Where is Valencia

Valencia is located on the southeast coast of Spain and is considered the third-largest city in Spain, right after Madrid and Barcelona.

Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, the capital of the eponymous province of Valencia has around 800,000 inhabitants and is unquestionably one of Spain’s most popular coastal cities, if not Europe.

Where to stay in Valencia

If you’re looking to visit Valencia during the popular European summer months, I simply can’t stress it enough to sort out your accommodation rather soon than later.

However, with so many incredible options to choose from, it can be quite daunting at times.

Luckily for you, I’ve already done proper research and curated the best options in my Where to stay in Valencia (coming soon) guide.

Based on my own experiences, choosing the right base from which to explore Valencia is quite an essential part of your research, so my curated guide will be of good use to help you find the right spot for you.

If you’re solely here for some quick inspiration, these are some of my absolute favourites out of the bunch:

Caro Hotel | Nestled in a picturesque laneway in the heart of Valencia, Caro Hotel is set within a 19th-century palace and boasts a modern design with exciting historical elements. It’s basically as if you’re staying in an art museum, with 26 beautifully designed rooms that all have their own unique features. 

YOURS boutique stay | Set within Valencia’s trendy Russafa neighbourhood, this designer apartment is perfected down to the last detail, with an exceptionally minimal and spacious feel to it. The apartment-style YOURS hotel is, in my opinion, the perfect base from which to explore Valencia. If there’s one place that comes close to my ideal apartment, I’m pretty sure it’s this one, so make sure you check it out here.

Marqués House | If you’re looking for a stunning, contemporary hotel with spacious and tastefully decorated rooms in the heart of the historic centre of Valencia, look no further. Located just a stone’s throw away from all the best things to do in Valencia, Marqués House is known for its high standards and excellent hospitality, which is clearly noticeable throughout the entire property.

Grab a Valencia Tourist Card – Safe money and time

If you’re anything like me and prefer to get the absolute most out of your time when visiting a new place, I’d recommend getting your hands on a Valencia Tourist Card, as it will give you access to lots of things to do in the city.

Since it combines free public transport (which comes in handy as an airport transfer), entrance to Valencia’s public museums, and up to 50% discount on popular tourist attractions, the Valencia Tourist Card will simply be your key to the city. 

The card is available in 24, 48 and 72-hour versions, and is best bought online and in advance so you can instantly use it for the metro to get from the airport to the city centre.

If you’re already in the city, yet still thinking of buying one, they are also available at the official Valencia Tourist Office.

Book | Grab yourself a Valencia Tourist Card

1 | Marvel at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

It is fair to say that no visit to Valencia is complete without marvelling at the futuristic architecture of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, also known as the City of Arts and Sciences.

Set within the picturesque Jardín del Túria, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias was designed by Valencian-born architect Santiago Calatrava and is defined as a modern architectural masterpiece by many – I totally agree with that statement.

At first, the construction of the complex was estimated to cost around 308 million euros, which is quite a price tag. However, the budget couldn’t be more off in the end, since the project eventually cost the government a whopping 1282 million euros to complete.

Despite its astronomically high price tag, it’s an utterly stunning place that looks and feels way ahead of its time. Fortunately, tourism in Valencia benefits enormously from the construction and it rapidly became one of the most popular things to do in Valencia.

I wander around the complex quite often (still not quite as much as I would like though), and the futuristic features are blowing my mind time and time again. 

To give you an overview, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias consists of the following buildings:

• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
• Oceanogràfic
• Hemisfèric
• Museo de las Ciencias
• Umbracle
• Agora

+ Read more | For a more in-depth read, make sure you check out my guide to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (coming soon) for photography inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

2 | Stroll through the streets of El Carmen

The heart of all things historic, Barrio del Carmen is one of the oldest districts in Valencia and has recently acquired new interest as one of the hippest areas in the city.

During the 11th century, Valencia was under Moorish rule and this Northern African influence is still very much present in the streets of El Carmen, with quite a few impressive Medieval remains dotted throughout the trendy neighbourhood. 

It is in fact, still possible to see the remains of the Muralla Arabe (Arab Walls) if you stumble through the maze-like alleyways of El Carmen – which is pretty rad if you ask me.

