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Looking for Flights to Valencia?
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Looking for Accommodations in Valencia?
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Flights to Valencia: Historic Landmarks & Modern Architecture
Craving sun, culture, and sea? A Valencia trip is the perfect escape! Whether a spontaneous weekend getaway or a well-planned adventure, a visit to Spain’s third-largest city promises historic architecture, futuristic landmarks, and world-class cuisine — all under the Mediterranean sun.
This destination guide covers everything you need to know for your Valencia vacation, plus exclusive tips from our travel expert Carlo, who once called Valencia home.
Getting there with Flights to Valencia
Cheap Valencia Flights ✈️
Travel to Valencia is easily accessible by air, with Valencia Airport (Aeropuerto de Manises) just 5 miles from the city center. Major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta provide connecting flights to Valencia from cities like Los Angeles and New York. Once you land, you can reach downtown via:
Metro lines 3 & 5 (20 minutes)
Bus (30 minutes)
Taxi (15 minutes, traffic permitting)
Traveling by Train 🚂
Spain’s rail network makes it easy to reach Valencia by train if you’re already on vacation somewhere in a neighboring country. The Estación Joaquín Sorolla is the city’s main train station, while Estación del Norte handles regional connections.
Road Trip to Valencia 🚗
Driving to Valencia from elsewhere in Europe? The AP-7 highway follows Spain’s eastern coast, while the AP-3 links Valencia to Madrid. Expect around 20 hours of pure drive time from central Europe — ideal for a scenic road trip!
Best Time to Visit Valencia
Valencia’s Mediterranean climate offers 300 sunny days per year. Key seasonal highlights:
April–October: Warm, pleasant weather (68°F)
June–September: Beach-perfect temperatures (86–104°F)
March: Experience the Fallas Festival, Valencia’s fiery spring celebration
Winter: Mild temperatures (~60°F), great for city tours
Where to Stay – Valencia Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Valencia offers accommodation for every budget, from luxury Valencia hotels to budget-friendly vacation rentals. Look for deals in:
El Carmen – Historic charm & nightlife
Eixample – Upscale shopping & restaurants
Ruzafa – Trendy district with cool cafes & art galleries
El Cabanyal – Beachside vibes & seafood delights
Must-See Attractions in Valencia
Torres de Quart & Torres de Serranos: Remnants of Valencia’s medieval city walls, these towers offer stunning panoramic views.
La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO-listed silk exchange from the 15th century showcasing stunning Gothic architecture.
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències: A futuristic cultural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava featuring museums, an IMAX theater, and an oceanographic park.
Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete: A stunning mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles, home to the supposed Holy Grail.
Neighborhoods of Valencia:
El Cabanyal
El Cabanyal, located by the harbor, remains the fishing district of Valencia. The area is filled with huts, fishermen’s houses, tiled facades, and colorful buildings. This neighborhood is also home to a network of artist and theater groups with numerous projects, such as the Cabanyal Íntim festival, which takes place in the spring between the houses. Near the beach, you’ll find great culinary experiences.
Ruzafa
Ruzafa is Valencia’s multicultural, trendy district, blending the old with the new. Renowned Valencian chefs have opened unconventional restaurants in the area, along with craft beer pubs, contemporary art galleries, small venues with live music, and large nightclubs. Historical buildings, such as the Baroque-style San Valero y San Vicente Mártir church, add to the charm.
Pirate tip: Stop by Dulce de Leche and enjoy the best croissants in town. It’s one of the best cafés in Valencia! Make sure to visit the Mercat de Ruzafa. It’s cheaper than the Mercat Central, and the products are just as good. Market life is a key part of Valencia’s experience. It’s perfect for picking up some ham, good wine, or chorizo to bring back.
El Carmen
El Carmen is the ancient district and the historic center of Valencia. You can get lost in the countless small, cobbled streets here. Visit some of the city’s most popular museums and landmarks, such as the Portal de la Valldigna arch or the century-old Plaza del Árbol. In the morning, the Mercado de Mossén Sorell opens, offering a wide variety of gourmet products.
Eixample
The Eixample district features shopping streets with designer brands and upscale restaurants. It’s also home to the newly redesigned Colón Market Hall, where flea markets are held and chic café-bars are located. The area is known for its modern buildings in a clear arrangement, which define the streetscape.
Benimaclet
Benimaclet is a student area with several university buildings, plenty of restaurants, bars, and concert halls. Until 1972, it was an independent city, and now it has been integrated into the wider city.
Fallas
The Fallas festival is a spring celebration held every March over 19 days in Valencia. Large, colorful, artistic papier-mâché sculptures are displayed and burned on the last day of the festival. There are also fireworks, music, parades, and much more. If you can’t make it to the Fallas, you can visit the Fallas Museum instead!
Eating and drinking in Valencia
To experience the region’s culture, make sure to try the local cuisine during your Valencia vacation rental or Valencia hotel stay. The typical dishes in Valencia include rice, vegetables, and fish, with eel being a local specialty. The most famous dish is paella, made with saffron rice, fish, and vegetables. Whether you’re enjoying street food or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Valencia offers it all.
