“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world.
– Freya Stark
My beloved friends, have you ever disembarked in a city and felt the soul exhale? That moment, when the soft Mediterranean air envelops you, underscored by the aroma of salty orange blossoms… it is pure sorcery. That was the feeling Valencia bestowed upon me, and that is the feeling I want to gift to you now.
These are my rankings of the twelve magical moments and secret hideaways that marked my holiday in the breathtaking coastal jewel of Spain. Valencia, a city of striking modern design coasting paralleled to ancient Roman roots, welcomed me with a light unresisted and unrivalled.
Disregard the tourism of some of the larger names of Spain; Valencia has something else. Sophisticated, relaxed Mediterranean magic, the best kind of place to decompress, live life, and generally slow down. Come, take my hand, let me show you all of the best moments of my Valenciana experience and twelve ways you can dive headfirst in love with this incredible city. Discovering these things to do in Valencia will truly enrich your trip. Is Valencia worth visiting? Absolutely, every moment of it.
1. The Future Symphony: Ciutat de las Artes y las Ciencias (CAC)
The Feeling: An architectural dream, made of shining white curvy bone and shining turquoise water.
Once you stand in front of Santiago Calatrava’s work, you’ll understand why this is number one on my list of things to do in Valencia. It is more like a landing pad for friendly aliens than a city complex. The sheer size and glaring white of the buildings, from the skeleton rib cage of the Palau de les Arts to the eye-like form of the Hemisfèric, is energetic.
As I strolled through the area, crossing the reflecting pools that mirror the incredible blue of the Valencia sky, I was tiny, inspired, and fully pulled into a sci-fi future. My favourite part? Just to walk around and be there at dusk when the lights go on, and suddenly you have an other worldly soft warm wonderland. You don’t even need to go into every museum. Just be here in the unique, powerful aesthetic. This is a must-see among all the Valencia attractions.
2. Bike Riding the River: The Túria Gardens
The Senses: A flood plain turned into an eighteen-mile-long island of peace.
Imagine a city creating a park from a flood-prone river, with an incredible eighteen kilometres of green air travel winding right through its centre. This is the Túria Gardens, a magnificent lung of Valencia. For me, renting a bike and spending the morning riding from the majestic Torres de Serranos to the City of Arts and Sciences was the ultimate Valencia joy.
The thrill of riding underneath historical bridges and watching locals playing soccer or practising yoga, all of these transported me into a sense of calm and community. The air is cleaner; the pace of life is settled. It is an example, then, that in some instances the best urban spaces are those where nature and the spirit of community are reborn. An ideal counterpoint to the busy streets of the city. For active travellers, this is one of the essential things to do in Valencia. This is also a major attraction, which speaks volumes about what Valencia is famous for globally.
3. Lost in the Labyrinth: Barrio del Carmen
The vibe: Old, atmospheric, and decorated in constantly changing, stunning street art
Ciutat Vella, Old Town, is the historical heart, but Barrio del Carmen is its bohemian soul. These narrow, ancient walkways, many of which have felt the feet of Moors, Romans, and Christians, are a perfect place to get lost (intentionally). The walls are urinals, splashed with strong, whimsical, and contemplative murals. I spent hours searching for the famous mural of the ‘Kiss’, or the astronaut, and each corner I came to provided something new.
The walls here are ancient stone, cool to the touch despite being midday, and finding a tiny, unsuspecting tapas bar tucked away in a small plaza felt like a treasure trove each time. This is the true heartbeat of Valencia, with the walls whispering the stories of the journey through its stone archways and colourful graffiti. Among the cultural things to do in Valencia, wandering these streets is a must. The constantly changing outdoor art is one of the best things to do in Valencia for free.
4. Whispers of Wealth: La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange)
The Experience: Gothic elegance, a statement of commerce, architecture, and power.
The Lonja is just incredible! Walking into the Contracts Hall or Sala de Contratación is like entering a church of commerce. The breathtaking architecture, with its high ribbed vaulting ceiling and fabulous twist helix columns, is beyond stunning. It’s all in the details, the carved gargoyles, the wonderful patio overflowing with sweet orange trees, and the sheer boldness of the building itself, a testament to Valencia’s golden age of trade in the 15th century. I sat on one of those lovely stone benches for a long while, attempting to envision the monumental importance of the silk trade discussions and financial dealings that originally took place in that quiet and beautiful space. This is one of the most famous sites in the city.
