12 Things to do in Valencia
The coolest nights out, the most romantic sunsets, the tastiest paella and the most original festivities all await you in Valencia – traditional, radical, always Mediterranean.
Taste a real paella next to the sea
Yes, you’ve probably already planned to have paella. But what you might not know is that our most well-known dish tastes even better with a sea view. That’s why we recommend the restaurants at Las Arenas beach, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, or those at the Albufera Natural Park. Wherever you go, you’ll love it!
Experience Fallas like a Valencian
Start by seeing a resounding mascletà, take a look at some of the 750 monuments that fill the city with satire and humour, enjoy the smell of the flowers brought to the Plaza de la Virgen for the Ofrenda, enjoy a night full of fireworks, concerts and parties, have buñuelos and chocolate for breakfast, and if you’re not too tired, go to a despertà. Those are just some of the things you can do if you visit between the 15th and 19th March, are you in?
Dance until sunrise in the coolest places
Want to find out why Valencia has a reputation for its nightlife? Before going out, have dinner by the sea, then have drinks at a terrace in the area of el Carmen, or in a XVI century house and end up dancing techno, indie or pop until you can’t carry on. And if you’re hungry before you go to bed, an “esmorzaret” is a great idea.
Go shopping and find the latest trends
Valencia intense commerce is a fusion of tradition and modernity. Spend an afternoon shopping in the historic centre, el Carmen, Ruzafa or Eixample, and choose from international brands and creations of Valencian designers which are sure to surprise you.
Have a horchata and fartons
There’s no better place to have this popular drink made from “chufa” a fruit that is only grown in Valencia. Have it for breakfast or for a snack, either liquid or as a sorbet texture, and remember to ask for “fartons” to dip which will sweeten your day. You can try it at any time because, just like Vampire Weekend sang, you can drink horchata in December too!
Go through the Turia Garden by bike
Would you like to see Valencia from east to west without passing a single car? Then head to the river! No, it’s not a joke. The old river bed of the Turia has been converted into a leafy 9-kilometre-long garden which connects the Parc de Capçalera with the City of Arts and Sciences. If you go by bike you can discover the fantastic museums, monuments and bridges that the river has to offer.
Take pictures of the spectacular sunset at the Albufera
The best way of getting to know this ecologically valued lagoon is taking a boat trip at sunset. The Albufera Natural Park offers a visual spectacle where the sky blends with the sea and, of course, you’ll be able to take some of the most beautiful photos of your trip.
Do a route to try tapas and beer
Grilled cuttlefish, steamed mussels, Serrano ham, clams, “esgarraet”, baby squid, patatas bravas… If it’s already making your mouth water, just wait until you try them! You can start the route at the stalls of Plaza del Mercado, continue past the Lonja steps, the Plaza del Collado, Plaza Negrito and Calle Caballeros, finishing at Plaza de la Virgen.
Take in Valencia’s views from the Miguelete tower of the Cathedral
The most emblematic tower in Valencia is a required visit. You can climb the 207 steps of the spiral staircase and reach the top of the bell tower, where you’ll have an impressive 360º view of the city. You won’t regret it!
Cheer on the best teams in the Spanish Football League
Experience the thrill of football (or soccer) in the stadiums of Mestalla and Ciudad de Valencia. From mid-August to early June, you can see the games of Valencia CF and Levante UD and cheer on some of the world's best players. Oe, oe, oe, oeeeeee!
You can also visit the home of the Valencia Football Club with the Mestalla Forevertour and discover the history of the team through its trophies, touch the grass with your own hands and feel the thrill of being a professional player. And if you want a souvenir from the club, visit the Megastore Valencia CF temple to sports fashion with all the kits and all the accessories you need to play while wearing the shield of Valencia CF.
Valencia Football Club
Discover our culture with the Silk Road
The Golden age of the silk trade brought an economic, social and cultural revolution along with it, which changed Valencia. Follow the hidden Silk Road route by walking through the Velluters area, the Silk Museum, the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda, UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the typical Valencian dress shops.
Traverse the Mediterranean on board a catamaran
Listening to chill out music while the sea gently rocks the boat and the sun hits your skin, is an experience that can only be improved with a glass of wine in your hand. Get aboard a catamaran from Mundo Marino and look out over the unbeatable view: the sunset at the Juan Carlos I Marina. What more can you ask?
Enjoy an afternoon of the finest basketball
Cheer on Europe's best basketball players at the Fonteta Pavilion. From October to early June, you can take in the games of the top-flight Valencia Basket Club's men's and women's competition. You can get yourself kitted out and buy a souvenir at the Valencia Basket store.
