the layout.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Pick by interest
| Interest | Best picks |
|---|---|
| Art and museums | Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia, IVAM and Museo Fallero |
| History | Lonja de la Seda, Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete, Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal and Torres de Serranos |
| Views | Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart |
| Outdoors and nature | Turia Gardens, Gulliver Park, Malvarrosa beach and Bioparc Valencia |
| Food and markets | Mercado Central, Mercado de Colón and El Cabanyal |
| After dark | City of Arts and Sciences |
| With children | City of Arts and Sciences, L'Oceanogràfic, Turia Gardens and Gulliver Park |
| On a rainy day | L'Oceanogràfic, Lonja de la Seda, Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas and Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia |
What to book ahead
- L'Oceanogràfic: Buy tickets online in advance in summer and school holidays, when queues at the ticket office are long.
Plan the rest of your trip
Questions travellers ask
+What is the number one thing to do in Valencia?
City of Arts and Sciences. Santiago Calatrava's complex of white, skeletal buildings rises from shallow pools at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens.
+What can you do for free in Valencia?
Turia Gardens, Mercado Central, Gulliver Park, Plaza de la Virgen and the Water Tribunal and Estación del Norte. More free things to do.
+What is there to do in Valencia when it rains?
Head indoors to L'Oceanogràfic, Lonja de la Seda, Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas and Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia.
+What is there to do in Valencia at night?
City of Arts and Sciences are best after dark.