From scenic hikes in dramatic canyons to the city’s top cycle routes, these are the top things to do in Valencia for adventure lovers.
A city where history meets modernity, Valencia is often overshadowed by its northern neighbour, Barcelona. But we’re here to set things straight. Nestled on Spain’s southeastern coast, this destination is jam-packed with stunning architecture, toothsome cuisine, and picturesque landscapes.
From the architectural marvels of the City of Arts and Sciences to the wild wonders of the Bioparc, and the breathtaking beauty of nearby Chulilla, Valencia promises an adventure like no other.
The Best Things to do in Valencia
- Marvel at the City of Arts and Sciences
- Kayak on the Hemispheric Lakes
- Visit the Oceanogràfic
- Take a Day Trip to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla
- Head Out on a Hike in Montanejos
- Chill Out on El Cabanyal/La Malvarrosa Beach
- Wander Around Plaza de la Reina + Plaza de la Virgen
- Take a Boat Ride Through the Caves of San Jose
- Rent a Bike and Cycle Through Turia Garden
- Eat Your Way Around Valencia’s Many Food Markets
- Visit Bioparc Valencia
- Walk an Old Formula One Track
- Snap Some Photos Inside the Silk Exchange
- Where to Stay in Valencia
Best Things to do in Valencia
Marvel at the City of Arts and Sciences
Stepping into the City of Arts and Sciences – Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – is like entering a futuristic realm. Designed by the legendary Santiago Calatrava (you might recognise his name; he helmed the World Trade Center,) this sprawling complex is a hub of cultural and scientific exploration.
This is our favourite area of Valencia – we spent hours here taking photographs. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t fancy heading inside the L’Hemisfèric, which contains an IMAX and a planetarium, or one of the other nearby museums. We do recommend you head inside the leafy L’Umbracle though, which is a stunning garden by day and fun club by night.
Read Next: A Perfect 3 Day Valencia Itinerary (+ Map)
Kayak on the Hemispheric Lakes
Renting a kayaking in the City of Arts and Sciences is one of the top things to do in Valencia. There are a number of vessels available to rent near the Hemispheric Lakes, from kayaks and boats to giant zorb balls.
This activity is available during the warmer months between March and November. Although, we visited in May and the boats were nowhere to be seen. The rental spot is directly underneath L’Umbracle Gardens and it costs around €2.50 per person for 10 minutes.
Read Next: An Epic Guide to Kayaking Cinque Terre
Visit the Oceanogràfic
Did you know that Europe’s largest aquarium is also situated in the City of Arts and Sciences? Valencia’s Oceanogràfic is seriously impressive – it spans over 110,000 square metres.
It’s home to a diverse array of marine life from around the globe – from the Mediterranean zone, where you’ll encounter species native to the nearby waters, to the Arctic’s playful beluga whales. For a unique dining experience, visit the Submarino Restaurant, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine surrounded by a panoramic aquarium.
Take a Day Trip to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla
If you have time, one of the best things to do in Valencia (alright, near) is to take a day trip to Chulilla. This charming town is home to hanging bridges and deep canyons, which can be accessed through a pretty easy hike.
Annoyingly, the only way to get to Chulilla is by car which you can rent here (unless you fancy catching the only bus of the day and staying overnight.) We got there pretty early on a recent trip and the paths were very quiet. Once you reach the hanging bridges – around 30 minutes into the hike – you can continue on to find the Charco Azul, a blue pool that’s all too inviting in the Spanish heat.
The hike itself can be extremely hot in the summer months, so make sure you bring enough water. There are plenty of supermarkets along the way where you can stock up, and there are a couple of cafés and restaurants in Chulilla where you can grab a bite to eat afterwards.
The drive to Chulilla takes around an hour and winds through some of the most beautiful Spanish towns and villages. You can park your car at the hanging bridges car park – it was around €4 for the entire day. We arrived around 9am and the car park was pretty empty.
Read Next: Visiting the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla
Head Out on a Hike in Montanejos
Want to explore more of the beautiful landscape surrounding Valencia? Head to Montanejos, a picturesque village nestled in the mountains of the province of Castellón, just a short drive from Valencia.
Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs, Montanejos offers a perfect escape into nature with a variety of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. You can either rent a car and go alone or opt for a guided hike with a friendly guide.
