10 Things you MUST Do in Valencia, Spain
- Exploradora
- Dec 5, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: May 18, 2020
Valencia was my first solo trip ever and it was the PERFECT place to do so. Although it is a large city, it was also somehow small enough to explore by feet (if you like to walk, if not, they have an easy bus system to use as well). Located on the Eastern coast of Spain, the city is “split” into two different sectors. Old/historic center and new center. A historic city with a modern twist is how I would describe Valencia. Here are 10 things that I'd recommend doing if you ever visit. I was able to do everything in two days, so if you have limited time, don't worry!
1. Eat buñuelos con chocolate
In Spain, everyone knows the famous chocolate con churros, but have you tried buñuelos con chocolate? Buñuelos are tasty donuts with sugar over them. A kids' dream and every adult's guilty pleasure. The chocolate here was thick and dipping the buñuelos in was a perfect pairing. I am a huge sweet tooth so for those that aren't a huge fan of sweets may not like it. BUT, I'd recommend to try it anyway. You may like it more than the classic churros con chocolate. I went to El Buñoleria Churreria El Contraste, a 25-minute walk from La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias.
2. La Ciudad de Ciencias y Artes
About a 30-minute walk from the city center, La Ciudad de Ciencias y Artes is a place you HAVE to visit if you go to Valencia. This is the “new” part of Valencia that is very impressive to see. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela, this area of Valencia has been a major attraction since 1998 with the inauguration of L’Hemisferic. These futuristic buildings show off the beautiful architecture and each structure has different exhibits you can enjoy. In this area, there are four places you can visit: Palau de Les Artes, L'Umbracle, L'Hemisfèric, El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe and the Oceanogràfic aquarium. If you can, definitely see this city during the night time, do it, because the lights make the sights so much better.
3. Take a walk through the Historic Route
The historic side of Valencia is gorgeous and all the plazas are worth the time to peruse and wander around. The architecture and display of these plazas will make your heart happy. Some of my favorite plazas were the Plaça de la Reina where you can see the Catedral and tower, Plaza de Virgen, La Lonja, and Plaza de Ayuntamiento. What I enjoyed about Valencia was how easy all the roads were to walk. Don't worry if you get lost because you are bound to enter another beautiful plaza. Stop by some hole in the way pastry shops or souvenir shops because the ones that are not in the center will have cheaper prices!
4. Visit Puente de Las Flores
This gorgeous bridge is truly one of a kind and one of the most precious things I've seen in Spain and honestly in Europe. Look at these beautiful colors and tell me otherwise. This unique bridge is one of the many bridges in Valencia as the city has a river and park running through the middle of it. The flower bridge is decked on beautiful and bright colored flowers on both sides. I got the chance to see this bridge during sunset where the pink/purple skies made the experience even more magical. If you have the chance, I'd recommend timing your visit during sunset because it truly is a landscape you have to witness with your own eyes. These pictures don't even do it justice.
5. Go to Marina Beach Club and Playa Malvarrosa
To be honest, I am NOT a huge beach girl. Don't get me wrong, I love to swim but when it comes to going to be beach and lounging for hours, my body gets jittery. I love walking, exploring the city, and doing activities BUT this beach was definitely worth the walk. For anyone that tells you you can't walk from the city center to the beach, they are WRONG because that's exactly what I did. It took more than an hour to do but the city is so beautiful you don't even notice the miles you are walking. After that walk, you can imagine how hungry I was so I stopped by El Trompo and had myself the menu del dia (the menu of the day, a deal where you get a starter, entre, and bread, it also varies where you are). The camarero (Waiter) was concerned that I couldn't eat everything but boy did I prove him wrong. Eating with a beautiful view was worth it and the prices weren't bad at all, so if you have the chance to, eat at a restaurant right on the beach! For El Trompo, the menu del dia included a salad, Puntilla (first picture below), and paella Valenciana. On the side, I ordered 1/2 liter jar of agua valencia, a specialty to Valencia. Definitely a drink you should try!
6. Climb the Torres de Serrano
Located near the barrio del Carmen (Carmen neighborhood) are the Towers of Serrano. For only two euros, you can get the best views of the city from here. It is a very easy climb and the views are so beautiful. There was a couple taking their wedding photos here the morning I visited so that was very special to see. This historic building is worth the visit.
7. Walk around barrio del Carmen
The nightlife is located here if you are interested. I didn't partake in the festivities but I did walk around at night. There is a lot of history in the neighborhood. If you are in the area, visit the Portal de la Valldigna, which is a door that separated the Christian city from Valencia in the 1400s. Overall a lot of bars and if you go during the night you will see the streets filled with excitement. From here you can also walk to the Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano (not next to each other, in different directions), but at night the towers are lite up so it is very pretty to look at. I really enjoyed the street art at the Carmen neighborhood.
8. Try arroz al horno
Valencia is a place known for its different kinds of rice, so make sure to try one. My favorite was the Arroz al Horno and I went to the Garnacha Tinta, a restaurant about seven minutes away from Plaza de Reina to try it. The difference between paella and arroz al horno is that arroz doesn't have any seafood in it. Coming straight from the oven, this dish warms up your stomach and heart. My arroz had morcilla (blood sausage) in it as well and I loved it. One of the best things I tried in Valencia.
9. Feel the hustle and bustle in Mercado Central
Similar to many other Spanish and European cities, Valencia has a market as well where locals purchase fresh meats and vegetables, while tourists can come to eat foods or treats special to Valencia. The inside and architecture is also beautiful so come here to visit. Their hours are limited so make sure to check the hours here. The stands that I saw at the market had Turron (a candy or European nougat), fresh fruits/juices, ham and cheese, pastries, and some wine bars.
10. Walk through the middle of Valencia in the Jardin del Turia
A feature that I love in Valencia is the garden that runs through the middle of the city. There are staircases throughout the city to get you down to the park. There are different attractions and views throughout. You will see locals running in the afternoon and tourists biking. It is also an easy way to navigate your way through the city, if you walk along the park for about 35 minutes from the center of the city, you will get to the Ciudad de Ciencias y Artes.
What is your favorite part about Valencia? Did I not do anything that you'd recommend doing in Valencia?
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