The Top 16 Things to Do and See in Valencia, Spain

October 15, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2679 Views

Valencia is a city in Spain. Some of the best things to do in Valencia include exploring the city’s port history, Spanish culture, local cuisine, historical buildings, museums, art collections, shopping, beach life, and modern attractions.

The city has a long and storied history since its establishment by Romans in 138 BCE. There are quite a few places that trail back to the early Roman roots of the city. Though the best places to visit in Valencia to learn about the early history. The city was under the Islamic rule of Al Andalus from the 8th century till 1238. Many of the historical things to see in Valencia today were built upon the site of mosques, buildings, and monuments of this period.

After the 1200s, the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. But, it primarily flourished after the 15th century as a port city owing to trade with Europe & Iberian Peninsula. The port is still integral to historical Valencia sightseeing. It is now the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the busiest in the Mediterranean Sea.

Like many European port cities, trade brought an abundance of wealth to Valencia. This wealth gave rise to a rich culture reflected in arts, buildings, traditions, festivals, cuisine, fashion, and so on. These nuggets of culture have become major Valencia tourist attractions today.

You will see beautiful buildings exhibiting a wide range of architectural styles. Within these Valencia attractions are works of art by renowned regional and foreign artists from different eras. Many of the city’s museums are housed in churches, mansions, and palaces.

Aside from art and history, you can enjoy several entertainments, leisure, and recreational activities to do in Valencia. The city has public parks, theatres, shopping venues, performance centers, arcades, amusement parks, and more. Many of the modern buildings in Valencia tourist spots are also renowned for their architecture, keeping in tradition with the culture of the city.

You will have a rich and vibrant experience of the Spanish culture during Valencia travel.

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Table of Contents

Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Valencia in 2 Days (Trip Itinerary)

When you visit Valencia, I suggest you should try to get some different experiences in this city. Here below I have listed some of the best and unique things to do in Valencia.

Day 1

1. Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Valencia)

You haven’t experienced Spain until you have seen a bullring. This one was built in the 19th century. It exhibits neoclassical architecture which takes inspiration from the Roman amphitheater and colosseum. One of the best things to do in Valencia is to experience a bullfight at this monumental arena. You can also learn about the history of the bullring and the cultural event at the building’s museum. You will need about an hour to tour the Valencia Bullring.

2. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

This square is surrounded by several old and new buildings which exhibit a wide range of Spanish architectural styles. Some of the top things to see in Valencia can be seen from this public plaza including the Town Hall, Central Post Office, Museum of History, Valencia FC Shop, Banco de Valencia HQ, and more. The plaza is also popular for shopping, dining, street food, and festivals. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to admire the square and the buildings around it.

3. National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts “González Martí” (Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí)

This museum is as popular for its exhibits as the building that houses it. The exhibits primarily consist of decorated, fired, and glazed Valencia ceramics. Its collection also has a few pieces of decorative art from outside of Spain. The building housing this museum is called the Palace of Marques de Dos Aguas. It’s a 15th-century palace renowned for its architecture and plush interior decor. The palace is one of the best places to visit in Valencia to see classic sculptures, decorative artworks, carvings, paintings, furniture, and more. You will need at least an hour and a half to tour this museum and palace.

4. Central Market (Mercado Central)

This market was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII and is known for all sorts of food items including local produce, organic food, bakery good, herbs, fruits, spices, dairy products, street foods, and more. The market is also known among Valencia tourist attractions for its architecture. It was built between 1915-28. It is one of the best Valencia tourist attractions to try authentic Spanish cuisine. You will need an hour or more to explore this market.

5. The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de Seda)

Built between 1482 and 1533, this building was part of a golden age for manufacturing and trade in the city. This gothic-style edifice was used for merchant transactions, primarily for silk. The building was designed by Pere Compte to resemble medieval castles. It is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its historical and cultural significance. You will need about an hour from Valencia sightseeing to tour this historical edifice.

I suggest you should go for a Silk Trade Tour in Valencia.

6. Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia)

This 13th-century church has had a long and storied history. It was built upon the site of a Roman temple and an ancient mosque. The church is one of the most beautiful Valencia attractions renowned for its elaborate architecture and artistic interiors. This church shows a blend of different architectural styles most prominent of them being Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. As mesmerizing as it looks from the outside, the interiors are truly overwhelming. You will see historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures, stone carvings, wood carvings, statues, tapestries, and more. The clock tower of this church is also one of the top Valencia sights in its own right. You will need about an hour to explore this cathedral.

