Spain

Valencia

Valencia blends medieval streets, futuristic art and a sunny beach.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
0.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $62 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $164 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $8.9 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

VLCValencia AirportMain airport, in Manises about 9 km from the centre.
HowCostTime
Bus 150Àngel Guimerá, city centre€1.5030-40 min
Yellow Fernanbus, every 15 min.
Metro lines 3/5Xàtiva / Estació del Nord€3.90 plus €1 cardabout 21 min
Runs every 8 min; no trains midnight to 05:30.
TaxiCity centre€20-3020-30 min
Airport supplement applies; return trip is often cheaper.
Uber / Bolt / CabifyCity centre€15-2520-30 min
Check app pickup point outside arrivals.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Valencia

Getting around

Walk the flat centre; use metro or bus for the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences.

  • Metro ★Metro València has 9 lines, some trams. Single zone fare about €1.50 plus €1 for the card.
  • BusEMT buses reach most districts. Single ticket about €2, pay the driver by cash or card.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are metered; airport trips add a supplement. Uber, Bolt and Cabify operate.
  • Rental carNot needed in the city. Useful only for trips out to the Albufera or nearby towns.
  • Walking ★The centre is flat and walkable. Bikes and the Turia park paths are popular.
  • TrainRegional trains leave from Estació del Nord. No ferry service for visitors.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers the old town, the City of Arts and Sciences and a beach afternoon; add a night for the Albufera and a slower food day.

Best for
  • CultureOld town, cathedral and the City of Arts and Sciences.
  • FoodPaella, tapas bars and the Central Market.
  • BeachCity beach, promenade walks and long summer evenings.

Weather by month

16°7°Jan🌧 3d
17°8°Feb🌧 4d
19°9°Mar🌧 8d
20°11°Apr🌧 6d
24°15°May🌧 4d
28°19°Jun🌧 4d
31°22°Jul🌧 2d
31°22°Aug🌧 4d
27°19°Sep🌧 8d
24°16°Oct🌧 6d
20°11°Nov🌧 6d
17°8°Dec🌧 3d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mediterranean climate: mild winters, hot dry summers and a short rainy spell in spring and autumn.

  • Best time: May to June and September to OctoberWarm days around 24–28°C with few rain days. Good for both sightseeing and the beach.
  • July and August are hotHighs of 31°C and nights near 22°C. Sightsee early, rest at midday, swim in the evening.
  • Rain peaks in March and SeptemberAbout 8 rain days each. Showers are often short; carry a light rain jacket.
  • Mild wintersJanuary and December highs of 16–17°C with cool nights near 7–8°C. A coat is enough.
  • Beach seasonSea and sand are best from June to September. May and October are fine for a walk, cooler for swimming.
  • What to packLight clothes and sunscreen for summer, a warm layer for winter, and a small umbrella in spring and autumn.

Landmarks 13

Must-see · 6

  1. 1

    City of Arts and Sciences

    Valencia's futuristic complex of white curves and glass is the city's modern icon and a must-see for any first-time visitor. Book tickets online for the aquarium and science museum to skip queues, and go early morning or at dusk for cooler weather and better photos.

  2. 2

    Valencia Cathedral

    This cathedral holds the claimed Holy Grail and mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles in one building. Climb the tower for city views, and dress modestly since it is an active place of worship.

  3. 3

    Central Market of Valencia

    One of Europe's largest and most beautiful covered markets, a feast of fresh produce and local snacks under a stained-glass dome. Arrive before noon for the fullest stalls, and note it closes on Sundays.

  4. 4

    Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)

    A green ribbon running through the city in a former riverbed, perfect for walking or cycling between the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences. Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

  5. 5

    La Lonja de la Seda

    A UNESCO-listed Gothic silk exchange with a stunning spiral-columned hall, a short walk from the Central Market. Visit on a weekday morning for quieter rooms and combine it with the market next door.

  6. 6

    Torres de Serranos

    These medieval gate towers once guarded the city and now offer a short climb with fine views over the old town. Go late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

1City of Arts and Sciences2Valencia Cathedral3Central Market of Valencia4Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)5La Lonja de la Seda6Torres de Serranos

Cultural

Market 1

Modern Architecture 1

Ancient Site 1

Historical Square 1

Gate 1

Park 1

Christian 1

Museum 1

Natural

Beach 1

Activities

Zoo 1

Aquarium 1

Football Stadium 1

Food 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Valencia

    Xàtiva · 40 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Half day · 63 km from Valencia

    Best way: Direct Cercanías C-2 trains reach Xàtiva in 40 minutes, faster than the bus.

    Direct Cercanías C-2 trains from Valencia Nord reach Xàtiva in about an hour with no changes.

