Valencia

Understand

Valentia Edetanorum was established as a Roman colony in the second century BCE. In the early 8th century CE the Moors invaded, and Balansiyya became the capital of the Muslim Taifa of Valencia, thriving as a trading centre for paper, silk, ceramics, glass, and silver. With a brief interlude of Christian control in the 11th century under El Cid, the city remained in Muslim hands until the Christian Reconquista led by King Jaume I of Aragon in 1238, and was incorporated as a kingdom under the Crown of Aragon. Valencia experienced its golden age in the 15th century, with a growing population and flowering of Valencian culture and the arts. Significant monuments from this period include the cathedral’s Micalet, the UNESCO-listed Llotja de la Seda, and the Torres dels Serrans (Serrano Tower). During this period it became one of the most influential cities of the Mediterranean, and helped to fund Christopher Columbus's first voyages to the Americas. In 1609 the Spanish government ordered the expulsion of all Jews and Moriscos (Muslim descendants) from the kingdom to north Africa. The latter made up about a third of the population of Valencia and the surrounding region, and their forced removal brought about a major economic downturn, and in some nearby communities, economic collapse. It was more than a century before the city began to recover. Valencia was the capital of Republican Spain from 1936 to 1939, and during the Spanish Civil War sustained heavy bombardment by Franco’s forces, both by air and sea. Franco retaliated for Valencia’s Republican past with cultural and ideological repression, and banned the use of the Catalan/Valencian language throughout all the territories. In 1957 the Túria River overflowed its banks leading to catastrophic flooding of the old city centre with more than 80 dead. The river was consequently diverted to the south of the city, but it was not until the return of democracy that the original abandoned riverbed was finally converted into a park – now one of the city’s most outstanding features. In the 21st century Valencia has continued to evolve. In 2007 and 2010 the city hosted the America’s Cup, and from 2008 to 2012 hosted the Formula One European Grand Prix. Architecturally, too, the city has changed, most notably with the construction of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) by internationally-renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. The 2015 election of a new leftist coalition city council, after decades of control by the conservative Partido Popular (PP), brought renewed focus on expanding and improving existing infrastructure, including adding three new metro lines and expanding the city’s already extensive bicycle path network. This ongoing transformation has turned a once little-considered medium city into a meatier and more interesting destination. Like its bigger cousin Barcelona, Valencia suffers from overtourism. The beautiful old city and warm beaches attract so many visitors that locals sometimes feel displaced. If you pay attention, you'll see "Tourist Go Home" graffiti and other commentary on tourism contributing to Valencia's cost of living.

Climate

Summer — Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on holiday. At this time of year Valencia is hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30–35°C (86–95°F) by day and 20–25°C (68–77°F) by night. Autumn — September and October are more active months and the weather can permit beach outings as late as late-September. Important events take place during this season. November can be quite gloomy and does not receive a lot of sunshine. Winter — Average temperatures revolve around 10 °C and the weather is mostly cool and damp. Some pavement cafés remain open. Spring — The annual Falles festival unofficially marks the beginning of spring. Cafés and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.

Visitor information

Tourist Info Valencia. All offices sell the Valencia Tourist Card, which is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and allows free public transportation (including the metro to/from the airport), free admission to museums and monuments, and discounts at some shops, restaurants, and tourist services. All offices can also sell individual tickets to the City of Arts and Sciences and to the Bioparc, and can help with last-minute hotel, restaurant, and concert reservations. (updated Jun 2017) 1 Tourist Info Valencia - Reina, Plaça de la Reina, 19 (main office), ☏ +34 963 153 931, fax: +34 963 153 920, infoturistica@turisvalencia.es. M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00; closed 25 Dec and 1-6 Jan. (updated Dec 2015) 2 Tourist Info Valencia - Ayuntamiento, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, s/n (booth in the plaza by city hall), ☏ +34 963 524 908. M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00; closed 25 Dec and 1-6 Jan. (updated Dec 2015) Tourist Info Valencia - Airport, Planta de Llegadas (arrivals hall), ☏ +34 961 530 229, fax: +34 961 598 451, infoturistica-aeropuerto@turisvalencia.es. Mar-Oct: M-F 08:30-20:30, Sa Su and holidays 09:30-17:30; Nov-Feb: M-F 08:30-20:30, Sa 09:30-17:30, Su and holidays 09:30-14:30; closed 25 Dec and 1-6 Jan. (updated Dec 2015) 3 Tourist Info Joaquín Sorolla, Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 171 (in the Joaquín Sorolla train station), ☏ +34 963 803 623, infoturistica-js@visitvalencia.com. M-F 10:00-17:50, Su and public holidays 10:00-14:50; closed 1-6 Jan, 25 Dec. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Tourist Info El Cabanyal, Passeig de Neptú, 3 (near the Hotel Balneario Las Arenas), ☏ +34 628 789 837, infoturistica-playa@visitvalencia.com. Mid-Jun to mid-Sep: Tu 10:00-13:50, W-Sa 10:00-13:50 14:50-16:50, Su and public holidays 10:00-13:50; closed M. (updated Jun 2017) 5 Tourist Info Puerto, Moll de Ponent, s/n, ☏ +34 963 674 606, infoturistica-puerto@visitvalencia.com. Open only during cruise stopovers. (updated Jun 2017) 6 Tourist Info Comunitat de València (Tourist Info Valencian Community), Carrer de la Pau, 48, ☏ +34 96 398 6422. M-Sa 09:00-18:50, Su and public holidays 10:00-13:50; closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan, 6 Jan. Can offer advice and information about other destinations within the Valencian Community, including day trips from the city. (updated Jan 2018)

Getting there

By plane

1 Valencia Airport (VLC IATA) (in the neighbouring town of Manises, 9 km from the city centre), ☏ +34 961 598 500. Major airlines serving Valencia from several domestic and European airports are Air Europa, easyJet, Iberia, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling and Wizz Air amongst others. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (free for the first 30 minutes), and there are a number of restaurants and duty-free shops after security. Nearly all intercontinental visitors will need to connect through a major European hub to reach Valencia, unless they are in a position to take the seasonal direct Air Transat transatlantic flight from Montreal. Metro Valencia lines 3 and 5 go directly to the town centre and link the airport to the main train station, Estación del Norte (beside the Xàtiva metro stop), running every 8 minutes and taking about 21 minutes. A one-way ticket to the city centre costs €3.90, plus an additional €1 for the cardboard ticket with rechargeable chip; tickets can be purchased at a manned service counter (English spoken) and at vending machines which do accept credit cards. Do not get confused: the paper tickets with magnetic strips are rechargeable. There are no trains between the hours of midnight and 05:30. Fernanbus operates bus route 150, with yellow buses departing every 15 minutes and terminating at 2 Àngel Guimerá, 48. Tickets cost €1.50 and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes. A taxi stand is just outside the arrivals hall. A ride from the airport to Carrer de la Pau, in the heart of the historic city centre approximately 11 km away, costs around €20-23 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €5 (Jan 2015). The tariffs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English but are difficult to see. The same journey back from Carrer de la Pau to the airport is half the price! Book a taxi by calling a radio taxi company or book online at BookTaxiValencia.

Direct Taxi Valencia, ☏ +34 960 077 705, directtaxivalencia@gmail.com. Reservations can be made online. (updated Nov 2016) Radio Taxi Manises, Carrer de Villafames, 56 (Manises), ☏ +34 961 521 155, info@radiotaxismanises.es. 24 hr. (updated Jan 2018) Radio Taxi Valencia, Carrer dels Gremis, 8, ☏ +34 963 703 333. 24 hr. Reservations can be made online, or via their smartphone app (iPhone and Android). (updated Jan 2018) Taxis de Valencia, ☏ +34 961 119 977. Reservations can be made online. (updated Nov 2016) Taxi Valencia, ☏ +34 661 719 393, info@taxivalencia.com. Reservations can be made online. (updated Nov 2016) Andy offers transfers to Valencia city and other major cities around. Reservations and payment can be made online.