7. San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir Church (Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir)

The history of this church dates back to 1242 and has undergone several renovations. Like Catedral de Valencia, this church was also built on the site of a medieval mosque. It too is renowned for its architecture and interior decor. The artistic splendor of this church has earned it the title “Sistine Chapel of Valencia”. Many renowned artists, sculptures, and painters have contributed to this church. It is among the most beautiful Valencia tourist spots. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket for San Nicolas de Bari Church in advance.

8. Valencian Institute of Modern Art (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno)

Also known as IVAM, this institute exhibits works of renowned modern artists such as Julio Gonzalez, Francisco Solana, Mars Solis, Ignacio Pinazo, Gabriel Cuallado, and many more. A tour of this gallery is among the top things to do in Valencia for art admirers. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, photographs, art installations, and so on. You will need an hour from Valencia travel to tour the art gallery of this institute.

9. Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)

These fortified towers were one of the 12 entrances of the ancient port city. The towers are among the last remnants of the medieval fortification. These towers defended the city against several invasions. They were famously used in the 1930s to save artworks during the Spanish civil war. Serranos Towers are one of the most important historical places to see in Valencia. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore these towers.

10. Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de València)

This museum preserves and exhibits artworks of Valencia from the 14th century to contemporary times. You will see paintings, sculptures, drawings, decorative art pieces, historical artifacts, archeological findings, and so on. The museum has a collection of more than 2,000 artworks. St. Pius V Palace which houses this museum is also one of Valencia’s top attractions. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

Day 2

1. Bioparc Zoo / Valencia Biopark

Spread over 25 acres, this zoo has animals brought from Europe and Africa. Some of the highlight animals of this zoo include elephants, rhinoceros, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, and crocodiles. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo when you visit Valencia.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Bioparc Valencia in advance.

2. Museum of the History of Valencia (Museu de la Història de València)

This museum tells the story of the city from the 138th century BCE to the 20th century AD. You will learn about natural history, politics, culture, religion, traditions, ethnography, art, economics, architecture, and more. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Valencia. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

3. Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia – Tramo VIII)

This is one of the largest gardens in Spain. The garden is named after the river Turia, which overflowed in 1957 to give birth to it. Turia Gardens have a lot of facilities for outdoor activities to do in Valencia such as nature trails, green spaces, a cycling track, a jogging track, a baseball pitch, ruby ground, a skating track, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so in this garden.

I suggest you should try a Segway Tour of Turia Garden.

4. Patriarca Museum (Museo del Patriarca)

This museum has several religious artifacts and artworks, some of which are associated with renowned historical figures. You will get to see artworks by El Greco, Michelangelo Caravaggio, Francisco Ribalta, and several more. It is also one of Valencia’s top sights for its collection of historical and cultural artifacts. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

5. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

This modern architecture was built in 1996 and was designed by Santiago Calatrava. The complex comprises six areas dedicated to different sciences, arts, and cultures. It is one of the best places to visit in Valencia for entertainment, leisure, and recreation as well. The complex has Science Museum, Art Museum, Opera House, 3D Cinema Complex, Aquarium, and more. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this place.

I suggest you should book a City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine Tasting and Tapas.

6. L’Oceanografic Aquarium

Part of the City of Arts & Sciences, this aquarium houses 45,000 marine animals from 500 species. Some of the most popular animals in this aquarium include beluga whales, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, and manta rays. It is one of the most fun things to do in Valencia for family tourists. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring various tanks and enjoying activities at this aquarium.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to L’Oceanografic Aquarium in advance.

If you are looking for more things to see in Valencia, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities you can explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Valencia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Valencia

La Lonja de la Seda
Valencia Cathedral
Palau de les Artes
Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe
Torres de Serranos
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno
El Micalet
Museo Nacional de Ceramica y Artes
Plaza de Torros de Valencia
Quart Towers
Museu Faller de Valencia
San Nicholas de Bari y San Pedro Martir
Palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas
La Almoina Archeological Museum
Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia
Real Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los
Church of Santa Caterina
Centro del Carmen de Cultura
Museo Valenciano de la Ilustracion y la Modernidad
Real Parroquia de los Santos Juanes Valencia
Bombas Gens
Museu de la Historia de Valencia
Museo de Soldaditos de Plomo L’Iber
Almudin de Valencia
Iglesia San Juan del Hospital
Valencia Museum of Ethnology
Natural Science Museum of Valencia
Museo Taurino
Casa Museo Benlliure
Porta de la Mar
Palace of the Borgias
Museo y Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda
Museo Casa de las Rocas
Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes
Museo del Patriarca
Museo Historico Militar
Palacio de la Generalidad Valenciana
Museo del Arroz de Valencia
Casa Museo Blasco Ibanez
Lladro Museum
Centro Cultural la Nau
Palau de Cervello
Drassaes del Grau
Sagunto Castle
Roman Theatre
Casa dels Berenguer
Monastery of Santa Maria de la Murta

