Valencia, a vibrant city on Spain’s southeastern coast, blends historical charm with cutting-edge modernity. Known for its futuristic architecture, beautiful beaches, and as the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring the ancient Old Town, relaxing on the beach, or visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is sure to captivate you with its mix of tradition and innovation.
City of Arts and Sciences: An architectural marvel featuring museums, an aquarium, and an opera house. The futuristic design and interactive exhibits make this one of Valencia’s top attractions.
Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete: A stunning Gothic cathedral known for housing what some believe to be the Holy Grail. Don’t miss climbing El Miguelete tower for panoramic views of the city.
La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic silk exchange is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a testament to Valencia’s prosperous trade history.
Turia Gardens: Once a riverbed, this long stretch of gardens is now a green space that runs through the city, perfect for walking, cycling, or relaxing.
Malvarrosa Beach: Valencia’s main urban beach, with golden sands and a lively promenade lined with restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Central Market (Mercado Central): One of Europe’s largest markets, it’s a bustling hub of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. A great place to experience the flavors of Valencia.
Paella: Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and you can’t leave without trying this iconic dish. The traditional version features chicken, rabbit, and beans, but seafood variations are also popular.
Horchata and Fartons: A traditional Valencian drink made from tiger nuts, horchata is sweet and refreshing. Pair it with fartons, a soft, sugary pastry, for the perfect local snack.
Arroz al Horno: Another rice-based dish, this oven-baked casserole typically includes pork, sausage, and chickpeas, offering a hearty taste of Valencian cuisine.
Tapas: Valencia is home to a thriving tapas scene. Try dishes like esgarraet (salted cod and roasted peppers) and clochinas (local mussels) for an authentic experience.
Local Markets: Visit Mercado de Colón, a beautifully restored market hall, for a taste of Valencia’s gourmet side with cafes, fresh produce, and artisan foods.
Las Fallas Festival: Valencia’s most famous festival, celebrated every March, is a riot of fireworks, parades, and giant papier-mâché figures that are spectacularly burned on the final night.
Flamenco Shows: While flamenco isn’t native to Valencia, the city has a number of venues where you can enjoy this passionate Spanish dance form.
Valencian Cooking Classes: Learn how to make authentic paella and other traditional dishes with cooking classes led by local chefs.
Museo de Bellas Artes: One of Spain’s most important fine arts museums, housing works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, as well as local Valencian artists.
Public Transportation: Valencia has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and a metro. It’s an easy way to navigate the city and its surroundings.
Biking: Valencia is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes and the public bike-sharing service, Valenbisi, which makes exploring the city by bike a breeze.
Walking: Valencia’s historic center is very walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within a short distance from each other.
Rental Companies: Valencia offers numerous car rental options, including major international companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, with offices at Valencia Airport (VLC) and in the city center.
Driving License: A valid driver’s license is required, and non-EU drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Parking: Parking in the city center can be challenging, especially during busy seasons. Opt for underground parking garages or park outside the center and use public transport.
Traffic Rules: Drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (31 mph), on rural roads 90 km/h (56 mph), and 120 km/h (74 mph) on highways.
Insurance: Basic insurance usually includes Third-Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Theft Protection. Additional coverage, such as Zero Excess Insurance, is available for extra protection.
Language: Spanish and Valencian (a regional dialect) are the official languages, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, though some small purchases might require cash.
Weather: Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Don’t forget sun protection if you’re visiting in the summer months.
Safety: Valencia is generally a safe city, though as with any tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
