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Getting ready to visit Valencia and wondering what to do? You’ve come to the right place!
This vibrant Spanish city is packed with history, stunning architecture, and, of course, incredible food. Whether you’re here to wander the charming streets of Old Town, soak up the Mediterranean sun, or indulge in authentic paella, Valencia has something for every traveler.
To make the most of your time, we’ve rounded up the best experiences from our recent trips here. From exploring underground caves to seeing Game of Thrones filming spots, these activities guarantee unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Valencia!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Valencia was this small group tour of Old Town. We explored the most historic part of the city with a guide and then ended with a 10-course tapas meal and award-winning wine!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Valencia, Spain
- 1. Learn how to cook paella, tapas, and visit a local market
- 2. Explore Old Town Valencia with wine and tapas
- 3. See Valencia’s best sights on a bicycle tour
- 4. Explore underground at the San Jose Caves
- 5. Get outside and enjoy thermal springs and waterfalls
- 6. See Valencia’s sights by tuk tuk
- 7. Learn about Valencia’s art and architecture with admission tickets included
- 8. Take a boat ride through Albufera Natural Park
- 9. Go wine tasting in the Utiel-Requena wine region
- 10. See Game of Thrones film locations in Peniscola
- Where to Stay in Valencia, Spain
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Valencia, Spain
1. Learn how to cook paella, tapas, and visit a local market
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Make authentic paella with local chefs, visit the Ruzafa Market, enjoy a sangria-making workshop
- Inclusions: Wine tasting, sangría, tomato salad, dessert, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Paella might be Valencia’s most popular dish, but making it ourselves was an experience our taste buds will never forget! This small-group cooking class isn’t just about eating – it’s about learning the techniques, flavors, and history behind authentic paella with the help of an expert chef.
Our cooking class started at Ruzafa Market, where we wandered through stalls packed with fresh produce and spices, picking up key ingredients. Our guide brought Valencia’s food culture to life by explaining how each element shapes traditional dishes and sharing stories about the city’s history. We chatted with vendors, learned why bomba rice is best, and got the inside scoop on real saffron.
After a short walk to the kitchen, our chef welcomed us with a spread of tapas and drinks. Talk about starting things off right! Before cooking, we even learned how to make sangria by mixing the perfect balance of wine, fruit, and spices.
Then, it was time for our favorite part – obviously the paella! Our chef guided us through every step of making authentic Valencian paella, from choosing the best ingredients to mastering the all-important socarrat, that crispy, caramelized layer at the bottom of the pan. Who knew it had a name?
As we raised a glass to our new skills and shared laughs over the meal we had created, it felt less like a class and more like a gathering of friends brought together by incredible food. This was hands down our favorite way to experience Valencia’s food culture!
Read 5-star reviews and book this top-rated paella cooking class here!
2. Explore Old Town Valencia with wine and tapas
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm
- Highlights: Half-day culture and cuisine tour of Valencia’s Old Town, feast on a 10-course tapas lunch/dinner including wine, browse in Central Market, pass major attractions including Plaza de la Reina, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), and more
- Inclusions: Local guide, full lunch/dinner menu of tapas, paella, dessert and wines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Walking through Valencia’s Old Town is like flipping through the pages of a history book – except this one ends with tapas and wine! This small-group walking tour blends culture and cuisine, leading you through historic streets and past landmarks before wrapping up with a 10-course feast and award-winning local wines.
We met our guide on Calle Caballeros, a street that feels like the heart of Valencia’s past and present. By day, it’s a quiet reminder of the city’s medieval roots, but by night, the bars and tapas spots bring it to life. Passing La Lonja de la Seda, we admired how well-preserved this grand silk exchange is.
Next was the Cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen, an architectural blend that reflects Valencia’s layered history. It even claims to house the Holy Grail! At the Central Market, we could’ve spent hours wandering between stalls, eyeing the freshest seafood, jamón, and local produce. Just a heads-up, though, the market is closed on evenings and Sundays, so some tours skip this stop.
Our favorite part was gaining exclusive access to an Old Town dining spot for a 10-course tapas experience that felt like a chef’s secret dinner party. Between sips of rich Valencian wine and bites of Spanish classics, we were already planning our return.
It’s easy to see why this tour has so many 5-star ratings – great food, fascinating history, and a dining experience unlike any other!
Book this award-winning tour and taste the best of Valencia for yourself!
3. See Valencia’s best sights on a bicycle tour
- Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small group bike tour from Valencia city to the beach, see 16 landmarks, discuss Valencian culture and history
- Inclusions: Bike rental, a personalized map, sunscreen, bottled water (for the ride), alcoholic drink at the end of the ride (comes with nuts & olives)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Pedaling through Valencia on this historical bike tour was the best way to see more in less time. In just a few hours, we covered the city’s historic streets, lively markets, and lush parks and even made it to the beach.
Our guide, Luke, kept things fun and engaging, turning every stop into a story worth remembering. With just 10 people per group, it felt more like a day out with friends than a typical tour.
