If you’re visiting Valencia soon, prepare to be wowed by its beauty and charm. Spain’s third largest city doesn’t get the same attention as Madrid or Barcelona, which doesn’t make any sense as Valencia has SO much to offer visitors and locals alike. There’s the blissfully sunny weather, long sandy beaches, unique cultural events, picturesque plazas and modern vibes mixed effortlessly with medieval architecture and fascinating history. There’s also an insane number of amazing restaurants; you could dine out every night for a year and never grow bored of the food scene in Valencia. In this post, I will share my personal tips and suggestions that a first-time visitor should know to make the most of their trip.

Sightseeing Highlights

There’s tons to see and do in Valencia. Be sure to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex with an opera house, IMAX cinema, planetarium, science museum, and Europe’s largest aquarium. Explore the historic Valencia Cathedral (supposedly home to the Holy Grail) and climb the El Micalet bell tower for panoramic city views. Don’t miss the bustling Central Market, one of the most beautiful markets in Europe which is a feast for all the senses, with over a thousand stalls selling fresh produce and local delicacies. You should admire the Gothic architecture of La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former silk exchange and visit Playa de la Malvarrosa (Valencia’s beach), or the picturesque Turia Gardens, a nine-kilometre park perfect for walking, biking, doing sports, and enjoying al fresco lunches. For more sightseeing ideas, check out my three-day itinerary for Valencia.

Opening Times

Museums and attractions typically open around 10am and close by 6 or 7pm. It’s a good idea to check individual websites for exact times, especially during public holidays and festivals. Most shops open from 10 AM to 2 PM and then from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a siesta break in between. You might find some shops closed on Sundays and public holidays, but this is more common in the residential/suburban areas rather than in the city centre.

Food and Dining Out

Valencia is not only famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful beaches but also for its incredible food. Here are some dishes you should try, which truly capture the magic of Valencian cuisine. 

• Paella Valenciana – No visit to Valencia would be complete without trying Paella Valenciana, the city’s most iconic dish. It is a flavourful rice dish made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and sometimes snails. There is a seafood option – paella marinera – but avoid paella mista, an inauthentic combination of meat and fish aimed at tourists. Paella is traditionally served at lunchtime (in portions for a minimum of two people) so I’d be sceptical of anywhere selling individual portions or offering paella at dinnertime. You won’t find the locals dining there!
• Fideuà – A close cousin to paella, Fideuà is a seafood dish made with short noodles instead of rice. This seafood-rich dish often includes cuttlefish, squid, shrimp, and monkfish, all cooked in a savoury broth with a hint of saffron and paprika.
• Esgarraet – A Valencian salad made with roasted red peppers, salted cod, garlic, and olive oil. The name “esgarraet” comes from the Valencian word for “shredded,” as the ingredients in this salad are torn into strips. It’s a popular starter or side dish in Valencian restaurants.
• All i Pebre – This eel stew is cooked with potatoes, garlic, paprika, and sometimes almonds. If you visit Albufera natural park, close to Valencia, look for it on restaurant menus – it’s where the eel is traditionally sourced.
• Horchata y Fartons – A winning combo! Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink made from ground tiger nuts, water, and sugar. It is a refreshing drink, always served cold. Horchata is often paired with fartons (long, soft pastries, glazed in sugar and perfect for dipping).
• Agua de Valencia – This popular Valencian drink consists of orange juice with vodka, gin and champagne (or cava – depending on your budget!)
• Arroz al Horno – A hearty, comforting dish of pork ribs, blood sausage, chickpeas, tomatoes and garlic, baked together in a clay plot.
• Tapas – These are small plates of food, often paired with beer or a glass of wine. Must-try tapas dishes include jamón ibérico, padron peppers, sardines, anchovies, montaditos (small bread rolls with various fillings), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), bocadillos de calamares (fried squid sandwiches), meatballs, and patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce). 

Spanish people eat later than many other nationalities, usually sitting down for lunch between 2pm-4pm. Restaurants open from 7pm to cater for tourists, but locals usually sit down for dinner from 9pm onwards. The sooner you adjust your meal times to the Valencian norm, the happier you’ll be! If you get peckish between meal times, you can always find bakeries and fast food joints open for pastries and snacks.

