Location: Valencia
Top Things to do in Valencia
10 Free Things to do in Valencia That You Shouldn't Miss
You’ll find plenty of orange trees here, but the fruit known as the "Valencia orange" was actually developed in California. Travelers interested in local food should focus on paella instead. While the city contains many monuments, Valencia’s modern crown jewel is the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, theaters, and more.
Restaurants in Valencia
1. Casco Antiguo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,278 reviews
Reviewed By GeysirGal - Surrey, United Kingdom
This part of the city really is beautiful - the heart of the medieval old town and close to the Cathedral and all the main tourist sites. The architecture and the atmosphere are extraordinary - and always busy and bustling, except perhaps in Covid (I visited long before this). You can really get a feel for the city here by walking around and exploring all the narrow little streets. The area also boasts some of the city's finest restaurants for both in and outdoors dining - I had a lovely Spanish style ham, egg and chips in a restaurant by the Cathedral. There are plenty of places too for trying the famous Aqua da Valencia, which packs quite a punch.
2. Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,028 reviews
The palatial Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) of Valencia dominates the square, and its bells chime out the hours. Surrounding the plaza are other buildings from the city's golden age, such as the Correos (the main post office). In the center of the plaza, a fountain is surrounded by flower stalls with all the colors, sizes, varieties imagineable. This is a good starting point from which to visit Valencia's old quarter or today's most fashionable shops.
Reviewed By northants90 - Northampton, United Kingdom
My favourite part of VLC. The city hall and surrounding buildings are just beautiful and a real city feature. Lots of paces to stop and refresh and watch the world pass you by. A great place to visit and viewing is free. Check out the square as there are often events and festivals/fiestas there too.
3. Jardi del Turia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,498 reviews
Reviewed By stevetV9366XH - Preston, United Kingdom
This is effectively the ex river bed now extensive and delightful park area which has been shaped and honed so that it has something for everyone in terms of sports facilities, water features, floral displays, natural tree shade, walking / cycling paths/routes etc. You can stroll around any part of this city park and enjoy it and/or just sit a while and read a book. Colourful and cared for it never disappoints and is well worth a visit !!
4. Ayuntamiento de Valencia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 636 reviews
Reviewed By simpsonite64 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Definitely worthwhile - free to enter, allows access to some grand rooms as well as a balcony that overlooks the main square.
5. Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,152 reviews
Reviewed By 801eileenr - Newquay, United Kingdom
A stunning beautiful church with a ceiling as amazing as The Sistine Chapel.We went to mass here,it was really full and the ambience was incredible.
6. Museo del Corpus Casa de las Rocas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Singular Museum located in the historic center of Valencia. Its funds go through all the symbols and traditions of what was the city's biggest festival and that has been going through its streets since 1355. The Rocks, giants and nanos, the Bestiary, the dances can be seen in this small Golden Museum with interactive panels and audiovisuals so you can immerse yourself in the oldest Corpus Christi procession in Europe.
Reviewed By powsyl - Gillingham, United Kingdom
Highly recommend you pop in to this as it explains a celebration held in greasy esteem by this beautiful city. So Valencia’s historic centre is a beautiful place, twisty roads, tall beautiful buildings and we happened upon this wonderful unassuming free exhibit by chance as we turned a corner heading elsewhere. Pope’s in, took us 30 mins to navigate the exhibit. Very interesting, some incredible pieces to see. If you visit you will no doubt pick up references to the Corpus Christi festival on other places around the city during your visit, so coming to the exhibit helps you to understand and put it all in context.
7. Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,077 reviews
Reviewed By ldybuilder - La Quinta, United States
Had to go to the Central Post Office on the town square, Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Like all the other government buildings on the main square, the Post Office didn't disappoint. The interior is stunning. I actually wanted to mail some post cards and needed stamps. If this is your first time using the postal system, be aware you need to take a number when you walk in. Then sit on a bench, enjoy the beauty of the building and listen for your number to be called (in Spanish). They move quickly, so don't dawdle getting to the window.
8. Estacio del Nord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,485 reviews
Reviewed By GeysirGal - Surrey, United Kingdom
I second the reviewer before me who said that the station is rivalled by Porto for its beauty - it certainly is, especially at night when it's lit up. Its beautiful though at any time with its wonderful windows and floodlit entrance hall.
9. Gulliver Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,615 reviews
Reviewed By MASH000001 - Orpington, United Kingdom
An amazing park feature, but not sure what to call it, a vast climbing frame with slides are other things to do on it, like a huge sculpture/fallen statue of Gulliver.
10. Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Conjunto fundado el 1238 por la orden de San Juan de Jerusalén. Iglesia más antigua de la ciudad de València donde aúnan el románico, el gótico y el barroco, creando en su interior una atmósfera única. Además conserva el único cementerio medieval urbano de València y uno de los pocos de Europa, donde destaca la capilla de Arnau de Romaní y restos de la espina del circo romano de València. De lunes a viernes por las mañanas se ofrecen visitas guiadas por todo el conjunto histórico. Recinto repleto de patios, con bancos, plantas y sombras donde poder descansar durante la visita a la ciudad. Un oasis de paz en el centro de la ciudad.
Reviewed By claireScotland
This was a beautiful church - we were lucky enough to witness a bride arriving in her car with her father - it was wonderful to watch all the wedding guests arrive - the inner courtyard is so quiet and peaceful - worth a visit
