What to do in Valencia

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a clock tower, ornate balconies, and classical architecture.
A historic building with ornate yellow and white facade, a prominent dome, and multiple balconies.
A pedestrian bridge with a flower garden above.
A road lined with red flowers, palm trees, and modern buildings under a cloudy sky.
A historic building with a dome and a bell tower, surrounded by purple flowering trees.

Valencia Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Valencia has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Valencia, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Valencia with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Valencia

Valencia is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Valencia, and make it a breeze to explore Valencia and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Valencia to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Valencia, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Valencia.

Valencia attractions

Valencia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Valencia to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Valencia.

Looking for things to do in Valencia can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Valencia or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Valencia attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do



Top places to visit

1. Malvarrosa Beach

Situated north of the port of Valencia, Malvarrosa Beach offers the chance to swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, play beach sports and take walks along a wide beachfront promenade. The beach features historic villas, fine restaurants and clean waters and is only minutes away from the city.
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A beach with thatched umbrellas and calm waves.

2. City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is a multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex. Discover over 500 marine species, enjoy opera performances, enjoy interactive science and technology exhibits and watch 3-D movies. This complex of six venues stretches along 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) of Valencia’s Turía Gardens and is a showcase of the city’s modern architecture.
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A modern architectural structure with three large white arches over a pool.

3. Oceanogràfic Aquarium

The Oceanogràfic Aquarium is one of Europe’s largest aquariums. The expansive complex is divided into multiple areas, each representing one of the world’s primary marine ecosystems. In addition to seeing beluga whales, sharks, walruses, penguins and hundreds of other species, enjoy entertaining activities that allow interaction with the animals in unique ways.
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An underwater tunnel with visitors, including a stroller, and a large aquarium tank.

4. Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia) is a breathtaking monument that presides over Plaza de la Reina, in the beating heart of Valencia Old Town. Built in the 1200s, the cathedral stands on a site that was once home to a Roman church and Moorish mosque. Inspect the varying architectural styles of Valencia Cathedral’s grandiose exterior. Then explore its venerated chapels, paintings and reliquary.
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A historic cathedral with a large rose window and a dome.

5. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the city’s main square and one of the gems of Valencia’s Old Town. This magnificent flower-filled space encompasses grandiose Baroque buildings, florist stalls, cafés, restaurants, kiosks and an impressive fountain. Wander through the triangular-shaped plaza and explore its main attractions.
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A fountain surrounded by red flowers and palm trees, with multi-story buildings in the background.

6. Bioparc Valencia Zoo

At Bioparc Valencia, get close to wild animals, experiencing them in re-creations of African habitats. This 25-acre (10-hectare) zoo has three main areas: Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. Paths and tunnels connect each area, leading to viewing points where rivers, ponds, rocks and glass walls are all that separate you from the animals.
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Elephants in a waterhole with large rocks and a waterfall.

7. Central Market

Visit Valencia’s Central Market (Mercat Central) to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling food market. Sample everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheeses and cured meats. Opened in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII, today the market is home to around 1,000 stalls and is one of the oldest-running food markets in Europe.
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A building with ornate architecture, large arched windows, and intricate tile work.

What to do in Valencia


Stay near popular Valencia attractions

Where to stay in Valencia

Find the best Valencia areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Valencia
Learn more about Valencia

Ciutat Vella

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia to Silk Exchange – discover Ciutat Vella, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Eixample

If you're spending time in Eixample, you might enjoy attractions like Ruzafa Market and Colón Market. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Xativa Station to see more of the city.

Ruzafa

Visitors to Ruzafa enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, Ruzafa Market is worth a stop.

El Cabanyal

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to El Cabanyal. A stop by Platja del Cabanyal - Les Arenes or Museum of Rice might round out your trip.

Valencia City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Central Market to Silk Exchange – discover Valencia City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Valencia

Frequently asked questions

Is Valencia worth visiting?
Offering a blend of walking trails and watersports, there's no shortage of things to do in Valencia. When you're here, check out Malvarrosa Beach, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Valencia?
Malvarrosa Beach and City of Arts and Sciences are two great places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Valencia while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Valencia?
The top tourist attraction in Valencia is Malvarrosa Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Valencia?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Malvarrosa Beach, City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanogràfic Aquarium with a three-day trip to Valencia. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Manises.
Is Valencia a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Valencia is a great destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Malvarrosa Beach and City of Arts and Sciences. Then take a stroll through Valencia City Centre, located 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from downtown, and Ciutat Vella, which is about 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Valencia with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Valencia with kids.

What to do in Valencia for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Valencia for adults including Puerta del Mar and Valencia Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Valencia?
In Valencia, Malvarrosa Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Valencia.

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