Chill Out on El Cabanyal/La Malvarrosa Beach
Much like Barcelona, one thing we love about Valencia is that it boasts postcard-worthy beaches. The most popular stretches of coastline are El Cabanyal, next to the marina, and La Malvarrosa. These two beaches bleed into each other, so you can pick either. We recommend walking towards La Malvarrosa as the further north you walk, the quieter the beach becomes.
Wander Around Plaza de la Reina + Plaza de la Virgen
Surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants, Plaza de la Reina is the beating heart of Valencia. This vibrant square serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the city’s historic and cultural treasures – including the magnificent Valencia Cathedral.
Head behind the cathedral and you’ll find Plaza de la Virgen. Here, the striking Turia Fountain stands as a beautiful tribute to the Turia River that once flowed through the city. We recommend heading to both of these spots in the early evening, just as they come alive with people after a late-night bite.
Take a Boat Ride Through the Caves of San Jose
Not far from Montanejos is another incredible Valencia day trip idea. Located in the picturesque town of La Vall d’Uixó, the Caves of San Jose house the longest navigable underground river in Europe.
As you descend into the cool depths of the caves, you’ll be greeted by otherworldly rock formations sculpted by nature over thousands of years. Throughout the boat ride, you’ll wind through a series of chambers – one of the highlights of this boat ride is the particularly creepy “Hall of Bats.” Shudder.
Rent a Bike and Cycle Through Turia Garden
Stretching over 9 kilometres, Turia Garden is a verdant urban park that follows the former riverbed of the Turia River, which was drained after a flood in 1957. And we think there’s no better way to experience it than on two wheels.
There are numerous rental shops available throughout the city, including at the Hemispheric Lakes. A word of warning: make sure you obey the cycling rules – the local cyclists can be pretty aggressive and tourists should be as respectful as possible.
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Eat Your Way Around Valencia’s Many Food Markets
There are so many food markets in Valencia that you could easily spend your entire trip chowing down in them. However, Valencia’s Central Market is one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe. Housed in a stunning Modernist building, the market is a great place to grab a quick breakfast or snack. But note that the market is only open until around 2/3pm each day.
The exterior of Mercado de Colón is a visual delight, with its ornate ceramic tiles, wrought iron details, and grand arches. Step inside, and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the vibrant ambiance. That said, there are definitely fewer food options here. If you’re looking for a feast, we also highly rate Mercado de la Imprenta (particularly the empanadas!)
Visit Bioparc Valencia
Another popular attraction we recommend visiting is Bioparc Valencia. Where else can you experience the wonders of African wildlife in the heart of the Mediterranean? This immersive experience transports you to the vast savannas, dense jungles, and arid deserts of Africa, all meticulously recreated to provide natural habitats for the animals.
The zoo is home to lions, lemurs, giraffes, and gorillas, among many other species. The design of Bioparc is based on the concept of “zoo-immersion.” Barriers are practically invisible, allowing you to observe the animals up close. Don’t miss the Madagascar exhibit, where you can walk among free-roaming lemurs.
Walk an Old Formula One Track
We’re huge Formula One fans, so we might be biased, but walking the old F1 track is an unmissable addition to any Valencia itinerary. Plus, it’s situated next to the marina, so the views are incredible. You can get there by taking the tram to Grau – La Marina and wandering down towards the intricately-designed harbour sheds (Tinglados del Puerto).
While the Valencia Grand Prix was removed from the race calendar after 2012, it’s still possible to spot the pitlane and grid boxes. And, if you head back up towards Plaça de L’ona, you’ll be able to spot some of the faded sponsor art.
Read Next: Our Experience of the Singapore Grand Prix
Snap Some Photos Inside the Silk Exchange
The Silk Exchange, or La Lonja de la Seda, is one of Valencia’s most iconic landmarks. We love that it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its grandiose halls and intricate stonework. Better yet, the Silk Exchange is free to enter on Sundays (and who doesn’t love a free activity?)
Don’t forget to bring your camera. The main hall, known as the Sala de Contratación, features soaring vaulted ceilings and helical columns that spiral towards the heavens.
Where to Stay in Valencia
The best area to stay in Valencia is either Eixample or Ciutat Vella (Old Town) as they are both central and a stone’s throw from the main attractions. We have also previously stayed in L’Amistat, which is a lot quieter than Ciutat Vella, but has plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants.