By train

The traditional main train station is 3 València - Estació del Nord (Valencia - Estación del Norte / Valencia - North Station), which is in the city centre, next to Plaza de Toros and near the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). The main building is a well-preserved modernist structure dating from 1917, and had been declared a National Historical Building. This station is only used by suburban, commuter, regional and mid-distance trains. Facilities include a tourist information office, storage lockers, several cafés and a car rental office. The access to Metro València underground station Xàtiva 3 5 9 is just in front of the main entrance of the train station and Alacant 10 is about 300 metres down the left hand sided of the station (looking at front). Being an important hub for the public transport network of the city, the location is served by several bus lines which allow connection to any district or neighbourhood of Valencia. Long-distance and high-speed (TGV, Euromed) trains arrive at 4 València - Joaquim Sorolla (Valencia - Joaquín Sorolla) train station, 800 m from the Nord station. Facilities at this station include storage lockers, a café and car rental office. A free shuttle bus connects the station to València - Estació del Nord with a departure every 10 minutes. This station is served by Metro València lines from Jesús 1 2 7 . The national train company is renfe. Tickets can be booked online on their website, where significant discounts ('Web' and 'Estrella' fares) are available for early bookings. Valencia is connected with Madrid by AVE high-speed trains, that run over the Madrid–Levante high-speed rail line. There are now low cost operators ouigo , iryo & avlo (now bookable from the main renfe website) which operate trains to Madrid. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Other major cities, such as Barcelona, are also connected with Valencia. The journey from Barcelona takes approximately 3 hours. All rail stations are operated by the national rail infrastructure company ADIF, you can check train running times & platforms there and on their app. Remember local Cercanías trains are listed separately to longer distance ones.

Getting around

Streets in Valencia have two names, Valencian and Spanish, but most street signs are in Valencian only. Maps may list street names in Valencian or Spanish and rarely both, while addresses may be given in either language, which could create some confusion. Addresses in this guide are generally listed in Valencian. The city has begun changing some Franco-era street names to those commemorating other figures, especially women. By late 2017, about 50 streets had been renamed, with more planned; online mapping services are largely up-to-date but printed maps will likely not be.

On foot

Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Much of this city can be done walking, stopping for a coffee or a beer, and then walking more, all very leisurely. It's not necessary to have the mindset of mastering a complex public transportation system. However, for longer trips, see below for some pointers. Pedestrians should be careful not to walk in the designated bike lanes.

By public transportation

Travellers visiting for a short period may want to consider purchasing a Valencia Tourist Card, a one-, two- or three-day pass which allows for unlimited travel on all metro and bus lines, including to/from the airport, over a period of 24 hours (€15), 48 hours (€20), or 72 hours (€25). The card also includes free admission to public museums and monuments, discounted admission for other tourist attractions, and additional discounts at some shops and restaurants. The card can be purchased at any tourist office, including at the airport, or purchased online for a discount and picked up on arrival at a tourist office. There is also a 7 day version without transport. For travellers not interested in the package, or staying longer than three days, the rechargeable SUMA 10 card provides a flexible means of getting around. It is valid for both metro and bus travel. This card allows for ten journeys, including transfers begun within 90 minutes of commencing your journey. The included transfers comprise unlimited transfers between metro (or tram) lines, and a single transfer to or from bus lines (i.e. between buses or to/from the metro). Cards are not personalized, and a single card can be used by multiple people (deducting multiple journeys, of course). The SUMA 10 cards are sold from machines in metro stations, and as of 2025 cost €8 (€4 until 30th June 25) for a single zone. There is an additional fee of €1 for a cardboard cart and €2 for a plastic card. The cards can be recharged at any metro ticket machine. Many other types of tickets exist but the tourist card and SUMA 10 (possibly supplemented with single tickets that can be loaded onto the same card as SUMA 10) are probably the best options for most visitors. The public transport network is divided into zones A, B, and + (see map). There is a significant overlap between zones A and B. Most tourist destinations, including the beach, are located in zone A. Zone + consists solely of the airport.

