Valencia is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast with an abundance of things to do, a stunning old town, a futuristic complex of buildings known as the City of Arts and Sciences, and of course, the beach! I have lived here for a year now and I will let you know the best things to do to discover Valencia.
1. Check out the tiny and adorable cat house
Valencia has a tumultuous history with cats. When El Cid conquered Valencia in 1094, he ordered the execution of all cats as he considered them bad luck. It is believed that only 4 cats remained alive and this little cat house was built in their memory in 2003 by sculptor Alfonso Yuste Navarro. The little door goes into a courtyard where cats can enjoy their time without being bothered. You can find the house at this address.
2. Visit Torres de Serranos
I always believe that seeing the city you are visiting from above is a great activity. These towers are just the perfect opportunity for that. They are very imposing and for a good reason as they used to be the gates to the city.
Tip: If you go on a Sunday or another holiday, going up is free! On any other day, the ticket costs 2 euros.
3. Visit the CCCC (Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània)
This is a very cool thing to do in Valencia. This center hosts different art exhibitions that change from time to time, but as its name suggests, everything is contemporary, some very intriguing as well. It has a stunning and very lush inner courtyard. CCCC is free to enter, the schedule is 11-21 from Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays it’s closed.
4. Spend a few hours at Bioparc Valencia
I usually don’t support zoos, but this is a completeply different story. Bioparc Valencia is a beautiful and cageless reservation that hosts a lot of animals, flamingos, elephants, fish, lions, giraffes and lots more. Their principle is simple, animals shouldn’t come into our environment, but we should come into theirs! Which is beautiful. You can clearly see they are well taken care of and that they have the space they need. Bioparc Valencia is a great activity to do with kids too! It is very well configured, as you can see the animals from multiple perspectives as you walk thourgh the itinery they suggest.
5. Visit the Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral is a stunning building that stood here since 1238! It is believed also that the Holy Grail is here so that is also a reason to visit. You can combine your ticket with the Miguelette tower to see the city from above. Or just get tickets to the tower and the see the Cathedral for a bit that way. The tickets for the Valencia Cathedral are 9 euros, whereas, the tickets to the Miguelette tower are 2,5 euros only. You can ask for student discounts too!
6. Have a picnic in Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens represent a long, almost 9 km park, on the old place of the Turia river. Due to its position, a bit below the city surface, it makes the perfect green oasis in the middle of the city. You can pick up a few things from a local bakery or Mercadona and choose your sport on the grass. There are tables as well in some places if you prefer that.
7. Rent a bike
Valencia is very flat so it’s perfect for biking. There are also over 200 km of bike lanes, so the infrastructe is great as well. You can make an itinerary or just explore the city as it is, wandering around. You may come into places you wouldn’t otherwise observe.
8. Look at the most beautiful building in Valencia
I truly think that the National Ceramics and Arts Museum (Museu Nacional de Ceràmica i de les Arts Sumptuàries Gonzàlez Martí) is the most beautiful building in Valencia. The details on the facade are so intricate and well put together, a true gem. You can visit it on the inside as well.
9. Visit the Silk Exchange building
The Silk Exchange Building (Llotja de la Seda) is the only building in Valencia that is part of the UNESCO World heritage. It’s very imposing and beautiful on the inside, with beautiful pillars. It has some Game of Thrones vibes to it. It’s free to visit on Sundays and other holidays, in other days only 2 euros.
10. Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
This complex is very futuristic looking and one of the top things to do in Valencia! You can check out the Hemisferic, Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, Prince Felipe Science Museum, and the Caixa Forum. The gorgeous blue water between the buildings is very instagramable!
11. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
This is one of my favorite museums in Valencia, which is also free! It is the second largest art gallery in Spain and they have more clasic style of art, compared to CCCC, but they do have in common a gorgeous inner courtyard!
12. Enjoy a beah day
Your time in Valencia wouldn’t be complete without a beach day. Malvarrosa beach is the most popular beach, while Patacona is more peaceful. If you want a quieter beach, with more nature nearby, I recomment El Saler beach, a bit more far away from the city, but accesible by public transport( bus 24 and 25).
13. Go to a yoga or pilates class in Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens are basically everyone’s backyard in Valencia. People come together and enjoy the nature, have picnics, celebrate birthdays, and yoga and pilates are very popular as well! It’s very nice to move your body in nature. You can find these classes on the Meetup app.
14. Try vermouth in Ruzafa
A very loved drink in Valencia is vermouth. I would recomment strolling through Ruzafa and looking for a bar or restaurant where you can try it. Combine two things in one!
15. Spot street art in the Old Town
Valencia is very welcoming of grafitti art and there are several great ones in the Old Town (Ciutat Vella). Walk around and try to see your favourite!
16. Attend a paella making class
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the most famous Spanish dish. It’s a complex type of food, done in a special pan, with rice, meat and vegetables. I strongly suggest trying this type of class!
17. Stroll around Jardins del Real / Vivers
This is a gorgeous park, with a little maze, flowers and a small pond. Its beauty is breathtaking! They also have a little cafe where you can enjoy a drink and something to eat.
18. Take a bachata class outside
If there’s one thing people love doing in Valencia, that’s spending time outside. You can see often people learning to dance by the beach or in the park. They are mesmerizing and always catch my attention. That is a fun idea of how to spend your time in Valencia!
19. Have a walk around the palm trees
One of my favorite place to take a walk is Av. del Regne de València. It has a cute pedestrian side in the middle, filled with palm trees. There are some terraces too where you can enjoy a drink and something to eat.
20. Try the traditional Spanish breakfast
The typical Spanish breakfast (desayuno) consists of coffee, orange juice, toastead bread and on the side a little bit of olive oil, tomato paste and jamon. It’s fairly simple, but very good!
21. Try Agua de Valencia at Cafe de las Horas
Agua de Valencia is a local beverage consisting of Valencian orange juice, cava (champagne), gin, vodka and some sugar. The most iconic place to try it is the gorgeous Cafe de las Horas.
22. Go shopping in Mercat Central
The Central Market (Mercat Central) is the biggest fresh produce market in Europe and is also very aestethically pleasing. I strongly suggest to go and buy some fruits, a juice or whatever chatches your eye. Don’t forget to look up as well!
23. Take photos in Umbracle
Umracle is a stunning semi-open structure in The City of Arts and Sciences, filled with palm trees. It’s a perfect photo spot.
24. Watch a football game at the Mestalla Stadium
I am not really a football fan but I really enjoyed going to a game at the Mestalla Stadium. If your seats are high, you can catch a great view of the city as well! Also, if Valencia FC plays, you can see their fans really passionate and the vibe is very nice!
25. Watch the sunset from Colina
Colina is a hill in the Cabecera Park, it overlooks the water and the city. It’s perfect for sunset watching!
26. Try horchata with fartons
Horchata is a local beverage in Valencia, made from tiger nuts (a superfood). It’s very popular in summertime. Try it with some fartons (dip them in horchata). In the city, you can try horchata in Orxateria Santa Catalina (the name in Valencian, how you can usually find them on Google Maps) and a bit outside the city, but very worth it, Orxateria Vida.
27. Go to a beach bar (chiringuito /chirringito)
Enjoying a drink and something to eat with my feet in the sand? Yes please! There are some beach bars on Patacona beach, although they are only open in summer time.
28. Admire the flower shops in Plaza de Ayuntamiento
The Town Hall Square (Plaza de Ayuntamiento) is stunning and it has little flower shops that add to its charm. I suggest walking around and admiring the views.
29. Check out the narrowest building in Europe
This is a quite unique thing to do in Valencia, to check the narrowest building in Europe. You can find it on Google Maps as La Finca més Estreta d’Europa.
30. Walk under Portal de Valldigna
This is a very picturesque spot in the Old Quarter of the city, great for a photo.
31. Thrift shop in Ruzafa
Ruzafa is a very charming neighborhood with an abundance of thrift shops. My favorite are Flamingo (there are two of them in Ruzafa) and Aieclé (they have 3 stores). But there are many more. The clothes are curated and sometimes modified too to look more modern. Very environmentaly friendly as well.
32. Walk in Parc Central
This is one of the newest parks in Valencia, Park Central. It is very beautifully designed and perfect for a walk.
33. Walk on a lush street
One of the most beautiful streets in Valencia is Gran Via del Marqués del Túria. It is filled with huge trees and lots of greenery, while keeping sand in the middle. Perfect for a little stroll to clear your mind.
I hope you enjoyed my list of thins to do in Valencia, Spain. If you only have one day in Valencia, I have the perfect itinerary here to enjoy all the main things that the city has to offer. You can check it here: The best 1-day itinerary for Valencia, Spain.
If you have any questions, let me know! Thanks!