You are going to Valencia for the first time and only have one day, and obviously you want to see everything you can but you realise it’s impossible !!! Well let me help you out and share some of the best things to do and see in this beautiful city, hopefully it will help you prioritise and plan your visit!!! Prepare to be enchanted by the sights and sounds that will remain in your heart and mind forever. You won’t be able to forget the fragrance of a good coffee enjoyed after visiting La Lonja de la Seda, or the chatter of buyers haggling over everything at the Mercado Central. These are some of the small pleasures that will certainly make your visit in Valencia unforgettable.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the birthplace of the famous Paella Valenciana; this beautiful city is often overlooked and undervalued in favour of its big sister: Barcelona. Despite Valencia being smaller than Barcelona it has an amazing architecture, fantastic food, beautiful parks and beaches. Another important thing that you should not underestimate is that being less touristy the prices are more affordable!!!
Herewith you will find tips for spending a pleasant day in Valencia, but first take a look at this walking tour in English, it is free, or consider buying a Hop On Hop Off bus ticket
Valencia Cathedral and Micalet
The Santa Maria de Valencia Cathedral or Seu could be, in my opinion, a good starting point for visiting the city. The church, is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was built in the late 13th century over an Arab mosque, which in turn was built on the remains of a pagan temple. This Cathedral is an overlay of different architectural styles such as Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque. This mixture of styles makes it particularly interesting and at the same time unpredictable. Inside the Cathedral you will be able to admire many artistic treasures including paintings by Francisco Goya. The famous “Holy Grail” is also said to be kept here, actually this is one of the city’s most controversial claims as this is also supported by several other places in the world!!!
Once you have finished visiting the Cathedral, I suggest you visit the “El Miguelete Tower“, the cathedral’s bell tower. Remember that to reach the top of the tower, you will have to climb the 207 steps of the spiral staircase, it can be really tough on a hot day but just make sure you have some water with you and be careful when climbing the historic steps as they can be slightly slippy. Believe me once you will have reached the top you will enjoy breathtaking view of the city!!!!
If you are looking for more detailed information about Mass schedule, pastoral activities and tours I recommend you visit their official website: https://catedraldevalencia.es/
The Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square “Plaza de Ayuntamiento” is Valencia’s main central square and is a must-visit attraction. This beautiful square is one of the most important of Valencia and has always been considered the nerve center of the city. The square was built over the gardens of an old convent and has undergone many modifications over the years. The last major modification was the removal of an underground neo-Baroque-style market where flowers used to be sold. This modification was made by the architect Javier Goerlich, between 1931 and 1934. All that remains of this old market are the flower shops located in the open space south of the square.
Around the square you will be able to admire many old prestigious buildings, like the Valencia Town Hall a beautiful example of Spanish architecture built in the early 20th century. Another important building in this square is the Post Office “Edificio de Correos y Telégrafos”, built in the early 1900s, and is a beautiful example of modernist architecture with a magnificent dome and clock tower. At night the square is illuminated and the residents of Valencia and tourists go there to relax and have a cup of coffee or something to eat, in one of the restaurants or cafes. This square, hosts from March 1st to 19th, the most important festival of the city “Las Fallas“. This is a week-long celebration held every year in commemoration of St. Joseph, during this festival, the square is transformed into a vibrant and colorful spectacle, with fireworks, parades and fallas sculptures. Given the importance of the event, on November 30, 2016 it has been included in the UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Walk around the Eixample District
The Eixample District is located in the center of Valencia, not far from the Town Hall and is one of the most popular districts. It’s and upscale area, where you will certainly enjoy strolling through it’s long boulevards and picturesque alleys. If shopping is your thing, you will find all kinds of stores from big department malls, to small, special and upscale stores and sophisticated boutiques. The “Estació del Norte” train station is also located in this district, it is beautiful and decorated with mosaics and ceramics. The Valencia Bullring is one of the standout buildings in this district, it was built to resemble the famous Roman Colosseum. The district also has an amazing amount of cafe’s, bars, pubs and restaurants.
