Must See~£22
City of Arts and Sciences
Ciutat de les Arts
A gleaming complex of white futuristic buildings holding an aquarium, science museum and opera house.
- Suggested time: 4 hrs
- Booking recommended
Daily, roughly 10:00–19:00 (longer in summer)
Things to do in Valencia
9 places, 4 of them free. Futuristic architecture, paella’s birthplace and a sunny city beach.
MarketsFree
Valencia Central Market
Ciutat Vella
A modernist iron-and-glass hall of fruit, cured ham and seafood, right beside the Silk Exchange.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
Monday–Saturday mornings to mid-afternoon; closed Sundays
FamiliesFree
Turia Gardens
Turia riverbed
A green ribbon along a former riverbed, perfect for walking, cycling and picnics.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
Open-air; always accessible
Must See~£9
Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete
Ciutat Vella
A cathedral of many styles with a climbable bell tower and views across the old town rooftops.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- Booking recommended
Most days, roughly 10:00–18:30; limited hours Sundays
BeachesFree
Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa
A broad, sandy city beach backed by a promenade of paella restaurants.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
Open access; lifeguards in season
Must See~£2
La Lonja de la Seda
Ciutat Vella
A late-Gothic silk-trading hall with twisted stone columns and an orange-tree courtyard.
- Suggested time: 45 min
- No booking needed
Most days, roughly 10:00–19:00; shorter on Sundays
Families~£21
Bioparc Valencia
Bioparc
A zoo that recreates African habitats without obvious bars, popular with families.
- Suggested time: 3h 30m
- Booking recommended
Daily, roughly 10:00–18:00 (later in summer)
Day Trips~£13
Albufera Natural Park Sunset Boat
Albufera (10 km)
A lagoon of rice fields and reed beds, best seen on a quiet boat trip at sunset.
- Suggested time: 4 hrs
- Booking recommended
Boat trips daily; sunset departures are most popular
NightlifeFree
El Carmen Old Quarter Bars
El Carmen
A maze of lanes, murals and small bars that fill up after dark.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
Bars typically open evenings until late
Planning Valencia?