While I could easily write a complete guide to El Carmen (which I might eventually do), these are some of the best things to see while there:

• Torres de Serranos | This age-old defence tower provides stunning views of Valencia

• Galeria del Tossal | An exhibition area featuring remnants of the ancient Islamic city walls
• Paráis Store | A trendy store to find unique streetwear pieces
• Portal Valldigna | A picturesque archway that used to be an entrance to the medieval city
• Calle Roteros | Here you’ll find the remains of the Muralla Arabe
• The Quart Towers | Played a vital part in stopping Napoleon’s battalions in 1808
• Carrer d’en Borràs | Torre del Ángel; the remains of an 11th-century semicircular tower

On top of that, the cobblestone streets of El Carmen are known for their thriving food and nightlife scene too, with plenty of authentic bars, excellent eateries – both local and international, and a few clubs too.

3 | Visit Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas – Ceramics Museum

Easily one of the most fascinating buildings in Valencia, the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas is the former home of the Rabassa de Perellós family and dates back to the 18th century.

Characterized by arguably the finest example of Baroque architecture in the whole of Spain, the opulent palace has been restored several times throughout its history and now houses the National Museum of Ceramics – which, on its own, is equally as impressive as the palace’s interior and exterior.

The González Martí National Museum of Ceramics holds an extensive collection of ceramics, porcelain, furniture, clothing and paintings, reflecting the rich ceramics traditions in Valencia, which was strongly influenced by Hispano-Muslim culture.

The museum consists of several different rooms distributed over the main and first floor, including the Medieval Architectural Pottery Room, Mudéjar Pottery Room, Muslim World Room, Chinese Room, and the Porcelain Room to name but a few.

The works found here differ from the 18th century all the way to present times. They even have the work of renowned artist Picasso on display.

If you’re visiting Valencia during the peak summer months, I’d highly recommend visiting around noon, given it’s a great activity to escape the sizzling heat for a few moments.

Additionally, you will have free entrance on Sundays, which is the case with lots of things to do in Valencia. Do keep in mind that you will share your experience with heaps of people during the weekends.

4 | Explore trendy Ruzafa

Home to a plethora of outstanding tapas joints, lively bars, hipster-ish coffee shops, and trendy restaurants, Ruzafa is easily one of the hippest districts in town and one where you should obviously spend a fair amount of your time.

It’s a place well-known among Valencia’s creatives, hipsters and art-minded people, and a neighbourhood where you’ll experience a more intimate and unique vibe, one that could easily be compared to District VII in Budapest, Amsterdam North in Amsterdam, or Kreuzberg in Berlin.

But it’s not just the thriving cafe scene and creative ambience that makes Russafa so special.

No, it actually has much more to offer, as it’s home to the extensive Russafa market, some of Valencia’s best underground clubs, and plenty of trendy accommodation options – plus it has a rich and captivating history too.

It’s the perfect place to fix your morning coffee, embark on a flâneur walk, hang out on a hot summer’s afternoon, or simply grab a few sundowners while the city slowly cools down.

Some places I recommend visiting in Russafa include:

Russafa Market | Much of Russafa’s lively atmosphere is happening right here in and around the extensive covered Russafa Market, so make sure you check it out.

Bluebell Coffee | Those after a good cup of joe, look no further, Bluebell Coffee is one of the best cafes in Russafa, if not the whole of Valencia. Keen to uncover the best coffee joints in Valencia, make sure you read my guide to the best coffee in Valencia (coming soon).

Oven Club | If you’re anything like me, and love a good techno party from time to time, Oven Club should be your weapon of choice when looking for a night of funky beats and dancing.

Ubik Café | Somewhat of a fixture within Russafa, and one of the pioneers of the neighbourhood’s revival, Ubik Café is a versatile space where coffee, books, art and music come together in an authentic and inviting manner.

La Más Bonita | Another popular establishment in Russafa is La Más Bonita, a trendy breakfast, brunch and lunch joint that serves a mean smashed avocado toast, home-baked pastries, excellent coffee and plenty of other yum options.

