Valencia is a stunning Mediterranean gem where centuries-old Gothic architecture meets some of the most futuristic buildings in the world. As Spain’s third-largest city, it offers a perfect blend of sun-drenched beaches, lush urban parks, and a world-class culinary scene. You will find endless things to do in Valencia as you explore its winding medieval streets, innovative museums, and vibrant coastal promenades.
Valencia gives you Gothic cathedrals and space-age architecture within walking distance of each other. We’ve gathered the spots worth your time with verified hours and entry fees. The list runs from the City of Arts and Sciences to a UNESCO Silk Exchange, taking in beaches, food markets, and a natural park along the way
- 1. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
- 2. Valencia Cathedral & The Holy Grail
- 3. Central Market (Mercado Central)
- 4. Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
- 5. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
- 6. Malvarrosa Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa)
- 7. Bioparc Valencia
- 8. Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
- 9. Barrio del Carmen
- FAQs
1. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
The City of Arts and Sciences is a breathtaking architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and is the most iconic landmark in the city. This futuristic “city within a city” is a primary priority for things to do in Valencia for tourists, featuring structures that look like giant eyes, whale skeletons, and helmets.
It serves as a global symbol of modern Spain and hosts everything from an opera house to a science museum. The vast reflecting pools surrounding the white structures create a surreal, cinematic atmosphere that is perfect for photography. It remains the most legendary of all must see places in Valencia for anyone visiting the Mediterranean coast.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Grounds open 24/7; Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: Free to walk the grounds; Attractions range from €7.20/ INR 775 to €31/ INR 3,336; set aside 3 – 4 hours to explore this tourist attraction
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2. Valencia Cathedral & The Holy Grail
The Valencia Cathedral is a magnificent structure that showcases a unique mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It is world-renowned for housing a chalice recognized by many historians and the Vatican as the true Holy Grail used by Jesus.
Exploring the ornate chapels and the museum inside is one of the most culturally significant must see places in Valencia. The cathedral serves as the spiritual heart of the city and sits atop a site that was once a Roman temple and later a mosque. It is a vital stop for things to do in Valencia, Spain, offering a deep dive into the city’s complex religious history.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Pl. de l’Almoina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Price: General admission is €10/ INR 1,076, free entry for children under 8, children (8 to 17 years), pensioners, and students have to pay €6/ INR 646; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore this cathedral
3. Central Market (Mercado Central)
Valencia’s Central Market is one of the largest and most beautiful fresh produce markets in Europe, housed in a spectacular Art Nouveau building. It is a top recommendation for top things to do in Valencia if you want to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of local Spanish life.
The building features stunning stained glass and a massive central dome decorated with orange motifs, reflecting the region’s famous produce. It is a fantastic place to grab a cone of artisan cheese or a glass of fresh horchata. It is a central part of things to do in Valencia today for foodies and fans of historic architecture.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: C/ de Palafox, 13, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Price: Free entry; set aside 1 – 1.5 hours to explore this market
4. Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
The Turia Gardens is one of the largest urban parks in Spain, created in the former bed of the Turia River after it was diverted to prevent flooding. This 9-kilometer-long green ribbon is a premier choice for fun things to do in Valencia, offering paved paths for cycling, running, and leisurely walks.
The park serves as the “green lungs” of the city where locals gather for picnics, sports, and outdoor concerts. Renting a bike to traverse the entire length of the park is highly recommended for a sunny afternoon.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore the garden
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5. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of late Gothic civil architecture. Built between 1482 and 1533, it stands as a testament to Valencia’s golden age as a major European trading port.
Walking into the Main Hall, with its towering spiral columns that resemble palm trees, is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Valencia for tourists. The building’s intricate stonework and grand proportions reflect the immense wealth and power of the silk merchants of the time.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: C/ de la Llotja, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Price: Entrance fee is €2/ INR 215; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore the area
6. Malvarrosa Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa)
Malvarrosa is Valencia’s most famous urban beach, offering a wide stretch of fine golden sand and clean Mediterranean waters. It is a top recommendation for the top things to do in Valencia if you want to soak up the sun or enjoy a long walk along the palm-lined promenade.
The beach is bordered by a vibrant row of restaurants specializing in authentic Valencian paella. The promenade is always lively with joggers, skaters, and locals enjoying the sea breeze. It is a central part of things to do in Valencia today for a classic Mediterranean experience.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Passeig de Neptú, 34, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free; set aside at least 2 – 4 hours to explore this beach
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7. Bioparc Valencia
Bioparc is a “next-generation” zoo designed with the concept of “zoo-immersion,” where barriers are virtually invisible to the visitor. It focuses on African flora and fauna, allowing you to see leopards, gorillas, and giraffes in settings that closely mimic their natural habitats.
Exploring the different zones, such as the Savannah or the Equatorial Forest, is one of the most fun things to do in Valencia. The park is praised for its commitment to animal welfare and its stunning landscape design. It offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife in a way that feels respectful and educational.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, Campanar, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Varies by season)
- Price: For general admission (aged 13 – 64), €29.50/ INR 3,174, for reduced admission (aged 4 – 12) and seniors 65+, €23.50/ INR 2,528, and free for children under 4 years old.; set aside 3 – 4 hours to properly explore the attraction
8. Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
The Serranos Towers are one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient Christian city wall of Valencia. Built in the 14th century, they are considered one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic military architecture in Europe.
Climbing to the top of these massive stone towers is one of the best must see places in Valencia for panoramic views of the city and the Turia Gardens. Historically, they served as both a defensive gateway and a prison for the nobility.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Price: €2 (Free on Sundays); Set aside 1 hour to explore this tower
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9. Barrio del Carmen
The Barrio del Carmen is the most atmospheric neighborhood in Valencia, located in the northern part of the Old Town. This ancient district grew between two walls, the Muslim and the Christian, and is characterized by narrow, winding alleys and hidden plazas.
Wandering through this area is an essential part of things to do in Valencia for tourists who want to see street art, boutique shops, and centuries-old architecture. It is the creative heart of the city, where tradition and modern bohemian culture collide.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: North of the city center (Old Town), Valencia
- Timings: Best in the afternoon for sightseeing or evening for dining
- Price: Free to explore; plan to spend a couple of days in this area
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Valencia for first-time visitors?
Start your trip at the City of Arts and Sciences where futuristic architecture gives you a sense of how Valencia sees its future. From there, walk through the Old Town to experience the history that shaped this Mediterranean city over centuries. Round out your first visit with authentic paella on the beach and a morning at the Central Market, and you will have covered the best things to do in Valencia for tourists.
What shouldn’t you miss in Valencia?
Valencia Cathedral claims to house the Holy Grail, and standing before this relic in its Gothic chapel creates a moment you will not forget. The Turia Gardens offer something equally memorable as a green river of parkland flowing through the heart of the city. Add a sunset boat ride through Albufera Natural Park and you have experienced the must see places in Valencia that set this city apart.
What are the best things to do in Valencia during the day?
Spend your morning at the Oceanogràfic aquarium where marine life from every ocean swims through Europe’s largest aquarium complex. When afternoon arrives, head to Malvarrosa Beach for sunbathing or wander through Barrio del Carmen discovering street art around every corner.
What are the best things to do in Valencia at night?
Evenings here begin late with tapas in Barrio del Carmen or the creative Ruzafa neighborhood where locals fill the terraces after sunset. Order an Agua de Valencia cocktail in one of the historic plazas and let the night unfold at its own relaxed pace. If dancing until dawn appeals to you, the Marina’s beach clubs deliver exactly that, making nightlife one of the top things to do in Valencia.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Valencia?
Children cannot resist Gulliver Park where a giant sculpture invites them to climb, slide, and explore every surface without limits. Bioparc zoo continues the adventure with African animals roaming through naturalistic habitats that make traditional zoos feel outdated. The Oceanogràfic and Science Museum keep young minds engaged for hours, ranking among the fun things to do in Valencia for families traveling together.
What are the best cultural things to do in Valencia?
La Lonja silk exchange tells the story of Valencia’s golden age through Gothic architecture so beautiful that UNESCO granted it protection. The IVAM museum adds modern art to your cultural journey with rotating exhibitions that challenge and inspire visitors. If you time your visit for March, the Las Fallas festival surrounds you with giant sculptures, fireworks, and parades representing the best cultural things in Valencia.
What are the top food experiences in Valencia?
Authentic Valencian paella deserves your attention first, and ordering it with the traditional rabbit, chicken, and snails is a must. Cool down with horchata and sweet fartons at a historic horchateria where locals have enjoyed this combination for generations. The Central Market then opens a world of fresh seafood, aged cheeses, and seasonal produce that will inspire every meal you cook long after returning home.
What are the best shopping areas in Valencia?
Calle Colón serves as the main shopping street where Spanish and international brands line up for easy browsing in one pedestrian-friendly stretch. Venture into Ruzafa when you want something different, as this neighborhood hides vintage boutiques and artisan workshops among its cafe-lined streets.
What’s the best time of year to visit Valencia for sightseeing?
Spring brings warm Mediterranean weather and the unforgettable Las Fallas festival that fills the city with fire, art, and celebration each March. Autumn offers mild temperatures and fewer visitors, giving you space to enjoy beaches and outdoor attractions at a comfortable pace. Things to do in Valencia remain accessible throughout the year, though these shoulder seasons give you the ideal balance of pleasant weather and authentic local atmosphere.
