Last autumn I spent a week in Valencia and was completely captivated by this city. Today I want to share some places I particularly loved, hoping it’ll help those planning to visit.
City of Arts and Sciences
This place is truly a paradise for architecture enthusiasts. Those white curved buildings look absolutely stunning against the blue sky. I went in the afternoon and the way the light hit the structures was incredible. I recommend visiting at dusk to see the buildings reflected in the pools – perfect for photography. As for tickets, it’s free if you just want to walk around and take photos outside; you need to buy tickets to enter the museums.
Venue Opening Hours Comparison
| Venue Name | Opening Hours | Ticket Price |
|---|
| Oceanographic | 10:00-20:00 | €33 |
| Science Museum | 10:00-19:00 | €8 |
| Hemisfèric | 11:00-21:00 | €9 |
The Narrow Streets of the Old Town
The Old Town really needs to be explored slowly to appreciate it. Those narrow cobblestone streets lead you to century-old shops or small churches around every corner. I found an old shop selling Horchata there – this drink made from tiger nuts paired with Farton pastries is a flavor locals have enjoyed since childhood. The Central Market is also in the Old Town; going in the morning lets you see the freshest ingredients – ham, seafood, fruits, you name it.
La Lonja de la Seda is also worth visiting – the hall with spiral columns is spectacular and it’s a World Heritage site. Tickets are only €2 and it’s free on Sundays. I wanted to stay longer but it was too crowded, so I’d suggest avoiding weekends.
Malvarrosa Beach
It’s only a 20-minute metro ride from the city center – super convenient. The beach is wide, the sand is fine, and the water is clean. When I went in October, the weather was still quite warm and I saw plenty of locals swimming. There’s a row of restaurants along the beach where you can have authentic Paella at prices cheaper than downtown, and the Valencia attractions are more authentic too.
I recommend going to the beach at dusk to watch the sunset – absolutely beautiful. There’s also a bike path, so renting a bike and cycling along the coastline is a great option.
Valencia is a city with a slower pace, not as bustling as Barcelona and perfect for attractions around Valencia relaxation. If you have time, I suggest allocating at least 3-4 days to truly experience the city’s charm. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments – I’ll answer what I know!