We kicked things off in Plaza de la Virgen, the heart of Valencia’s Old Town, where Luke shared stories about the city’s Cathedral and the Holy Grail – yes, the actual Holy Grail! From there, we rolled past Plaza del Mercado, where the smell of fresh bread and jamón filled the air, making it painfully obvious we’d need to come back for a foodie detour.
Then came Calle Caballeros, a street bursting with bold street art, vintage shops, and tapas bars. The energy was contagious, and Luke had so many recommendations that keeping track was impossible. Thankfully, that personalized map had us covered!
One of my favorite stops was the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic masterpiece straight out of a sci-fi movie. We soaked in the views before heading to the beach, where we wrapped up the tour with some snacks and a cold drink. We’d recommend it in a heartbeat and so do many other travelers – just check out all the 5-star reviews here!
Spots fill up fast – book this five-star bike tour here before it sells out!
4. Explore underground at the San Jose Caves
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8 am, 8:30 am
- Highlights: Learn about the Caves of San José from your guide, cruise along the underground river by boat, see views of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park
- Inclusions: Professional guide (English and Spanish), San Jose Caves admission ticket, boat ride inside the caves, transportation from Valencia or cruise ship (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 490+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’re always up for a one-of-a-kind adventure, and floating through an underground river is exactly our kind of thrill! This half-day trip to the Caves of San José makes it easy – no planning, no long lines, just pure exploration!
From Valencia, we headed out for a scenic drive toward Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. The best part is your cave entry ticket is included, so you get to sidestep the long lines and go right inside and board a boat to cruise through the largest underground river in Europe.
Our guide-boatman took us through dark, winding passages, pointing out curious rock formations sculpted by nature over thousands of years. Some look like animals, while others seem like they were sculpted by hand. I swear one even looked just like a giant elephant’s head!
At one point, we drifted into a chamber so vast it felt like an underground cathedral. The ceiling stretched so high it vanished into darkness, making me wonder what else was lurking beyond our flashlight’s reach. Our guide told us about ancient civilizations that once used these caves and recent discoveries that suggest we’ve only scratched the surface of what lies beneath.
It’s a mix of geology, adventure, and a bit of mystery! This tour is perfect for those who want a hassle-free way to experience one of Valencia’s most unique natural sites.
This tour is likely to sell out – reserve your spot here and pay later!
5. Get outside and enjoy thermal springs and waterfalls
- Duration: 7 – 8 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Day tour to some of the most beautiful swimming spots around Valencia, optional fish pedicure
- Inclusions: Guide, entry fees, parking fees, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
We loved this thermal springs and waterfalls tour because it meant swimming in some of the most beautiful natural pools Valencia has to offer! It was an action-packed way to see incredible landscapes – all while cooling off in the water.
The day started at Bridal Veil Falls, where we swam right up to the falling water and took in the peaceful surroundings. But our favorite was Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. It’s easily one of the coolest swimming spots we’ve ever visited!
We swam over to a rocky ledge where a few brave souls were eyeing a cliff jump. Watching them hesitate made us second-guess it, but after a few deep breaths (and some peer pressure), we took the plunge!
After that adrenaline rush, we opted for something more relaxing – a fish pedicure! At first, the tiny fish nibbling at our feet felt bizarre and ticklish. Then it became oddly soothing, and by the end, our feet actually felt softer!
By midday, we were starving. All that swimming and cliff-jumping works up an appetite! Although lunch isn’t included with this tour, we stopped for some local Spanish cuisine, and let’s just say, a hearty meal never tasted so good. Refueled and ready to go, we set off for the final part of the tour, exploring canyons and the massive ponytail waterspout.
At the end of the day, we were tired, sun-kissed, and completely satisfied – the mark of a perfect adventure!
Don’t miss out on Valencia’s natural beauty – book this thermal springs tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. See Valencia’s sights by tuk tuk
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am, 12 pm, or 4 pm
- Highlights: Discovering Valencia’s Old Town, seeing the City of Arts and Sciences, visiting the marina and Playa de las Arenas urban beach, Torres de Serrano, Plaza de Torro
- Inclusions: Bilingual driver and tour guide, city map, lots of stops, small group size
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of Valencia, this tuk tuk tour is the ideal solution! In just a few hours, we traveled through centuries of history and modern architectural wonders, without having to walk for miles and miles.
Our journey began in the heart of the city, where we climbed into our tuk tuk and began zipping through the charming streets of the Old Town. We marveled at the stunning art nouveau facade of Estació del Norde and the towering medieval gates of Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos.
We saw some of Valencia’s best museums and learned more about the city’s artistic heritage. We loved stopping at the City of Arts and Sciences complex, especially as we got to see some amazing futuristic designs up close. It was so interesting to observe the contrast between the old and new sides of the city.
Before wrapping up the tour, we rode along the scenic marina and visited Playa de las Arenas, a pretty urban beach. It was the perfect way to soak in the coastal charm of Valencia before heading back.
