All citiesValencia Things to do and walking itinerary
Spain Valencia travel guide
31 things to do in Valencia, where to stay, airport transfers, 7 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Valencia
- Llotja de la Seda — 15th-century Gothic trading hall with twisted columns and an orange-tree courtyard; UNESCO-listed. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- City of Arts and Sciences — cultural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Valencia Cathedral — Cathedral in Valencia, Spain. Valencian Gothic style (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia — opera house in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 20 min)
- L'Oceanogràfic — aquarium in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Museu de Belles Arts de València — art museum in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Torres dels Serrans — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe — visitor attraction in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Plaza de Toros de Valencia — bullring in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Torres de Quart — fortified gate in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Turia Garden — garden in the city of Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- El Micalet — tower of the Valencia Cathedral located in Valencia (Spain) (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Valencian Museum of Ethnology — museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken — church in Valencia (Spain) (visit ≈ 30 min)
- L'Umbracle — sculpture garden, part of the City of Arts and Sciences, in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Institut Valencià d'Art Modern — art museum in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church of Santa Catalina, Valencia — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of San Nicolás — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Palau de la Música de València — concert, cinema, arts, and exhibition hall in Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church of Sant Joan del Mercat — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Gulliver park — playground in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Valencia Bioparc — Spain biological park (visit ≈ 150 min)
- National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts González Martí — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- church of Saint Stephen — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Plaça de l'Ajuntament — square in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Reial Col·legi Seminari de Corpus Christi — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Palace of the Borgias — historic site in Valencia (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Convent of Santo Domingo — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Valencia — cultural property in Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Pink Panther — sculpture in South Valencia, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day Valencia walking itinerary
Starting point: Ciutat Vella / El Carmen. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.9 km · 13,420 steps · 2 h 12 min on the way): Turia Garden → Torres de Quart → Llotja de la Seda → Plaza de Toros de Valencia → Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia → Valencia Cathedral
- Day 2 (≈ 2.2 km · 2,980 steps · 30 min on the way): Museu de Belles Arts de València → Torres dels Serrans
Where to stay in Valencia
- Ciutat Vella / El Carmen: The heart of the old town, full of street art and bars.
- Ruzafa: A young, lively area packed with cafés and restaurants.
- Eixample / Pla del Remei: Smart shops and orderly streets, near the Turia park.
- El Cabanyal / Beach: Colourful tiled houses a few steps from the beach.
Getting from the airport to Valencia
- Valencia Manises (VLC): Metro line 3 or 5 ≈ 25 min
Getting around
The city is flat and bike-friendly; ride along the Turia park. Trams and buses go to the beaches.
Classic places to eat
- Casa Montaña: A barrel-lined tavern in Cabanyal since 1836.
- La Pepica: Paella on the beachfront since 1898.
- Casa Carmela: Wood-fired paella since 1922.
- Horchatería Santa Catalina: Horchata and fartons in a tiled room.
- Horchatería El Siglo: An old horchata shop on Plaza Santa Catalina.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Ricard Camarena — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- El Poblet — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Riff — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- La Salita — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- Fierro — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- Lienzo — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern
- Kaido Sushi Bar — 1 MICHELIN star, Japanese
Romantic views
- Turia Gardens (Afternoon): Miles of park in the old riverbed.
- City of Arts and Sciences (Evening): Futuristic buildings reflected in the pools at night.
- Malvarrosa Beach (Early morning): A wide beach and a long promenade.
- Serranos Towers (Sunset): The old town from the top of the medieval gate.
- Albufera / El Palmar (Sunset): Rice fields and a boat ride on the lagoon.
Football stadiums in Valencia
- Mestalla Stadium: Home of Valencia CF
- Estadi Ciutat de València: Home of Levante UD
Good to know before visiting Valencia
- Fine: Drinking in the street (botellón) is fined in many cities.
- Fine: Coastal cities such as Barcelona, Málaga and Palma fine walking around in swimwear or shirtless.
- Fine: Swimming when the red flag is flying is fined.
- Fine: Smoking is banned indoors and near children's playgrounds.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in cathedrals and churches.
- Warning: You must carry ID or a passport; police can ask for it.
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe, though it can taste chalky in some cities.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Spain, Wikivoyage — Spain, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Valencia travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Valencia?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Valencia?
- Highlights: Llotja de la Seda, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and L'Oceanogràfic. The map has 31 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Valencia?
- Ciutat Vella / El Carmen: The heart of the old town, full of street art and bars. Other options: Ruzafa, Eixample / Pla del Remei and El Cabanyal / Beach.
- How do you get from the airport to Valencia city centre?
- Valencia Manises (VLC): Metro line 3 or 5 ≈ 25 min
- How do you get around Valencia?
- The city is flat and bike-friendly; ride along the Turia park. Trams and buses go to the beaches.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Valencia?
- According to the last known data there are 7 starred restaurants: Ricard Camarena (2 stars), El Poblet (2 stars), Riff (1 star), La Salita (1 star), Fierro (1 star) and 2 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Valencia?
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080).
- Do you tip in Valencia?
- Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Nearby cities
Palma · Madrid · Barcelona · Andorra la Vella · Granada · Córdoba · Algiers · San Sebastián
Spain travel guide: all cities · All cities