See

Monuments and architecture

1 Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias / City of Arts and Science), Av Autopista del Saler, 5 (take metro to Ciutat Arts i Ciències - Justícia 10 ), ☏ +34 90 210 0031. Call centre: M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-15:00. This ultra-modern architectural complex on the former Turia riverbed was designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela. If you don't want to pay the steep admission charges to the individual sights, you can wander around the complex and appreciate the architecture from outside for free. Combined admission for all sights (mid season): €46.40 (adults), €36.30 (reduced); valid for 3 days, however the same venue cannot be visited twice. You can buy day tickets for individual sections, see below.. (updated Mar 2025) 2 El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe / Príncipe Felipe Science Museum). Winter M-Th 10:00-18:00, F Sa 10:00-19:00; spring/fall and Christmas season daily 10:00-19:00; summer daily 10:00-21:00. A science museum designed to resemble a whale skeleton, it has interactive exhibits on three floors. €9.40 (adults), €6.90 (concessions). (updated Mar 2025) 3 L’Oceanogràfic (Oceanogràfic 10 ). Hours vary by season, open daily. The largest oceanarium in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, has seven sections devoted to different ecological zones. The building was designed by Félix Candela to resemble a water lily. Highlights include a dolphinarium, a walk-through shark tunnel, a shark tank (open for public diving), and spherical bird aviary. There are several restaurants on-site, and with so many attractions it’s easy to make this into an all-day affair. high season €41.80 (adults), €31.00 (concession). (updated May 2025) 4 L’Umbracle. A botanic garden landscaped with plants native to Valencia. The park also has the Jardí d'Astronomia (Jardín de la Astronomía / Astronomy Garden) and the Passeig de l'Art (Paseo del Arte / Art Promenade), which has permanent and temporary exhibits of large-scale contemporary art, mostly sculpture. Free. (updated Jul 2015) 5 L'Àgora. A multi-use covered plaza, designed for sporting events, concerts, and special exhibits. (updated Jul 2015) 6 Pont de l'Assut de l'Or (Puente de l'Assut de l'Or / Assut de l'Or Bridge). The striking cable-stayed bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2008, crosses the dry Túria riverbed. At 125 m high, the bridge tower is the highest point in Valencia. (updated Aug 2016) 7 Catedral de Santa María de València (La Seu / Valencia Cathedral), Plaça de la Reina, s/n, ☏ +34 96 391 8127, patrimonio@catedraldevalencia.es. Nov-Mar: M-Sa 10:00-17:30; Apr-Oct: M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su 14:00-18:30; last admission 45 min before closing. It was the site of a Roman temple, then a Visigothic cathedral, and then a Moorish grand mosque. It is now the seat of the archbishropic of Valencia. The current Gothic structure was begun in 1262 and remodeled numerous times, resulting in a structure with elements from three distinct architectural periods. Especially notable are the Puerta de los Apóstoles from the 14th century, and the Puerta del Palau, the oldest doorway of the cathedral, which is Romanesque with Moorish influences. €9 (adults), €6 (reduced). (updated Aug 2015) 8 Capella del Sant Calze (Capilla del Santo Cáliz / Chapel of the Holy Chalice). The focus of this side chapel is a chalice of agate, the top of which is believed by the devout to be none other than the Holy Grail. Of the handful of similar chalices with the same claim, this is deemed by many scholars to be the most likely candidate as that part has been dated by experts to the 1st century BCE. Acquired in 1399, it was repaired after being broken into several pieces thanks to being dropped by a priest in 1744. He is said to have died the following week. (updated Aug 2015) 9 Micalet (El Miguelete). Daily 10:00-13:00, 16:30-19:00. The unusual octagonal bell tower, with a height of 51 m, was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It provides a pleasing view of the city. €3 (adults), €1.50 (children under 14). (updated Aug 2015) 10 Cripta arqueològica de la presó de Sant Vicent Màrtir (Cripta Arqueológica de la Cárcel de San Vicente Mártir / Archaeological Crypt of the Prison of San Vicente), Plaza del Arzobispo, 3, ☏ +34 962 084 573. M-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. This Visigothic chapel has on display objects discovered during its excavation including a Visigothic altar, Roman mural, Muslim artifacts, and a sculpture of the early Christian Saint Vicente Mártir, who is believed to have been buried here. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Nov 2015) 11 Llotja de la Seda (La Lonja de la Seda / Silk Exchange), Carrer de la Llotja, 2, ☏ +34 96 208 4153, lonja@valencia.es. M-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. This UNESCO landmark is considered to be one of the most significant secular Gothic buildings in Europe. It was built between 1482 and 1533 on the site of an earlier oil exchange. The Llotja consists of four distinct parts: the Sala de Contractació (Trading Hall), also known as the Saló Columnari (Hall of Columns); the Sala Consulado del Mar with its magnificent ceiling; the unfinished Torre (tower) with its debtor prison (temporarily closed to visitors), and the Pati dels Tarongers (Patio of Oranges). Some of the Gothic gargoyles are quite naughty. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Jun 2015) 12 Església de Sant Nicolau (Iglesia de San Nicolás / Church of San Nicolás), Carrer dels Cavallers, 35, ☏ +34 963 913 317, info@sannicolasvalencia.com. Oct-Jun: Tu-F 10:30-19:00, Sa 10:30-18:30, Su 13:00-20:00; Jul-Sep: Tu-F 10:30-21:00, Sa 10:30-19:30, Su 11:30-21:00. Established in the 13th century, the church was expanded in several phases, culminating in the current 15th-century Gothic structure. During the late 17th century extensive Baroque renovations were carried out to the interior, the most significant of them being ceiling frescoes. This remarkable set of frescoes completely covers the vault of the nave and the presbytery, and illustrates the lives of St. Nicolás and St. Peter. They were designed by the Italian master Antonio Palomino and painted by his student, Dionis Vidal, and have been completely restored.Tourists are not permitted to visit during mass or other liturgical celebrations. €11 (adults), €4 (seniors/students/disabled), free (children under 12). (updated Feb 2018) 13 Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis (Biblioteca Valenciana Nicolau Primitiu / Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes), Avinguda de la Constitució, 284 (Els Orriols), ☏ +34 963 874 000. Tours: Sa Su and holidays 12:00, 13:00; no reservation required. Founded in the 16th century, this massive Renaissance building is considered by some historians to be the early model for the more well-known El Escorial near Madrid. In 1835 the monastery was dissolved and came under control of the state; it was used for a time as a school, an asylum, and during the Franco period as a prison. It was fully restored in 1997-2000, and now houses the central library of the Valencian Community, the collection of which includes many of the original volumes kept here during the building's monastic period. Guided architectural tours of the building are offered on weekends (Spanish/Valencian only). Free. (updated Aug 2017) 14 Torres de Quart (Porta de Quart), Plaça de Sta Úrsula, 1 (at the end of Carrer de Quart), ☏ +34 96 208 3907, patrimoniohistorico@valencia.es. M-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. This medieval tower was part of the wall that surrounded the old city; the numerous pock-marks are from gun battles during the Spanish War of Independence from the French (1807-1814). Great views of the city can be had from the top. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Jan 2018) 15 Torres de Serrano (Porta de Serrans), Plaça dels Furs, s/n, ☏ +34 96 391 9070, patrimoniohistorico@valencia.es. M-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. Built in 1392, this gate was also part of the ancient wall and for a time also served as a prison. The gate has been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but is still interesting. It is across the street from the park. This tower also offers excellent views. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Jun 2015) 16 Almodí (Almudín), Plaça Sant Lluís Bertrán, s/n, ☏ +34 96 352 5478 x4521, patrimoniohistorico@valencia.es. M-Sa 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. Constructed in the early 14th century on the site of a Moorish palace, the building is essentially Moorish in design and used to function as the municipal granary; its name is derived directly from 'almud' (Arabic: bushel). The building was fully restored in 1996 and is now a venue for temporary art exhibitions. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Jun 2015) 17 Banys de l'Almirall (Baños del Almirante / Almirante Muslim Baths), Baños del Almirante, 3-5, ☏ +34 963 152 024, didactica@consorciomuseos.es. Tu-Su 11:00-14:00. Although constructed in 1313 after the Christian reconquista, the bathhouse was built in the Arabic style and is considered to be an excellent example of Moorish architecture. It was used continuously as a bathhouse until the 20th century, and is one of the few remaining such structures in Spain. It was fully restored in 2005. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions). (updated Jul 2015) 18 Drassanes del Grau (Atarazanas del Grao / Royal Shipyards), Plaça Juan Antonio Benlliure, s/n, ☏ +34 96 352 5478 x4299. Tu-Sa 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. These Gothic shipyards date to the early 14th century, and attained their current layout in 1500. Trade ships were built and repaired here, as well as galleys used for defense against Barbary pirates. Later the building was used as a storehouse for salt, and now functions as a venue for temporary exhibits. Due to the shifting coastline over the centuries, the shipyards are now two blocks inland from the shore. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Jul 2015) 19 Palau de Cervelló (Palacio de Cervelló / Cervelló Palace), Plaça de Tetuán, 3, ☏ +34 963 525 478 x4496, patrihco@valencia.es. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:30-20:30, Su and holidays 10:00-15:00. Built in the 18th century as the residence of the counts of Cervelló, this palace became the official residence for visiting royalty following the demolition of the Palau Reial de València. The building now houses a museum, the Municipal Archive, and the Serrano Morales Library. On the ground floor is an exhibit (in Catalan and Spanish) illustrating the historic events which took place here, and on the upper floor are the grand ballroom and Serrano Morales Library, with original murals and furnishings. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays. (updated Aug 2015) 20 Casa de Sant Vicent Ferrer (Casa Natalicia de San Vicente Ferrer / Home of San Vicente Ferrer), Carrer del Pouet de Sant Vicent, 1, ☏ +34 963 528 481. M-F 11:00-13:00, 17:00-20:00. Sant Vicent Ferrer, the principal patron saint of Valencia, was born in this house in 1350. The house was renovated numerous times, and has a chapel, well, and 18th-century ceramic tile panels depicting the life of the saint. Free. (updated Nov 2015) 21 Torre de l'Àngel (Torre del Angel / Angel Tower), Plaça de l'Àngel (Carmen). One of the few vestiges from Valencia's Muslim period, the semicircular 11th-century tower was once part of the Muslim city wall. It is now a private dwelling, but can be viewed through a fence. (updated Jan 2017)

