Valencia, Spain is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favor of Barcelona or Madrid. But Valencia has a lot to offer visitors, from its historic center to its Mediterranean beaches.
So why you should consider visiting Valencia the next time you’re in Spain?
Where is Valencia Spain?
So where is Valencia located? Valencia is a city located on the east coast of Spain. It is the third largest city in the country and has a population of over 1.5 million people.
The city is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning beaches, and delicious food. Despite all of these wonderful things, Valencia is often overlooked by tourists who flock to other cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. This is a shame because Valencia has so much to offer visitors.
If you’re looking for a city in Spain that has it all, then be sure to add Valencia to your list!
Top 10+ Destinations in Valencia, Spain that You Must Visit
Valencia has a lot to offer visitors, from its beautiful beaches to its rich history and culture. Here are the top destinations to visit in Valencia:
1. Bioparc Valencia
Bioparc Valencia is a nature park and zoo. The Bioparc is home to over 500 animals from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The park has been open since 2003 and covers an area of 60 hectares. The Bioparc Valencia is divided into three zones: the African Savannah, the Asian Forest, and the European Zone.
The African Savannah is the largest of the three zones and home to animals such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
The Asian Forest is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and monkeys. The European Zone is home to brown bears, wolves, lynx, and otters.
The Bioparc Valencia also has a museum with interactive exhibits about the animals that live in the park. There are also restaurants and cafes located inside the park.
2. City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is one of the twelve Treasures of Spain. It is a cultural complex designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and built between 1998 and 2005.
The City of Arts and Sciences is situated at the end of the former riverbed of the Turia, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957.
The complex contains several futuristic buildings, including an opera house, a planetarium, an Imax cinema, a science museum, and an aquarium. The most iconic building in the complex is the Palace of the Arts Reina Sofía, which resembles a giant ship or whale skeleton.
The City of Arts and Sciences has become one of Valencia’s most popular tourist attractions, with over two million visitors each year.
3. Oceanographic
Valencia is one of the most oceanographically diverse regions in the world. With a coastline that stretches for over 500 km, the region is home to a wide variety of marine life.
From the temperate waters of the Mediterranean to the warm waters of the Gulf of Valencia, there is a wealth of oceanographic diversity to be found in this corner of Spain.
The region is also home to a number of important oceanographic research institutes, including the Instituto Oceanográfico de Canarias and the Instituto Español de Oceanografía.
These institutes are at the forefront of research into oceanography and are helping to further our understanding of this vital area of study.
So whether you’re interested in studying oceanography or simply want to enjoy some time by the sea, Valencia is the perfect place for you.
4. Turia Gardens
Turia Gardens Valencia is one of the most beautiful places in all of Spain. The gardens are located in the heart of the city and are a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The gardens are full of flowers, trees, and other plants that make it a very peaceful place. There are also many benches where you can sit and enjoy the view.
5. Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Reina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Valencia, Spain. The plaza is located in the heart of the city and is home to many of Valencia’s most famous landmarks.
Plaza de la Reina is a great place to people watch, enjoy the Spanish sun, and experience the vibrant culture of Valencia.
6. Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Valencia, Spain. It is the seat of the Diocese of Valencia and the Metropolitan Church of the Archbishopric of Valencia. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but is also known as the “Cathedral of Saint Vincent”.
Construction of Valencia Cathedral began in 1262 and was completed in 1482. The cathedral is a Gothic style building with a nave and two aisles, a transept and five chapels. The main chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has a 15th century sculpture of her.
The exterior of Valencia Cathedral features several spires, including the 132 meter tall Giralda bell tower. The tower was originally built in the 12th century but was destroyed in a earthquake in 1356.
7. La Lonja de la Seda
The La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia is one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Spain. It was built in the 15th century as a silk exchange and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The La Lonja de la Seda is a must-see for anyone visiting Valencia.
8. Iglesia de San Nicolas
Nestled in the heart of Valencia is the Iglesia de San Nicols, a beautiful church that has stood for centuries.
Built in the 13th century, the Iglesia de San Nicols is one of the oldest churches in Valencia.
The church is known for its unique architecture, which features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The Iglesia de San Nicols is one of Valencia’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The church is open to the public and offers tours that allow visitors to learn about its history and see its beautiful interior.
If you’re looking to experience some of Valencia’s history and culture, be sure to add the Iglesia de San Nicols to your list of must-see sights!
9. National Ceramic Museum
You can find the National Ceramic Museum Valencia in the city of Valencia, Spain. The museum is located in the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, which was built in the 18th century.
The National Ceramic Museum Valencia has a collection of over 10,000 pieces of ceramic art. The collection includes works from the 13th century to the present day. The museum also has a library with over 5,000 books about ceramic art.
