Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain + Where to Stay & Where to Eat

Top Things to Do in Valencia, Spain

1) Plaza de la Reina

This square, is the city center, is named after Queen Mary de las Mercedes de Orleans, the first wife of King Alfonso XII. In the corner of the square you can find the main entrance of the Cathedral of Valencia. Built in the 13th century, but expanded regularly during the next the centuries. The main entrance has a beautiful 18th century baroque gate, Puerta de los Hierros. According to the legend, the holy grail should be preserved here. You can climb the bell tower for an amazing view.

At the other side of the cathedral, you enter plaza del Virgen. Over here you can enter Puerta de los Apostoles, home to a unique courtroom. Every Thursday afternoon the so-called Water Courts meets over here. This court settles disputes between farmers about water distribution and irrigation in a few minutes. No long-term lawsuits, but quick decisions. The seats on which the judges are sitting are in the entrance. The Water Court is on UNESCO’s Immigration and Cultural Heritage List.

2) Silk Exchange (La Lonja)

This is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Europe and a Unesco World Heritage site since 1996. It was originally build for trading in silk and it has always been a centre for commerce. The Market Tribunal and the first Spanish court also resided here. The turret was a prison. Traders who could not afford to pay their debts were locked there until their family paid for them.

3) Mercado Central

This is Europe’s largest indoor fresh market at over 8,000 square meters. This historic masterpiece was inaugurated in 1928. The Art Nouveau building, with its beautiful glass roof, is home to more than 1,000 selling posts. It’s best to go in the morning, because they close at about 14.30h.

4) Museo de la Almoina

At the back of the cathedral you will find the El Museo Arqueológico de l’Almoina.  There is a glass floor in front of the entrance of the museum, giving you a glimpse of the excavations.

5) Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas

This former palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas is one of Valencia’s most beautiful buildings and houses the National Ceramics Museum.

6) Jardin del Turia

Turia River used to cross the city. Due to the many floods they decided to change the crossing of the river. It now is a green strip through the city with sports fields, zoo, bike paths and hiking trails. This is the place to see the locals jogging, walking their dogs or just enjoying a quiet afternoon.

Traveling with children? Don’t miss the Gulliver playground. The giant from the same story is tied to the ground. The children who play upon him look like lilliputters. On the way you pass some beautiful bridges like the Puente del Mar and the flower bridge.

The Palau de la Musica, Valencia’s Concert Hall is also located here.

7) Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies (City of Arts and Sciences)

At the end of Turia you will find a completely different part of Valencia. This futuristic-looking part of the Turia should definitely be on your things to do in Valencia list. The complex consists of several buildings:

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is the 2nd ultra modern opera house ever built following the following the Opera House in Sydney. With its height of 75 meters, it is Europe’s largest opera house.

L’Hemisferic (eye of wisdom) contains an IMAX cinema and a planetarium.

Museo de las Ciencies resembles the skeleton of a whale. It is an interactive science museum. Children will especially love it.

8) Museo de Bellas Artes

The Museo de Bellas Artes is one of the most important museums of modern art in Europe. You can enter for free, yet it attracts few visitors. Not into art? Enjoy the beautiful exterior.

9) Torres de Quart

This 15th century city gate was recently restored. The bullet holes, caused by Napoleon ‘s army, are still there and are now nesting places for the many parrots. Climb the towers to enjoy a nice view.

10) La Plaça de l’Ajuntament

This giant square is dominated by the city hall Ayuntamiento and the post office Correos.

Where to Eat in Valencia

There are many restaurants in Valencia but I can recommend the following:

Downtown Valencia:

LaLola.  Located in a small alley next to the cathedral. They serve local specialties. Their paella was not really the best we tasted, but their entrees (gazpacho, delicious ham and squid) were delicious.

Mediterranea de Hamburguesas.Has the best burgers in town and is situated close to Mercado Central.

Near the beach:

La Pepica.   Has been serving paella since 1898. Hemingway, the Spanish royal couple and many celebrities have dined here. The grilled squid is divine and the paella’s are nice too.

El Coso.  I loved the Tellinas (Vongole) a la Plancha.

In the harbour:

Panorama.  Great food and a beautiful scenery.  There are terraces, but you can enjoy the view from the inside too thanks to the glass walls. Mixed feelings over here. For a few of us it was divine, others were disappointed. Nevertheless, I highly recommend the smoked sardines, tuna & avocado tartare and the Arroz de Marisco.

Outside of Valencia:

Arroceria Duna Located a quarter of a mile outside the city at the beach. It is beautifully decorated and you have a magnificent view. The cargo ships lying here on the coast, look like they came out of a fairytale. The paella is delicious.

Valencia Travel Tips

Getting to Valencia
If you leave from a European country, there are many low cost airlines that fly to Valencia. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to the city center.

Transfer: possibilities and prices:
Aerobus: 1.25 euros
Metro: 3.90 euros
Taxi: 20 euros

Getting Around Valencia

The best way to discover Valencia is by bike. You can rent a bike and discover the city on your own. We booked a trip with a guide for the first day. This way we got a good impression of the city in a short period of time. The next days we could explore Valencia further on our own.

Nice to Know:
Many restaurants are closed and Sundays.
Many museums and churches are closed on Mondays.

Totally in love with Spain?  You must visit Barcelona.  Read this post to learn all about Barcelona.

These are my top choices for the best things to do in Valencia. Have you visited Valencia? If so what would you recommend first time visitors see?

Wendy is a Belgian travel blogger, foodie and bon vivant. You can follow her adventures on her website Worldwidewendy, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.