Should You Visit Valencia?

Is Valencia worth visiting?

Valencia is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the coastal city has to offer. We first visited in the summer of 2023 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its futuristic museums, fascinating old town, and convenient beaches. Valencia offers an idyllic climate with Mediterranean sunshine, palm-line plazas, and long stretches of sandy coastline. The Ciutat Vella (old town) is filled with historic architecture and striking cathedrals, but the city itself is full of a vibrant and youthful energy. It is the third largest city in Spain and it offers no shortage of sights and activities. It's also the birthplace of paella, so it has a long running culinary tradition that is not to be missed.

Valencia, Spain

Reasons to Visit Valencia

Food
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.

Nightlife
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.

Historical Sights
For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Museums
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.

Shopping
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.

Resorts
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.

Beaches
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.

Hiking
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.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Valencia might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Valencia here or see if Valencia is expensive here.

Is Valencia worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (76°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Valencia, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, get out into nature, and wander through the museums. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the amenities of a resort, enjoy the city's energy, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away.

Is Valencia worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Valencia. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities and the hiking.

Is Valencia worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Valencia. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife and soak up the big city atmosphere.

Is Valencia worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Valencia, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.

Related

What is Valencia most famous for?

Valencia is most famous for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). The coastal city is very popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. It's also known for museums and shopping. And many travelers come for the resorts, beaches, and hiking, as well. It is often described as coastal, cultural, historic, architectural, and friendly.

What is the most famous sight in Valencia?

The most popular sight in Valencia is La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Valencia on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències and other attractions here.

How touristy is Valencia? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?

Valencia is a popular coastal city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Valencia Highlights with Private Vehicle (Private Tour): $273
• Valencia Private Half Day Bike Tour: $71
• E-Scooter Grand Valencia Private Tour: $71
• Private Walking Tour in Valencia with Guide: $175
• Street Art Private Bike Tour: $71
• City of Arts and Sciences Private Bike Tour: $65
• Valencia Medieval Tour: $15
• Grand City Bike Tour of Valencia: $38

How long should I spend in Valencia?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Valencia is two to three days. Since Valencia has a variety of activities such as dining, nightlife, and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Valencia? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Valencia?.