Spain’s third city on the Mediterranean and the home of paella, known for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange and the March Fallas festival.
A UNESCO-listed festival of giant satirical figures and firecrackers, all burned on the final night. source
April–June and September–October
Good weather for Malvarrosa beach, Turia gardens walks and Albufera sunsets. source
Weather: The city erupts for Fallas on 15–19 March, when rooms are very expensive; April–June and September–October suit beach and city alike, and winters are mild. source
Times to avoid: During Fallas (mid-March) room rates soar and firecrackers go off from morning, so plan accordingly. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Valencia
City of Arts and Sciences Calatrava’s futuristic complex, home to the Oceanogràfic aquarium and a science museum. source
Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) A late-Gothic merchants’ hall of twisted columns, UNESCO-listed; free on Sundays and holidays. source
Valencia Cathedral Home to a chalice venerated as the Holy Grail; climb the Micalet tower for old-town views. source
Albufera Natural Park Rice paddies and a lagoon where paella rice grows, famous for sunset boat rides. source
Where to stay in Valencia
Ciutat Vella (old town)
The centre, walkable to the cathedral, Central Market and Silk Exchange.
Ruzafa
A lively quarter of restaurants and cafés near Nord station.
What to eat in Valencia
Paella Valenciana — The original paella with chicken, rabbit and beans
Horchata — Sweet chilled drink made from tiger nuts
Fartons — Long sweet buns for dunking in horchata
Valencia tips and things to watch out for
Valencia travel tips
Authentic paella valenciana uses chicken, rabbit and beans and is eaten at lunch; seafood paella is a different dish. source
Airport to city: Metro lines 3 and 5 run from the airport station straight into the centre; the airport zone costs extra. source
Good to know in Spain
Meal times in Spain tend to be later than in many countries, but opening hours vary by restaurant; check before visiting. source
For Granada’s Alhambra, select your visit date and entry time on its official ticket site. source
Watch out for in Spain
Pickpockets are rife on Las Ramblas and the Barcelona metro, and around Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. source
Phones left on terrace tables can vanish in seconds. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Valencia are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Spain.
Valencia attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Oceanogràfic general ticket (Adult): €35.90 ~ €43.05
Silk Exchange (Adult): €2.00
Valencia Cathedral cultural visit incl. museum (Adult): €10.00 ~ €12.00 · child €0.00