Barrio del Carmen
The Barrio del Carmen district is most probably the best known and most characteristic of Valencia’s neighbourhoods. Barrio del Carmen is located between two walls, the Moorish and the Christian, built in the 14th century, it already existed in the Middle Ages. The northeast side of this beautiful historic center is the youngest and most bohemian part of Valencia. One of the interesting things if this neighbourhood is that, many of the magnificent old palaces and townhouses have been turned into restaurants, clubs, hotels, trendy shops and boutiques. Barrio del Carmen is quite peaceful during the day and a paradise if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife and a place where you can find tasty tapas and delicious paella. Calle de Caballeros, which begins at Plaza de la Virgen, is the center of Valencia’s movida.
Mercado Central
The historic, chaotic and must see Mercado Central is definitely another of the city’s main attractions. It is one of the largest food markets in Spain. Built in the Art Nouveau style and completed in 1928, it is considered one of Spain’s most interesting architectural masterpieces, where you can admire, both internally and externally, its distinctive decorations. Personally, I love wandering through its aisles and being inebriated by the scents of the various products on display. If like us you are tempted by the local food, you can buy gazpacho, empanadas, paella and consume them at the market tables.
This market, because of the freshness of its products and the particularity of its structure, competes with Barcelona’s Boqueria for the palm of the best food market in all of Spain. If its history intrigues you and you want to learn more, I suggest you check out the official website: https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/
Lonja de la Seda
After having wandered around the Mercado Central just a few steps away you will find one of the most beautiful historic Valencian Gothic style bulding, in the city: the Lonja de la Seda or Lonja de los Mercadores. It is located in the heart of the historic center, in the Mercado square, it used to be a meeting place for merchants where bargaining took place between wholesalers and buyers. The Lonja de la Seda was not only a place of exchange, in fact this building also housed a bank and the seat of the Tribunal del Mar, the first marine mercantile court to be formed in Spain. It became a historic and artistic monument in 1931 and a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is now home of the Valencia Cultural Academy where exhibitions are often held.
You can purchase your entrance ticket here
Valencia’s medieval walls “Torre de Serranos & Porta de Quart”
The medevial walls of Valencia were built in 1932 by Pere Balaguer. The Serranos Towers were the main entrance to the city. After a fire involving one of the city’s main prisons, between the 16th and 19th century the towers were used as a prison for nobles. These towers had been built to protect one of the busiest entrances to Old Valencia. They are a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and were both used to protect the city and as triumphal arches. The Quart Gate, in military Gothic style, was built in the 15th century and used as a prison for female prisoners.
The National Museum of Ceramics
Cultural tourism is very important for Valencia and the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts “González Martí” is an absolute must-see. It is worth visiting the museum even to just admire the impressive alabaster facade, which is truly spectacular. In its magnificent halls you will be able to admire authentic handcrafted ceramics, porcelains and other decorative arts such as pieces of furniture, clothing, and paintings, with a special focus on Valencian tradition and local artits as well as works by Picasso.
The museum is located in the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas considered the best example of Baroque in Spain.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Admission: 3 € (adults), 1.50 € (groups). Free admission for under 18, over 65’s, unemployed and retired.
Saturday evenings and Sundays: free admission.
VTC discount 50% off Valencia Tourist Card
Jardin del Turia
The Jardin del Turia, is located in the former Turia Riverbed, and is Valencia’s largest and most extensive green oasis with its almost ten kilometers in length. In 1957 a devastating flood occured and caused extensive property damage and claimed at least 81 lives. To remedy the event that could of happened again, the government, ruled at that time by Generalissimo Francisco Franco, decided to divert the course of the Turia River. The former riverbed became a vast green area very appreciated by the locals as well as tourists. These gardens, designed by the landscape architect Riccardo Bofill, have various thematic areas such as cyclocross circuits, skating rinks, athletic tracks, soccer fields, rugby fields and many benches amid oleanders, palms and flower beds a wonderful place to stroll and relax during hot summer days!!!
