{"id":61184,"date":"2023-06-28T07:00:06","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T14:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=61184"},"modified":"2025-08-15T11:43:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T18:43:14","slug":"valencia-spain-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/valencia-spain-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A GUIDE TO VALENCIA, SPAIN"},"content":{"rendered":"

Valencia, or the “Bright City,” is a vibrant port town where the Turin River meets the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast of Spain. As the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia has a population of over 800,000 people and boasts a diverse culture with influences from its ancient past (including the Romans and the Muslims) and modern-day developments. <\/p>\n

I recently traveled to Valencia on a girl’s trip. We enjoyed exploring the picturesque, winding streets of the old town and sitting for long, leisurely afternoons sipping Aqua de Valencia while munching on tapas. We never ran out of things to do while finding plenty of time to relax.<\/p>\n

Valencia also has a thriving nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Of course, with its prime location on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is the perfect destination for beach lovers, with miles of sandy beaches to enjoy (the water was still too cold in late March!).<\/p>\n

Overall, the city is full of charm, history, and excitement, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, modern museums at the Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias,  trying its famous cuisine, or simply lounging on the beach, Valencia is a destination that won’t disappoint.<\/p>\n

\"Valencia,<\/p>\n

Things To Do In Valencia<\/h2>\n

Valencia is a bustling city with so much to do and see. Here are some great things to do in Valencia when you are visiting this beautiful port town. <\/p>\n

Visit Historical Sites<\/h2>\n

Get your dose of culture and history by exploring Valencia’s rich heritage and iconic landmarks. Some of the best places to visit are the following:<\/p>\n

 1) Valencia Cathedral<\/h3>\n

A Gothic-style medieval church built between the 13th and 15th centuries is a must-see for any visit (what trip to Europe is complete without entering at least one church?). The Valencia Cathedral boasts extra significance as it is home to what is believed to be the famous Holy Grail from the Last Supper. A street performer dressed as Indiana Jones (iconic hat, music, and all) won’t let you forget. The church’s interior is stunning, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass.<\/p>\n

The Valencia Cathedral also houses the Miguelete bell tower, completed in 1492. Earn your tapas by climbing the 207 steps up. The top gives you beautiful panoramic views of the city. Unfortunately, they won’t let you ring the old church bell.<\/p>\n

2) Torres de Serranos<\/h3>\n

A can’t miss for any history buff; the Torres de Serranos is a historic landmark and one of the city’s most well-known monuments. Built in the 14th century, the Torres de Serranos was originally one of the twelve gates that formed part of Valencia’s medieval city walls, serving as the main entrance to the city from the north into Valencia.<\/p>\n

The towers are built in the Gothic style and feature two semicircular arches that connect the towers, creating a gateway that allows traffic to pass through (and now makes a great spot for photos). These walls show the damage from when Napoleon tried to take Valencia during the Peninsular War, 1811-12. <\/p>\n

3) La Almoina Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n

This place blew my mind. In the 1980s, work was being done to build an underground transportation system in Valencia. Workers stumbled upon the dream of Indiana Jones himself- the ruins of an ancient Roman city circa the 2nd century B.C. Wander through the museum (which was empty when I went) and use your imagination to transport yourself back to the times of the ancient Romans.<\/p>\n

You can also see down into the museum without actually going in, as a glass covering over the top allows you to look down into it. More recently, another ancient Roman city was found in Valencia that archaeologists are currently excavating. <\/p>\n

4) La Lonja de La Seda and Mercado de La Seda<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another great place to let your imagination take you back in time to medieval Spain is the Silk Market. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built between 1482 and 1548, during the height of Valencia’s silk trade, which was one of the most important economic activities in the city at the time.<\/p>\n

The architecture of the building is stunning; you enter through the cutest courtyard (with tons of Valencia orange trees)  and into an open-concept building with intricate stone carvings that features two towers that flank the main entrance. The light here is an influencer’s dream as the sun streams through large, open windows.<\/p>\n

\"Archaeological<\/p>\n

Explore Valencia Markets <\/h2>\n

Valencia is a great place to find some fresh produce and artisan products. Some of the best markets to visit are:<\/p>\n

1) Mercado Central<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Central Market, also known as Mercado Central, had me create a fictional life in Valencia. A day where I wake up and take a leisurely stroll here to pick up fresh, local ingredients to cook a delicious meal.<\/p>\n

It is truly a feast for the senses with its impressive architecture and abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. I ate some of the best strawberries, empanadas, and croquetas of my life and bought some nuts and spices, including Spanish saffron and Marcona almonds, to take home. For anyone else who also loves some good produce (look at these heirloom tomatoes), this market is a dream.<\/p>\n

2) Mercado de Col\u00f3n<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is a more modern market with chic boutiques and trendy cafes- perfect for those stylish, hipster vibes. Occupying two floors in a gorgeous Art Nouveau-style building, this is where you go for unique souvenir shopping and cute little trinkets for yourself. There is some adorable jewelry and great vintage stores. Mercado de Col\u00f3n also has many contemporary restaurants and a variety of bars and breweries.<\/p>\n

\"Central<\/p>\n

Old Meets New: Take In Valencia Architecture<\/h2>\n

Valencia is a treat for architecture lovers. The city seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern design.<\/p>\n

The Old Town has that classic European city charm with narrow, cobbled streets, colorful buildings and little plazas hidden around every corner. You will also stumble upon olive and orange trees planted hundreds of years ago.<\/p>\n

On the other end of the spectrum is the City of Arts and Sciences, or La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias, a futuristic complex with a planetarium, aquarium, an opera house, and a science museum. The stunning futuristic buildings designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava are a sight to behold, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie.<\/p>\n

The walk (or bike ride) from the Old Town to the Ciudad de Las Artes y Ciencias should be done through the Turia Park, a vast stretch of urban greenery that was created from a river bed after the river flooded and needed to be diverted.<\/p>\n

\"City<\/p>\n

Enjoy Valenica Paella<\/h2>\n

Valencia is the birthplace of the famous Spanish dish paella. Indulge in this delicious rice dish made with saffron, vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood. You’ll find countless restaurants serving this local delicacy, but it might not always be authentic (the rice at the bottom of the pan must have a certain crispiness). Get Paella for lunch, just like the locals do. <\/p>\n

If you want the real deal, head to Albufera, a village outside Valencia known for its authentic Paella. The rice is grown in this region, so you can’t get more farm-to-table than that! They say the strange taste of the tap water is what makes the rice so good. <\/p>\n

Casa Salvador has been in business since 1950 and is situated in an old Valencian country house on a lagoon. It is a fun journey from the city center to experience the setting and the history.  <\/p>\n

 You can also find authentic Paella on the beach. La Pepicawass is the place to go for this and it did not disappoint. The seafood was incredibly fresh and the rice perfectly crispy. Be sure to book in advance, as this spot can fill up quickly. <\/p>\n

If you are looking for Paella closer to the old town, La Riua is a classic.<\/p>\n