Michelin-starred restaurants to mention:
Ricard Camarena: Plant-based cuisine, awarded 2 Michelin stars and the Michelin Green Star for sustainability in gastronomy.
La Salita: A fusion of Spanish, Asian, and Latin American flavors with a Michelin star.
Riff: Specializing in seafood and awarded a Michelin star.
El Poblet: Run by the renowned chef Quique Dacosta, this restaurant has 2 Michelin stars and combines Valencian dishes with Dacosta’s love for Albufera de Valls.
Pirate culinary tips:
Try the Rosquilletas – a salty snack you can enjoy while wandering around the city.
The best Horchata is at the Horchateria Santa Catalina.
End your evening at Bodega Fila, where locals and tourists mingle, enjoying great wine and cold tapas at incredibly low prices.
For a delicious lunch, try Rojas Clemente’s set menu – you can get several courses for just over $10, and it’s fantastic!
Valencia to-dos & day trips
Valencia’s Mediterranean charm makes it perfect for strolling around the city, but don’t miss some of its highlights, such as its shopping areas, markets, and museums.
Shopping in Valencia
Valencia is a secret gem for shoppers! A highlight is the shopping district in the old town. Explore Colón, Jorge Juan, La Paz, Poeta Querol, Cirilo Amorós, and Don Juan de Austria streets, where tradition meets modernity.
In the El Carmen area, the Mercado de Tapinería offers great deals for creative shopping, and there are some excellent eateries to discover.
Nightlife in Valencia
Once you’ve filled up, dive into Valencia’s vibrant nightlife. For electronic music, head to the La3 Club, where you can dance to the latest electro beats until the early hours.
Another must-see is Club L’Umbracle, where you can enjoy Latin music and a stunning view of the city from the club’s rooftop terrace.
If you’re into indie music, the Nylon Club offers a great vibe with everything from alternative rock to indie pop.
LGBTQ Valencia
Valencia is a very open city, proud to be welcoming and tolerant. Deseo 54 is the most popular LGBTQ hotspot, and other recommended venues include Dakota, The Muse, and Picadilly Downtown Club.
Museums in Valencia
If you happen to encounter a rainy day during your Valencia city trip, visit one of the more than forty museums in the city. At the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno, you can admire Valencian paintings from the past two centuries. The Centro Arqueológico de l’Almoina showcases the archaeological excavations from the region. If you’re interested in contemporary art, the Centre del Carmen Cultura Contemporània is the place to go.
Beaches in Valencia
Since you’re already so close to the sea, a beach vacation day should definitely be on your itinerary! One popular spot is Playa de la Malvarrosa, with its fine sand. It can get a bit crowded here at times. Surfers will love the beach at El Saler. The beach at La Devesa is more untouched, ideal for those seeking tranquility, while L’Arbre del Gos beach is also a peaceful escape. In the El Cabanyal district, the beach is not the only attraction. The area was originally founded by fishermen, and its varied and creatively designed house facades make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Day trips around Valencia
If you have some extra time, consider taking day trips from Valencia to the surrounding areas of Valencia for a change of pace. One popular option is a visit to the Bioparc Valencia, located on a dry riverbed, especially great for a family vacation! You can see around 4,000 animals, mostly from Africa, in a park that focuses on realistic vegetation to create a natural environment for the animals.
About 15 miles outside the city lies the Sierra Calderona Natural Park, where you can enjoy small hikes or exciting climbing tours amidst beautiful scenery. Also, the L’Albufera Natural Park is worth a visit! Just 6 miles from the city, it offers pristine nature. Take a boat trip to Spain’s largest lake, surrounded by rice fields and forests.
Pirate tip: Visit the hot springs in Montanejos!
Cycling in Valencia
Valencia is perfect for cycling, with flat terrain and a speed limit of 18 mph for motor vehicles. There are 97 miles of bike lanes, as well as the former riverbed of the Río Turia, which is now a park that runs through the city center, making for a pleasant city tour by bike. In the greater Valencia area, there are also 18 routes where you can explore Valencia’s countryside, archaeological sites, and nature parks.
Pirate tips:
Take a bike ride to the endless sandy beach of El Saler and then enjoy the best paella in El Palmar, Valencia, at Mornell!
You can rent a bike from the Valenbisi bike-sharing service for $13.50 per week. Stations are available throughout the city.
Valencia: Your perfect vacation awaits
Valencia offers an irresistible blend of history, modernity, culture, and coastal beauty, making it an ideal destination for solo trips, romantic getaways and group tours. Whether you’re exploring its landmarks, lounging on sunny beaches or taking day trips to nearby nature spots, the city has something for everyone.
With our tips and affordable travel options, planning your Valencia vacation has never been easier. Ready to soak up the Mediterranean sun? Valencia hotels are waiting for you!
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