Museums

22 Centre Arqueològic de l'Almoina (Centro Arqueológico de la Almoina), Plaça Dècim Juni Brut, s/n (behind the cathedral), ☏ +34 96 208 4173, patrimoniohistorico@valencia.es. Tu-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. This extensive site was uncovered in 1985 during preparations for new construction, which was then cancelled. Excavations revealed archeological remains dating from the Moorish, Visigothic, and Roman periods. After completing excavations, the city of Valencia converted the site into an underground museum. Highlights include Roman baths, a Moorish courtyard, and various artifacts. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions); free on Su and public holidays. (updated Jun 2015) 23 Museu Nacional de Ceràmica (Museo Nacional de Cerámica / National Ceramics Museum), Poeta Querol, 2, ☏ +34 96 351 6392, fax: +34 96 351 3512, informacion.mceramica@mecd.es. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00. This very ornate Baroque palace once served as the residence of the Marqués de Dos Aigües, and is now a museum. The ground and first floors showcase a collection of stagecoaches and period furniture, while the upper two floors house an extensive ceramics collection with a focus on historic Valencian pieces. Of particular note are Moorish ceramic tiles from the main mosque which was on the site now occupied by the cathedral, and six plates designed by Picasso. Photography permitted, no flash. €3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions); free on Sa afternoon and Su, 18 May, 18 Apr, 12 Oct, and 6 Dec. (updated Jun 2015) 24 Museu d'Història de València (Museo de Historia de Valencia / Museum of Valencian History), Camino Viejo de Chirivella, 1 (Nou d'Octubre 3 5 9 ), ☏ +34 96 370 1105, fax: +34 96 370 1136, info@mhv.com.es. Tu-Sa 09:30-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. Housed in a former reservoir, this well-designed museum is dedicated to the developmental history of the city, from the Roman era until the present. Although labels are in Valencian and Spanish, booklets with English translations are available at the front desk. Constructed in 1850, the building is interesting in its own right as an excellent example of 19th century industrial architecture. €2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and public holidays. (updated May 2025) 25 Centre Cultural la Beneficència (Centre Valencià de Cultura Mediterrània / Centro Valenciano de Cultura Mediterránea), Carrer de la Corona, 36, ☏ +34 96 388 3565, fax: +34 96 388 3608. This 19th-century former hospice was completely refurbished in 1995, and now in addition to hosting two museums it also functions as a cultural centre and venue for special exhibits. (updated Aug 2015) 26 Museu de Prehistòria de València (Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia / Prehistory Museum of Valencia), Carrer de la Corona, 36, ☏ +34 96 388 3579, servici.visites@xarxamuseus.com. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. This museum is devoted early regional history, with collections from the Paleolithic to the Visigothic periods. A special highlight is the Guerrer de Moixent (Warrior of Moixent), an early Iberian bronze sculpture from the 5th or 4th century BCE. free. (updated Aug 2015) 27 Museu Valencià d'Etnologia (Museo Valenciano de Etnología / Valencian Museum of Ethnology), ☏ +34 96 388 3614, muvaet@dival.es. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. The focus of this museum is on cultural traditions in the Valencian Autonomous Community, with three permanent exhibits focusing on life in the country, in the mountains, and in urban areas. Rotating temporary exhibits examine historic and sociological issues. free. (updated Feb 2017) 28 Museu dels Soldadets de Plom L'Iber (Museo L'Iber / Tin Soldier Museum), Carrer dels Cavallers, 20-22, ☏ +34 963 91 8675, info@museoliber.org. Sep-Jun: Tu-Su 11:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00; Jul Aug: daily 10:00-14:00, 15:00-20:00. In an old Gothic palace, this is the world's largest private collection of tin soldiers of about one million pieces. Figures represent periods of Valencian, Spanish, and world history. €5 adults, €3 concessions. (updated Sep 2015) 29 Museo Histórico Militar de Valencia, Carrer del General Gil Dolz, 6, ☏ +34 96 369 1904, acamuseo@hmval.e.telefonica.net. M-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00. Built in 1898 for an infantry regiment, the building now houses a collection of over 3,000 objects, most of them from the 19th and 20th centuries. Free. (updated Sep 2015) 30 Museu de l'Arròs (Museo del Arroz / Museum of Rice), Carrer del Rosari, 3 (Metro Marítim 5 7 ; Metro-Tram Grau - La Marina 6 8 ). Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 15:00-19:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00. The Museum of Rice of the City of Valencia is in the refurbished and restored old Serra’s Mill. It tells the story of the industrial process of rice processing, a cereal whose growth goes deep into the wetlands of the City. €2 adults; €1 seniors, children under 16, large groups. (updated Sep 2025) 31 Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda (Museo de la Seda / Silk Museum), Carrer de l'Hospital, 7, ☏ +34 697 155 299, reservas@museodelasedavalencia.com. Su M 10:00-15:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-19:00. The Moors introduced silk to Valencia, and it became a major hub of the silk trading route during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Valencian silk weavers' guild was established in the late 15th century, and in 1494 acquired this building, which remained the guild's headquarters throughout its history. The building was remodelled extensively during subsequent centuries, and was fully restored in 2016. Now a museum, it showcases various aspects of Valencia's silk trade and production. €6 adults, €4.50 seniors/students, free children under 5; free multilingual audioguide. (updated Jan 2018)

Art museums and galleries

32 Museu de Belles Arts de València (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia / Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia), Carrer de Sant Pius V, 9, ☏ +34 96 387 0300, museobellasartesvalencia@gva.es. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00; closed 1 Jan and 25 Dec. This 17th-century former palace houses over 2,000 pieces of art, with a primary focus on art of the 14th to 17th centuries. Highlights include an excellent collection of medieval altarpieces, a collection of engravings by the Italian artist Piranesi, and a handful of minor works by Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. Photography permitted, no flash. Free. (updated Mar 2025) 33 Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM / Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno / Valencian Institute of Modern Art), Guillem de Castro, 118 (bus C1 stops outside), ☏ +34 96 386 3000, ivam@ivam.es. Tu-Su 11:00-19:00; closed on 25 Dec and 1 Jan. This museum focuses on Spanish and international modern art and photography, and hosts regular special exhibits, workshops, and lectures. A library, gift shop, and café are onsite. Photography permitted, no flash. €5 adults; free admission on Sunday & Wednesday 16:00-19:00. (updated May 2025) 34 Museo del Patriarca, Carrer de la Nau, 1, ☏ +34 96 351 4176, fax: +34 96 351 1351, info@patriarcavalencia.es. M-F 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 12:30, 17:00, 18:00; Sa 11:00, 12:00, 12:30. Managed by the Seminary of Corpus Christi, this museum has a small collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, with special highlights including works by Juan de Juanes, El Greco, and early Flemish masters. The collection can only be viewed with a tour, offered in a number of European languages; to be sure there is a tour in your language it is best to reserve ahead, either by phone or online. €7 premium tour including museum, courtyard, church, and chapel; €5 standard tour including the courtyard, church, and chapel; €4 museum tour only; €6 premium tour for concessions and VLC card. (updated Sep 2015) 35 MuVIM (Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat / The Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity), Quevedo 10 y Guillem de Castro 8 (bus 27 stop:Quevedo - MuVIM), ☏ +34 963 883 730, muvim@dival.es. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-20:00. The museum is devoted to civics and culture, with special exhibits focused on such topics as graphic design, photography, and cinema. The building and garden were designed by Valencian architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra. (updated Mar 2025) 36 Bombas Gens Centre d'Art, Avinguda Burjassot, 54-56 (bus 94 & 28 stop: Burjassot - Centre Cultural Bombas Gens), ☏ +34 963 463 856, info@bombasgens.com. W 16:00-20:00, Th-Sa 11:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Su 11:00-15:00. This former factory from the 1930s has been transformed into an exhibition space for Spanish contemporary art, with a special focus on photography. The building has an interesting history, as it was used to make industrial pumps, and later during the Spanish Civil War was used by the Republicans as an air raid shelter and to assemble armaments. €9.5-€14.5 adults, €9.5-€11 concessions. (updated Feb 2018) 37 Casa-Museu Benlliure (Casa-Museo Benlliure), Carrer de la Blanqueria, 23 (El Carme), ☏ +34 963 911 662, cmbenliure@valencia.es. Tu-Sa 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Su and holidays 09:30-15:00. This was once home to two generations of the Benlliure family, headed by prominent Valencian artist José Benlliure. The early 20th-century residence has been maintained in three distinct sections, including the primary house with original furnishings and artworks, a lovely courtyard and garden, and a second building with a private study and more artworks. €2 adults, €1 concessions, free on Su and holidays. (updated Nov 2015) 38 Fundación Bancaja (Fundació Bancaixa), Plaça de Tetuán, 23, ☏ +34 96 064 5840, fax: +34 96 387 5578. Tu-Su and holidays 10:00-14:00 17:00-21:00, M 10:00-14:00. The former 19th-century residence is a cultural centre which hosts excellent, well-curated temporary exhibits of contemporary art and photography, by Valencian, Spanish and international artists. See exhibition information for prices.. (updated Mar 2025) 39 Centre del Carme, Carrer del Museu, 2, ☏ +34 96 192 2640, fax: +34 96 192 2641, consorcidemuseus@gva.es. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. The former convent hosts rotating special exhibits showcasing local history, and historic and contemporary artists from Valencia and outside the region. €2 adults, €1 concessions, free on Su and holidays. (updated Mar 2025) 40 Fundación Chirivella Soriano (Palau Joan de Valeriola), Carrer de Valeriola, 13 (Close to Merkat Central), ☏ +34 96 338 1215, fax: +34 96 338 1217, fundacion@chirivellasoriano.org. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 17:00-20:00, Su 10:00-14:00. This well-preserved 14th-century Gothic palace houses a permanent collection of contemporary Spanish art, with rotating exhibits. €4 adults, €2 concessions. (updated May 2025) 41 Centre Cultural La Nau (Centre Cultural de la Universitat de València), Carrer de la Universitat, 2 (Colón 3 5 7 9 }), ☏ +34 963 864 377, cultura@uv.es. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00. Built in 1498, this was once the library and main building for the University of Valencia. Today it is used by the university primarily as a venue for photography and art exhibits, and for classical music concerts. Free. (updated May 2025) 42 Galería del Tossal, Plaça del Tossal, s/n (entrance in an above-ground glass structure in the middle of the square), ☏ +34 963 981 803. Tu-Sa 16:00-19:00, Su and holidays 10:00-14:00. This unique underground gallery has been designed around the remains of a city wall from the Moorish period, complete with arches. The gallery is a venue for temporary exhibits of Spanish and international contemporary art. €2 adults, €1 concessions, free children under 12; free on Su and holidays. (updated May 2025)