5 | Marvel at the Torres de Serranos

Constructed in the 14th century under the supervision of architect Pere Balaguer, the Torres de Serranos, also known as the Serrano Gate, is a massive ancient city gate that was once part of the Christian Wall that encircled Valencia.

Located in the northeast of the old city centre, Torres de Serranos was built in Valencian Gothic style and served as the walled city’s main access point, connecting Valencia via the former royal road (camí ral) with the district of Els Serrans.

Today, Torres de Serranos is one of two remaining gates and climbing to the summit to overlook the picturesque Valencian alleyways down below is easily one of the best things to do in Valencia.

Though it’s relatively easy to climb, it is worth mentioning that some might find it a little steep and a total of 139 steps should be climbed to get to the top, which shouldn’t be a challenge for those used to moderate physical activity.

Those keen on seeing the city from above should note that there’s another impressive gate; Torres de Quart, which is also still very much in use, and happens to be free of entrance too.

6 | Visit one of the many Valencia Museums

As with most popular cities within Europe, Valencia is teeming with interesting art galleries, eclectic museums and fascinating cultural institutions, all awaiting to be explored by those who are captivated by art, history or culture.

Whether you’re keen to learn about Valencian history, wish to behold incredible modern art pieces of both Spanish and international artists, or simply want to immerse yourself in a world of Spanish heritage, culture, and traditions, rest assured, Valencia is home to over 40 museums, which makes it a paradise for art-minded people and history buffs alike.

Given there are heaps of incredible options, I chose to share some of my favourites more thoroughly in separate sections within this guide, so make sure you check those out too.

Since it’s simply impossible to curate them all, and a little too time-consuming to visit all of ’em, I’ve chosen to list merely a few out of the bunch which I believe are worth a visit too.

Museum of Fine Arts | Set within the stunning former Sant Pius V Seminary College at the edge of Jardins del Turia, the Museum of Fine Arts is considered one of the best museums in Valencia, with over 2.000 artworks, including that of Joaquín Sorolla and Francisco de Goya.

La Almoina Archaeological Museum | When I explore a new place, I always feel inclined to learn about its foundations and history. In Valencia, La Almoina will satisfy that, as the museum holds an outstanding collection of archaeological remains dating back to influential eras of Valencia’s rich historical timeline.

Museo Fallero de Valencia | Completely dedicated to Valencia’s famous Fallas Festival, Museo Fallero de Valencia gives its visitors an in-depth look into the traditional celebration of Las Fallas, and exhibits the ninots (smaller sculptures or monuments) that were saved from the flames from 1934 onward.

7 | Spend the night at Caro Hotel Valencia

During my first trip to Valencia, I was fortunate enough to spend some time at the incredible Caro Hotel, which made my time in Valencia even better, making it a trip I will not easily forget.

Set within an authentic 19th-century palace, the 5-star Caro Hotel is an outstanding monumental hotel in the heart of Valencia’s historic Old Town.

With plenty of historical elements, a mesmerising blend of ancient and modern architecture, and a distinctive sophisticated character, Hotel Caro will not be your average hotel stay, but more of an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the most friendly staff to extraordinary gastronomical offerings, from its intimate terrace with outdoor pool to its top-notch location near the best things to do in Valencia, this boutique hotel is simply too good to be true. 

The interior of my room even had a piece of the ancient Arab Wall as decoration, which added a notable touch of history and authenticity to my stay.

On top of that, the staff will do everything in their power to make your stay even more memorable, think preparing your room for the night, leaving culinary surprises in your room while you’re out and exploring, as well as providing you with all the useful tips to uncover the city.

Do note that the Caro Hotel is one of the most popular boutique hotels in Valencia, so if you’re keen on staying there it’s wise to secure your room in advance.

8 | Unwind on Valencia’s best beaches

What’s better than a lively city rich in history and culture that is also packed with an abundance of trendy coffee shops, top-notch restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene?

It’s pretty simple.

A city that also happens to have a plethora of wonderful beaches dotted around its coastline.

Luckily for you, Valencia is such a city.

It is for this exact reason that Valencia has become one of the best city trip destinations in Europe.

