Valencia's the Spanish city that has it all – proper beaches, the birthplace of paella, jaw-dropping futuristic architecture, and that laid-back Mediterranean vibe that makes you forget what day it is. It's Spain's third-largest city but feels like a secret the rest of the world hasn't cottoned on to yet.

☀️ Good to Know

• ☀️ Over 2,700 hours of sunshine a year – that's 300+ days of blue skies, making it one of Europe's sunniest cities

• 💶 Pints from around €4, meals from €12-15 – properly affordable compared to other major Spanish cities (not mentioning any names ahem... Barcelona) so you have more cocktail money!

• 🥘 Birthplace of paella – this is where the real deal comes from, cooked over orange wood with bomba rice from the nearby Albufera lagoon

Top reasons to visit Valencia

• 🏙️ City of Arts and Sciences – Santiago Calatrava's sci-fi masterpiece stretching 2km along the old riverbed, with Europe's largest aquarium (from €34)

• 🏖️ City beaches that actually deliver – golden sand at Malvarrosa and Las Arenas, just 20 minutes from the old town

• 🍊 Mercado Central – one of Europe's largest and most beautiful fresh markets, in a stunning Art Nouveau building

• 🏛️ A historic old town that’s alive and UNESCO verified – Gothic gems, markets, street life, the works.

• 🌿 Turia Gardens – 9km of parkland running through the city where a river used to be, perfect for cycling, running, or just lazing about

🏨 Where to Stay on your Valencia Holidays

Valencia's hotel scene reflects the city perfectly – there's excellent value, modern comfort, and that relaxed Mediterranean style that makes everything feel effortless. For city centre stays, check out our Valencia City guide. Or browse all Valencia hotels for the full selection.

For Couples

• 🏨 Hospes Palau de la Mar – a boutique palace-turned-hotel with elegant rooms and a gorgeous courtyard for slow breakfasts. Stylish, central, and properly romantic

• 🏨 SH Valencia Palace – a polished five-star with rooftop pool and spa right next to Turia Gardens. Affordable luxury in a calm but convenient location

For Families

• 🏨 Meliá Valencia – Valencia's tallest building with spacious modern rooms and sky-high city views. Easy metro links to everywhere

• 🏨 Ilunion Valencia 4 – modern and comfy, right beside the City of Arts and Sciences. Families love it for the location

For Beach Lovers

• 🏨 Las Arenas Balneario Resort – beachfront five-star with huge pools, a dreamy spa, and direct access to Malvarrosa Beach. Proper holiday vibes

• 🏨 Eurostars Acteon – stylish and spacious, sitting halfway between the city centre and the beach. Quiet nights, quick access to both

💰 Cheap holidays to Valencia

Valencia's one of those brilliant cities where being budget-conscious doesn't mean missing out – in fact, some of the best experiences here cost absolutely nothing, and the city's laid-back vibe means you're never pressured to spend more than you want.

🗓️ When to Go

• 🌞 Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the weather's gorgeous but hotel prices are reasonable. 🏖️ Avoid July and August unless you love crowds and premium prices – Valencia's plenty warm enough in spring and autumn.

💡 Smart Savings

• 🚇 Get a Valencia Tourist Card – Free public transport plus discounts on major attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences (15% off!). It pays for itself quickly.

• 🥘 Eat like a local – Skip tourist restaurants near major sights and head to neighborhoods like Ruzafa where locals eat. A menu del día (3-course lunch) costs around €12-15.

• 🚲 Rent a bike or use Valenbisi – The bike-sharing scheme is dead cheap, and Valencia's completely flat with excellent bike lanes everywhere.

🎉 Free Fun

• 🌳 Turia Gardens cost nothing and offer 9 kilometres of beautiful parks, playgrounds (including that massive Gulliver!)

• 🏛️ Many churches and historic buildings are free to enter and house incredible art and architecture.

• 🎭 Street performances and local festivals happen regularly, especially around Plaza de la Virgen and the Central Market area.