Do

Falles

One of Spain’s most spectacular fire festivals, Falles (Spanish: Fallas) can be best characterised as a fire-fireworks-gunpowder street party extravaganza. The festival draws up to two million visitors annually, and is listed as a UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’. Its origins date to the Middle Ages when the city’s carpenters burned piles of scraps in the streets and plazas near their workshops on 19 March, the eve of the day of San Josep (Spanish: San José, or St. Joseph). In the 18th century, it became customary to fashion these piles of junk with papier mache into human figures and sculptures, called ninots (Valencian for 'dolls'), which were assembled to form larger fallas. Eventually these fallas began to take on a satirical nature. Around 1870, Falles and Carnival were banned. In response to this, a popular movement arose to revive and preserve these traditions, resulting in a competition in 1885 for the best and most artistic falla. This prompted the development of casal fallers, neighbourhood associations which work year-round raising money and designing their fallas. Today there are about 400 casal fallers which each design an adult falla (falla mayor), and a smaller children’s falla (falla infantil); more than 400 of these fallas are burned on public streets every year. Many fallas reach 25-30 m in height – the best of these are in a special category Secció Especial (Spanish: Sección Especiál) and compete for the top prize, awarded annually by the City Council. A secondary feature of Falles are daily fireworks events, including gunpowder demonstrations (mascletàs) and large nightly fireworks displays (castillos del fuego). Along with these displays, people set off fireworks all day in the streets, beginning early in the morning and continuing throughout the day, making the city seem like a war zone and making it very difficult to catch any sleep.

Key events and dates

La Despertà (the 'wake-up call'). Last Sunday of February. Beginning at 07:30, brass bands parade down Carrer de la Pau and Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir to the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, followed by falleros and falleras throwing firecrackers. At noon more bands perform at the central square, and the season's first mascletà takes place at 14:00. (updated Mar 2018) 1 Cridà (the 'call'), Torres de Serrano. Last Sunday of February. Crowds gather along bridges and the Túria river bed to hear the fallera mayor (principal fallera) announce the beginning of the Falles season at 20:00. Fireworks conclude the event. (updated Mar 2018) 2 Mascletà, Plaça de l'Ajuntament (Plaza de la Ayuntamiento). 2-19 March: 14:00. This is 120 kg of gunpowder translated into a multi-sensory ‘symphony of noise’, and must be experienced to be understood, as it includes not just the noise but also the intense smell of gunpowder as well as the vibrations which can be felt through the entire body. The event is very popular and you should arrive at least an hour in advance. (updated Aug 2016) Batalla de las Luces (Las Calles Iluminadas / Battle of the Lights) (Ruzafa). 11-18 March. Casal fallers around the city decorate their streets with expensive street lighting displays, the most elaborate of which compete annually for the top prize. Three of the top contenders every year are in the Ruzafa district, with the fourth in La Roqueta. (updated Aug 2016) 3 Falla Cuba-Literat Azorín, intersection of Carrer de Cuba with Carrer del Literat Azorín (Ruzafa). (updated Aug 2016) 4 Falla Sueca-Literat Azorín, intersection of Carrer del Literat Azorín with Carrer de Sueca (Ruzafa). (updated Aug 2016) 5 Falla Cuba-Puerto Rico, intersection of Carrer de Cuba with Carrer de Puerto Rico (Ruzafa). (updated Aug 2016) 6 Falla Convento Jerusalén-Matemático Marzal, intersection of Carrer del Convent de Jerusalem with Carrer del Matemàtic Marzal (La Roqueta). (updated Aug 2016) 7 Exposición del Ninot (Ninot exhibit), Sala Arquerías, Museo Príncipe Felipe (City of Arts and Sciences; venues can change). 1-14 March. The current year's ninots are placed on display, with visitors voting for their favourite ninot. The winning ninot is spared the flames of the Cremà and added to the permanent collection of the Museu Faller de València (listed below). €3 adults, €1.50 children and seniors. (updated Aug 2016) Cavalcada del Ninot (Ninot Parade). 15 March. The ninots previously exhibited are now paraded through the streets, before being included in the falla monuments. (updated Aug 2016) Plantà (Planting). 15-16 March. The 15th marks the start of the assembling the elaborate 'fallas', which have been laboured over during the previous year. Construction must be completed by 08:00 on 16 March, or the falla will be disqualified for the competition. Tourist information offices have free maps available showing locations of the Selección Especiál fallas. (updated Aug 2016) 8 L'Ofrena (La Ofrenda / The Offering), Plaça de la Virgen. 17-18 March. The falleros and falleras from each 'casal faller' bring flowers in offering and used to decorate the mantle of an enormous effigy of the Virgen de los Desamparados in the Plaça de la Virgen. Participants are dressed in traditional clothing, and the processions follow two main routes, each terminating at the cathedral: one proceeds westward down Carrer de de Pau / Calle de la Paz, and the other northward up Carrer de Sant Vincent Màrtir / Calle San Vicente. (updated Aug 2016) Els Castells (fireworks displays), Passeig de l'Albereda. 15-18 March. A nightly fireworks display between midnight and 01:30, with each night more impressive than the previous one, until culminating in the final display on the 18th, which is known as La Nit del Foc (the Night of Fire). This is also very crowded and you should arrive early to see it. The best location to view this is from pedestrian bridges crossing the Turía Park riverbed, or even better, from below the Palacio de la Musica. (updated Aug 2016) Cavalcada del Foc (Cabalgata del Fuego / Fire Parade), Route: Carrer de Russafa, Carrer de Colón, Porta de la Mar. 19 March, 19:00. A parade featuring all types of spectacles involving fire. This parade may be canceled in inclement weather. (updated Apr 2017) La Cremà (The Burning). 19 March: 22:00-01:00. At the end of a week displaying the 'fallas' are burnt. The fallas infantiles are burned at 22:00, the fallas mayores are burned anytime between midnight and 01:00, and the falla at the Plaça Ayuntamiento is burned last at 01:00. The most impressive to see are the fallas in the Secció Especial, because these are the largest and most dramatic when they burn. These tend to be very crowded and one should arrive early, preferably an hour in advance. A good strategy is to visit a selection of fallas beforehand, and then to choose one to watch burn. (updated Aug 2016)

Falles museums

If you can't be in Valencia at the time of the festival, you can at least get an idea of what it's all about by visiting one or both the following museums.

