A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Valencia for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Beaches

Should you visit Wellington or Valencia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Wellington or Valencia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a historic, architectural, and friendly coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Wellington and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Valencia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Wellington. Valencia is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Wellington different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Valencia and Wellington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wellington or Valencia?

Valencia is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Valencia offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Wellington or Valencia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Valencia is a world class party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Wellington is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Wellington is not a resort destination.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Wellington is well known for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Valencia can be explored in its historical center. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Wellington and Valencia both have notable trails.

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Many people include a hike when visiting Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Valencia?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Wellington and Valencia.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Valencia.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Valencia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Couples?

Valencia is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Valencia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Valencia are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Valencia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Students?

Valencia is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Is Wellington or Valencia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wellington is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Wellington or Valencia a more walkable city?

Wellington and Valencia are very good when it comes to walkability.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Valencia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wellington and Valencia. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Valencia than Wellington. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Valencia than Wellington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Valencia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Valencia than Wellington. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valencia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Wellington if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Valencia.

One day in Wellington or Valencia?

The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Valencia?

Wellington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Wellington or Valencia?

Wellington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Valencia, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Valencia?

Wellington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Valencia, we can see that Valencia is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and Valencia is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Valencia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valencia than you might in Wellington.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wellington Expensive? and Is Valencia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington and Valencia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Wellington or Valencia?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Valencia has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wellington is cooler than Valencia in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F)in July.

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Valenciain July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in January than Valenciain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Valencia. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Wellington is cooler than Valencia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Valencia averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives less rain than Valenciain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Valencia. Most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Wellington is generally cooler than Valenciain January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Valenciain January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Valenciain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

Wellington is cooler than Valencia in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Valencia. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Valenciain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Wellington