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Valencia

Valencia Biopark
Parque Natural de la Albufera
La Vallesa
Devesa del Saler
Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona
Mirador del Ebron
Rio Bohilues
Ruta de los Calderones
Serra del Benicadell
Charca del Turche

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences
L’Oceanographic Aquarium
Hemisferic
Jardin del Turia
Gulliver Park
Jardines del Real O Viveros
Cabecera Park
Jardin Botanico de la Universidad de Valencia
Jardi de Montfort
Parque de Benicalap
Casino CIRSA Valencia
Antic Tram Fluvial del Riu Turia
Piscina Parque de Benicalap
Parc Central
La Fabrica de Hielo
Piscina Parque del Oeste
Valencia Parque Central
Los Viveros
Puente de las Flores
Parque de la Rambleta
Jardin de las Hesperides

Shopping in Valencia

The Central Market of Valencia
Mercat de Colon
Plaza Mercado
Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal
Plaza Redonda
Street of the Baskets
Poeta Querol Street
Colon Street
Avenue of France

Beaches & Island in Valencia

Playa de la Malvarrosa
Patacona Beach
Pinedo Beach
Playa de Llevant
Playa de la Devesa del Saler
Playa de I’Arbre del Gos
Playa de la Garrofera
Playa del Saler
Malvarrosa Beach
Playa Port Saplaya

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Valencia

Hiking
Boat Cruise
Walking Tour
Bicycle Tour
Sailing

Sightseeing in Valencia

Virgin Square
The Central Market of Valencia
Plaza Modernisme
Mercat de Colon
Plaza de la Reina
Caixa Forum Valencia
Valencia Station North
Plaza Redonda
Pont l’Assut de I’Or Bridge
Veles e Vents
Palacio de Congresos de Valencia
Oficina de Correos
Pont de la Mar
Pont del Real
Pont de I’Exposicio

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Valencia

Ruzafa
Cafe de las Horas
Casa Roberto
Cafe Negrito
DDL Boutique
Cafe Sant Jaume
Levante
Cafe Infanta
RiFF
Cafe Madrid
Hochateria Panach
L’Etibador
Casa Carmela
Casa Isabel
Asador de Aranda
Palau Alameda
La Pepica
El Trompo
Bouet
La Murciana
La Riua
La Alegria de la Huerta
Ubik cafe Cafeteria Libreria
Horchateria Daniel
La Mas Bonita Ruzafa
Horchateria Santa Catalina
El Camerino Ruzafa
Asador San Telmo

Where to Stay in Valencia?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Valencia. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Valencia.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Valencia

How to Reach Valencia?

By Air

Valencia Airport sits 9 km outside the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Valencia from Athens, Moscow, Cairo, Madrid, Paris, Belgrade, Vienna, Riga, London, Brussels, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Oslo, Barcelona, Ibiza, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Luxembourg, Casablanca, Naples, Prague and several other cities in Europe.

You can get the metro, buses, and cabs to reach Valencia tourist spots from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to visit Valencia from several cities in Spanish including Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. You can also get direct trains from major European cities like Paris and London. The bus network connects Valencia to almost every major city in Spain.

If you are planning to reach Valencia by road, you can head for routes E-15, AP-7, V-21, E-15 or E-901.

By Water

You can get direct ferries for Valencia travel from Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza.

Image Reference

Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Valencia) – Derek Rankine / Flickr
Plaza del Ayuntamiento – Antonio Marín Segovia / Flickr
National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts “González Martí” (Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí) – MollySVH / Flickr
Central Market (Mercado Central) – Skaja Lee / Flickr
The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de Seda) – Felivet / Wikimedia Commons
Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia) – Ethan Gruber / Flickr
San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir Church (Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir) – Nan Palmero / Flickr
Valencian Institute of Modern Art (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno) – Antonio Marín Segovia / Flickr
Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos) – Chris / Flickr
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de València) – Dorieo / Wikimedia Commons
Bioparc Zoo – Y. Ballester / Flickr
Museum of the History of Valencia (Museu de la Història de València) – Josep-Manel Vert / Wikimedia Commons
Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia – Tramo VIII) – Antonio Marín Segovia / Flickr
Patriarca Museum (Museo del Patriarca) – Federico Moroni / Flickr
City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) – Luca / PixaBay
L’Oceanografic Aquarium – Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons