30 Fun Things to Do in Valencia Spain for First-Timers

Looking for the best things to do in Valencia, Spain? You’re in the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Spain, I’ve visited Valencia multiple times and always discover something new each trip. 

In this guide, I’m sharing 30 fun and worthwhile Valencia activities for first-time visitors–from top attractions and local food experiences to beach spots and hidden gems. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this list will help you make the most of your time. Let’s get into the best things to do in Valencia for your first visit!

Here are some of my top picks for activities in Valencia:

#1 Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas

Discover Valencia’s historic center on a guided walking tour that ends with a delicious wine and tapas tasting in a beautiful setting.

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#2 Explore the City of Arts & Sciences

Explore Valencia’s most famous landmark with a combo ticket that includes entry to the site’s top attractions.

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#3 Take a Paella Cooking Class

Learn to make authentic Valencian paella with local chefs, starting with a market visit and ending with a delicious meal paired with sangria and wine.

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Exploring Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella) is the best way to start your trip and get a feel for the city.

The historic center is entirely walkable, with narrow streets that lead to lively squares like Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as the Church of San Nicolás and the National Museum of Ceramics.

Palm tree-lined streets, ornate fountains, and colorful flowers add to the city’s charm, and you’ll no doubt be tempted to stop for drinks or tapas at a shaded outdoor terrace.

Tip: A great way to see all the top landmarks in Valencia is to go on a walking tour. I went on this Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas and it was such a fun experience!

The City of Arts and Sciences is pretty much the most famous attraction in Valencia, and is a futuristic outdoor complex that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. 

Designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this mega campus is located in the old Turia riverbed and surrounded by beautiful turquoise pools.

It’s home to several modern attractions like the Hemisfèric (an IMAX theater), the interactive Science Museum, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (opera house), and the Oceanografic Aquarium.

You can buy individual tickets or save a bit with a City of Arts and Sciences combo pass that covers multiple buildings and attractions. 

The sleek white architecture is a wild contrast to the rest of the city and makes this one of the most unique places to visit in Valencia.

If you want to try paella in Spain, there’s no better place than Valencia–where this classic Spanish rice dish was born. 

Taking a paella cooking class here gives you the full experience, from selecting ingredients to learning how it’s made the traditional way. 

Authentic Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit, and snails–not seafood! 

It’s a hands-on (and delicious) way to connect with local food culture.

Visiting the Valencia Cathedral is a must, especially for first-time visitors. 

The exterior kind of looks like a mini version of the Colosseum, and inside you’ll find what they claim to be the actual Holy Grail. 

Don’t miss the chance to climb the spiral staircase of El Micalet, the cathedral’s iconic bell tower with fantastic views of the city.

The entrance fee is around €9 and includes access to the cathedral with an audio guide, and the tower can be accessed for an additional charge.

​If you’re into marine life, the Oceanogràfic Aquarium within the City of Arts and Sciences is definitely one of the best things to see in Valencia.

As Europe’s largest aquarium, it houses over 45,000 animals from 500 species across both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

It is beautifully designed with interactive exhibits and you’ll get to see sea lions, whales, turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, flamingos, coral reefs, and more. 

One of the highlights is the impressive shark tunnel, where you can walk through and watch these intimidating creatures swim overhead.

Mercat Central (Central Market) is one of the largest and oldest indoor markets in Europe–even bigger than La Boqueria in Barcelona! 

It’s a great place to browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to jamon iberico, cured meats, and cheeses. 

I especially love the colorful fruit displays and would recommend grabbing a cup of fresh strawberries for a quick snack! 

The building itself is worth seeing too, with its beautiful stained glass, intricate domed ceilings, and tiled details.

As you’re strolling through the Mercat Central, make sure to check out Central Bar at the back of the market.

Run by Michelin-star chef Ricard Camarena, this lively tapas bar fills up fast! There’s only bar seating, so it’s a good idea to get there early or you’ll have to wait in line.

The menu includes tapas, bocadillos (sandwiches), seafood dishes, and a full bar. 

I tried the Ricard Camarena pork sandwich–while it looked really simple, it was surprisingly flavorful and definitely worth trying.

Joining a local food tour is one of the best ways to kick off your trip to Valencia. 

It helps you get a lay of the land, learn about the city’s food culture, and pick up recommendations from a local guide. 

I went on this food tour that started with a walking tour through the Old Town, followed by a full tasting experience with wine, tapas, and paella. 

It was a fun and informative way to cover a lot in just a few hours–perfect if you’re short on time.

If you’re in the mood for some sun, Valencia has incredibly wide, sandy beaches that are great for a laid-back afternoon. 

The most popular ones are Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa del Cabanyal, both lined with palm trees and a long boardwalk filled with restaurants and cafes. 

While the beaches are nice, they’re not the most impressive in Spain–but they’re still a solid option if you want a beach day. 

And they aren’t within walking distance of the city center, so you’ll need to grab a taxi, rent a bike, or hop on public transportation to get there.

Grabbing a meal at a seaside restaurant is a great add on to a beach day in Valencia. 

La Pepica is a classic spot right on the boardwalk that’s known for their incredible paella and rice dishes. 

Casa Carmela is another favorite, known for its traditional Valencian paella and more local feel. 

And if you’re just looking for a drink in a cute setting, Boa Beach is a fun, laid-back spot with classic cocktails and beachy vibes.

Tip: Most paella restaurants on the beach close around 4PM so make sure to go before then! 

Taking a trip to a local orange farm is a really unique way to experience Valencia’s agricultural heritage, as the region is famous for its high-quality oranges. 

Just a 35-minute train ride from the city, you can visit Huerto Ribera in Carcaixent, known as the “orange cradle.” 

During the tour, you’ll walk through beautiful gardens and groves, learning about citrus cultivation, and the different varieties grown here, like oranges, tangerines, and even Buddha’s hand (a citrus fruit). 

At the end of the visit, you’ll get to taste typical Valencian products, including fresh orange juice, homemade jams, and Valencian liqueurs.

Touring the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) gives you a glimpse into Valencia’s past as a major player in the silk trade. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 15th century and once served as a marketplace where merchants would buy and sell silk. 

The Gothic-style building almost feels like a fortress, with its tall columns and detailed stonework. 

Entrance is only €2, and it doesn’t take long to visit so it’s perfect for a quick cultural stop while exploring the Old Town.

Trying out traditional Valencian drinks is another must-do activity and there are two drinks you need to try while you’re in Valencia. 

First up is horchata, a chilled drink made from tiger nuts that’s totally different from the Mexican version you might know. 

Head to Horchatería de Santa Catalina for one of the most well-known spots to try it. 

The other is Agua de Valencia–a strong but tasty mix of vodka, gin, cava, and orange juice. 

You can find it at most bars and restaurants in the city but Café de las Horas is one of the best places to try it. Just go easy because they can sneak up on you fast!

Albufera Natural Park is a peaceful escape just south of Valencia, known for its freshwater lagoon, rice fields, and diverse bird species. 

A fun way to explore the area is by taking a jeep tour that includes driving through the park and a boat ride on the lagoon. 

These tours often provide local insights into the region’s wildlife and the history of rice cultivation. 

It’s one of the top attractions in Valencia and a quick and refreshing break from the city.

Going shopping is a fun way to explore Valencia’s mix of local style and big-name brands. 

Head to the trendy Russafa neighborhood for independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cool concept stores. 

For more well-known Spanish brands like Zara, Mango, and Bimba y Lola, check out Calle de Don Juan de Austria or Carrer de Jorge Juan, which is more high-end. 

You’ll also find El Corte Inglés nearby, Spain’s famous department store with just about everything you can imagine under one roof.

Turia Park is one of Valencia’s most unique green spaces. It used to be a riverbed until the river was rerouted after a major flood. 

Today, it’s a long stretch of parkland that winds through the city, filled with gardens, bike paths, playgrounds, and shady spots to relax. 

It’s a great place to walk, run, or rent a bike and see a quieter side of the city. 

The Turia Garden park runs all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences, making it a scenic and easy way to get there.

Valencia’s Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart are two of the city’s original defensive towers, once part of the medieval wall that protected the city. 

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, they were used as gatehouses and even as prisons at different points in history. 

Today, you can climb to the top for just a couple of euros. Just be prepared for some steep, narrow steps! 

The views from the top are worth it, offering a wide look over the Old Town and beyond.

Valencia has several local museums worth checking out, especially if you’re interested in art or history. 

The Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes) is one of the most important in Spain and features works by artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Sorolla. 

For something more modern, head to IVAM (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern), which focuses on contemporary and 20th-century modern art. 

The National Ceramics Museum is also a unique stop–not just for the exhibits, but for the stunning palace it’s housed in.

While Valencia isn’t as famous for flamenco as cities like Seville, it’s still possible to catch an authentic show here. 

Venues like La Bulería and Palosanto Tablao Flamenco offer performances that showcase the passion and intensity of this art form. 

Experiencing flamenco in Valencia provides a unique cultural activity, especially if your travels don’t include other regions of Spain where flamenco is more prominent.

Located just off of Turia Park, ​Monforte Gardens is one of Valencia’s hidden gems and a great spot to unwind. 

And with free entrance, it’s one of the best free things to do in Valencia! 