Shopping

The area around 1 Plaça del Patriarca (Plaza del Patriarca) is a good place to look for the major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, and Farrutx. 2 Plaça Redona (Plaza Redonda). M-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su and holidays 08:00-14:00 (flea market). Designed by Valencian architect Melchor Escrig Salvador in the mid-19th century, this unique building was constructed around a round plaza, and was noted by Valencian novelist Vicente Blasco Ibáñez in his novel Arroz y Tartana. The building has been completely renovated and now is home to a number of shops for traditional crafts as well as tapas bars. On Sunday mornings it is home to a flea market. (updated Nov 2015) 3 Mercat de l’Escuraeta (Mercado de L’Escuraeta), Plaça de la Reina (just S of the cathedral). Daily from the second Sunday of May until Corpus Christi, usually at the end of May or early June. This traditional market dates back to the 13th century and Jaume I, when vendors set up extra stalls by the cathedral to coincide with the annual Festividad de la Virgen (feast of the Virgin). Items sold here include crockery and traditional cooking utensils, as well as pottery and other arts and crafts. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Frutos Secos del Carmen, Carrer de Dalt, 20 (El Carme), ☏ +34 696 945 745, info@frutossecosdelcarmen.es. A traditional local shop that sells all kinds of dried fruits and nuts. (updated Oct 2017) 5 Insectum, Mercado de Ruzafa, ☏ +34 630924090. M-F 11AM-2PM. Shop specializing in edible insects. Only one of its kind in Spain. (updated Jul 2024) 6 Original CV, Plaza del Mercado, 35 (across from the Central Market). M–Sa 10:30–20:30. Local souvenirs, mostly food products and some art. (updated Sep 2025)

Food markets

7 Mercat Central (Mercado Central / Central Market), Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n (El Mercat), ☏ +34 963 829 100. M-Sa 07:00-15:00. In a restored modernist iron and glass building dating from 1928, this is one of the largest markets in Europe. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, seafood, or olives. (updated Jun 2015) 8 Mercat del Cabanyal (Mercado del Cabañal / Cabanyal Market), Carrer de Martí Grajales, 4 (Cabanyal), ☏ +34 963 446 316, info@mercadocabanyal.es. M-Th 07:00-14:30, F 07:00-20:30, Sa 07:00-14:30. Traditionally one of the better markets in the city for fish, this also has fresh produce and artisanal products. Has free Wi-Fi throughout the building, no registration or password required. (updated Sep 2016) 9 Mercat de Mosén Sorell (Mercado de Mosén Sorell), Plaça de Mossén Sorell (Carmen). M-W 07:30-15:00, Th 17:00-20:00, F 17:30-21:00, Sa 07:30-15:00. A smaller market, which was renovated in 2016, in the centre of the Carmen neighbourhood. (updated Jun 2017) 10 Mercat de Russafa (Mercado de Ruzafa), Plaça del Baró de Cortés, 9 (Ruzafa), ☏ +34 963 744 025, info@mercatderussafa.com. M-Sa 07:00-15:00. Designed by Julio Bellot Senet and completed in 1957, the market is at the centre of the vibrant Ruzafa neighbourhood. Inside are more than 60 vendors of all types of food products, as well as a bar and café. Compared to the Central Market, this feels less like a tourist center and more like a place where locals shop. (updated Sep 2016)

Street markets

11 El Rastro (Flea market), Plaça de Lluís Casanova, s/n (Mestalla: car park of the Valencia Football Club), ☏ +34 962 084 736, maestrocarcoma@ono.com. Su 08:00-13:30. Valencia's enormous second-hand market is a good place to pick up all sorts of odds and ends, ranging from vintage toys to Valencian ceramics to bicycle parts. Vendors are licensed and there is a police presence, but do beware of pickpockets. (updated Oct 2017) 12 Mercadillo de Ruzafa (several streets NW of the Mercat de Russafa and by the parish church). M 09:00-14:00. (updated Oct 2017) 13 Mercadillo de Cabanyal (Cabanyal street market) (several square blocks E of the Mercat del Cabanyal). Th 09:00-14:00. One of the larger and more colourful weekly street markets. (updated Oct 2017) 14 Mercadillo de Benimaclet (Benimaclet street market), Carrer de Juan Giner and Carrer del Reverend Rafael Tramoyeres. F 09:00-14:00. (updated Oct 2017)

Eat

Paella. There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: paella valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), paella de marisco, with fish or seafood, or even paella mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular among locals. It is very difficult to say which is the 'real' paella, as every person has his/her own version (though no paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic paella, try it at the Malvarrosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity). Vegetarian paella is called paella vegetal or paella de verduras. Authentic paella can be rather dry, it's not a soup and shouldn't look like gumbo. Don't be shy about scraping the caramelized rice from the bottom of the pan, it's delicious! (updated Jun 2017) Arròs a banda (arroz a banda). A side dish of rice cooked in fish stock, usually served with alioli. (updated Jun 2017) Arròs negre (arroz negro). Also cooked in fish stock, this rice dish is black because it contains squid ink, as well as squid or cuttlefish, peppers, and paprika. (updated Jun 2017) Fideuà. This paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in Gandía and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try too. (updated Jun 2017) All i pebre. A stew made of eel, a snake like fish typical from the Albufera, a lagoon near Valencia. You can drive to El Palmar and taste it there. Delicious, but a very special taste. You can find good paella, and other traditional dishes at the restaurants there too. (updated Jun 2017) Llet merengada (leche merengada). A kind of milk-based soft ice cream with a cinnamon-lemon taste. (updated Jun 2017) Bunyols (buñuelos). Fried doughnuts, sometimes round shaped, sometimes like rings. Widely available only during March during the Falles celebration. Dip them in hot chocolate. Sometimes they are too oily, so don't eat a lot of them or you will not be hungry again for several hours. If you can choose the carabasa (pumpkin) version, you should try it. They are generally tastier. (updated Jun 2017)

Budget

1 Tasca Ángel, Carrer de la Puríssima, 1 (behind the Llotja), ☏ +34 963 917 835. M-Sa 10:30-15:00 19:30-23:30. This tiny but very popular tapas bar is known for its sardinas (grilled sardines), served with garlic infused olive oil and white bread. Other specialties include champiñones a la plancha (grilled mushrooms) and gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns). The place only has a handful of tables with additional seating at the bar, and tends to get very packed after 21:00. (updated Jul 2016) 2NOT EXISTING IMAGE La Pascuala, Carrer d'Eugenia Viñes, 177 (Cabanyal), ☏ +34 963 713 814. M-Sa 09:00-15:30. This is a very popular place for almuerzo (late breakfast or early lunch), and is especially known for its very large bocadillos. No reservations are accepted, but it's worth the wait for a table. €5 for bocadillo and drink (June 2016). (updated May 2022) 3 Kiosco La Pérgola, Passeig de l'Albereda, 1 (near the Jardí de Montfort), ☏ +34 963 699 079. M-F 08:00-16:30, Sa 08:30-16:00; closed for the month of August. This is a very popular lunch spot for delicious and cheap bocadillos. Their signature bocadillo is the Super Bombon, piled high with steak, jamón, lettuce, dressing, and french fries. The Bombon, which omits the french fries, is a slightly lighter version. Getting a table requires some patience, or reservations. Drink + bocadillo €3-4 (Oct 2017). (updated May 2022) 4 La Lluna (vegetarian), Carrer de Sant Ramon, 23 (at the Centre Cultural la Beneficència), ☏ +34 963 922 146. M-Sa 09:00-16:30, 20:00-00:00. Lunch menu €8-11 (July 2015). (updated May 2022) 5 Andalus Dolç, Carrer de Yecla, 16 (in L'Amistat), ☏ +34 963 254 771. M-Th 11:00-00:00, F Sa 11:00-00:30, Su 10:00-00:00. This restaurant-coffeeshop is a favourite with the local Moroccan community and serves a range of traditional Moroccan dishes, some of them vegetarian. It also has an excellent onsite bakery. €9.50 set menu (Feb 2016). (updated May 2022) 6 Ca la Mar, Carrer de Just Vilar, 19 (El Cabanyal), ☏ +34 963 259 827, calamarcabanyal@gmail.com. Tu W 11:00-01:00, Th-Su 10:00-01:00. This very small restaurant serves creative tapas, with a number of seafood as well as vegetarian options. Pleasant seating is both indoor and along a pedestrian-only street. They also have a decent selection of wine, as well as the local Turía beer. (updated May 2022) 7 Cerveceria Alhambra, Carrer de Calixt III, 8 (Extramurs), ☏ +34 963 843 057. M-F 07:00-18:30; closed for the month of August. This small sidewalk eatery is known throughout the city for its excellent tortillas de patatas in a number of flavours, many of them vegetarian. Tortillas can be eaten either with a fork (pincho) or in a sandwich (bocadillo). Meatballs (albondigas) are also served here, but main attraction are the tortillas. €5 for tortilla and drink (Nov 2015). (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

8 Central Bar, Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n (by Puerta 3 in the Mercat Central), ☏ +34 963 829 223. M-Sa 06:30-15:30. One of a trio of restaurants owned and operated by famed Valencian chef Ricard Camarena, this tapas bar is a good place to sample his food without breaking the bank. The menu changes daily depending on what's available in the market. Reservations are not accepted, so if you plan to visit for lunch be prepared to wait awhile for a seat. Tapas €4-9 (Feb 2016). (updated Jan 2023) 9 Mercat de Colón (Mercado de Colón), Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19 (El Pla del Remei), ☏ +34 963 371 101. Built in 1916 as a marketplace, this excellent example of modernist architecture now houses a number of cafés and tapas bars. Every Sunday at noon there are free classical music concerts. (updated Jan 2023) 10 Portland Ale House, Carrer de Salamanca, 10 (Gran Via), ☏ +34 96 381 0406. Tu-Su 19:00-02:00. Owned and operated by an American from Portland, Oregon, this place serves classic American bar food and burgers, along with a good range of local beers. For those looking to improve their Spanish (or English) there is an intercambio (language exchange) open to all Wednesday evenings beginning at 20:30. (updated Jan 2023) 11 Yuk Mi, Carrer de Salabert, 24 (Patraix), ☏ +34 963 787 022. M-Sa 13:30-15:30 20:30-22:30. One of only two Korean restaurants in Valencia, this family-operated restaurant is highly-regarded in the Asian community for its authentic home-style Korean cooking. Dishes can be modified to accommodate vegetarians, and diners can request how spicy (or not) they prefer their meal. Mains €8-12 (June 2017). (updated Jan 2023)

Drink

Traditional regional drinks

Aigua de València (Agua de Valencia). 'Valencia water' is a very famous mixed drink, invented in 1959 and based on a mix of orange juice and cava, the local sparkling wine. Many modern versions also include gin and vodka as well as sugar. Be careful, as this drink packs a punch! (updated Jun 2017) Orxata (horchata). A drink made from tigernut (Valencian: xufa, Spanish: chufa), which was first created during the Moorish period. Being cold and sweet, it is especially popular during the summer months, and can be ordered in orxateries or horchaterias and at street carts as well as in most cafés and bars. When ordering an orxata, you will most probably be asked whether you would like to have a fartón, a small pastry for being dipped in orxata, as well. (updated Jun 2017) Cibada. An iced malt drink. (updated Jun 2017) Llima granizada. Iced lemonade. (updated Jun 2017) Café del temps (café del tiempo). A popular summer drink, this is espresso served with a glass of ice along with sugar and a slice of lemon. Usually sugar is mixed first into the hot espresso, which is then poured over the ice. (updated Jun 2017) Blanc i negre (blanco y negro). Iced coffee with leche merengada, which is blend of milk, egg white, sugar, and cinnamon. (updated Jun 2017) Cremaet. A popular coffee mixed with burned alcohol (typically rum) that is normally consumed at esmorzar (the eating that takes place between breakfast and lunch). Its sweetness depends on the time spent burning it (the more burned, the more sweet it is, and the less alcohol percentage it has). (updated Aug 2023)

Cafés and horchaterías

1 Horchatería Daniel, Avda l´Orchata, 41 (Alboraia/Alboraya; metro line 3), ☏ +34 961 858 866, info@horchateria-daniel.es. Daily 10:00-24:00. Established in 1949, this is the largest and most well-known horchatería in Alboraia (Spanish: Alboraya), a small agricultural town on the outskirts of Valencia whose primary crop is tiger nuts (chufa), the key ingredient in horchata. There is a second branch in the Mercat de Colóm (listed under 'Eat'). (updated Jan 2016) 2 Horchatería Els Sariers, Carrer Sarcet, 6 (Benimaclet), ☏ +34 963 693 879. M-Th 16:00-22:00, F Sa 11:00-02:30, Su 11:00-23:30. A very large and popular horchatería with artisanal fartóns. Takeaway available. (updated Aug 2016) 3 Horchatería Fabián, Carrer de Císcar, 5 (El Ensanche), ☏ +34 963 349 317. Daily 13:30-24:00. Serves hot chocolate with churros, horchata, granizada, ice cream, and pastries. This is one of the only places which sell bunyols (buñuelos) outside of the Fallas season, and in winter and during Fallas it is so popular the queues can stretch a block down the street. (updated Mar 2017) 4 Horchatería Mari Toñi, Carrer d'Alboraia, 23 (Benimaclet), ☏ +34 963 601 249. M-F 06:00-22:00, Sa Su 07:00-22:00. Along with horchata, this classic Valencian place offers homemade hot chocolate and, during Fallas, bunyols (buñuelos). (updated Mar 2017) 5 Horchatería Santa Catalina, Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6 (El Mercat), ☏ +34 963 912 379. Daily 08:00-21:30. The oldest horchatería in Valencia, this classic place serves not only horchata with fartons, but hot chocolate, churros, and ice cream. The interior has a cafeteria atmosphere, and is ornamented with Valencian tiles. (updated Dec 2015) 6 Café de las Horas, Carrer del Comte d'Almodóvar, 1 (La Seu), ☏ +34 963 917 336. M-Sa 10:00-02:00, Su 11:00-02:00. This popular café-bar is a good spot for coffee or cocktails with light snacks, in a Baroque-styled interior with eclectic music. (updated Jan 2016) 7 Café Lisboa, Plaça del Doctor Collado, 9 (in El Mercat, around the corner from the Lonja), ☏ +34 963 919 484, info@cafelisboavlc.com. Daily 10:00-01:00. In a charming square which was once the site of Valencia's Lonja del Aceite, or olive oil market. The primary draw is the expansive terrace seating by an olive tree, making this is a good spot for people-watching with a coffee or cocktail. (updated Jan 2016) 8 Café Negrito, Plaça del Negret, 1 (El Carme), ☏ +34 963 914 233. Daily 16:00-03:30. Relaxed café with outdoor seating. (updated Dec 2015) 9 Café Rialto, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, 17, ☏ +34 963 940 877, info@caferialto.es. M-Th 08:00-20:00, F 08:00-02:00, Sa 16:00-02:00, Su 16:00-21:00. A classic café-bar in the historic Rialto Theatre, with a small terrace. It also has a well-priced set lunch menu for €10.50. (updated Oct 2017) 10 Chocolatería Valor, Plaça de la Reina, 20 (La Seu), ☏ +34 963 152 198. M-Th 08:30-21:30, F 09:00-01:00, Sa 09:00-01:30, Su 09:00-22:00. One of two Valencia branches of the Villajoyosa-based chocolate company, this is a good place for hot chocolate with churros. (updated Oct 2017) 11 Mayan Coffees, Carrer de Murillo, 54 (El Carme), ☏ +34 722 788 433. M-Sa 09:00-14:00 15:30-19:00. The owner roasts his own coffee locally. Very friendly. Relaxed and calm environment in a nice neighborhood. (updated Oct 2017) 12 Ubik Café, Carrer del Literat Azorín, 13 (Ruzafa), ☏ +34 963 741 255, info@ubikcafe.com. M Tu 15:00-24:00, W 12:00-24:00, Th 12:00-00:30, F Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 12:00-24:00. The combination bar-café-bookshop has become a favourite haunt in the neighbourhood, with a good selection of craft beers as well as tapas and other light fare. Also hold exhibits and sponsors other cultural events. (updated Oct 2017)

