Valencia, Spain
Torres de Serranos
My wife and I met, got married in, and love to visit Valencia. Do not be shocked if it's the most comprehensive guide here!
Why Valencia?
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. It blends historic charm, futuristic architecture, and Mediterranean beaches. Enjoy vibrant markets, authentic paella, and lively festivals like Las Fallas. With its sunny climate, lush parks, and relaxed vibe, Valencia offers a perfect escape for travelers seeking culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty without the crowds of bigger cities.
When to visit
The best time to visit Valencia is March to June and September to October.
Visit in March for the Fallas festival or the last week of August for Tomatina in a nearby town.
Where to stay
When we visit Valencia, we have traditionally stayed between the Plaza de la Virgen, the Plaza de la Reina, or the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This strip of plazas set you centrally in the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and make for easy walking access to many of the attractions.
Melia Plaza - Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Plaza Ayuntamiento, translated to “governmental plaza”, is central to the old city and provides a great home base. Melia Plaza is a lovely hotel with welcoming staff. Rooms are spacious (by European standards) and clean.
Only You Hotel Valencia
Hotel Only You is near Plaza Ayuntamiento, but slightly tucked away. It is only a few years old and is seen locally as a newer “chic” restaurant and hotel.
What to Do
La Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias
Step into a futuristic city scape that also houses the aquarium, music center, and club Mya/Umbracle.
The City of Arts and Sciences has been used in films and shows like Westworld, Andor, and Doctor Who!
Los Torres
Walking through the old city, two of the old medevial gates are still standing: Los Torres de Sorranos and Torres de Quart. The Torres are beautiful landmarks of where the old walls were and are free to climb on Sundays.
Mercado Central
One of Europe’s largest fresh food markets, visit for the beautiful architecture and the booths of local vendors.
Walk the riverbed
In 1986, the old river was diverted around the city and the riverbed was turned into a walking park that spans much of the city. It’s a lovely stretch to walk, ride a bike, and look for evening events in the summer
Estadio de Mestalla
Go see Valencia FC (Futbol Club) play live from mid-August to May. Wear red and yellow to represent the home team!
Jardins de Real/Jardins de Vivers
On the other side of the riverbed from the old city, walk through the Royal Gardens and look for the Rosaleda, or area dedicated to growing a wide variety of roses.
Plaza del Toros
The bullfighting ring in Valencia is still active. A tradition that continues but is very controversial in and out of Spain.
Festivales
Las Fallas - Festival
Plaza Ayuntamiento preparing for a Fallas Mascletá
Fallas is Valencia’s famous annual festival held every March to celebrate Saint Joseph, the city’s patron saint. The week-long event features massive, colorful sculptures called ninots, made of wood and papier-mâché, which are displayed throughout the city. The festival includes parades, fireworks, traditional costumes, music, and lively street parties, called Verbenas that last through the night. It culminates with La Cremà, where most ninots are dramatically burned in huge bonfires, symbolizing renewal and the coming of spring. Fallas is a unique, vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community, attracting visitors from around the world
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is the world’s largest food fight, held annually on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, a small town near Valencia, Spain. Visit if you love eating, drinking, and getting covered by tomatoes!
Where to Eat
Contrapunto Les Artes
Nestled within the City of Arts and Sciences, this is a great restaurant and patio to take in the view with a cocktail or tapas.
Q’ Tomas
In the old city center, Q Tomas has a great selection of steak and is worth stopping to try the pulpo.
La Casa del Pan de Queso
Amazing croquettes and pan de queso sandwiches with a choice of fillings.
Federal Cafe
Great spot for breakfast and coffee near Plaza Ayuntamiento
La Riua
A traditional restaurant famous for Paella Valenciana
El Infante
Highly rated International Cuisine
El Ataneo
A rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking Plaza Ayuntamiento: lovely for a sunset cocktail.
Holbox
Great for brunch outside of the old city. A small restaurant with vegan options that you’d never be able to tell!
Dulce de Leche
Cafe with sweet and savory bakery items and coffee
Nightlife
Cafe Lavin
Nightlife or early morning, Café Lavin is a great place to sit and chat with friends over a doble of beer or a coffee. The outdoor cafe sites under the Torres de Serranos, providing a stunning backdrop.
Mya (Umbracle) - Club
Umbracle at night
Mya (club) and Umbracle (rooftop terrace, also club) are a joint entry nightlife-must-stop. Umbracle especially sits on a rooftop of the City of Arts and Sciences with multi-colored lights illuminating the spine-like architecture. It is a club experience like no other.
Cafe Bolseria/Fox Congo/Radio City
Stop into Bolseria, Fox Congo, or Radio City for DJs or live music in the Ciutat Vella (Old City). Each of these with similar vibes, they are lively multiple nights of the week, but remember that Spaniards start late! You will see these venues liven up toward midnight onward.
Espit Chupitos
Chupitos is another must-stop, serving cheap but lively shots that make this more of an experience than any old bar
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