Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and offers a great mix of cultural landmarks, amazing cuisine, and beautiful beaches. Located along the sun-kissed coast, it is the perfect location for a city trip! Valencia also has a pleasant climate year-round; however, you will enjoy comfortable temperatures in spring and autumn. In this Valencia Travel Guide, I provide you an overview of the best things to do in Valencia, of course including the best bars, restaurants and hotels.
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Valencia to get the most out of your visit. However, due to its location at the beach, it won’t harm to add some additional days. Furthermore, Valencia can be perfectly combined with a trip to Madrid or Barcelona. After Valencia, we headed to Madrid for the weekend which is only a direct train away. Alternatively, have a look at my Seville travel guide, one of my other city favourites in Spain!
Read more about the best places for brunch in Valencia.
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To not make this Valencia Travel Guide too extensive by addressing every cute square in town, I would, first of all, motivate you to walk through the Old Town (Ciutat Vella) and find your way through the city. Valencia is rather small, and the Old Town, especially, can easily be discovered on foot. When wandering through the streets of Valencia’s historic centre, every corner will reveal new beautiful buildings and narrow streets. Don’t miss out on the Valencia Cathedral and the beautiful Lonja de la Seda building, showcasing the silk trade era. Furthermore, you should visit the bustling Plaza de la Virgen, which serves as the central hub of the city.
One of the most famous landmarks of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), a symbol of modern Valencia. It includes several futuristic structures, including the Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe and the Oceanografic (book your tickets here), Europe’s largest aquarium. Nearby, you can find the surrounding Turia Gardens, a lush green space that used to be a riverbed. I would highly encourage you to rent a bike or a scooter to explore these areas in Valencia. After your exploration, unwind with a refreshing craft beer at Beers & Travels, a nearby spot. We rented our steps in Ruzafa at Go VLC.
What makes Valencia special is the amazing mix of city life and the beautiful coastline. Take some time to visit Playa de la Malvarrosa, the most renowned beach in Valencia. Even if you don’t want to spend your day at the beach, it is great to enjoy some sea views at one of the restaurants near the sea. Additionally, you can visit Playa de los Arenas, located at the marina next to the promenade, with many restaurants and bars.
This quaint square is home to one of Europe’s narrowest buildings, which is only 107 centimetres wide. Beyond this architectural curiosity, the plaza is surrounded by charming cafés and boutiques with a lot of sun, and most of the time some available tables. We had a wonderful afternoon here relaxing!
In the El Carmen neighbourhood in the north of central Valencia, you will find a vibrant area including a lot of street art. As you walk through the streets, you’ll encounter a display of street art on walls and alleyways, reflecting Valencia’s creative scene. The El Carmen neighbourhood hasn’t always been like this, however, it has come to life again because of the street art. Meander around to find the most beautiful artworks.
Unfortunately, we haven’t visited this spot during our trip to Valencia, however, it should be well worth it! Once an ice factory, La Fabrica de Hielo has been transformed into a cultural hotspot. This space hosts a variety of events, from live music to art exhibitions, so definitely check out the event calendar and enjoy a drink while mingling with locals and meeting other travellers.
For panoramic views of Valencia, you can ascend the 207 steps of the Miguelete Tower, the bell tower of the Valencia Cathedral. From the top, you can enjoy views of the city’s skyline and capture the beauty of Valencia from above. Tickets to enter the Miguelete Tower cost €9 (2025).
No trip to any city in Spain is complete without a visit to a Mercado. Therefore, in Valencia, you can’t miss the Mercado Central (Central Market), which is one of the largest and most beautiful fresh food markets in Europe. The market is located in a beautiful building, which is already worth the visit. Wander through the aisles with many fresh food stalls, offering Iberian hams, fruits, spices and fresh seafood.
One thing is certain: with a visit to Spain, you know you will be indulging in amazing food. Also in Valencia, there are many great restaurants to be found for brunch, lunch and of course dinner. Personally, my favourite area for food and drinks is Ruzafa, a bustling neighbourhood slightly south of the city centre with many bars, restaurants and hotels. Let’s start this section of my Valencia Travel Guide with a summary of my favourite restaurants in Valencia!
Voltereta, Bienvenido a Bali: This amazing restaurant transports diners to the tropical paradise of Bali. In general, I would highly recommend enjoying at least one Voltereta location. The place has an exotic decor and ambience, offering a fusion menu that combines Asian flavours with Midetteranean influences in an amazing dining experience. Book in advance!
Blackbird, Bluebell and Dulce the Leche: All are great brunch restaurants in Ruzafa. Fortunately, I love brunch as a meal, as there are so many great places to try in Valencia. Dulce the Leche might be the most popular one, however, I have to say Bluebell (and their little patio) might be my favourite. Check out more brunch locations in my detailed brunch in Valencia overview.
La Mas Bonita: Situated along Patacona Beach, this spot has a vibrant atmosphere and healthy menu options, offering an amazing start to the day at the beach. If you are looking for a good lunch or dinner spot at the beach, Boa Beach might be just right for you!
Pintxo i Trago was one of our food highlights in Valencia when it came to lunch! This Basque-style pintxos bar provides a wide range of bite-sized delights that you can pair with an extensive selection of wines. Highly recommend!
La Finestra is famous for the delicious pizzas served on a thin, crispy crust. And the pizzas are small, so you might try multiple! This lace offers a casual dining experience that is affordable and satisfying.
La Pappardella is perfect if you seek a central lunch spot on a lower budget. La Pappardella can be found right behind the main square and offers a menu including a drink for €25 only! Alternatively, you can pay an additional €13 for unlimited beer and wine for 2 hours. Another affordable option near Plaza de la Virgen is Saona.
Bar Los Picapiedra is a tapas bar that could fit either in the restaurant section or bar section. Enjoy your drinks with small bites and an amazing local atmosphere.
Apotheka: My favourite in Valencia that can’t be missed! This is a speakeasy-style bar known for its inventive cocktails and beautiful decor. All cocktails have a creative twist, such as being served in a bathtub!
Café de las Horas: Located near Plaza de la Virgen, this eclectic café is famed for its Agua de Valencia, a regional cocktail made with cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin. The baroque-inspired interior adds to its charm, making it a must-visit spot.
Cafe Berlin: A fun bar in the Ruzafa district that is perfect for afternoon and evening beers or cocktails.
Radio City: A cultural hub in the El Carmen district, Radio City is known for its live music performances and vibrant nightlife, offering a diverse entertainment experience.
La Bella de Cádiz: This bar stands out with its quirky décor and lively atmosphere. Offering a range of cocktails and tapas, it’s a favourite. They have extended their opening hours and are now open daily between 19 and 01.
Bar Cafeteria Plaza: We ended up on this terrace after realizing there weren’t many terraces with sun left in the afternoon that weren’t fully packed. And.. ended up having a lovely afternoon with some tinto de veranos!
Bliss – Vinos Naturales y Cocteles: If you are looking for a wine bar in Ruzafa, a visit to Bliss is a good option, offering a wide range of wines.
Casa Pepe: Another gem in Ruzafa where you can go wild on Gin and Tonics! This small place offers a couple of tables where you can sip your GTs.
Tyris on Tap and the Market Craft Beer: Of course, as a craft beer enthusiast, there need to be some craft beer options on this list. Market Craft Beer offers great beer options while Tyris on Tap gives you the local taste of craft beer as the brewery is from Valencia.
There are plenty of great hotel options to be found in Valencia. My favourite neighbourhood to stay in is Ruzafa, as there are plenty of brunch spots to start your day and bars to end your day. However, Valencia is relatively small and it is easy to get around, so anywhere around the city centre works well!
Some of my accommodation and hotel recommendations in Valencia are:
Blanq Ruzafa is centrally located in Ruzafa and stands out because of the minimalistic interior. This boutique hotel offers fast wifi and everything you need from a hotel. (€150)
SH Colon is located perfectly between Ruzafa and the city centre of Valencia. The amazing rooftop is definitely a plus and will blow your mind. Also, the rooms are neat and stylish. (€160)
Venecia Plaza Centro is a hotel that many travellers visited when looking at the Booking.com reviews only. You won’t find a hotel in Valencia that feels more central, as the hotel is located at the central square. Also the interior is amazing! (€188)
Host & Home: This is the perfect place when you are on a budget. This great room offers the perfect value for money, including a central location. (€90)
River Hostel: If you prefer a hostel and staying in a dorm, this is the place for you. Located near the Turia Gardens, this hostel is one of the most popular ones in Valencia. (€39)