    • Train ★40 min · from €5
    • Bus1 h 05 · from $6-$10
    • Car49 min · taxi ≈ €80

    What to see

    • Castell de Xàtiva
    • Collegiate church
    • Old town and Alameda
    • Local museums

    Good to know

    • Castle is a steep climb, go early
    • Closed Mondays for some monuments
    • Best in spring or autumn

    Requena · 52 min by road

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 68 km from Valencia

    Best way: A direct Cercanías C-3 train runs with no changes and drops you in town, beating the bus.

    Take a direct Cercanías C-3 train from Valencia Nord toward Utiel; Requena is about an hour and a half along the line with no changes needed.

    • Bus1 h 10 · from $8
    • Car52 min · taxi ≈ €80

    What to see

    • Old town and Plaza del Ayuntamiento
    • Iglesia de Santa María
    • Cuevas de la Villa wine cellars
    • Bodegas and local wine tasting

    Good to know

    • Book ahead for the Utiel line on weekends
    • Best in September during the grape harvest festival
    • Many bodegas require advance reservation

    Sagunto · 26 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 30 km from Valencia

    Best way: Frequent direct trains take just 26 minutes and arrive near the sights.

    Frequent Cercanías C-5 or C-6 trains run directly from Valencia Nord to Sagunto in roughly half an hour.

    • Train ★26 min · from €4
    • Bus34 min · from $6
    • Car29 min · taxi ≈ €40

    What to see

    • Castillo de Sagunto
    • Roman theatre
    • Old town and Jewish quarter
    • Beach at Puerto de Sagunto

    Good to know

    • The Roman theatre is closed on Mondays
    • Best in spring or autumn to avoid heat
    • Trains run very frequently all day

    Gandia · 1 h 05 by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 70 km from Valencia

    Best way: Direct Cercanías C-1 trains run about an hour and a quarter with no changes.

    Cercanías C-1 trains run directly from Valencia Nord to Gandia in about an hour and a quarter.

    • Train ★1 h 05 · from €6
    • Bus1 h 00 · from $7-$11
    • Car55 min · taxi ≈ €90

    What to see

    • Ducal Palace of the Borja
    • Historic centre
    • Passeig Marítim beach
    • Sant Nicolau church

    Good to know

    • Beach is a short bus ride from the station
    • Ducal palace closed Mondays
    • Best in summer for the beach

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Valencia rewards visitors with old-town charm, bold modern architecture and easy beach days. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences without rushing.

    Stay: Ciutat Vella. Walk to the cathedral, Central Market and Plaza de la Virgen. Busiest and noisiest at night.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EUR 46
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EUR 42
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    EUR 180–440
    2 nights · Ciutat Vella
    Day 1

    Old town on foot

    Tickets ≈ EUR 11 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 16
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 164 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 4
    2. 1

      10:00–11:00 · ≈ EUR 8–10 for the cathedral and museum, check on the day

      Valencia Cathedral Landmark quest

      Go right at opening to beat the queues. Dress modestly.

      Open Roughly 10:00–18:30, shorter on Sundays; check on the day · Source

    3. 2

      11:10–11:40 · Free

      Plaza de la Virgen

      Right outside the cathedral. Good spot for a coffee.

      Open Always open

    4. Taxi · 401 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 4
    5. 3

      12:00–12:45 · ≈ EUR 2 · free on Sundays and public holidays, check on the day

      La Lonja de la Seda Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. A short walk from the plaza.

      Open Roughly 09:30–19:00, closed Monday; check on the day · Source

    6. 4

      13:00–14:00 · Free to enter · food priced per item

      Central Market of Valencia Landmark quest

      Closed Sunday. Grab lunch at the bars inside.

      Open Mon–Sat roughly 07:30–15:00 · closed Sunday · Source

    7. Taxi · 504 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 4
    8. 5

      15:00–16:30 · Free

      El Carmen old-town walk

      Wander the narrow streets and street art. Best in daylight.

      Open Always open · best in daylight

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 628 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 4
    Day 2

    City of Arts and Sciences, then sunset

    Tickets ≈ EUR 35 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 26
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 1024 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 4
    2. 1

      09:30–11:00 · Free

      Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia) Landmark quest

      Walk the old riverbed toward the science complex. Cooler in the morning.

      Open Always open · Source

    3. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ EUR 6
    4. 2

      11:30–13:30 · Free to walk the complex · individual venues charge entry

      City of Arts and Sciences Landmark quest

      Outdoor areas are free and always open. Check venue times on the day.

      Open Outdoor areas always open · venues roughly 10:00–19:00, check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 4
    6. 3

      14:00–17:00 · ≈ EUR 30–38 adult, cheaper online and for children

      L'Oceanografic Landmark quest

      Inside the same complex. Book ahead in summer.

