Is Valencia Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit Valencia Spain

I’ve just returned from my trip to Spain and am here to talk all about the vibrant city of Valencia and to answer the burning question on every traveller’s mind: “Is Valencia worth visiting?”

Imagine strolling through historic streets lined with stunning architecture, indulging in the mouthwatering local cuisine of paella, and soaking up the sun on beautiful Mediterranean beaches—all in one city!

Valencia isn’t just a destination; it’s a sensory feast waiting to be explored.

From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the enchanting Old Town, Valencia offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie seeking culinary adventures, or simply looking to relax and unwind in a picturesque setting, Valencia promises to exceed your expectations. At least it did for me!

Discover why I think Valencia is a destination that deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list, plus my travel tips! Valencia awaits, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

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Is Valencia Spain Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Valencia is worth visiting.

Visiting Valencia is like taking a holiday from your holiday. Maybe it’s because of the sunshine, the Mediterranean Sea breeze, or the sweet smell of orange blossoms waffling through the air.

The city has an amazing relaxed, laid-back vibe even though it’s the third largest city in Spain. Even though it feels small, there is a lot to see and do that will keep you busy exploring for days on end.

What is Valencia known for?

• Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain, with its founding dating back to Roman times around 138 BC. It has a rich and diverse history shaped by various civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians.

• Valencia is famous for the iconic dish paella, traditionally cooked with rice, saffron, seafood, and/or meats. Paella originated in the Valencia region near the area surrounding Lake Albufera, located near the city of Valencia.

• The claim of 300 days of sunshine is a popular saying associated with Valencia. While it is used as more as a colloquial expression than a precise meteorological fact, I will take it! This means there is no best time to visit Valencia.

• Valencian oranges are a well-known variety of oranges that originated in the Valencia region of Spain. These oranges are abundant! I can attest to just how juicy, sweet flavourful they are.

• Albufera Natural Park near Válencia showcases the region’s stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species. You can add this as a day trip from Valencia, especially enjoyed by birdwatchers.

10 Reasons to Visit Valencia Spain

1. The stunning architecture

Valencia is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Spain, including the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the historic Valencia Cathedral. What makes this city unique and interesting is that there are essentially three distinct periods- the 13th and 15th century architecture of the Old Town, the 19th century and the futuristic period.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I recommend visiting all three periods of architecture. Start with the Old Town central to the Cathedral and nearby Mercado Central. Then make your way to the City Hall and financial district. Lastly, go towards the beach to see the buildings in the Arts & Science area.

2. The Old Town

The Old Town in Valencia is nothing short of impressive featuring centuries-old buildings and Gothic and Baroque landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral. It’s never-ending narrow, quiet ancient streets that eventually lead to vibrant squares like Plaza de la Virgen or Plaza Redonda.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I recommend you seek out some unique and quirky finds in Old Town like La Casa dels Gats (cat shelter).

3. The ancient history

Valencia has a long and storied past dating back thousands of years, with influences from Roman, Moorish, and Christian civilizations evident throughout the city. Explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, and centuries-old churches.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I recommend you seek out the ancient remaining gates to the city along with the city walls. Many of these are in ruins and you can’t access them due to restoration happening in the city. The two most impressive remaining ones are the Serranos Towers and Quart Towers.

4. The delicious food

Valencia is known for its incredible cuisine, from traditional paella to delicious tapas. You won’t be disappointed by the culinary delights this Spanish city has to offer.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: Unfortunately, as a solo traveller I was hard-pressed to enjoy paella and tapas as it was a minimum of people. It took a day trip to a small village called Peñiscola where I was finally able to enjoy this local specialty.

5. The vibrant culture

From the vibrant street art scene in neighbourhoods like El Carmen to the many museums, galleries, and theatres, Valencia is a city that knows how to celebrate life. Then there are the festivals – with the biggest called Las Fallas – held annually in March.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I lucked out! I happen to be in Valencia during one of their most celebrated traditions in the city – the Feast of San Vincente Ferrer, patron saint of Valencia. The lively celebration features elaborate street parades and colourful costumes.

6. The UNESCO status

In Valencia, The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Valencia’s old town and gained UNESCO status in 1996 for its role as a major trading center during the city’s medieval times.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: the Palmeral of Elche, was also recognized with UNESCO status to recognize Valencia’s ancient agricultural practices through its thousands of meticulously cultivated date palm trees. You can see this if you were to venture outside the city into the nearby countryside.

7. The beautiful beaches

With miles of pristine coastline just a short distance from the city center, Valencia offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Spend a day relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches or take a stroll along the promenade.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I decided to rent a bike (they are all over the city and range from €6 to 12 depending on how long). Reaching the beach on a bike was a fantastic way to get there fast and what a joy it was to ride along the beach boardwalk.

8. The natural beauty

Valencia’s commitment to green spaces is evident in the transformation of the Turia Riverbed into the expansive Turia Gardens, now a central sprawling park stretching over 11 kilometres. The city’s Botanical Garden, established in 1567, complements Valencia’s botanical heritage with a diverse collection of plant species from around the globe.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I recommend renting a bike to be able to see the entire Turia Park (or the River is how the locals refer to it). It is one of the most impressive parks and gardens I’ve seen in Europe.

9. The family friendliness

Valencia is incredibly family-friendly, offering many attractions and activities that cater to kids of all ages. Families can enjoy a day of fun at the Bioparc Valencia (zoo), or explore the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum (part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex). The Turia Gardens features a whimsical playground called Gulliver Park and also a visit to the Oceanografic, Europe’s largest aquarium.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I noticed numerous school trips taking place, highlighting Valencia’s reputation as a top destination for educational and enjoyable experiences for children.

10. The easy accessibility

With its well-connected airport offering flights from major European cities, it’s easy to get here. Once you arrive, the compact size means many attractions are within walking distance, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer not to rely on cars or taxis during their travels.

Tip for Visiting Valencia Spain: I took the high-speed train from the Madrid airport and arrived in Valencia within 90 minutes. It was an easy city to navigate and I felt safe as a solo female traveller.

As a Holidaymaker

I am so glad I decided to add Valencia to my Spain itinerary! It was a great way to ease into my trip and visiting Valencia exceeded my expectations.

Why visit Valencia- it also makes a great base to explore the coastline to places like Peñiscola and Barcelona.

I know your next question will likely be, how many days in Valencia is enough? I was there 5 days, but only to see as much as I could to share my recommendations with you. You could easily make this a two-night, three-day destination while being able to see these unmissable attractions Valencia is famous for.

If you have other questions about Valencia, email me at renee@dreamplanexperience.com.