Valencia
Between the City of Arts, the beach, and paella tradition: your guide to Valencia.
Our Review of Valencia
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Flair
Futuristic architecture meets a charming old-town soul.
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Best time to visit
May, June, and September offer the best weather — warm but not overwhelming.
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Trip length
Three days is the sweet spot for exploring the city, parks, and beach.
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Price level
Moderate — seriously good value compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
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Food
Try real Paella Valenciana here — this is where it was invented.
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Getting around
A bike is honestly the best way to get around — the city is super flat.
FAQ on Valencia
Is the Valencia Tourist Card worth it?
It depends. Financially, it doesn’t pay off in most cases — but where it really shines is making public transportation a lot easier to navigate. That alone makes it worth having. You can buy the Valencia Tourist Card directly online.
Want the full breakdown? Check out our detailed article: Is the Valencia Tourist Card Worth It?
What are the must-sees in Valencia?
The top sights you shouldn’t miss in Valencia:
- Cathedral
- Mercat Central
- Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
- The Ruzafa and El Carmen neighborhoods
- Jardí del Túria
We’ve got detailed tips on all of these — plus plenty more — in our guide to the best attractions in Valencia.
Is Valencia a good destination for families with kids?
Absolutely! Valencia is seriously one of the best cities in Europe for kids.
The top highlights for kids in Valencia:
- Aquarium
- Science Museum
- Bioparc
Those three alone can easily fill three days and keep the little ones thoroughly entertained. For more tips on what to do — plus family-friendly hotel picks — check out our guide to Valencia with Kids.
Can you drink tap water in Valencia?
Yes, tap water in Valencia is safe to drink. It has a slight chlorine taste, but it’s completely harmless. If you’re staying in an older building, it’s worth asking whether the pipes affect the water quality — just to be safe.
All around the city, you’ll also find public water dispensers where you can refill your bottle for free.
How many days do you need in Valencia?
To hit the most important highlights, two full days are enough — the city is compact and distances between sights are short. That said, two days is a pretty packed schedule.
If you’d rather take things at a more relaxed pace, we’d recommend three to four days. And if you want to add some beach time on top? Then definitely go for longer.
When is the best time to visit Valencia?
Honestly, Valencia works year-round — it’s one of those cities that rarely disappoints whenever you visit.
The best time to go is March through May and September through November. Temperatures are really pleasant, and you’ll avoid the peak summer heat.
In summer, it gets very hot, but the crowds thin out a bit compared to some other Spanish cities.
In winter, Valencia is often surprisingly mild — daytime temps regularly stay above 50°F with plenty of sunshine. You might get the occasional rainy day, but it’s almost always better than Northern Europe. That’s why February in Valencia is actually a fantastic idea.
Is Valencia expensive?
Compared to most other city break destinations in Europe, Valencia is pretty affordable.
You can find great, centrally located hotels for around 100 to 200 euros per night. Eating out is also noticeably cheaper than in many other major European cities.
