Valencia, Spain: Best Things to See, Where to Stay, and Things to Know Before You Go

SUMMARY

This Valencia travel guide covers the best things to see and do in the city, where to eat and stay, and practical tips to help plan your trip. It's full of our honest recommendations and local favorites, from biking through the Jardines del Turia to sipping wine on the beach at Playa de la Patacona.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Best Things to See and Do

   • Explore the Russafa Neighborhood

   • Bike the Jardines del Turia

   • Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

   • Playa de la Patacona

   • Food & Coffee Spots Not to Miss

2. Where to Stay

   • OnlyYOU Hotel Valencia

3. Things to Know Before You Go

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Your Essential Guide to the Best Things to See in Valencia, Spain

Valencia exceeded my expectations. It has historic charm alongside modern design, and given its proximity to the beach, manages to have a coastal vibe within big-city culture. If you're heading to Spain and wondering how to spend your time in Valencia, this guide breaks down the best things to see and do, where to stay, and what you'll want to know ahead of your trip.

If you're looking for more information about things to do and where to stay during your trip to Spain, check out the following posts:

• Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain

• Top Things to Do and See in Cadiz, Spain

• Where to Stay in Spain

BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Explore the Russafa Neighborhood

Russafa (or Ruzafa) is hands-down one of Valencia's most fun and creative neighborhoods. Think colorful buildings, funky boutiques, and cool cafés on every corner. It feels like the kind of place you could spend all afternoon wandering.

• Gnomo Ruzafa: This shop has quirky gifts, prints, books, and accessories. It's a great spot for finding something unique to take home.

• Cuit Espai Ceramic: A beautifully curated space showcasing ceramics by local artists. Their pieces are minimal, earthy, and make great souvenirs.

• LAKA: A small but well-curated shop with cultural artifacts, vintage posters, old maps, and throwback magazines. I could've spent hours in here browsing their collection.

Bike the Jardines del Turia

This green belt used to be a river, but now it's one of the best urban parks in Europe. Rent bikes from Happy Bikes or any of the rental shops around the city and cruise through the shaded paths. You'll pass fountains, sports fields, gardens, and even a playground shaped like Gulliver from Gulliver's Travels. Head southeast through the park, and you'll land at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia's futuristic museum complex.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

This place looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. It was even recently featured in the Star Wars TV series Andor! The architecture alone is worth a visit! Within Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, there are three main attractions:

• Hemisfèric: This building looks like a giant blinking eye, and inside, you'll find a 3D cinema and planetarium. The shows change regularly and cover topics like space exploration, natural wonders, and science documentaries. The surround-screen setup makes it feel immersive, and it's a great option if you're looking for something a little different to do.

  
  

• Science Museum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe): Think of it as Valencia's version of the Exploratorium. There are exhibits on human biology, gravity, climate science, and even robotics. It's interactive, educational, and very family-friendly.

  
  

• Oceanogràfic: This is Europe's largest aquarium, and it's impressive in size and the variety of marine life. There are separate zones for different habitats (Mediterranean, Arctic, and Tropical) and a standout underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead. You'll also find sea lions, penguins, and beluga whales. They also have scheduled programming throughout the day. There are dolphin demonstrations in the outdoor amphitheater, expert-led talks about different ecosystems, and even feeding sessions that you can time your visit around. These are listed on the aquarium's website and worth checking out before you go so you can catch one or two while you're there.

If you want to go inside, be sure to check opening hours and plan ahead. These spots can get busy on weekends and holidays.

Playa de La Patacona

Playa de la Patacona feels like a bit of a local secret compared to the busier city beaches. The beachfront promenade stretches quite a ways and is lined with chill cafés, casual bars, and restaurants. One of the best-known spots is La Mas Bonita, a boho-style café with ocean views that's perfect for a relaxed brunch or an iced coffee. The whole area has a laid-back, slightly residential vibe that makes it easy to spend an afternoon here without feeling rushed. It's also a great place to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

Food & Coffee Spots Not to Miss

Valencia has an awesome food scene. These were a few standouts:

• Goat Coffee Shop: Easily the best flat white with oat milk I had anywhere in Spain! The staff was super friendly and clearly cared about what they were serving.

• Honest Greens: Ideal if you're craving something fresh! You can build your own bowls, choose from a variety of proteins, grains, and veggies, and pair it all with cold-pressed juices or great coffee. The space is light-filled and minimal, and it's a nice reset if you've been eating a lot of heavy meals.

• Atenea Sky ✢ Rooftop: A rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. It's one of the best spots for golden hour drinks! It never felt overly touristy and had a mellow, local vibe.

• Alenar Bodega Mediterranea: One of our favorite dinners in Valencia. Their tapas were flavorful (think grilled octopus, jamón croquetas, and fresh seafood), the wine list focused on local producers, and the vibe struck the right balance between relaxed and refined.

WHERE TO STAY

OnlyYOU Hotel Valencia

We stayed at OnlyYOU Hotel and loved it! It's a boutique hotel in the heart of Valencia, making it super easy to walk to just about everything. The rooms had a cozy modern vibe, and we lucked out with a big window with a view over the rooftops and historic towers of the city. There's a rooftop bar and a great restaurant on site, but what really stood out were the little touches: robes in the room, the adorable flower shop tucked into the lobby, and the overall attention to detail. We found our room so comfortable that one night, we skipped going out, ordered room service, and watched the sunset from our window. It was one of our favorite places we stayed during our two-week trip!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Driving and Parking: If you're driving, plan ahead for where you'll park. Our hotel didn't have onsite or check-in parking, so we reserved a spot in a nearby garage that allowed overnight parking.

• Getting from the Airport: Valencia Airport is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city center. You can take a taxi (about 20 minutes, €20–25), the metro (Lines 3 or 5, around 25 minutes), or a local bus.

• Museum Hours: If you've got specific museums on your list, double-check the opening hours ahead of time. Some close one day a week or have limited hours in the off-season.

• Getting Around by Bike: Valencia is super bike-friendly. There are lots of rental shops, which I recommend using over the app-based bike rental stations—we attempted to use them, and they were incredibly difficult to navigate. It's a fun, efficient way to explore the city, especially through Jardines del Turia.

Valencia has a little bit of everything: historic neighborhoods, cutting-edge museums, beaches, and incredible food. Hopefully, this guide gives you a solid starting point to plan your own trip! Even if you only have a day or two, you can still see a ton and soak up the laid-back vibe that makes this city feel special.