Restaurant service is usually very slow and relaxed; you won’t be offered the bill without asking, and staff won’t be rushing customers in our out to turn tables. Tipping isn’t normal practice; you can leave a euro or two as thanks for particularly good service, but tips aren’t expected or obligatory like in some countries.

Getting Around

Valencia has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro. You can take the metro from the airport to the city, as well as connecting to the coastline, Turin Gardens and City of Arts and Sciences. A single journey by bus, metro or tram costs €1.50 (within zones AB), and you can pay with contactless card payment (Visa or Mastercard). There are special tariffs and travel cards if you’re going to be using public transport a lot, or staying in Valencia for several weeks or months. You can read about the different metro ticket prices and travel cards here. EMT operates Valencia’s bus network and have different travel cards available here. It’s worth checking out the options, especially if you’re travelling in a group – it may work out cheaper to buy individual travel cards or paying as you go. Alternatively you could buy a Valencia Tourist Card which includes unlimited public transportation as well as discounts on attractions and activities.

Although there are no metro stations in the historic centre, the city centre is very compact and walkable and you can find metro stops on the perimeter of the Old Town. Valencia is also very bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing services like Valenbisi.

When to Visit

• Spring (March to June): Considered the best time to visit Valencia, as the weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s also when the famous Las Fallas Festival takes place in mid-March, a spectacular event with fireworks, parades, burning puppets and effigies and huge sculptural displays.
• Summer (July and August): If you enjoy hot weather and beach activities, summer is ideal, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). However, it is peak tourist season so it can be crowded, and certain shops and restaurants close while the owners are on holiday.
• Autumn (September to November): Another great time to visit, with similar mild temperatures and fewer tourists like in the spring. The beaches are still enjoyable, and the city’s parks and gardens look much more luscious than in the peak summer.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Valencia are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 8°C (46°F). It’s a good time to explore the city without the crowds, but some outdoor activities won’t be so appealing and you probably won’t want to go swimming in the sea!

Where to Stay

There are lots of accommodation options in Valencia depending on your budget, preferences and plans for the city.

• Ciutat Vella (Old Town): This area is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to historical sites, museums, art galleries, and picturesque plazas. You will have tons of restaurants, cafes and bars on your doorstep and as the Old Town is very compact, you can reach everywhere on foot. 
• Ruzafa: A trendy neighbourhood known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and bohemian vibes. It’s a bit more modern than the Old Town but still within walking distance of many attractions as well as being near the main train station.
• El Cabanyal: Located near the beach, this former fishing village offers a more relaxed vibe. It’s great for visitors who want to enjoy a more laid back atmosphere and Valencia’s Malvarrosa beach, whilst being only a short bus or tram ride from the heart of the city. 
• Eixample: A more upscale area, known for its beautiful architecture and shopping. It’s less touristy than the Old Town but still conveniently located, with easy access to the city centre and other attractions.

How Long to Stay

For a first-time visitor, 3 to 5 days is a good amount of time to explore Valencia. This will give you enough time to explore the major attractions, sample the local cuisine, spend a relaxing day at Malvarrosa beach and perhaps fit in an excursion, walking tour or cooking class.

Language

Castilian Spanish and Valenciano (a dialect of Catalan) are the two main languages in Valencia. You can find staff members in restaurants, museums and art galleries who speak English, but a few basic Spanish phrases – like “Hola” (Hello), “Gracias” (Thank you), “Buen día” (Good day) and “La cuenta por favor” (The bill, please) – go a long way in making a good impression.

E-Sims

If you need reliable internet during your time in Spain and don’t want to rely on public Wifi, check out Airalo. They offer E-SIM cards which can be used in 200+ countries, and it’s the easiest and most cost-effective option for travelling abroad that I have found. My husband and I have personally used Airalo several times and find the E-SIMs to be very easy to buy, activate and use. Airalo has E-SIM cards for 7, 15 or 30 days, making them perfect for long and short trips!

Safety

Valencia is a very safe city, thanks to its late-night culture. Even in the early hours of the morning, you will find people strolling around the city, including groups of children playing together. However, you should still exercise the usual caution as you would in any big city. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas or on public transport. Buy tickets for attractions and tours from official websites or trusted providers like Viator or Get Your Guide to avoid scams. Listen to your gut if someone or something sounds too good to be true!

I hope this guide has shown you how captivating Valencia is and why it’s definitely worth visiting. Now you’re well-prepared to dive into everything this beautiful city has to offer. Enjoy your visit!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow