15 Things to Do in Valencia, Spain in 2024

#	Activity	Description
1	Explore the Barrio del Carmen	Discover historic Valencia through its streets and cathedral.
2	Admire the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias	Visit this futuristic architectural complex.
3	Sample Authentic Paella	Taste Valencia’s iconic dish in its birthplace.
4	Relax in the Turia Gardens	Enjoy nature in this expansive urban garden.
5	Explore the Mercado Central	Experience the vibrant local market.
6	Marvel at Lonja de la Seda	Visit this UNESCO-listed Gothic Silk Exchange.
7	See Las Fallas Festival Fireworks	Witness this unique festival’s fireworks and art.
8	Browse the Stalls at Mercat Colon	Explore this Modernista market hall.
9	Admire Goya Paintings at Museu de Belles Arts	See Spanish masterpieces in this museum.
10	Relax at a Beachfront Café in Malvarrosa District	Enjoy the beachside atmosphere and views.
11	Visit the Historic Silk Exchange	Explore this historical trading hub.
12	See a Show at Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía	Attend a performance at this arts complex.
13	Take a Day Trip to Albufera Nature Park	Experience the natural beauty near Valencia.
14	Party at Las Fallas Festival	Join the lively street celebrations.
15	Wander Through the Barrio del Carmen	Immerse in old Valencia’s history and culture.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Valencia rewards travelers with cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences. As you plan your 2024 travels, here are 15 of the top things to do in marvelous Valencia.

Explore the Barrio del Carmen

Name and Location: Barrio del Carmen in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: The Barrio del Carmen is the historic old town quarter of Valencia. Winding medieval lanes, iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and Torres de Serranos, and a lively atmosphere make it a quintessential area to experience.

What to Expect: Visitors can get lost in the charming narrow streets, browse bustling markets, see historic architecture like the Gothic Lonja Silk Exchange, and sample tapas and nightlife around lively Plaça del Tossal.

Visitor Information: The Barrio del Carmen is very walkable and centrally located. Visit during the day to appreciate the architecture and nighttime to experience the energy.

The historic Barrio del Carmen neighborhood provides the perfect introduction to Valencia’s charms. Wander through the labyrinthine laneways to discover elegant palaces, bustling plazas lined with orange trees, restaurants spilling out into the streets, and the splendid 13th-century Valencia Cathedral. Climb the cathedral’s Miguelete bell tower for panoramic views over the city’s red-tiled roofs to the Turia Gardens and beyond. Stopping for a leisurely meal or drink allows you to feel the rhythm of local life in this atmospheric enclave.

Admire the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Name and Location: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: This stunning complex of futuristic buildings includes a science museum, aquarium, theater, and more. Designed by architect Calatrava and completed in 2005, it put Valencia on the map as a city of the future.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the cutting-edge architecture, with its white curves and unique shapes. Each building houses an impressive cultural institution, from the Principe Felipe Science Museum to the avant-garde Opera House.

Visitor Information: The City of Arts & Sciences complex spans a large area in Eastern Valencia. Get there by metro, bus or cab from the city center. Purchase combination tickets to visit multiple sites.

Valencia’s spectacular City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by native architect Santiago Calatrava resembles an futuristic alien settlement dropped into the city. The visually stunning ensemble includes the bone-white Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts, glass-and-steel L’Hemisfèric IMAX theater, L’Umbracle walkway, Science Museum, underwater Agora performance hall, and Oceanogràfic Europe’s largest aquarium. Spending a day immersing yourself in culture, nature, science, and architecture at this cutting-edge attraction highlights Valencia’s bold innovation and creativity.

Sample Authentic Paella

Name and Location: Paella in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Valencia is renowned as the birthplace of paella, the iconic Spanish rice dish loaded with seafood, chicken or rabbit, vegetables, and saffron. Locals take pride in their traditional preparation techniques.

What to Expect: Dining at one of Valencia’s many paella specialty restaurants allows visitors to taste authentic versions like Paella Valenciana with chicken and rabbit. The open-air cafes of the Barrio del Carmen also serve excellent plates.

Visitor Information: Lunch around 2pm or dinner after 9pm are ideal times for paella. Restaurants on Plaza del Ayuntamiento or near the market are excellent options. Making a reservation is recommended.

As the birthplace of iconic rice dish paella, Valencia provides the perfect place to taste authentic versions of Spain’s most famous culinary export. For the ultimate experience, head to the fisherman’s quarter of El Cabanyal to feast on seafood paella loaded with succulent prawns, mussels, calamari and other fresh maritime ingredients. Restaurants like Casa Montaña and El Rall serve excellent renditions in atmospheric settings by the sea. Pairing paella with local Alicante wines makes for a quintessential Valencian meal.