As you wander through the impressive gardens, you’ll find secluded fountains, benches, and pathways lined with orange trees. 

It’s a really quiet and peaceful retreat away from the louder parts of the city.

Mercat de Colón is worth a visit just to admire the architecture, which was inspired by Antoni Gaudí and features colorful mosaic tiles and arched ironwork. 

While the actual market area downstairs is fairly small, the upstairs has stands selling cute jewelry, clothing, sunglasses, and other accessories from local designers. 

It’s also a great place to grab a drink or bite to eat, with several restaurants, bars, and cafes throughout the building.

Taking a guided bike tour is a fun and easy way to explore Valencia, especially since the city is incredibly bike-friendly–you’ll literally see bikes everywhere! 

It’s a great option if you want to cover more ground without wearing yourself out. 

Many tours include stops at top sights like the City of Arts and Sciences and even go all the way out to the beach. 

You’ll also get local tips and a better feel for how everything connects across the city.

La Estrecha is one of the skinniest buildings in Europe, and it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it! 

It’s just over 1 meter wide (about 4 feet), and a family actually used to live there back in the day–each member occupying one floor. 

You can’t go inside, but it makes for a fun and quirky photo stop. 

The ground floor is now part of the hat shop next door, and the upper floors are used as bathrooms for the Airbnb beside it.

The San José Caves (Coves de Sant Josep) make a fun day trip from Valencia and are home to the longest navigable underground river in Europe. 

They’re located in La Vall d’Uixó, which is about 45 minutes away from Valencia by car, and you explore most of the caves by boat or kayak. 

The San José Caves tour takes you through calm, winding passages with interesting rock formations and a steady temperature of around 68°F (20°C) year-round. 

It’s a really unique and relaxing way to experience a different side of the region.

Bioparc Valencia is one of the top Valencia attractions, and is a zoo with a totally different vibe. 

Set on the edge of Turia Park, it’s designed to feel like you’re actually stepping into the animals’ habitats. 

You’ll see giraffes, zebras, lions, gorillas, elephants, and even lemurs roaming freely in spaces that mimic their natural environments. 

One of the coolest parts is the Madagascar area, where you can walk through the same paths as the lemurs. 

There aren’t any big fences or cages, so it really feels like you’re in the middle of it all.

Located about 1.5 hours from the city, the Montanejos Thermal Springs are a popular day trip from Valencia. 

While they’re often called hot springs, the water stays at a mild 77°F (25°C) year-round.  So it’s not exactly steamy, but still really refreshing. 

The area is surrounded by cliffs, rivers, and hiking trails, making it a great mix of swimming and light adventure. 

You can book a tour to Montanejos Thermal Springs if you don’t have a car, which makes the trip super easy to plan.

​If you’re in Valencia during the football (aka soccer) season, catching a Valencia CF game at Mestalla Stadium is an unforgettable experience. 

The La Liga season typically runs from mid-August to late May, so you might be able to catch a match if you’re visiting during this time. 

And even if you’re not there during the season, you can still take a guided tour of Mestalla to explore the stadium’s history and get behind-the-scenes access. 

If you’re not visiting Valencia during Las Fallas, the Museo Fallero is a great place to learn about this unique festival. 

Las Fallas is an annual celebration in March where giant, satirical figures called “ninots” are created and then burned in a huge bonfire. 

The museum showcases a collection of these colorful figures that were saved from the flames, giving you a glimpse into the artistry and fun spirit of the festival.

It’s a fun stop to understand why Las Fallas is such a big deal in Valencia.

​Taking a catamaran cruise along Valencia’s coastline is a fun way to experience the Mediterranean Sea–because who doesn’t love being on a boat?! 

As you sail past the city, you’ll get a totally different view of the shoreline, with sea breezes and sunshine setting the deluxe vibe. 

Some cruises even offer onboard dining, where you can enjoy tapas and drinks while you relax on deck. 

It’s a laid-back, scenic experience that adds a little something extra to your time in Valencia.

El Carmen is one of the most fun areas to explore in Valencia, especially if you’re in the mood for drinks. 

The streets feel like a bit of a labyrinth, and part of the experience is just wandering until you find a spot that matches your vibe. 

You’ll come across everything from laid-back terraces to lively bars tucked into historic buildings. 

Whether it’s afternoon cocktails or a late-night drink, El Carmen is the kind of place where you don’t need a plan–just start walking and see where you end up.

I hope this list helped you get a better idea of what to do in Valencia, Spain! 

From beach days and bike rides to paella and historic sites, there’s a little bit of everything here. 

Plus, the mix of old-world charm and futuristic architecture gives the city a vibe that’s totally its own. 

Whether you’re ticking off major sights or just wandering with no set plan, Valencia is easy to enjoy at your own pace.

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