Valencia in Spain is one of the tourism capitals of the globe. It has an exciting story, which dates back to when it was the Old Kingdom of Valencia. Today, it’s a province of Spain and has a capital city with a similar name.
Are you interested in visiting some of the most amazing spots in the world? Then Valencia must be part of your travel itinerary.
Table of contents
Overview
- Language: Spanish and Valencian
- Currency: Euro
- Time Zone: GMT+2
Best Time to Visit
You might be wondering about the best time to visit Valencia, Spain. April and May is a perfect time, boasting sweet spot full of warm temperature and avoid crazy crowds. The city boasts a Mediterranean weather condition with a pleasant climate.
Why Visit Valencia in Spain?
Many tourists book holiday apartments and villas in the city, as there are many things to see and do, not to mention that the weather is fantastic all year round. And Valencia has some wonderful beaches, not far from the city center.
You can take a stroll or bike on the promenade, sunbathe, or have some great beach walks. The place is ideal for a city-break holiday in Spain for a long weekend, as there’s much to see and do.
Valencia is a wonderful mix of ancient history along with ultra-modern buildings.
Many individuals who have visited for a break go back and rent holiday villas for a more extended holiday so they could spend more time exploring the delights of the beautiful city.
Things to See and Do in Valencia
With many things to do in Valencia in Spain and see regardless of the time of year, you travel here. When you don`t have much time a city tour by tourist bus could be a great option to see many landmarks and decide what you want to visit.
Feel free to check our top list of the best things to see and do in this city:
- Be astonished by the amazing El Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía and the City of Arts and Science.
- Drink craft beer at Birra and Blues
- Get a glimpse of sharks and tropical fishes at the Oceanografic, the largest aquarium in the world.
- Walk around the round square (Plaza Redonda) in the old town.
- Undergo the Oasis of Cool and Calm in the Admiral’s Baths
- Take an ice cream from Heladeria La Nocciola Toscana
- Enjoy a stroll or bike ride in the Garden of Turia (Jardi del Turia)
Food & Restaurants in Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a charming city boasting life and rich dishes such as paella and pintxos (Basque tapas). Did you know that Spain’s excellent culinary draw offers a modern take on local cuisines and traditional food?
Make sure you check out these restaurants during your travel to Valencia:
- Sagardi Valencia Centro, for the best pintxos bar and fine dining in the Basque Grill.
- Restaurante Aduana, enjoy the beautiful ambiance with local cuisine and seafood.
- Bodega Casa Montana, for some authentic Pinchos and dishes
- El Camerino in Rufaza if you like a design setting but still enjoy the Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine
- Marina Restaurant is a charming space for those who love to eat outdoors. Its terrace extends towards the sea, with spectacular views of the beach.
- For dessert or breakfast, you need to go to Horchateria Santa Catalina. A two-centuries-old traditional establishment specialized in chocolate and home-made icecream.
Shops in Valencia
A visit to Valencia in Spain would not be complete without buying some gifts and souvenirs. Do you fancy around a local street market, or are you serious about shopping?
Check out these stores and shops:
- Aqua Shopping Centre
- El Corte Inglés, a huge department store, where you can buy anything from food to clothing.
- Nuevo Centro Shopping Mall
- The street Carrer de Don Juan de Austria, downtown Valencia with lots of little shops and the huge Shopping Centre Boulevard Austria.
- The street Carrer des Cavaliers, for some boutique shops.
- The Carrer Colón is a busy street that never sleeps because it holds the shops with the biggest brands.
- Buy food at the beautiful renovated Central Market (Mercado Central)
Culture & History Buildings
Are you a fan of culture and historical things? As the old capital of the kingdom of Valencia, the city is rich in cultural heritage. Every establishment tells a story of aristocratic and wealthy merchant past:
- The Church of San Nicolás, the Sistine Chapel of Valencia, was built around 1242. Although it is not a big Church, the beautiful fresco paintings on the ceiling will mesmerize you.
- Plaza de la Virgen and Turia Fountain is a must-see in Valencia. It is literally the middle point of some historical landmarks, like the Valencia Cathedral, the Turia Fountain, the Virgen de Los Desamparados Basilica, and the Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana.
- The Valencia Cathedral from the 13th century is a Gothic-style building with many Romanesque and Baroque eras elements. Climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower to get the best panoramic views of the city.
- Palau de la Generalitat, a 15th-century palace, is the headquarters of the Valencia government.
- Serranos Gate, one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall, is one of Valencia’s best-preserved monuments.
- Museum of Fine Arts or the Ceramic Museum.
Day Trips from Valencia in Spain
Do you need a quick break from the city? Are you also into nature? The city itself is bursting with vibrant life and color.
However, many surrounding pueblos and towns are real jewels that deserve a day of discovery.
- Take a trip to Albarracín to visit the old ruins and impressive defensive walls.
- Go enjoy the Natural Hot Springs at Fuente de los Banos de Montanejos
- Visit the old castle in historical Peñíscola.
- Enjoy the waterfall in Bolbaite
- Go to Xàtiva and enjoy the old castle
- Book a boat trip on the fantastic lake of Albufera Natural Park
If you are craving a thrilling getaway, pick a holiday in Valencia, Spain!
Get in the mood with this Spotify playlist of the Taste of Spain!
Want to learn more about Valencia? Here is the official Valencia Tourists Website.
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