Just like its beloved paella, Valencia—the birthplace of the Spanish culinary staple—has a little flair, a little spice, and its own distinctive flavor. Effortlessly fusing Roman-Arabic history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, this coastal city is as pretty as it is practical, with the city’s old riverbed repurposed into a lush park meandering beneath towering skyscrapers and museums. While some of the best things to do in Valencia involve drinking and dining—alfresco style, of course—there’s plenty more to Spain’s third-biggest city, too, including spectacular modern architecture and a thriving art scene.
Like most of Spain, the city is famous for good weather—its unofficial slogan is “300 days of sunshine a year”—so don’t subject yourself to the hectic summer crowds just for sunshine. Instead, time for your visit for spring and fall when the weather is still nice, and the city is quieter. One time when the crowds are worth it is during Las Fallas, a festival in March featuring fireworks and vivid oversized sculptures that are set ablaze at the close of festivities.
The key to getting around is matching the right means of transportation to where you want to go. Walking is a perfectly reasonable way to explore the historical center and Turia Garden. The City of the Arts and Sciences museum complex, however, is a long walk from the center and best reached using Valencia’s bus and tram networks.
As for taking the metro, it’s most useful for quickly crossing the city center or going out to the beach. If you opt to take public transport, you’ll save money by purchasing a Valencia Tourist Card. You can purchase one from a kiosk at the airport, at Joaquín Sorolla Train Station, and online. It offers unlimited access to the city’s bus services and free admission or discounts to certain attractions and museums, including IVAM—Spain’s first modern art museum.
Everyone who visits Valencia knows they need to try paella and horchata during their trip. But, not as many people realize that paella Valenciana—made with chicken and rabbit, not seafood—is just one of many signature Valencian dishes. Other foods not to miss include clóchinas, which are small mussels, and esgarret, a dish of salted cod, red peppers, and lots of olive oil.
If you appreciate contemporary art, make sure to visit IVAM. When it opened in 1989, it was the country’s first modern art museum. Today, its eight galleries house some of the continent’s finest works. General admission is €5. However, if you visit on Wednesdays between 4pm and 7pm, it’s free. The museum is also free to visit all day on Sundays.