5. A Delight for Your Senses: Mercado Central (Central Market)
The Feeling: The loud, colourful, delicious beating heart of Valencia.
Oh my goodness, the market! If I could bottle up the energy and smell of one place in Valencia, it would be Mercado Central. Set in a stunning piece of Modernista architecture and topped with a stunning dome, the market is a pure spectacle. This is not your supermarket…this is where locals shop. Piles of colourful vegetables, sparkling from the sun, cured jamón under the high glass roof, and the freshest seafood you can imagine. It is loud, busy and terrific chaos.
My routine was simple: purchase a fresh juice from one of the booths, grab a local selection of olives, maybe a few peaches or other fruit, and soak in the joy that is the Mercado. This is a cultural experience of the highest order because it engages all five senses, making it one of the most vibrant things to do in Valencia. Even just browsing the incredible food stalls is one of the rewarding things to do in Valencia for free.
6. The Chalice and the Climb: Valencia Cathedral and the Miguelete
The Atmosphere: History, Legend and The Most Amazing View in the City.
Valencia Cathedral is a beautiful mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles – and you can read its long history in the architecture. But best of all, the Cathedral has two very special treasures. First, there is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, which uses a story to say it has the real Holy Grail inside. Whether you believe it or not, it is very peaceful inside this little chapel, with its elaborate decoration. The second treasure is the bell tower, called the Miguelete. The climb up is a very steep and dizzying 207 steps, but believe me, it’s worth the effort.
The panoramic view of the red-tiled rooftops and the streets of Valencia leading to the sparkling waters of the distant sea, and looking down at the spacious Túria Gardens below in juxtaposition with the cityscape, is unbelievable. If you want a break from the city, consider the nearby mountains or coastal towns as excellent day trips from Valencia. These are definitely some of the best places to visit in Valencia.
For official visiting hours and guidelines for Valencia Cathedral, you can check the Valencia City Council website, which provides updates for tourists and historical sites.
7. Seaside charm and dreams of paella: Malvarrosa and Cabanyal
The atmosphere: Salty air, golden sand, and the humble beginnings of an internationally famous dish.
You simply can’t visit Valencia and not visit the coast. Playa de la Malvarrosa is the city’s wide, golden beach and a great place to take a long, windy walk or spend a lazy afternoon. But behind the beach is where the real charm begins, in the traditional fishing neighbourhood of Cabanyal. The neighbourhood is unique because of its beautiful, brightly-coloured, tiled houses. I walked the crisscross streets, mesmerised by the facades, and felt I was in a movie set I had stepped into. And this is where you must eat. Cabanyal is known for serving traditional Valencian paella. Finding a restaurant on the beach and tasting that perfectly cooked rice layered with saffron and local ingredients was one of the tasty highlights of my trip. It is one of the best seaside Valencia activities. Experiencing the true, authentic paella here showcases what is Valencia famous for.
8. The Boho Chic Renaissance: Ruzafa Neighbourhood
The Vibe: Artsy, hip, and full of independent spirit.
While Barrio del Carmen is old school bohemian, Ruzafa is its artsy, cool younger sibling. Just to the south of the city centre, Ruzafa is a playground of vibrant buildings and a lot of energy. It has been turned into the centre of Valencia for art galleries, independent boutiques, and the most delicious breakfast/brunch spots. I loved wandering Ruzafa, seeing the vibrant blue, bright yellow, and terracotta reds, and stopping for coffee at one of the tens of stylish terraces. It feels authentic, creative, and full of local life. It is the perfect place for an evening of experiencing quirky bars or finding something unique, far away from the tourist strips. This makes exploring the district one of the most rewarding Valencia sightseeing experiences for urban explorers. A short bus ride from here could lead to amazing day trips from Valencia.
9. An Exceptional Collection: Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)
The Atmosphere: A space for reflection on works of art in a beautiful, free, and open palace.