The National Ceramic Museum Valencia is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
10. Mercado Central Valencia
The Mercado Central Valencia is one of Spain’s most famous and beloved markets. Located in the heart of the city, this historic market is a must-see for any visitor to Valencia.
A visit to the Mercado Central Valencia is a step back in time. The market dates back to the 15th century, when it was first established as a livestock market. These days, the market is home to over 1,000 stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to flowers to seafood.
The Mercado Central Valencia is more than just a place to shop for groceries. It’s also a meeting place for locals and a popular spot for tourists. On any given day, you’ll find people chatting, enjoying a coffee or simply taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
11. Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Valencia, Spain. The beach is located in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Las Fallas festival.
The wide sandy expanse and crystal-clear water make it a perfect place to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun. With its convenient location and excellent facilities, Malvarrosa Beach is the perfect spot for a day of fun in the sun.
12. Plaza de Ayuntamiento
The Plaza de Ayuntamiento in Valencia is one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the city. The plaza is home to the City Hall, as well as a number of other important government buildings.
The plaza is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
If you’re visiting Valencia, be sure to add the Plaza de Ayuntamiento to your list of must-see attractions!
Valencia to Madrid: How Far is Valencia From Madrid?
| Journey time | From 1h 38m |
|---|---|
| Price | From €7 |
| Distance | 188 miles (303 km) |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day |
| First train | 06:30 |
| Last train | 20:15 |
| Departure station | Valencia |
| Arrival station | Madrid |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | OUIGO, Grupo Samar, Avanza, Renfe |
Madrid and Valencia are two of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. But how far apart are they?
Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain, about 3 hours by car from Madrid. By train, the journey takes just over 2 hours.
So if you’re planning a trip to Spain, why not include both Madrid and Valencia on your itinerary? They make for a great combination, offering different but equally enjoyable experiences.
Valencia to Barcelona: How Far is Valencia From Barcelona?
| Journey time | From 2h 47m |
|---|---|
| Price | From €12.85 |
| Distance | 188 miles (303 km) |
| Frequency | 10 trains per day |
| First train | 07:15 |
| Last train | 21:00 |
| Departure station | Barcelona |
| Arrival station | Valencia |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | Renfe, ALSA, Hife |
Valencia to Barcelona is a popular route for many travelers. The journey can be made by car, bus, or train and takes just over two hours.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is situated about 200 miles northwest of Valencia. The two cities are connected by a high-speed rail line that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The city is about a two-hour drive from Barcelona, which is located on the northeast coast of Spain.
Despite being relatively close in proximity, Valencia and Barcelona offer visitors distinctly different experiences.
Valencia is known for its sandy beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere, while Barcelona is a bustling metropolis with world-renowned architecture. Regardless of which city you choose to visit, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Spain.
Where to Stay in Valencia? Our Top Picks
On our first trip to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, we were thrilled to explore its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
We decided to stay in Old Town, or “Ciutat Vella,” which is situated right in the heart of the city.
Here, we were able to experience some of Valencia’s most iconic tourist attractions, like the Valencia Cathedral, Central Market, and Plaza de la Reina.
As we wandered through the streets of Old Town, we found ourselves surrounded by intriguing spots to duck into, including art galleries, boutique shops, and adorable cafes.
Staying in this neighborhood also gave us access to some of the finest hotels in Valencia. Despite being a popular destination for visitors, Old Town offered us an authentic Valencian experience that we’ll never forget.
For those seeking a classic sun, sea, and sand getaway, we’d recommend staying in El Cabanyal. This part of the city is renowned for its golden beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and lively nightlife.
Plus, with an excellent public transport network, we could easily venture out to other parts of Valencia whenever we wanted.
One of our favorite places to visit was the City of Arts and Sciences, or “Ciudad de Las Artes.” As museum and gallery enthusiasts, we were in our element exploring this area, especially the Science Museum – a must-see during your time in Valencia!
Here are our top picks to stay in Valencia, which you can book directly on Booking.com with the cheapest price:
Still looking for the right hotel to fit your budget? Use the following search widget to find the best hotel deals to stay in Valencia, Spain:
Discovering the Best Time to Visit Valencia
When planning our trip to Valencia, we wanted to make sure we chose the perfect time to visit, so we could make the most of everything this beautiful city has to offer.
We found that the ideal time to visit is outside of the sweltering summer months when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring all the amazing sights and activities Valencia has to offer.
During the winter months of December to February, we were treated to sunny days with temperatures ranging between 15-20 degrees Celsius.
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If you’re considering a summer visit between June and September, be prepared for scorching temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius!
A Little Extra: We had the opportunity to experience ‘Las Fallas’ in March, a one-of-a-kind month-long festival that peaks between the 15th and 19th of the month.
Each district creates a massive sculpture, which is set ablaze on the final night of the celebration. Be ready for an unforgettable experience with lots of noise, fireworks, and street parties that last until the wee hours of the morning!