Relax in the Turia Gardens

Name and Location: Turia Gardens in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: The Turia Gardens were created from the riverbed of the diverted Turia River, transforming it into a 9km green space running through Valencia. The gardens provide a peaceful natural oasis in the heart of the city.

What to Expect: Visitors can walk, run or bike under the shady paths, admire modern bridges and fountains, find restaurants and cafes, or relax in the sun. The gardens host activities from yoga to concerts. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this urban refuge.

Visitor Information: The Turia Gardens stretch north-south across Valencia. Bike rentals and metro stops along the way make it easy to explore a section. The gardens are busiest on weekends.

One of Valencia’s most remarkable green spaces is the immense Turia Gardens, spreading through the expansive former riverbed of the diverted Rio Turia. The 9-kilometer (5.5 mile) garden features jogging and cycling paths, Bridgeway sculptures and exercise areas, rose gardens, playgrounds, and fountains along its meandering water features. On Sundays, the gardens teem with locals out for relaxing strolls, bike rides, picnics, aerobics classes, and more. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city.

Explore the Mercado Central

Name and Location: Mercado Central in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: The Mercado Central is Valencia’s main market, occupying a stunning Modernist building from 1928. This bustling culinary heaven allows visitors to experience local flavors and culture.

What to Expect: The wrought iron and glass Mercado Central contains over 300 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, and gourmet Spanish products. Visitors can sample local tapas and wines at counters within the market.

Visitor Information: The Mercado Central is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30am until 3pm. Located in the historic center, it gets busy so arrive early. Come hungry to graze on the incredible variety of offerings!

To see, smell, taste, and feel the vibrant spirit of Valencia, spend time at the enormous Mercado Central. This early 20th century market hall occupies over 8000 square meters under a beautiful Modernista iron roof. Over 400 vendors sell incredibly fresh and affordable fruits, vegetables, spices, charcuterie, cheeses, churros, horchata, and other Valencian culinary specialties. Join locals shopping for dinner ingredients or grab tapas and coffee at a market stall. The thrumming energy and tempting aromas at this temple to food encapsulates Valencia’s essence.

Marvel at the Beauty of Lonja de la Seda

Name and Location: Lonja de la Seda in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: The Lonja de la Seda is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, built as Valencia’s silk exchange in the 15th century when the city was a silk trade capital. Its grandiose interior demonstrates Valencia’s past power and wealth.

What to Expect: Visitors can admire the imposing outer architecture with gargoyles and towers, along with the exquisite interior columns, vaulted ceilings, and historic details of this UNESCO treasure. Guided tours are highly recommended for insight.

Visitor Information: Located in the Barrio del Carmen, the Lonja is open to visitors daily except Mondays. Advance tickets are recommended to avoid queues. Audio guides are available for self-guided tours.

Dating from 1482, Valencia’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange) represents a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Spain’s finest civil buildings. The elaborately decorated Sala de Contratación trading hall features ethereal twisted columns, while the grand exterior resembles a delicate lace castle. Complimentary tours provide insight into its former operations as a mercantile hub and stock exchange. Don’t miss this Valencia icon demonstrating the city’s powerful 15th century heyday as a center of trade and culture.

See Las Fallas Festival Fireworks

Name and Location: Festival Fireworks in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Las Fallas culminates each March in the Nit del Foc, or Night of Fire, when Valencia’s streets fill with colorful displays of fireworks and pyrotechnics in a vivid spectacle of smoke, light and noise. It’s a stunning nighttime experience.

What to Expect: Professional fireworks from different neighborhoods provide a 360-degree immersive display over the course of around 5 hours as the city celebrates the end of the Fallas festival in explosive style. The spectacle is otherworldly.

Visitor Information: The Night of Fire takes place on March 19th each year. Find public viewing spots early to claim standing room – crowds are massive. Be prepared for constantly looking up and loud booms overhead!

Time your visit to Valencia in March to witness the city’s explosive Las Fallas Festival showcasing their Pyrotechnic Culture. Each neighborhood builds whimsical oversized papier-mâché sculptures which get paraded through the streets, judged, and finally burned in epic bonfires during “La Cremà” finale. Fireworks displays light up the skies for days in dazzling shows of sound, color and smoke. Watching elaborate ninots figures and firecrackers alongside cheering locals makes for an unforgettable travel experience celebrating community, artistry and Valencia traditions.

Wander Through the Barrio del Carmen

Name and Location: Barrio del Carmen in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: As Valencia’s historic quarter, the Barrio del Carmen contains winding medieval lanes, architectural landmarks, and lively plazas that convey the city’s rich culture and history. It offers an authentic local experience.

