ABOUT

Valencia oozes relaxed charm, though not ostentatiously, which of course only adds to its allure.

Previously left behind by Franco, the 20th-century Spanish dictator, Valencia gradually emerged from abandonment and obscurity, out from the shadow of Madrid and Barcelona. As the capital of a once-prominent region, this unpretentious city proudly displays its unique qualities with a restored sense of hope.

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and regional capital of Comunidad Valenciana on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. This city has evolved over two millennia to become a prime agricultural zone with layers of rich history given its ideal location along the Mediterranean's Balearic Sea.

Fortunately, Valencia preserves its character and history with a blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture in its historic center contrasted by a local Art Nouveau style and the ultra-sleek modern works from internationally-renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava in the surrounding river greenbelt called La Turia Gardens.

Various festivals and traditions celebrated frequently throughout the year honor Valencia’s heritage and spirit. Ceremonies and exhibitions spread throughout the city with fairs and parades.

Valencia

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Valencia's 19 districts are divided into 88 barrios (neighborhoods) that radiate out from the 1st district of Ciutat Vella at the core. The Old City, as the name "Ciutat Vella" translates in the local language, is comprised of 6 barrios: El Carme, La Seu, El Mercat, La Xerea, Sant Francesc, and El Pilar (mostly residential). Turia Gardens bisects the north and south city. Surrounding it is the modern-day expansion. Beyond that is a protected agricultural zone and the Mediterranean’s Balearic Sea.

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Basics

🇪🇸 Region: Comunidad Valenciana; Province of Valencia

💬 Language: Spanish and Valenciano (Catalan)

💶 Currency: Euro €

🪙 Tips: none expected, although it's typical to round up with cash

✈️ Airport: Valencia Airport (VLC)

🚆 Train stations: Estació del Nord (at old center); València Joaquín Sorolla (high speed)

🚊 Metro/Tram: passes at any metro station (single-ride or 10-journey)

🚲 Bikes/Scooters: popular forms of transportation, especially around Turia Gardens (greenbelt)

🚶🏽Walkable & Safe: flat terrain with pedestrian-friendly streets; like anywhere, be aware of pickpockets, particularly in tourist areas and public transit areas, and don’t leave phones or purses sitting out

When to Go

🌺 Ideal March-May

Lighter crowds & pleasant weather—

Spring Festivals: Las Fallas (mid-March); Holy Week at Easter time (usually April); Festival of Our Lady of the Forsaken (May);

🌦️ Mild Oct-March

Mild temperatures, rainy at times, some short museum/restaurant hours— 

Fall/Winter Festivals: National Valencian Community Day (Oct); Christmas/New Year celebrations (Dec-Jan)

☀️ Hot Summers

Sunny, humid, and more crowded—

Summer Festivals: Corpus Christi (June); Feria de Julio (July); La Tomatina (August)

STAY + REST

Total Valencia Elegance

@aligiaudrone

This apartment is well-located in Sant Francesc on the edge of Ciutat Vella near shopping and Mercat de Colón.

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COME + GO

We flew into Valencia from SFO through Zurich and took the metro to our apartment. We later took the train from València Nord to Barcelona. To fly or take the train to Valencia, use any of these 3 main service hubs:

Airport

Valencia Airport

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Often simply called Manises for its location, Aeroport de València is only about 10 km (6 miles) from the center and is quickly reachable by car in 15-20 minutes, by Metro (25 min), or even by bicycle (40 min). Metro Lines 3 and 5 run from the airport, Aeroport de València, to the center. Metro (subway and tram) lines surround the old historic center which only takes about a half-hour to walk across.

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Train Stations

València Joaquín Sorolla

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Joaquín Sorolla primarily serves high-speed trains to cities like Madrid. As one of two main train stations in València, don't confused it with Estació del Nord, which is closest to the center and most easily accessed by Metro. Metro (subway and tram) lines surround the old historic center which only takes about a half-hour to walk across. To catch a train at València Joaquín Sorolla, take Lines 1, 2, and 7 to Jesús, then it's a 5-minute walk to that station.

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Valencia Station North

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An early 20th-century Art Nouveau train station, Estació del Nord (North) is most easily accessed by Metro and is closest to the center. Beware that València Joaquín Sorolla is the other main station that primarily serves high-speed trains to cities like Madrid. Metro (subway and tram) lines surround the old historic center which only takes about a half-hour to walk across. To catch the train, take Lines 3, 5, and 9 to Xàtiva, which stops right out in front of Valencia Nord.

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Metro

Subway and tram lines that surround the walkable historic center took us to the beach and Mestalla Stadium. The 4 closest stops to Ciutat Vella (the old city) are Àngel Guimerà, Xàtiva, Colón, and Alameda.

Although parking is available, this very walkable city makes it easy to go without a car, which may actually be a hindrance in the center’s narrow streets and pedestrian-only zones. Even if you do drive in, leave the car parked. The greenbelt running through Valencia is particularly bike- and scooter-friendly.

So try using only the alt modes of transport. We did… happily.

