Destination guide

Valencia

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Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, and one of its most liveable. It has a beautiful old centre, a huge public park running through a former riverbed, sandy city beaches and a futuristic arts and science complex.

It is flat, sunny and good for cycling. It is also the home of paella, and the best place in Spain to try it.

How many days: 3

Three days is comfortable for the old town, the arts complex, the beach and plenty of eating. Two works for a quick break.

The city is flat and easy to cover by bike. The beach is a short tram or bike ride from the centre.

What to do in Valencia

See the City of Arts and Sciences
A striking group of white buildings by the architect Santiago Calatrava, including a science museum and an aquarium. The setting is good for photographs even if you do not go inside.
Cycle through the Turia Gardens
A former riverbed turned into a nine-kilometre park running through the city. It is the best place to ride a bike in Valencia.
Explore the old town
The Gothic cathedral, the silk exchange and the central market are all within a short walk. Wander the lanes between them.
Climb the Miguelete tower
The bell tower of the cathedral gives views across the old town and the city. It is a narrow spiral climb.
Go to the beach
Malvarrosa is the city beach, with a wide stretch of sand and a long promenade of restaurants. It is a short tram ride from the centre.
Visit the Albufera
A freshwater lagoon south of the city, surrounded by rice fields. The sunset boat trips are popular.
See the Lonja de la Seda
The old silk exchange is a late Gothic hall with twisting columns. It is a calm stop in the old town.
Wander Ruzafa
A lively neighbourhood with independent cafes, bars and boutiques. A good place for an evening out away from the main sights.

What to eat and drink

Paella
Valencia is the home of paella, traditionally cooked with rabbit, chicken, beans and rice over an open flame. Seafood versions are a common alternative.
Horchata
A sweet, cold drink made from tiger nuts, served with fartons, a soft sweet pastry. A local summer tradition.
Agua de Valencia
A cocktail of orange juice, cava, vodka and gin. A refreshing local drink.
Market food
The central market sells fresh produce, ham, cheese and seafood. A good place to buy picnic supplies.
Oranges
The region is famous for its orange groves. Fresh orange juice is easy to find and very good.
Esgarraet and local tapas
Roasted peppers and salt cod in olive oil, a regional tapas dish. Try it with a glass of local wine.

Getting around

The city is flat and compact. Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around, and there are many bike lanes.

The metro and trams cover the beach, the airport and the outer areas. Buses fill in the gaps.

Bike rental schemes and e-scooter rental are widely available.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot and humid, and many locals leave the city in August. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
  • The Fallas festival in March involves huge sculptures, fireworks and street parties. It is spectacular but busy, and accommodation must be booked early.
  • Paella is traditionally a lunchtime dish. Be cautious of restaurants that serve it in the evening with photographs on the menu.
  • Valencia has its own language, Valencian, alongside Spanish. Both appear on signs.
  • Lunch is the main meal of the day, and many restaurants offer a set menu at midday. It is usually the best-value way to eat well.
  • The city is well suited to families, with parks, the aquarium and the beach. Taking a bike is easier than using public transport for short hops.

Where to stay in Valencia

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Ciutat Vella

Valencia's historic core wraps the Cathedral, Central Market, La Lonja and the lanes of El Carmen into a compact walking district. It is the natural first-time base; tourist crowds, late-night noise and higher central prices are the trade-off.

Ruzafa

Restaurants, independent shops and bars cluster around Ruzafa Market and streets such as Sueca and Cádiz, just south of the centre. It suits travellers who want Valencia's strongest neighbourhood nightlife; busy terraces and late evenings mean some streets stay noisy.

L'Eixample

Modernist blocks around Mercado de Colón and Gran Via del Marqués del Túria combine polished restaurants, boutiques and handsome residential streets. It suits travellers wanting a smart central base; accommodation, shopping and dining generally cost more than in Valencia's outer neighbourhoods.

Benimaclet

A former village absorbed by Valencia, Benimaclet keeps low-rise streets, local squares and a student-led mix of cafés and inexpensive bars. It is a strong value choice for longer stays; few headline attractions are nearby and the historic centre requires a short metro or tram ride.

El Cabanyal

Colourful tiled fishermen's houses, traditional taverns and newer restaurants fill this maritime district beside Cabanyal and Malvarrosa beaches. It suits travellers wanting local character with the sea nearby; the historic centre is several kilometres inland and some streets remain rough around the edges.

City of Arts and Sciences

Futuristic architecture around the Oceanogràfic, Hemisfèric and Museu de les Ciències sits directly beside the long Turia Gardens. It works especially well for families and modern hotels; nightlife and old-city atmosphere are limited, and the historic centre is not on the doorstep.

When to go

Typical conditions by month - daytime high, night-time low, and rainy days.

MonthHighLowRain days
Jan 15°C7°C 5
Feb 16°C7°C 4
Mar 18°C9°C 5
Apr 21°C11°C 6
May 24°C14°C 6
Jun 28°C18°C 3
Jul 30°C21°C 2
Aug 30°C22°C 4
Sep 27°C19°C 7
Oct 23°C15°C 6
Nov 18°C11°C 5
Dec 16°C8°C 5

What it costs

A typical day in Valencia, per person, in pounds.

£47

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£95

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£100

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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