What to Expect: Walking the atmospheric streets and getting lost among the Barrio del Carmen’s restaurants, cafes, shops and historic buildings is an essential Valencia activity. Don’t miss sights like the Gothic Lonja de la Seda and Valencia Cathedral.

Visitor Information: Located just west of the City of Arts and Sciences, the compact Barrio del Carmen is very walkable. Visit during the day to appreciate the architecture and nighttime to experience the energy.

Soak up over 2000 years of history in Valencia’s atmospheric Barrio del Carmen neighborhood, situated on the grounds of a former Roman settlement. The Gothic Quarter here feels like a small village, with winding cobblestone lanes, leafy plazas, traditional cafés and shops, and historic architecture like the Valencia Cathedral. Climb the Cathedral’s Miguelete bell tower for panoramic views over the city’s red-tiled roofs to the Turia Gardens and beyond. The area comes alive at night with tapas bars and live music venues. Strolling these streets transports you to the heart of old Valencia.

Browse the Stalls at Mercat Colon

Name and Location: Mercat Colon in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Built in 1916, this iron Modernist market hall is one of Valencia’s most stunning indoor markets. Its central location makes it perfect for sampling local culinary offerings and people watching.

What to Expect: Mercat Colon’s tapas bars, produce stalls, bakeries and gourmet food kiosks allow visitors to immerse in Valencia’s vibrant food culture. Stop for a refreshing horchata and browse handmade crafts.

Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 8am-8:30pm.

For a fabulous undercover foodie experience, head to the Mercado Colon, an ornate early 20th century Modernista market hall housing over 50 gourmet stalls. This tantalizing market in the city center specializes in artisanal products and ready-to-eat goodies. You’ll find stalls selling farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, crusty breads, premium olive oils and vinegars, Spanish hams and charcuterie, regional cheeses, homemade pastries, and specialty coffees. Grab a bite at a counter or take items for an impromptu picnic – either way, Mercat Colon is a Valencian food lover’s paradise.

Admire Goya Paintings at Museu de Belles Arts

Name and Location: Museu de Belles Arts in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Valencia’s Museum of Fine Arts houses the finest collection of works by renowned Spanish painter Francisco Goya outside of Madrid. Visitors gain insights into 18th-19th century art.

What to Expect: Goya’s iconic paintings on display include “The Last Communion of St. Joseph of Calasanz” and “Portrait of Antonio María Esquivel.” The museum also features Gothic and Baroque works by Spanish masters like Velázquez, El Greco, Ribera, and more.

Visitor Information: The museum located near the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Admission around €2. Art lovers should allocate 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

Fans of Spanish art will appreciate Valencia’s Museum of Fine Arts, with the largest and most important collection of works in the region. Spanning centuries, it contains masterpieces by Velázquez, El Greco, Ribera, Murillo, and Goya, whose disturbing “Dos de Mayo” captures resistance against the French in vivid, almost photographic detail. The museum is set within the 17th century Baroque Silk Exchange, itself a resplendent work of architecture worth admiring. Beyond the paintings, the museum hosts music and dance performances in its ornate auditorium.

Relax at a Beachfront Café in the Malvarrosa District

Name and Location: Beachfront Café in the Malvarrosa District of Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Malvarrosa is Valencia’s seaside district, running along a stretch of the Mediterranean coast dotted with beaches. Its scenic beachfront promenade features restaurants, nightlife, and coastal activities.

What to Expect: At one of Malvarrosa’s lively cafes, visitors can sip drinks on a patio overlooking the sea, enjoy panoramic sunsets, and soak up the relaxed beach vibe. Stroll the palm-lined promenade or take a sunset swim.

Visitor Information: The Malvarrosa district lies about 2km east of the city center. Take the metro or a taxi, then wander the oceanside cafes and attractions along the promenade.

Valencia’s prime beachfront district of Malvarrosa offers miles of silky sand, swaying palms, and enticing stretches of the Mediterranean Sea. On a warm day, claim a seat at one of the lively cafés lining the seaside promenade and sip coffee, sangria or Spanish beers while watching beachgoers stroll by. For some pampering, treat yourself to a seafood lunch or massage at the elegant Las Arenas Balneario beach club. With soft breezes, beautiful views and bohemian energy, the Malvarrosa promises seaside bliss in the heart of the city.

Visit the Historic Silk Exchange

Name and Location: Historic Silk Exchange (Lonja de Seda) in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: The stunning 15th century Lonja de Seda building was Valencia’s silk exchange when the city dominated the silk trade. This architectural masterpiece reflects Valencia’s power and wealth in medieval times.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the Lonja’s grand Gothic interior of spiraling columns, vaulted ceilings, and gargoyles. Guided tours provide insights into its important mercantile history. The details and scale are astonishing.