With the beach only a stone’s throw away from the historical centre, a trip to Valencia will provide its visitors with an ideal combination of leisure and exploration.

Some of my favourite beaches in Valencia include:

Malvarrosa Beach | Lined with palm trees and accompanied by a lively boulevard, Malvarrosa is an energetic beach and an absolute favourite among the Valencian locals. With over 2 kilometres of coastline, this beach has plenty of options for those looking for some fun beachside activities, think volleyball nets, football goals, fitness equipment and playgrounds for the kids.

Playa de Las Arenas | The first stretch of beach you’ll encounter when arriving at the coast from the city centre, Playa de Las Arenas is easily the most popular beach in Valencia. While it is not necessarily my favourite given the larger crowds, this beach is teeming with locals and tourists alike. It’s also home to Marina Beach Club, a trendy luxurious beach club that boasts an infinity pool, sunbeds, cocktails and funky beats.

Playa de la Patacona | Saving the best for last, Playa de la Patacona is by far my favourite beach in Valencia, as it’s a little more secluded and therefore significantly less busy. On top of that, it is home to La Mas Bonita, a quaint little beach bar that provides an inviting and laid-back flair. 

9 | Taste Agua de Valencia at Cafe de las Horas

Given oranges are an iconic symbol to Valencia and its people, it’s little wonder that a cocktail was crafted around the flavours of this beloved citrus fruit.

Named Agua de Valencia, this refreshing cocktail is made with either cava or champagne, vodka, gin, perhaps some secret ingredients, and of course, freshly squeezed local orange juice. 

But to me, Agua de Valencia is somewhat of a Troyan horse, if you get what I’m saying here. 

See, drinking this elixir tends to give you the impression that you’re drinking an alcohol-free fruity drink, yet it’s equally intoxicating as cocktails that do have a boozy taste to it, so keep that in mind while savouring many of this delectable drink.

While this iconic drink can be found just about anywhere in Valencia, I believe the best version of Agua de Valencia is served at Café de las Horas, a lively café known for its ornate bohemian interior and authentic Victorian ambience.

But this eclectic café isn’t just a place to stop by for a jug (or two) of Agua de Valencia. No, it has actually become a cultural and recreational establishment within the city, where both locals and travellers come to mingle while enjoying a drink.

However, its popularity and prime location in the heart of Valencia’s lively Ciudad ensures that Café de las Horas gets extremely busy throughout the day, so make sure you make a reservation before heading that way, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.

10 | Roam around Mercado Central de Valencia

Name one thing that offers a better glimpse into a new destination and its customs other than roaming around the many stalls of an authentic local market, I’ll wait.

Deemed the largest fresh produce market in Europe, the Central Market of Valencia is an extensive 8,000 m2 covered market known for its variation of traditional local produce, mouth-watering tapas and pintxos, and lots of great vino too.

The Valencian agora breaths Mediterranean life, and houses more than 300 stalls, selling everything; from fresh fruits and vegetables to nuts, cheeses & spices, and from the freshest catches of the day to the best locally sourced cuts, there’s just something yummy for everyone.

But as with most popular markets around the world, Mercado Central, is, as you should expect, slightly more expensive than other markets in Valencia, so for that reason, I’d recommend visiting solely to take a roam and experience the hustle and bustle of Valencian daily life.

Ooh, and of course, to marvel at the incredible architectural feats, which are truly in a league of their own and are marked by a huge stained glass dome decorated with painted oranges (Valencia’s signature fruit), solid iron columns and frames, and colourful tiles throughout.

11 | Behold Valencia’s magical plazas

When roaming through the picturesque streets of the lively historic centre, you’ll stumble upon one of Valencia’s many plazas time and time again. 

Those plazas are the heart of all things social in Valencia, and often teeming with locals and tourists alike, making an early morning stroll here one of my favourite things to do in Valencia.

Though they’re absolutely stunning at any time of day, they’re best enjoyed from the moment the sun starts to set, and these charming squares gradually come to life.

Some of Valencia’s best plazas include:

Plaza de la Virgen | Easily the most popular plaza among tourists, offering great views of both the Turia fountain and the Valencia cathedral.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento | By far the largest square in Valencia, Plaza del Ayuntamiento can be seen as the political and financial heart of Valencia, as well as a gathering place for local festivities, including the popular Las Fallas festival.