For art-loving individuals, the gallery is essential, and the fact that it is free to enter all the time is an incredible win for the city. Includes notable works from a grand baroque 17th-century building, the collection exhibits significant Valencian masters, considered one of the best art galleries in Spain. The works of Joaquín Sorolla drew me the most; his works capture the essence of the light and life of the Valencian coastline. In its beauty, it is also a perfect balance to the more modern CAC buildings. You can enter the Museum, which is a quiet and thoughtful space to see centuries of art history. Don’t at all rush; you will want to get lost in the frescoes and the vastness of the courtyards. This museum is one of the best cultural things to do in Valencia for free.
10. Gateway to the Past: Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
The Feeling: Impressive medieval gates with expansive views.
These two remaining gates in the former city walls are lofty historical monuments and amazing points of view. Torres de Serranos looks over the Gardens of Túria and was the main ceremonial entrance into the city. Torres de Quart, weathered by cannon fire during the sieges, have a more rough, powerful feel to them. Climbing either (or both) provides a great and inexpensive understanding of medieval defensive architecture, and yet another great perspective on the layout of the city. When I was standing atop Serranos, looking down and surveying the city I had gotten to know, I felt I was guarding its history, for a brief and wonderful moment. Even smaller children enjoy the climb and the feeling of being in a castle, making this one of the best things to do in Valencia with kids. Seeing these historical structures are key Valencia sightseeing moments.
11. Sunset at the Rice Fields: Albufera National Park
The Mood: A calm place, a sanctuary for wildlife and where paella originated from.
This one requires a quick bus ride out of the city, but it is one of Valencia’s most interesting secrets. Albufera is a giant freshwater lagoon, separated from the sea by a thin band of woodland. This area is known for its rice paddies and is the exact spot where the dish paella originated. The best time to visit is obviously at sunset.
A quick boat ride across the flat lagoon as the sun is disappearing over the horizon, on its way down, turning the water and sky into bright orange fiery colours and soft purple colours are memories I will have forever. It’s a deep reminder of the land’s importance to Valencia’s culture and food. This unique experience is one of the unforgettable Valencia tourist spots. Taking an evening trip to Albufera is one of the best day trips from Valencia. Its natural beauty is certainly an indicator of is Valencia worth visiting.
12. Architectural Splendor: Mercat de Colón
The Experience: An updated market, now the coolest spot to relax
The Mercat de Colón is a beautiful example of Valencian Modernism with a tranquil, chic atmosphere compared to the noise and buzz of the Central Market. Built in 1916, it has been updated into a space for socialising and food enjoyment. It’s not about raw produce here. Instead, it’s striking décor in coffee shops, ice cream, and tapas bars. I enjoyed the afternoon treat of horchata (a sweet, creamy drink made from tiger nuts) served with fartons(gloriously long sugar pastry). Sitting under the soaring archways and beautiful tile work, I basked in the true Valencian style of stunning architecture and quality food and drink. For architecture and food lovers, these are the best places to visit in Valencia. Additionally, the treats and beautiful surroundings also make this a fun spot for things to do in Valencia with kids.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to explore more of Spain’s iconic destinations, you can plan your next stops using this Spain travel guide.
My Final Thoughts
Friends, Valencia is not a place to rush through; it is a place to enjoy. It softly shares its softness to those who examine the architectural details, the colours in the tile, and the saffron flavour in the rice. If you are looking for amazing things to do in Valencia, then follow this guide.
Get out, navigate the winding paths, climb the historic towers, and let the illumination of this amazing city light up your heart. With Low Cost Vibes making the journey easy and within reach, Valencia awakens the joy you didn’t know you were missing.
Travel safe and may your new eyes see all the beauty this unique part of the world will reveal.
FAQs about Things to Do in Valencia
Absolutely. The article highlights its special mix of historical roots, brilliant modern architecture, and wonderful Mediterranean sophistication, along with laid-back energy.
The architectural el Punto de Vista de la DIA a Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (CAC) by Santiago Calatrava is a top must-see.
The old fishing neighbourhood of Cabanyal behind Malvarrosa Beach is the designated place.
They are a park along an eighteen kilometre stretch of former river bed, and the best way to see them is by bicycle.
Yes, the article mentions 3 key free things to do: walk the Barrio del Carmen (street art), browse Mercado Central, and visit Museo de Bellas Artes.