Valencia Museum of Fine Arts
The Valencia Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1913 and is the second largest art gallery in Spain. In this museum you can admire works of art made between the 14th and 17th centuries, a beautiful medieval collection and Renaissance works as well as some masterpieces made during the Spanish Golden Age. You will see works by painters such as Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, El Greco and many others.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Free admission
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
Going to Valencia and not visiting the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies) is unthinkable as it is one of the main attractions for young and old alike. This futuristic cultural and recreational complex, consisting of several buildings and waterscapes, was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. Admission to the area is completely free, however if you want to visit individual buildings, museums or exhibitions you can purchase tickets on site, alternatively also online.
When standing in front of the Science Museum, you understand why it is so different from all other museums. Its architecture looks like something that comes out of a science fiction movie. Its interior is a world-class science museum. In this museum you will have the opportunity to see the 3D cinema Hemisfèric, the Science Center, the Oceanographic, the Umbracle and the Opera.
I think it is worth considering to save some extra time for this visit in order to be able to see everything. You can save time and money by purchasing a combination ticket that includes the best areas!
The Oceanographic is the largest aquarium in Europe. Various marine ecosystems have been faithfully reproduced in this giant aquarium where more than 45,000 living animals and 500 different species can been seen. Young children will be enraptured by the underwater tunnel and various shows. Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the absolutely unique futuristic architecture of the buildings.
Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. – Entrance fee: 31 €
Valencia’s beaches
If you enjoy sunbathing and relaxing at the beach, Valencia offers beautiful beaches. They can be easily reached from the city center by bus and tram. An ideal destination while on holiday if you want to combine sightseeing with relaxing on the beach. The beaches have soft, almost impalpable sand and extend for about 3.5 kilometers. On the waterfront you can find cozy cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an excellent Valencian paella!!
Valencia city tours
Should you prefer to participate in a guided tour, in the GetYourGuide online portal, you can find the city tour that best suits your taste, entrance fees to various museums, bicycle tours, cooking classes, and more.
Hop-on Hop-off bus
If you don’t have much time to spare, such as during a cruise call, one of the best ways to visit Valencia is to take the “Hop-On Hop-Off” Tourist Bus. This bus will allow you to explore Valencia at your leisure and easily reach all the attractions of this beautiful city.
Unlike other tour buses this one has only one route with 17 stops, so it is very easy to use to explore the city’s most beautiful attractions. It takes about 2 hours to do the full tour, of course without ever getting off the bus. On board you can take advantage of the audio guide provided in various languages and free WI-FI.
If you arrive in Valencia by cruise, you will find stop 7 “Veles i Ventes” on the tourist bus at the exit of the port. You will be able to get on and off at this stop once you have finished sightseeing.
Cost per ticket for 24 hours: adults 22 €, teenagers 11 €, children under 6 years old are free. You can download the map her
Buy online: hop-on hop-off bus ticket
Where to stay in Valencia
In Valencia you can choose from a wide range of accommodations to suit all needs: budget hostels, vacation apartments, boutique hotels, as well as 5-star hotels.
Here are some of my favourites places:
- Home Youth Hostel by Feetup Hostels : located in the center of Valencia, has free WI-FI. This hostel has the distinction of being the only one to offer single beds instead of bunk beds in its dorms.
- B&B Blanq Ruzafa : this property provides guests with air-conditioned rooms, a desk, coffee maker, refrigerator, safe, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with shower. WI-FI is free of charge, rooms come with linens and towels.
- Cosmo Hotel Boutique : this 3-star boutique hotel is conveniently located and offers air-conditioned rooms, a terrace, free WI-FI and a restaurant. 24-hour front desk and concierge service. Bicycles for rent and airport transfers.
- Palacio Santa Clara, Autograph Collection : this beautiful 4-star hotel offers rooms with seating area, flat-screen satellite TV, safe, private bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, free WI-FI and coffee maker. The hotel is 700 meters from the city center and 400 meters from the Norte Train Station.
- Only YOU Hotel Valencia : this beautiful 5-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, flat-screen TV, desk, minibar, coffee maker, microwave and kettle. You can have Italian, continental or English/Irish breakfast.
I recommend you taste the Valencian Paella and enjoy this wonderful city.
