Things to do in Valencia — Explore Valencia
Photo: Boris Dzhingarov · CC BY 2.0
thumbnail|Saló Columnari (Hall of Columns) in the Llotja de la Seda thumbnail|Jardí del Túria, the old Túria riverbed, with the Museum of Fine Arts in the background thumb|Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, in the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava Valentia Edetanorum was established as a Roman colony in the second century BCE. In the early 8th century CE the Moors invaded, and Balansiyya became the capital of the Muslim Taifa of Valencia, thriving as a trading centre for paper, silk,… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Valencia is a stop in Spain, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral and Miguelete Tower, Central Market (Mercado Central) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 80–180 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia Cathedral and Miguelete Tower
Central Market (Mercado Central)
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
Malvarrosa Beach
Albufera Natural Park and paella villages
Torres de Serranos and Quart
Valencia Cathedral and Miguelete Tower
Central Market (Mercado Central)
Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
Malvarrosa Beach
Albufera Natural Park and paella villages
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Prefer a full 14-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Valencia itinerary guide.
Budget
USD 35–60
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 80–180
per person / day
Luxury
USD 205–340+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Valencia, Spain. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Typical mid-range for Valencia
Estimated total (USD)
$2,565
≈ $1,283 per person · $366 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $130/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Valencia mid-range ground costs (budget 35–60 · mid 80–180 · luxury 205–340+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Local favourites
Paella
There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: paella valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), paella de marisco, with
Arròs a banda
A side dish of rice cooked in fish stock, usually served with alioli.
Arròs negre
Also cooked in fish stock, this rice dish is black because it contains squid ink, as well as squid or cuttlefish, peppers, and paprika.
Fideuà
This paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in Gandía and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try
All i pebre
A stew made of eel, a snake like fish typical from the [[Albufera_Natural_Park
Llet merengada
A kind of milk-based soft ice cream with a cinnamon-lemon taste.
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Beleret
On the northern outskirts of the city, the hotel has nonsmoking rooms, an onsite restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi. Pets permitted on reque
Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace
Has an onsite fitness centre, bar and restaurant. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, no parking available.
Hospedería del Pilar
Pensión El Rincón
Photos: Boris Dzhingarov, William Warby, Diego Delso, Francesco Bini — via Wikimedia Commons
Top picks in Valencia include City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral and Miguelete Tower, Central Market (Mercado Central), La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). See the full list and itinerary on this Valencia travel guide.
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
Plan at least 3 days in Valencia for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Popular stays in Valencia include Hotel Beleret, Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace, Hospedería del Pilar. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
On the ground in Valencia (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 35–60 per person per day, mid-range about 80–180, and luxury about 205–340+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Valencia, Spain. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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