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In Valencia, visitors should explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, featuring the Oceanographic, the largest aquarium in Europe. The historical Barrio del Carmen offers vibrant street art and charming cafes. The Turia Gardens, a lush park built on a dried riverbed, is perfect for walking or cycling. Don’t miss the Valencia Cathedral and the famous Holy Grail. For a more cultural experience, try paella, the city's signature dish.
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city and second-largest seaport, is located on Spain's southeastern coast. Bordered by the sea to the east and backed by vast plains, it's often called Europe's "Sunshine City." Its evergreen landscape and pleasant climate make it a perfect place for tourism. Interestingly, Valencia also hosts the Fallas Fire Festival every March.
Climate: Valencia has a typical Mediterranean climate. The maximum daytime temperature in summer does not exceed 35℃, and the coldest night in winter is around 10℃, so it is suitable for travel all year round. It is just a bit cold from December to February of the following year.
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended places to visit: Valencia Cathedral, Miguel Tower, Fire Festival Museum, etc.
Recommended play time: more than 1 day
free
All day
Valencia is a historical port city on the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning architecture, arts, and rich cultural heritage. Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, Valencia played a significant role during Spain's Golden Age. Today, it's a blend of ancient and modern, highlighted by attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences, and the centuries-old Cathedral that holds the Holy Grail.
Valencia is located on Spain's eastern coast. The city has a well-connected public transport system, including a metro network, buses, and taxis. The Valencia Airport (VLC) is a short distance from the city center and can be reached via metro or taxi. The city itself is very walkable, especially the historic center and parks like the Turia Gardens.
Most attractions in Valencia are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, with large crowds and higher prices.
Entrance fees for major attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences range from €10 to €30 depending on the exhibition. Tickets can be purchased at the attractions or online for certain events and exhibits. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups.
It is recommended to book tickets for popular attractions, especially during the peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). Booking a week in advance is typically sufficient, although same-day tickets are available for most sites.
To explore the main attractions of Valencia, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, the historic center, and the Turia Gardens, 3 to 4 days are recommended. If you plan to visit more cultural sites and museums, an additional day or two would be ideal.
Must-see highlights in Valencia include the City of Arts and Sciences (with the Oceanographic, Science Museum, and Hemisférico), the Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, and the Turia Gardens. The Barrio del Carmen is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and street art.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in Valencia in several languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German. The City of Arts and Sciences and Valencia Cathedral offer audio guides, while guided tours can be arranged for groups or individuals at most major sites.
The best photography spots in Valencia include the City of Arts and Sciences with its futuristic architecture, the view from the top of the Valencia Cathedral, the Turia Gardens for nature shots, and the modern Palau de la Musica. Sunset at Malvarrosa Beach provides another stunning photography opportunity.
A recommended itinerary could begin with a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, followed by a stroll through the Turia Gardens. In the afternoon, explore the historic Barrio del Carmen and visit the Valencia Cathedral. End the day with a sunset at Malvarrosa Beach or a meal at one of the seaside restaurants.
Some attractions in Valencia, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, host special events and light shows in the evenings. Night tours of the historic center are available and provide a different perspective of the city's architecture. The beaches and many restaurants also come alive in the evenings, with vibrant nightlife.
Valencia can be crowded during peak summer months and weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays in the off-season (October to April). Early mornings are generally quieter at popular tourist sites.
Valencia is well-equipped with public facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and drinking fountains throughout the city, particularly in parks and around tourist attractions. The City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, and the historic center also have plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Valencia is generally accessible for all visitors, including elderly and disabled individuals. Most major attractions, such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Cathedral, are wheelchair-friendly. The city has also made efforts to ensure accessibility in public transportation and public spaces.
Credit cards and mobile payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) are widely accepted in most places in Valencia, including restaurants, shops, and public transport. However, it’s recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases or at local markets.
Valencia has a wide range of dining options, from tapas bars in the historic center to high-end restaurants near the beach. Popular places to eat include the Mercado Central for local specialties, as well as the many cafes and eateries around the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Valencia, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes. Halal food options can also be found in the city, particularly in areas near the Central Market and along the beach promenade.
Hotels near the City of Arts and Sciences include Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia and Oceanographic Hotel. In the historic center, there are boutique hotels like Caro Hotel and Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar. Valencia also offers plenty of beachfront hotels like Las Arenas Balneario Resort.
Nearby attractions that are easy to combine in a day trip include Albufera Natural Park, known for its rice fields and wetlands, and the beaches of El Saler and Malvarrosa. The nearby town of Xativa offers a historic castle and beautiful views.
Souvenir shops in Valencia offer a variety of local goods, including paella pans, ceramics, hand-painted tiles, and locally-produced wines and oils. The Mercado Central is a great place to buy fresh local products and gourmet souvenirs.
The best transportation options for continuing your trip from Valencia include the city's metro system, which connects to various parts of the region, and buses for short regional trips. Valencia's central train station (Estació del Nord) offers connections to other cities in Spain, and the Valencia Airport connects the city internationally.