Bars and bodegas

There are many bodegas and tapas bars where you can get typical Spanish dinner for quite good prices. If you arrive early (the Spanish early) at about 20:00 they usually have special offers like tercio y tapa for about €1. To find them orient more to the parallel streets to Carrer de Doctor Manuel Candela. Later to drink something occupying the time between dinner and going out there are many bars with different kind of music present. Turia, a toasted lager, is the best-known local beer. It was first made in 1935 but didn't go into full production until 1947, due to the Spanish Civil War.

Sleep

Staying in or near Old Town means you will hardly need transport, unless you go to the beach.

Hostels

1 Hôme Backpackers Hostel Valencia (Feetup Home Backpackers Valencia), Plaça de Vicent Iborra, s/n, ☏ +34 963 913 797, info@likeathome.net. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 12:00. In town centre and specialised in backpackers and groups. The cheapest one in Valencia, and claims to be the 'best'. Free Wi-Fi and bed linens, wheelchair accessible, nonsmoking rooms, free Wi-Fi. Towels €1. €14 (dorm bed), from €51 (room w/shared toilet). (updated Sep 2016) 2 Innsa Hostel, Carrer de Baix, 48 (Carmen), ☏ +34 963 917 751, info@innsahostel.com. Check-in: 12:00-22:00, check-out: 09:00-11:00. Free Wi-Fi, has onsite bar/restaurant. From €38 (room w/shared toilet). (updated Sep 2016) 3 Purple Nest Hostel (Hostels Valencia Spain), Plaça de Tetuán, 5, ☏ +34 963 532 561, fax: +34 963 427 128, info@purplenesthostel.com. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 05:00-11:00. A good budget hostel in Valencia hostel in the city centre. Has free Wi-Fi, family room, rooftop terrace and barbecue, and bar. From €43 (dorm bed). (updated Jul 2023) 4 Red Nest Hostel (Hostels Valencia Spain), Carrer de la Pau, 36, ☏ +34 963 427 168, fax: +34 963 427 128, info@rednesthostel.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 07:00-11:00. A good budget hostel Valencia in the city centre. Has a large kitchen free lockers, free bed linen, and free Wi-Fi; towels €1. €40 (dorm bed). (updated Jul 2023) 5 The River Hostel, Plaça del Temple, 6, ☏ +34 963 913 955, hello@riverhostelvalencia.com. Check-in: 14:30, check-out: 11:00. Has nonsmoking rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hr front desk. €10-40. (updated Feb 2018) 6 Valencia Lounge Hostel, Carrer dels Cadirers, 11, ☏ +34 963 923 425, info@valencialoungehostel.com. 11 rooms (double, triple, quadruple) with balconies, aesthetically decorated, no en-suite bathrooms, in a quiet alleyway. Doubles €39+. (updated Feb 2017)

Hotels

7 Hospedería del Pilar, Plaça del Mercat, 19 (Mercat), ☏ +34 963 916 600, info@hospederiadelpilar.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Operating since 1886, the hostal has nonsmoking rooms with private baths, and a 24-hr desk. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles €36-40. (updated Feb 2018) 8 Hotel Beleret, Carrer del Campament, 80 (Benimàmet, near the Les Carolines metro stop), ☏ +34 963 640 505, fax: +34 963 640 303, reservas@beleret.com. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: 05:00-12:00. On the northern outskirts of the city, the hotel has nonsmoking rooms, an onsite restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi. Pets permitted on request, free nearby parking. Doubles €44+, breakfast €6. (updated Feb 2018)

Stay safe

Valencia is quite possibly among the safest cities in Spain and Europe. As with Madrid and Barcelona, streets are filled with people at all times, even deep into the night. Valencia also has a decent police presence. The only neighborhoods that may warrant extra precaution are Ciutat Jardí, El Cabanyal, and Aiora, in the east of the city. They are mostly deserted at night, but muggings are not unheard of. The city's railway stations and certain metro stations might attract beggars and drunkards, but simply saying no will be enough. The Falles celebrations attract thousands of people every year. Watch out for pickpockets.

Go next

Outskirts

Albufera Natural Park — A fresh water lake which is part of the protected natural space, composed of the lake and surrounding marshy areas, as well as the pinewood and sandy dunes and beaches of El Saler. Rice is cultivated in the surrounding area of the lake. The Albufera also hosts many interesting varieties of migratory birds. The village of El Palmar is also a good place, if not the best, to try some paella or other local dishes. Manises – 15 km northwest of Valencia, it is not only the site of Valencia's airport, but is also an important centre for pottery. The city can be easily reached by Valencia's metro lines 3 and 5. Paterna – This bedroom community 5 km to the northwest is known for its cave dwellings, Moorish tower, and Moors and Christians Festival. El Puig – 15 km north of Valencia, this village is best known for its impressive Gothic monastery, and is easily visited as a half-day trip from the city. Torrent – 9 km southwest of Valencia, the second largest city in Valencia province has a couple of interesting sights.

Further afield

Rent a car and do a day trip to any number of picturesque villages or small cities in the region, including Chulilla, Sot de Chera, Xàtiva, and Sagunto, among others. La Tomatina, hosted by nearby Buñol on the last Wednesday of August. A festival that involves thousands of participants throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. Make sure you wear clothes that you can throw out after wards, as it gets very messy. Cullera, is the nearest beach resort from the city, apart from the more aimed at locals Pobla de Farnals, and worth a day visit from Valencia if you have time. It is settled down an isolated mountain (with a big white sign saying "Cullera" on it) beside a beautiful bay. It has crowded and quiet beaches. The most quiet ones are along the lighthouse road. There is also a naturist beach right North of Cullera, in Playa del Dossel, with a tricky road to access it. There is a castle on top of the mountain from which to enjoy stunning views. Gandia, 65 km south of Valencia and easily accessible by regional train, is the historical capital of the ancient Dukedom of Gandia, origin of the infamous Borgia (Borja) family, whose Ducal Palace is worth the visit, and birthplace of fideuà. Montanejos, with its scenic mountains, gorges, and hot springs.