GUIDEBOOKS

Valencian Cuisine

Ali Giaudrone

Available for hire

Valencia, Spain: A Foodie's Dream

Virtual explorers and trip planners alike can explore Valencian cuisine and learn about its flavors with this interactive guide. Discover this expanded list of where to shop, what local Valencian produce to buy, what dishes to try, and where to eat and drink in the city—from small, local haunts to fine dining options. Unlock to click places and links to access more info, stories, and tours. Get free updates. Dive into the food of Valencia: SHOP + TASTE 🍖 Markets 🍊 Major Produce 🥘 Regional Fare EAT + DRINK ☕️ Cafes 🍴 Restaurants 🍷 Pintxos + Tapas Bars 🍽️ Fine Dining ⭐️ Michelin Stars 🥛 Orxaterias Pro tip: Get familiar with both Spanish and Valencian names in this bilingual city where English is not the prevalent language. With no additional expense to you, as an affiliate partner, the small commission received when you book through the links in this guide helps fund the production of these guides. Be sure to tag @amginspired in your photos.

Foodie • Shopping • Coffee

$12.00

Guide

Paella + Tapas

La Paz

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Along the Platja de Cabanyal boardwalk, the seaside restaurant of La Paz serves up traditional Valencian paella. Like most tourists, we enjoyed the seafood paella with a pitcher of sangria, but the local version is made with chicken, rabbit, snails and beans.

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Ciutat Vella

Ali Giaudrone

Available for hire

Valencia, Spain: Old City Heritage Walks

Virtual explorers and trip planners alike, whether you're able to spend just 1 day or can visit for 2 weeks, follow this interactive guide through Valencia's historic neighborhoods and heritage sites in the old city of Ciutat Vella. Discover beautiful architecture. Learn about its history. Select each place to read more. This extensive guide weaves through each neighborhood of the center and includes complimentary guides to focus on each area. Follow the suggested tour sequence or make it your own. Explore at your own pace within your available timeframe. Work forward or backward. Visit all of the sites or just those that call to you. Skip around or simply glance on the way to your next meal. BONUS: Includes complimentary split guides to focus on individual areas in Ciutat Vella, Old Valencia. Purchase to unlock. Then click away on places and links to access more info, stories, and tours. Get free updates. Dive into Ciutat Vella: SEE + DO El Carme (El Carmen) La Seu El Mercat + El Pilar Sant Francesc + La Xerea Pro tip: Get familiar with both Spanish and Valencian names in this bilingual city where English is not the prevalent language. Be sure to tag @amginspired in your photos.

Architecture • History

$15.00

DIY Tour

El Carme: Carrer de Roteros

El Carmen

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Stroll the narrow medieval streets of Barrio del Carmen, the old quarter between the two medieval tower gates where you can still see remnants of the Moorish wall. Visit the museums or walk from plaza to plaza to casually peruse street art. Nightlife here is vibrant among its many restaurants, cafes and tapas bars.

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La Seu: Plaza de la Virgen

La Seu

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In the heart of Ciutat Vella, the neighborhood of La Seu is aptly named for the cathedral that proudly stands between two large plazas and among numerous other churches and smaller plazas. The streets and plazas are magical at night. We spent many evenings strolling through the Cathedral district, warmly lit to highlight its architecture and monuments.

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El Mercat: Central Market

El Mercat

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Valencia's fertile land and seaport have fostered agriculture and trade, and this neighborhood has long been the prime hub of commerce. Since the time of the Moors, the area around the Market has served as a buzzing marketplace and trade center.

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Sant Francesc: Plaça de l’Ajuntament

Sant Francesc

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The spacious neighborhood of Sant Francesc centers around the huge City Hall plaza on the south end of Ciutat Vella. Much of it feels grand and commercial. Many hotels are found here. Among the grandeur are great restaurants and quaint streets.

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Beyond the Center

Ali Giaudrone

Available for hire

Valencia, Spain: Culture Tours Beyond the Center

Virtual explorers and trip planners alike, whether you're able to spend just 1 day or visit for 2 weeks, follow this interactive guide through the districts and nature of Greater Valencia, beyond the inner Old City. Discover architecture and beauty in interesting places and nature. Learn about its history. Select each place to read more. This extensive guide snakes around the center in a logical order, but feel free to make it your own. Explore at your own pace within your available timeframe. Work forward or backward. Visit all of the sites or just those that call to you. Skip around or simply glance on the way to your next meal. Unlock to click places and links to access more info, stories, and tours. Get free updates. Dive into Valencia beyond Ciutat Vella: SEE + DO Greater Valencia: Districts and Barrios Beyond the Center - Eixample (Russafa + Pla del Remei + Gran Via) - Extramurs - Turia Gardens - Stadiums - El Cabanyal: Beaches and Marina - Nature and Agriculture Pro tip: Get familiar with both Spanish and Valencian names in this bilingual city where English is not the prevalent language. Be sure to tag @amginspired in your Instagram photos.

Architecture • Nature • Outdoors

$10.00

DIY Tour

Turia Gardens

Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria

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City of Arts and Sciences

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

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The “city” is an ultramodern arts and sciences complex surrounded by streams and pools designed by world-renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava at the far eastern end of the Turia greenbelt and includes 6 main sites. - Palau de les Arts (2005): opera house, music hall and performing arts center; - Hemisfèric (1998): large hall with IMAX cinema and laser and planetary digital projections shows; - Museu de las Cièncias (2000): science museum with interactive exhibitions and scientific activities; - Umbracle (2000): gardened esplanade and exhibition zone over shops and parking beneath; - Àgora (2009): performance, event and exhibition hall; - Oceanogràfic (2003): Europe’s largest aquarium

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