Valencia cityscape

Valencia: Paella, Fallas & the City of Arts

Sun-soaked plazas, a 9km park where a river used to be, and Spain's best rice dishes — all in one guide.

Image by Marcus Cent from August 2020

Your Guide to Valencia

Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.

Two jaguars standing on a rock in a grassy enclosure and the modern white curved roof building of Oceanografic Valencia
Editor's Pick
Headout
9.4/10
(7507 reviews)

This combined ticket grants visitors access to two of Valencia's most celebrated attractions: Bioparc Valencia and the Oceanogràfic. The day begins with a visit to Bioparc, an innovative zoo designed around the concept of zooimmersion, where enclosures replicate the natural habitats of the animals. Guests will spend several hours walking through carefully recreated African savannas, tropical forests, and wetlands, observing species ranging from gorillas and lions to hippos and flamingos. After a break for lunch, the journey continues to the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. Here, visitors can wander through a series of underwater tunnels and thematic aquariums featuring Mediterranean, Arctic, and tropical marine life. The route is flexible, allowing guests to move at their own pace between the two venues, which are roughly 15 minutes apart by car or public transport. At Bioparc Valencia, key stops include the elephant enclosure, where the sound of trumpeting and the sight of these massive creatures roaming freely set the scene; the gorilla habitat, which offers close-up views of social groups interacting among dense foliage; and the savanna area, where zebras, giraffes, and antelopes graze side by side. Guests will notice the design emphasis on minimal barriers, creating an immersive feel. Moving to the Oceanogràfic, visitors encounter the Arctic Ocean tank with its polar bears and walruses, the shark tunnel where visitors feel surrounded by various shark species, and the dolphinarium, where daily shows combine education and performance. The aquarium also features a large collection of jellyfish, rays, and deep-sea creatures, with detailed information on marine ecosystems. Practical aspects of the tour include self-guided access using the combo ticket, which eliminates the need to buy separate entry passes. Both locations are designed for independent exploration, with multilingual signage and optional audio guides available on site. Bioparc and Oceanogràfic are accessible by public transport, taxis, or private vehicles; many visitors choose to use the local Metro and bus lines. Facilities such as cafés, gift shops, and rest areas are available at both venues. Group sizes vary as the ticket is for individual or family use, and no guided commentary is included, allowing a flexible pace. Visitors should allocate at least four hours combined to fully appreciate both sites. This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in both terrestrial and marine animals. It suits those who prefer a combination of nature and science in a city setting and appreciate the opportunity to move at their own speed without the constraints of a guided group. The ticket offers good value for visitors planning to spend a full day in the City of Arts and Sciences area, catering to those who want a broad overview of Valencia's commitment to conservation and education through its animal parks.

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€79.00
€73.00
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People walking around a large fountain in a historic square with old stone buildings and a cathedral under a clear sky
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

No megaphone-wielding guides, no tight schedules, and no timeslots. With the POPGuide Audio Guide App, you can explore the world's most fascinating cities as you please. This Valencia audio guide is a culture pass in your pocket. Consult your digital city map and navigate between more than 100 points of interest. Follow expertly mapped routes or simply go your own way. At each location – from the incredible Oceanogràfic to La Lonja de la Seda and Mercado Central – you'll hear up to two minutes of cultural context from expert locals.

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€9.50
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woman with glasses sitting in backseat of car looking out window at historic building in daylight
Editor's Pick
Headout
(3 reviews)

The Valencia International Airport Private Transfer service provides a seamless connection between Valencia Airport (VLC) and your accommodation or chosen destination within the city or surrounding areas. Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transition to a private vehicle tailored to your group size and needs. The route typically covers the 8-kilometer journey to central Valencia, passing landmarks such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens, depending on your drop-off location. This service is also available for departures, ensuring timely pickups with real-time flight tracking to accommodate any changes or delays. Although the transfer itself is focused on transportation rather than sightseeing, the drive offers glimpses of Valencia's diverse urban landscape—from the modern architecture of the airport to the historic neighborhoods near the city center. Depending on the time of day, you may catch the soft morning light glistening off the futuristic structures of the Hemisfèric or the lively street scenes near Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The route also skirts the Turia Riverbed Park, a vast green space that occupies the former riverbed and provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s urban fabric. This private transfer service is designed for individual travelers, families, and groups who prioritize comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The vehicles range from sedans to larger vans, all maintained to high standards with air conditioning and ample space for luggage. The driver acts as a courteous local guide, offering basic local information and assistance without formal commentary, allowing passengers to relax or prepare for their visit. The service includes meet and greet, free waiting time in case of delayed flights, and flight monitoring to adjust pickup times accordingly. This transfer suits travelers who value punctuality and convenience, such as business visitors, families with children, or those unfamiliar with local transport systems. It provides a stress-free start or end to a trip, letting visitors bypass the complexities of public transit or taxi lines. It is also ideal for those carrying significant luggage or preferring private transportation over shared shuttles, ensuring a direct, personalized journey to or from Valencia’s airport.

