Valencia
Western Europe · Spain
Did you know?
- Paella originated here and remains a signature dish.
- Falles celebrations culminate on 19 March.
- Albufera's wetlands pair boat rides with birdwatching.
See also
Overview
Valencia is a cultural centre in Spain. The city lies on the Mediterranean coast.
Languages: Catalan, Basque, Galician, Spanish
Why go?
Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and a major cultural centre on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its UNESCO-listed Falles celebration, it offers centuries of history, ultramodern architecture by Santiago Calatrava, excellent paella, and good beaches. The city is safer and more relaxed than Madrid or Barcelona, making it a great backpacker destination year-round.
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Getting in
Valencia Airport (VLC) is 9 km from the city centre in Manises, served by Air Europa, easyJet, Iberia, Ryanair, and others. The metro (line 3/5) connects the airport to the centre in about 20 minutes (€4.90 single). The main train stations are Estació del Nord (for regional trains) and Joaquín Sorolla (for AVE high-speed). The bus station (Estació d'Autobusos) has services from major Spanish cities. Ferries from Baleària and Trasmediterranea connect to the Balearic Islands.
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Getting around
Metro (lines 1-9) and tram (lines 4-6) cover the city; a single ticket costs about €1.50. Buses are also extensive. Bicycle rental is popular: DoYouBike charges €2/hour or €9/day, and Valencia Bikes Pechina €5/hour. The hop-on-hop-off bus (Valencia Bus Turistic) costs €17/24 hours. Walking is best in the old town. Street signs are in Valencian only, which can confuse maps.
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When to go
Spring (March–May) is ideal, with the Falles festival (19 March) being the highlight—expect crowds and high prices. Summer (June–August) is hot (30-35°C) and humid, but beach season. Autumn offers pleasant weather and events like the Fira de Juliol. Winter is mild (around 10°C) and less crowded. August is slow as locals vacation. Falles week is extremely busy.
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Where to stay
Staying in or near the old town (Ciutat Vella) means you will hardly need transport. Budget options include Hôme Backpackers Hostel (dorms from €14) and Purple Nest Hostel (dorms from €43). The neighbourhoods of El Carmen and Ruzafa offer good atmosphere and affordable guesthouses.
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Food and drink
Valencia is the birthplace of paella—try authentic versions at the Malvarrosa beach area (e.g., La Pepica, Casa Roberto). Typical paella meals cost €10-20. For cheap eats, Tasca Ángel offers grilled sardines and tapas (€4-9), Kiosco La Pérgola serves bocadillos for €3-4. Horchata (tigernut milk) is a local treat at Horchatería Santa Catalina or Daniel. Aigua de València (cava and orange juice) is the signature cocktail.
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Things to do
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) is a must-see architectural complex; the Oceanogràfic aquarium costs €41.80 but is worth it. The UNESCO-listed Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is free on Sundays. Climb the Micalet tower for €3 for views. The Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria) is a 7-km park ideal for biking. Bioparc (€28.90-31.90) is an animal-friendly zoo. The Falles festival in March features towering ninots, mascletàs, and a grand burning (Cremà).
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Safety
Valencia is among the safest cities in Spain and Europe. Streets are filled with people day and night, and police are present. Neighbourhoods to avoid at night include Ciutat Jardí, El Cabanyal, and Aiora. During Falles, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. The city's stations may attract beggars, but simply saying no is sufficient.
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Connectivity
As of June 2022, Valencia has 4G from MasMovil/Yoigo and 5G from Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. WiFi is widely available in public places, including markets, shopping centres, and cafés. Many hotels and hostels offer free WiFi.
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Budget
A daily backpacker budget in Valencia can be around €30-40: dorm bed €14-43, cheap meal €5-10, metro/bus ticket €1.50, and attractions like free museums. The Valencia Tourist Card (24/48/72 h) offers free transport and museum entry, costing about €15-30.
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Day trips
The Albufera Natural Park, just south of Valencia, offers boat rides, birdwatching, and authentic paella in El Palmar. Take bus 25 from the city centre (30 min). Sagunto has a Roman theatre and castle. Further afield, the beach town of Gandía and the sherry city of Jerez are reachable by train.
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Etiquette
The local language is Valencian (a dialect of Catalan); avoid calling it Catalan as locals are sensitive. Spanish is widely understood. English is hit or miss, especially among older people. Learn basic Spanish phrases. Tipping is not expected but appreciated (usually 5-10% in restaurants).
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Go next
From Valencia, you can head north to Barcelona (3 hours by AVE train) or south to Alicante and Murcia. The Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca) are a 5-7 hour ferry ride. The city is a good base for exploring the Valencian Community, including the mountains of Peñíscola and the historic cities of Castellón and Alicante.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- drink
Aigua de València
'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.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Aqua Multispacio
Along with the usual chain shops and restaurants, this large complex has two hotels, a cinema, a bowling centre, and a large gym and pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is a taxi stand outside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bullfighting
Bullfights are staged in Valencia only during three short seasons, including Falles (mid-March), the Fira de Juliol (July Festival), and the Nou d’Octubre (Valencian National Day in October). If you are put off by bullfighting, consider attending a recortes competition, an ancient nonviolent alternative practiced only in the Valencian Community, Navarra, La Rioja, and northern Castile-La Mancha. Recortadores leap, perform backflips, and occasionally pole-vault over charging bulls. The bulls are unharmed and not killed afterward, but it is very dangerous for the athletes, who are often matadors-in-training. While these events are not as well-attended as bullfights, popularity is growing. Typically there is one recortes event during each bullfighting season.
Recorded price: Bullfights €12-120, recortes €10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Café del Duende
This café is an intimate venue for flamenco performances, with well-known dancers and musicians hailing not only from Valencia but from across Spain. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays performances begin at 23:00 and last for one hour; on Sunday they begin at 20:00. As shows are very popular, it is advisable to get there at least an hour before the show in order to secure a seat – getting to the door 15 minutes before opening is even better.
Recorded price: €10 (includes drink)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Casa del Libro
Probably Valencia's largest bookshop and part of a national chain, it has four floors of new and used books, with a good selection of books in English and other languages. Pets are permitted.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Centro Comercial El Saler
Has a full range of standard international chain stores as well as restaurants and a Carrefour hypermarket. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is a taxi stand outside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Centro Comercial Nuevo Centro
Has more than 80 shops and restaurants as well as a branch of Corte Inglés. Also has a children's playground, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. There is a taxi stand outside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Cines Babel
An art-house cinema which screens films in their original languages, including many current releases. The cinema has an adjoining café, and offers mid-week deals of dinner plus a movie for a reduced ticket price. All films VO.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G/5G network coverage good; free WiFi in many public spaces. SIM cards available from Movistar, Orange, Vodafone.
Entry
Part of Schengen Area; most nationalities need no visa for stays up to 90 days. Check requirements before travel.
Food
Local specialties: paella (€8-20), horchata (€2-4), tapas (€3-9). Avoid touristy places with large paella pictures.
Language
Official languages: Valencian and Spanish. English spoken by many under 50. Learning basic Spanish helps.
Money
Major credit cards widely accepted; ATMs abundant. Beware of dynamic currency conversion. Tipping not obligatory.
Safety
Valencia is very safe; avoid Ciutat Jardí, Cabanyal, and Aiora at night. Watch for pickpockets during Falles.
Transport
Metro/tram/bus single ticket ~€1.50. Valencia Tourist Card covers transport and museums.
Weather
Mediterranean climate: hot summers (30-35°C), mild winters (~10°C). Best spring/fall. Falles in March very busy.