      Open Daily roughly 10:00–18:00 or 20:00 in summer; check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ EUR 8
    8. 4

      18:00–18:20 · Free

      Puente de Serranos viewpoint

      Back in the old town for sunset over the bridge.

      Open Always open

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 657 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 4

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a beach afternoon for the Albufera lagoon south of the city: rice fields, boat trips and paella country. Check transport and tour options on the day.
    • Take a regional train from Estació del Nord to a nearby town for a half day. Buy tickets at the station.
    • Add a day for the City of Arts and Sciences: the science museum and oceanarium need several hours each.

    Getting around

    • Metro València has 9 lines (some trams); single zone fare about €1.50 plus €1 for the card.
    • EMT buses reach most districts; single ticket about €2, pay the driver by cash or card.
    • SUMA 10 card gives 10 journeys on metro and bus, about €8 plus card fee.
    • Taxis are metered; airport trips add a supplement. Ride apps like Uber, Bolt and Cabify operate.
    • The centre is flat and walkable; bikes and the Turia park paths are popular.
    • No ferry service for visitors; regional trains leave from Estació del Nord.

    Where to stay

    • Ciutat Vella · ≈ EUR 90–220 a night
      Walk to the cathedral, Central Market and Plaza de la Virgen. Busiest and noisiest at night.
    • El Carmen · ≈ EUR 70–170 a night
      Old quarter with street art and small bars. Lively and central, but can be loud late.
    • Ruzafa · ≈ EUR 85–200 a night
      Best food and café scene; flat 15–20 minute walk to the old town.
    • Eixample · ≈ EUR 80–190 a night
      Quieter, wide streets, good value; walkable to the centre and near the Turia park.

    Food & drink

    • Try paella at lunch, not dinner. Valencians eat it midday; book a table at a proper restaurant.
    • Central Market (Mercat Central) is the place for jamón, olives and fresh produce. Go in the morning; check opening hours on the day.
    • Tapas and raciones in Ruzafa and El Carmen. Expect small plates to share, roughly €3–8 each.
    • Horchata with fartons is the local sweet drink. Try it at a horchatería in the afternoon.
    • The city water is fine to drink. Many bars charge for bread or a terrace seat; ask first.

    Tips

    1. Valencia is the birthplace of Paella; order it at a traditional beachside restaurant
    2. Spend hours walking or cycling through the massive Turia Garden, which runs through the center of the city
    3. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences for stunning, futuristic architecture
    4. The city is much more relaxed and affordable than Barcelona or Madrid
    5. The beach is wide and easily accessible by tram or bike
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Bioparc Valencia
    • Skip-the-line admission to Bioparc Valencia
    • See animals in immersive habitats
    • 3,045 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Entry includedFamily friendly

    Bioparc Valencia Admission Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (3,045)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    L'Oceanografic
    City of Arts and Sciences
    • Visit Oceanogràfic aquarium and Science Museum
    • Explore the City of Arts and Sciences complex
    • 2,899 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Combo ticketInstant confirmation

    Oceanogràfic & Science Museum Combo

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (2,899)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Valencia Cathedral
    La Lonja de la Seda
    • Discover Valencia Cathedral and St Nicholas
    • Visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO site
    • 1,269 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Guided tourEntry included

    Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,269)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
    City of Arts and Sciences
    • Cycle through Turia Gardens and top highlights
    • See the City of Arts and Sciences from the saddle
    • 1,139 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Bike includedSmall group

    Top 25 Highlights Guided Bike Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,139)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    La Lonja de la Seda
    Valencia Cathedral
    • Walk through three UNESCO-listed sites
    • Learn the history of Valencia's old town
    • 851 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Walking tourWorld Heritage sites

    Essentials Walking Tour of 3 World Heritage Sites

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (851)

    Souvenirs

    Valencian hand fan (abanico)

    EUR 20–501 piece · estimate

    A folding fan that reflects Valencia's traditional craft. It is a classic souvenir from the city.

    Where: Abanicos Carbonell, Carrer de Castelló
    Check that it is made in Spain and that the frame is wood.

    Paella rice and kit

    EUR 3–101 kg of rice · estimate

    Bomba-style rice is the base of paella, the dish Valencia is famous for. Buying it here brings a taste of the city home.

    Where: Mercado Central
    Ask the stall to confirm the rice type before you pay, since not all rice is suited to paella.

    Lladró porcelain

    EUR 80–10001 small to medium piece · estimate

    Lladró is a porcelain brand founded near Valencia. Its figurines are known around the world.

    Where: Lladró store
    Choose a small or medium piece to keep the price and packing manageable.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

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    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in ValenciaDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce