Visits and tours in Valencia
With Funbooker, discover the most beautiful places to visit in Valencia, Spain. Guided tours of the old town, bike rides and food tours are all available to book. Best price guaranteed - Free cancellation
20,000 activities
to choose from
20,000 activities
to choose from
Free
cancellations
Free
cancellations
Rated 4.8/5
(+100k reviews)
Rated 4.8/5
(+100k reviews)
Same price
as buying direct
Same price
as buying direct
Summary
Summary
The 10 must-see places to visit in Valencia
Valencia goes from Gothic alleyways to futuristic architecture in a couple of pedal strokes. Add long beaches, paella and the Mediterranean pace of life, and you'll understand why people keep coming back.
Cathedral and Miguelete
Built from the 13th century onwards, the cathedral blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque (it never could choose, and that's a good thing). One of its chapels holds the Holy Chalice, presented as the Holy Grail.
The Miguelete, its bell tower, has to be earned with 207 steps. You'll be a little out of breath at the top, but the view over the rooftops of the old town, all the way to the sea on a clear day, quickly makes you forget your legs.
Plaza de la Virgen
Just behind the cathedral, this square is the old town's open-air living room. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken and its sunny terraces make it an ideal place to stop.
A little tip: come on a Thursday at noon. In front of the Apostles' Door sits the Water Tribunal, which has settled irrigation disputes for centuries. A UNESCO-listed institution, in the open air.
La Lonja de la Seda
A former silk exchange built at the end of the 15th century, the Lonja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It bears witness to the city's trading power (and its merchants' taste for beautiful offices).
In the Hall of Columns, twisted pillars rise like palm trees up to the Gothic vault. Look up, then head off to unwind in the peaceful orange tree courtyard next door.
Central Market
Opposite the Lonja, the Mercado Central has occupied a vast Art Nouveau building of iron, glass and ceramics since 1928. Hundreds of stalls sell ham, cheese, fruit, fish and seafood.
Come in the morning, when the market is in full swing. A few counters serve food to eat on the spot, and if you give in to a slice of jamón between two visits, we won't tell.
El Carmen district
Our favourite district for wandering aimlessly through the old town. Old alleyways, street art on every corner, little squares and tapas bars: El Carmen is best discovered by getting lost on purpose.
At its edge, the Torres de Serranos, the northern gate of the 14th-century medieval walls, can be climbed for a view over the Turia. The Torres de Quart still bear cannonball marks from the war against Napoleon.
Turia Gardens
After the deadly flood of 1957, the river was diverted and its former bed turned into an urban park around 9 kilometres long, crossing the city from west to east. A pretty brilliant idea, let's admit it.
Joggers, cyclists and families cross paths under the palm trees, passing beneath old bridges. At the end of the route, surprise: the City of Arts and Sciences awaits.
City of Arts and Sciences
It feels like a sci-fi film shot on the shores of the Mediterranean. Largely designed by Santiago Calatrava, its white futuristic buildings are reflected in large turquoise pools.
The Hemisfèric, the Science Museum and the Palau de les Arts are visited separately. Even without going inside, a walk among the illuminated buildings at night is well worth it.
Oceanogràfic
At the far end of the City, the Oceanogràfic aquarium showcases marine ecosystems from around the world, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic. Its tunnel, where sharks glide above your head, never fails to impress.
Allow several hours (and comfortable shoes) to see it all. Families often spend the whole day there without noticing the time go by.
Malvarrosa Beach
A few tram stops and your feet are in the sand. Malvarrosa offers a wide beach lined with a seafront promenade, perfect for walking, running or doing nothing at all.
The restaurants lining the seafront serve paella and seafood, ideal after a late-afternoon swim. The neighbouring Las Arenas beach extends the stroll towards the port.
Albufera Natural Park
South of the city, a large freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields forms the Albufera Natural Park. This is where the rice for Valencian paella, born in the region, is grown.
The great classic is a boat ride at sunset. Then head to the village of El Palmar and its many restaurants, to taste paella on its home turf (no chorizo, we promise).
Our ideas for seeing Valencia differently
Flat as a pancake and full of cycle lanes, Valencia is perfect for bike rides. Our guided tours take in the major sights, hidden corners or a stop for horchata.
Fancy some stories? The old town legends tour is for you, as is the cathedral and Lonja tour with wine tasting. For nature lovers, head to the hanging bridges of Chulilla.
