Valencia: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🌞 Valencia Travel Guide
Valencia, located on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its "City of Arts and Sciences," while also retaining its medieval charm. Less crowded than Barcelona, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and adventurous lifestyle.
📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots
1. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) in Valencia
- Features : Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, it has a futuristic feel.
- Highlights : Includes the Oceanogràfic, the Science Museum, the IMAX cinema, the opera house, and more.
- Editor’s Tip : We recommend buying a package ticket that allows you to enter different museums, especially the aquarium, which is the most popular.
2. Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete Tower
- Features : A fusion of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles.
- Legend : The church houses the Holy Grail.
- Editor’s tip : Climb the Miguelet Tower for a panoramic view of the entire old city.
3. Mercado Central
- Features : One of the largest covered markets in Europe, built in the early 20th century, the building is full of stained glass.
- Editor’s Tip : Try the fresh fruit juices, Iberian ham, and local seafood.
4. Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
- Features : World cultural heritage, Gothic commercial architecture, former silk trade center.
- Editor’s Tip : The colonnade inside the building resembles a stone forest and is quite spectacular.
5. Turia Gardens
- Features : Originally a river, it was later converted into a 9-kilometer-long green park.
- Editor’s Tip : This area is perfect for walking, running, or cycling, stretching from the Old Town all the way to Science City.
6. Playa de la Malvarrosa
- Features : A sandy beach not far from the city center, with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Editor’s tip : Go sunbathing in the afternoon and have seafood rice at a seaside restaurant in the evening.
7. Bioparc Valencia
- Features : A new type of zoo that simulates the African ecological environment without obvious cages.
- Editor’s Tip : Suitable for family trips or travelers who love nature.
🍴 Must-try foods in Valencia
Valencia is the birthplace of Spanish paella , and there are many delicious options. I personally recommend the following:
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Valencian Seafood Rice (Paella Valenciana)
- The traditional version actually doesn’t use seafood, but chicken, rabbit, green beans, and snails!
- Seafood is common in modern versions. You must try the authentic flavor.
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Tiger Nut Milk (Horchata de Chufa)
- A Valencian specialty drink, made from ground tiger nuts, sweet and refreshing.
- It is usually eaten with Fartons (sweet bread) .
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Tapas (snack platter)
- Marinated olives, croquettes, grilled squid, etc. are best enjoyed with beer or red wine.
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Valencian Rice (Arroz al Horno / Arroz Negro)
- Baked rice in a clay pot or rice with squid ink are also common local rice dishes.
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Valencia Orange
- Local specialty fruits are super sweet! The juice is also very popular.
🚇 Valencia Transportation Guide
Transportation in Valencia is simpler than in Madrid and Barcelona, but it is also very convenient.
1. Metrovalencia
- Connecting the city center, suburbs and airport.
- Often used for going from the airport into town or to the beach.
2. Bus (EMT Valencia)
- The city has a well-developed bus network, which is suitable for filling in the gaps left by the subway.
3. Bicycle
- The city is very bike-friendly and the Valenbisi bike-sharing system is very convenient.
- Turia Gardens is a cycling paradise.
4. Walking
- The old town attractions are concentrated and can be reached on foot.
5. Airport Transportation
- Metro Line 3 or 5 : Directly to the city center (approximately 25 minutes).
- Bus (Aerobus or Metrobus) : also goes directly to the city center.
🎯 Editor's Summary
Valencia is a city where classicism and modernity coexist. Here are some must-see experiences:
- During the day, explore the old town and the Central Market and experience local life.
- In the afternoon, go to the Turia Gardens or the Science City and explore the futuristic buildings.
- Enjoying authentic seafood rice by the beach in the evening with a glass of tiger nut milk is perfect!
📌 Editor's Note:
- Summer is very hot, so it is recommended to avoid being outdoors during midday hours.
- Paella is usually eaten for lunch in the local area, but is not often ordered for dinner.
- Tiger nut milk is best drunk ice cold!