🎭 Top Things to Do on your Valencia holidays

Futuristic & Architectural Highlights

• City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia’s icon; a 2km stretch of futuristic buildings, reflecting pools, and jaw-dropping design. As seen in many films and TV shows (including Andor) so bring your cameras (and your best futuristic faces).

• Oceanogràfic – Europe’s largest aquarium with beluga whales, dolphins, a shark tunnel, and entire marine worlds to explore.

• Hemisfèric & Science Museum – IMAX cinema, interactive exhibitions, and enough “wow” moments to convert anyone into a science geek.

Historic Highlights

• Valencia Cathedral & Miguelete Tower – climb 207 steps for one of the best city views in Spain.

• The Holy Grail Chapel – yes, Valencia claims the actual Holy Grail.

• La Lonja de la Seda – UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece and a reminder of Valencia’s silk-trading glory days.

Food & Culture

• Central Market (Mercado Central) – Europe’s biggest fresh food market; oranges, jamón, seafood, spice, and tapas heaven.

• Ruzafa district – Valencia’s trendiest neighbourhood; cafés, street art, brunch spots, and indie boutiques.

• Turia Gardens – a 9km green ribbon that runs through the city, perfect for cycling, strolling, or snoozing under a palm tree.

Uniquely Valencian Experiences

• 🔥 Las Fallas (Every March 15-19) – Valencia's most spectacular festival. Giant satirical sculptures (fallas) fill the streets, daily firework displays (mascletás) shake the ground at 2pm, and on the final night everything burns in the cremà. UNESCO-listed and utterly unforgettable.

• 🎆 La Crida (Late February) – The official opening of Fallas season, with speeches at Torres de Serranos and fireworks to kick things off

• 🏇 Feria de Julio (Every July) – Month-long summer festival with concerts, fireworks on the beach, and cultural events

• 🎸 Benicàssim Festival (Every July) – Spain's biggest music festival, about an hour north of Valencia. International acts, beach camping, party vibes

• 🎄 Christmas Markets (November-January) – Traditional markets around Plaza del Ayuntamiento with crafts, food stalls, and a massive nativity scene

🚌 Getting about on your holidays to Valencia

Valencia is wonderfully easy to navigate, but don't take our word for it... just take our advice while you're there...

• Metro & Tram – cheap, clean, and covers everywhere you’ll want to go.

• Walking – the city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

• Cycling – Valencia is flat with excellent bike lanes; Valenbisi bike hire is super cheap.

• Beach Access – hop on the metro or tram and you’re on golden sand in minutes.

🚗 Day Trips

Valencia itself is amazing, sure, but variety is the spice of life, so spice up your Valencia break with a pleasant little excursion to one of these bobby dazzlers....

• 🌾 Albufera Natural Park – Just 10km south. Spain's largest lagoon, surrounded by rice paddies. Take a boat trip, watch flamingos, eat paella where it was invented. Half-day sorted

• 🏰 Xàtiva – 60km (1hr by train, €6). Hilltop castle with panoramic views, pretty old town, birthplace of the Borgia popes

• 🍷 Requena Wine Region – 70km west (1hr by car). Underground wine caves, tastings, and proper Spanish wine country vibes

• 🏖️ Costa Blanca Beaches – Benidorm is 140km (1.5hrs), Alicante is 170km (1.5-2hrs by train from €10)

• 🏛️ Sagunto – 30km north (30 mins by train). Roman amphitheatre, hilltop castle ruins, and a charming old town without the crowds

🏖️ Nearby Resorts

Looking for more Spain sun? These are within easy reach:

• 🌴 Benidorm – 140km south. Costa Blanca's party capital with massive beaches, waterparks, and non-stop nightlife

• 🏖️ Alicante – 170km south. Historic castle, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed vibe than Benidorm

• 🏝️ Costa Brava – 350km north. Rocky coves, clear waters, and the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres

• 🌅 Costa del Sol – 550km south. Marbella glamour, Málaga culture, and guaranteed sunshine