Plaza de la Reina | Home to the fascinating El Miguel Bell tower (which you can and should climb), this plaza is without question among the most iconic places in the city.

Plaza Redonda | Enclosed by the encircling buildings, this urban space is a unique piece of Valencian architecture and houses several highly-rated restaurants.

Plaza Negrito | My absolute favourite and one where you’ll find a more authentic, intimate atmosphere.

Plaza del Colegio del Patriarca | Lined with Valencia’s iconic orange trees, this quiet, yet stunning plaza is the perfect place to unwind after an afternoon of exploring. 

While those squares are a great place to hang out on a hot summer’s night, it is worth mentioning that prices are often higher than elsewhere in the city. I’ve noticed that this is primarily the case at Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento

I personally absolutely love Plaza Negrito, a more intimate square that’s home to a handful of authentic bars that are favourite among the Valencian locals.

12 | Devour all the tacos at TikiTaco

With a profound love for tacos and a 3-week Mexico trip under my belt, I recognize a good taquería when I see one.

Believe me if I say this, TikiTaco sure as hell is one.

Situated in the heart of Valencia, this authentic Mexican taquería has rapidly become a fixture in the city, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering tacos that will be a fiesta for your taste buds.

The best part, the tacos at TikiTaco come in bite-size and will set you back only €1,- a piece, meaning you can sample most of the flavours in one sit (just kidding, they have 16 tacos on offer). 

Filled with fresh ingredients and authentic flavours, my tacos of choice are Al Pastor, Cochinita Pibil, Suadero, and my absolute favourite; Tinga de Pollo, a spicy pulled chicken-style taco that is simply too good to be true.

Additionally, they also serve a mean guacamole with nachos, several quesadillas and traditional Mexican beverages to complement the flavours.

For me, having a quick bite at TikiTaco is easily one of my favourite things to do in Valencia, so if you’re reading this, make sure you give it a try too. It is a refreshing alternative to Paella, Pintxos and tapas (which you should obviously eat a lot during your time in Valencia).

13 | Watch a game at Mestalla – or do a stadium tour instead

First opened in 1923, Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium is one of the oldest football grounds in Spain, and watching a game here is quite an exhilarating experience.

Home to Valencia CF, the 55,000-capacity stadium has been the stage to some of football’s most memorable nights, both in the Spanish and European competitions, where great players as Mario Kempes, David Villa, Rubén Baraja, David Silva and many more stepped on the pitch to showcase their talent to the fans.

Even though Valencia CF won the Copa del Rey in the 18/19 season, the club has been going through some seriously challenging times in the last decade, both on and off the pitch.

Yet despite poor performances and financial complications, the fans remain extremely loyal and will produce an amazing electric ambience during home games time and time again.

But it’s not just the fans that make a game at Mestalla a unique and exhilarating experience, nope, due to the incredibly steep stands, you will sit unusually close to the pitch, which isn’t something you will quickly experience in today’s newer football stadiums.

If you can’t get your hands on tickets, you’re in town when Valencia is playing away, or you’re just not in the mood to attend a game, you can opt for a Valencia CF stadium tour instead, where you’ll visit the most interesting areas of the stadium while learning about the impressive history of the club.

Best time to visit Valencia

Given Valencia is nestled on the southeastern coast of Spain, La capital del Turia is considered a year-round destination, where temperatures rarely drop below the 15°C mark.

But first things first, summertime in Valencia is clearly not for the faint of heart, as it will be sweltering hot on most days during this period, with temperatures commonly rising above 40 degrees in the months of July and August.

Those who prefer to combine sightseeing with days at the beach will have a good time visiting Valencia in the summer, but I have to say this; it’s not suited for everyone.

You see, travelling during the off-season (April to June and September to October) is an excellent way to combat the heat, which to me, makes exploring and navigating around town a lot more enjoyable, while you still have a solid temperature of around 25°C to enjoy.

Additionally, you could also opt to visit during the winter months, when over-tourism is out of the way, and temperatures still allow for comfortable explorations.