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€22.00
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Five lemurs sitting on a large log in a green outdoor setting and a red double-decker Valencia hop-on hop-off bus near a stone tower
Editor's Pick
Headout
8.8/10
(3175 reviews)

This combined ticket offers visitors a comprehensive experience of Valencia, starting with priority entry into the Bioparc Valencia, a zoo known for its 'zoo-immersion' design that allows guests to observe animals in environments closely resembling their natural habitats. Following the visit to the Bioparc, the ticket includes a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for either 24 or 48 hours, enabling travelers to navigate Valencia's key urban landmarks at their own pace. The bus route covers a broad circuit of the city, including stops at historical plazas, architectural marvels, and seaside promenades. Key stops along the bus route include the City of Arts and Sciences, where futuristic structures rise alongside the Turia Riverbed park; the Central Market, a bustling spot filled with the fragrance of fresh produce and local delicacies; and the historic Plaza de la Virgen, surrounded by Gothic and Baroque architecture. On the way, passengers will also pass by the Valencia Cathedral, home to the Holy Grail relic, and the lively beaches lined with palm trees where the Mediterranean breeze carries the scent of salt and sea. The Bioparc experience is self-guided, allowing visitors to move through various ecosystems such as the African savannah, Equatorial forests, and Madagascan landscapes, observing animals like lions, gorillas, and lemurs in settings designed without visible barriers. The hop-on hop-off bus features open-top double-decker vehicles, providing panoramic views of Valencia's cityscape. Audio commentary in multiple languages offers historical and cultural insights at each stop. Group sizes are flexible as the bus accepts individual riders, and tickets can be used over two consecutive days for extensive sightseeing. This tour suits visitors interested in combining wildlife observation with urban sightseeing, particularly those who prefer a flexible itinerary. Families with children will find the Bioparc engaging and educational, while those keen on architectural and cultural landmarks can benefit from the bus route's coverage. The combined ticket provides convenience and value, easing the logistics of visiting two top attractions in the city.

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€65.00
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ibis Valencia Bonaire Airport Hotel accommodation image
Valencia
4 Star Rating
€81.34
per night
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Las Arenas Balneario Resort accommodation image
Valencia
5 Star Rating
€231.69
per night
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Apartamentos Vicent Clavel accommodation image
Valencia
5 Star Rating
See Pricing
per night
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Legacy Modern Suits accommodation image
Valencia
5 Star Rating
€172.73
per night
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Where to Stay in Valencia: Best Neighborhoods Guide article image

Looking for a place to stay in Valencia? Consider the trendy Ruzafa district, just 2 km from the city center, with hotels starting at €60 per night.

The Complete Guide to Things to Do in Valencia article image

The City of Arts and Sciences, inaugurated in 1998, spans 2.3 million square meters and includes the Oceanogràfic aquarium, Europe's largest at 110,000 m³ of water. Entry tickets cost €31. Valencia’s 15 km Malvarrosa Beach averages 25°C in summer, ideal for sunbathing and watersports.

Valencia Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors article image

The City of Arts and Sciences, inaugurated in 1998, is 350 meters long and includes the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium with over 45,000 marine animals. Average temperatures in Valencia reach 20°C in spring, while a Metro ticket costs €1.50 for a single journey.

Valencia History and Culture: From Romans to Modern Day article image

Valencia's history spans over 2,000 years, starting with its founding by the Romans in 138 BC. The Valencia Cathedral, housing the Holy Grail, dates back to the 13th century. Admission costs €8, while the average summer temperature reaches 30°C, making it an ideal time to engage with the city's rich cultural heritage.

What Travelers Say About Valencia

4.8 avg rating|3.4k+ reviews

Enjoyed the food and history of Valencia. Amado was very informative and shared many places to see later in our own.

J
Jan_S
Valencia Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local

The thermal pools are amazingly clean, clear and spacious. The atmosphere is calm and quiet. The trails are well laid out and mostly level. We had a great time.

E
Ermine_O
Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

It was a nice experience in the caves. Liked the way the crew managed it. It was worth every penny spent

J
Jayesh_K
San Jose Caves Guided Tour from Valencia

Guide to Valencia Neighborhoods