Visitor Information: Located in the Barrio del Carmen, the Lonja is open to visitors daily except Mondays. Advance tickets recommended to avoid queues. Audio guides available.

Step back to Valencia’s 15th and 16th century Golden Age by touring the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of La Lonja de la Seda, the oldest operating silk exchange in Europe. This resplendent building with delicate Gothic stonework served as the headquarters of the city’s powerful merchant class. The vaulted Sala de Contratación trading hall feels like a cathedral to capitalism. Excellent guided tours provide insights into Valencia’s pivotal role in the silk trade and emergence as a prosperous Mediterranean superpower.

See a Show at Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía

Name and Location: Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: This majestic opera house was designed by architect Calatrava as part of Valencia’s City of Arts & Sciences. With state-of-the-art acoustics and avant-garde productions, it established Valencia as a global capital for opera and performing arts.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the stunning exterior and soaring interior of Palau de les Arts, then experience a world-class opera, ballet, or music performance in its main hall. Even just seeing the magnificent building is a highlight.

Visitor Information: Located in the City of Arts complex. Guided tours offered daily. Check website for upcoming performances and book tickets in advance online.

Culture vultures shouldn’t miss seeing a performance at Valencia’s majestic Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This state-of-the-art performing arts complex in the City of Arts & Sciences hosts world-class opera, ballet, theatre and orchestral concerts in its visually stunning halls. The soaring steel and glass exterior resembles a futuristic knight’s helmet, while the spacious white marble interior impresses with stellar acoustics. Experiencing dazzling productions in this architectural gem makes for an unforgettable night out.

Take a Day Trip to Albufera Nature Park

Name and Location: Albufera Nature Park Outside Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Parque Natural de la Albufera just south of Valencia comprises vital wetlands, rice paddies, lagoons and woodlands that have supported an abundance of wildlife for centuries. Exploring this idyllic coastal landscape provides a peaceful nature escape.

What to Expect: Visitors can walk the park’s trails, tour the informative exhibit halls, go birdwatching in the marshes, visit traditional barracas farmhouses, and enjoy meals of just-caught fish. The sunsets over the Albufera lagoon are spectacular.

Visitor Information: Albufera Park is accessible by car or bus from downtown Valencia. The park offers bike rentals, guided tours, and lodging options. Spring and fall have ideal mild weather.

Just 10 km (6 mi) south of Valencia’s center lies the serene freshwater lagoon of Albufera, surrounded by a protected wetland nature park. This vital migratory bird habitat provides opportunities for walking, cycling, boating, bird watching, or just gazing out over the tranquil waters. Stop for lunch at one of the wonderful seafood restaurants in the village of El Palmar, where paella originated using native rice, eel, and duck. Albufera’s soothing tranquility makes a perfect contrast after experiencing the energetic city.

Party at Las Fallas Festival

Name and Location: Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain

History and Significance: Las Fallas is a legendary Valencian celebration each March featuring fireworks, music, events, and monumental sculptures that get burned on the final Nit del Foc night. The festive atmosphere brings people from all over the world.

What to Expect: Visitors can join in Las Fallas festivities like fireworks displays, street parties, bullfights, and the floral mascletà. Exploring the huge ninots sculptures before they burn is a highlight. Accommodations fill fast so book early!

Visitor Information: Las Fallas runs for 5 days in mid-March each year. Finding accommodations close to the city center allows easy access to events. Join the crowds and prepare for little sleep!

Time your visit for March to join Valencia’s explosive Las Fallas Festival, an epic five-day street party celebrating the arrival of Spring. Each neighborhood creates satirical papier-mâché sculptures (fallas) depicting political or cultural themes, which get paraded through the streets accompanied by firecrackers. The festivities culminate in La Cremà, where the fallas get burned in roaring bonfires as fireworks erupt – a flamboyant spectacle like no other! Dancing, feasting, drinking, laughter and pyrotechnics fill the air during this chaotic Valencian tradition honoring Saint Joseph.

Conclusion

From its charming historic core and futuristic City of Arts, to 10 km of enticing Mediterranean beaches, rice dish paella feasts and riotous Las Fallas celebrations, Valencia tempts visitors with endless attractions. Looking ahead to 2024, timeless pleasures await among the city’s atmospheric neighborhoods, leafy gardens, grand museums and sunny plazas. Beyond the top sights, Valencia rewards those who take time to savor its cuisine, immerse in local culture, and soak up the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Follow this list to ensure an unforgettable 2024 visit to one of Spain’s most dynamic and inviting cities.