This tour is a game-changer for anyone with limited time. It covers so much in such a short span, making it the ideal way to explore Valencia efficiently while still enjoying every moment!
Check availability and book this tour here!
7. Learn about Valencia’s art and architecture with admission tickets included
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Torre de Serrans, Palace of the Generalitat, Saint Nicholas Church, the Lonja de la Seda, Valencia Cathedral, Virgin Square
- Inclusions: Art historian guide, Saint Nicholas Church admission, Cathedral admission, Lonja de la Seda admission
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We loved this walking tour because it fully immersed us in Valencia’s impressive art and architecture.
Our guide, Catalina, shared fascinating insights into the city’s history and culture, and we definitely gained a deeper appreciation for this beautiful place. And we’re not the only ones – read all of the glowing reviews here!
Our journey began at Torres de Serranos, where Catalina provided an introduction to Valencia’s roots and taught us the story of the towering medieval gates. From there, we strolled through Barrio del Carmen, which is a historic neighborhood that you just can’t help but fall in love with. Seriously, we challenge you to resist its charm!
One of the highlights of the tour was undoubtedly San Nicolás Church, aka “the Valencian Sistine Chapel.” The breathtaking frescoes cover around 21,000 square feet (2,000 meters) and they were mesmerizing! Seriously, this church is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.
We also got to see the Gothic Silk Exchange building and the magnificent Valencia Cathedral. What makes the cathedral special is that it was a Roman temple and a mosque before it was adapted for its current purpose, so it has a super interesting blend of architectural styles.
This well-paced, informative tour is ideal for anyone who’s looking to dive deep into Valencia’s eclectic and elegant architecture. Having an expert guide to lead the way really made all the difference, as we never would have seen or learned so much by ourselves!
Book this tour here, with FREE 24-hour cancellation!
8. Take a boat ride through Albufera Natural Park
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: Leave between 4-6:30 pm
- Highlights: Seeing the virgin dunes in El Saler, gliding across Albufera Lake, traveling past forests and rice paddies, learning about Valencian history, spotting birdlife, visiting El Palmar island
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned return transport, all taxes and fees, boat ride, official tour guide
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Visiting Albufera Natural Park on this guided tour was a perfect escape from the city, not to mention a fantastic chance to connect with Valencia’s stunning natural beauty. We had a blast exploring the park and were pleasantly surprised by what an incredible mixture of landscapes we saw.
The secret is definitely out about how great this tour is though, so be sure to book your spot before it sells out!
The adventure began with a stop at El Saler, where we admired the pristine sand dunes and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea behind them. Then, we headed to the Gola de Puchol pier, where we took in panoramic views of Albufera Lake. Did you know that it’s Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon?
From there we climbed into a boat and glided across its surface while learning about its ecosystem from our guide, Joaqui. He taught us all about how this area plays a crucial role in Valencia’s natural and cultural heritage.
One of the most exciting parts of the tour was birdwatching in a protected area of the park. We spotted herons, cormorants, ducks, and even flamingos! Honestly, we hadn’t actually expected the birdlife to be so rich and diverse here.
Finally, we visited El Palmar, a charming island village with deep-rooted fishing traditions. Walking through the historic streets felt like stepping back in time. All in all, this tour was such a wonderful mix of nature, history, and culture. We would definitely book it again!
Find out more and book this tour here!
9. Go wine tasting in the Utiel-Requena wine region
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Scenic drives, private wine tasting sessions, exploring vineyards, visiting 9th-century wine caves, sampling the local cuisine in Utiel
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transport, driver and guide, two wine-tasting sessions, 3-course lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We love wine so booking this tasting tour of the Utiel-Requena region was a no-brainer for us! It’s such a gorgeous part of Spain, and it has been producing wine since the 7th century – how cool is that?
The first stop of the day was a historic bodega in Requena, where we explored ancient wine caves that date back to the 9th century. We got to walk among the original clay storage vessels and do a tasting here, during which we got to try some of the region’s most unique varietals. And yes, that includes Bobal, the most famous local grape!
After that, we went for lunch in Utiel, where we indulged in a gourmet 3-course meal that perfectly showcased the local cuisine. The food was full of flavor and, better still, it was paired with regional wines.
Finally, we went to a charming 19th-century winery that is still family-run to this day. We were even given a tour by a member of the family which added a very personal touch. Then, we got to taste their small-batch wines as we gazed out across the beautiful vineyards. It was the perfect note to end on.
The combination of scenery, storytelling, history, and incredible wine makes this tour an absolute must-do in Valencia. We left with a much deeper appreciation for the region’s wine – and a few bottles of Bobal to boot!
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
10. See Game of Thrones film locations in Peniscola
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Walking tour of Peniscola, seeing “Game of Thrones” filming locations, Peniscola Castle, free time to explore independently and go shopping
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned return transport, tour guide, skip-the-line castle entry, all taxes and fees
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 55+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan then this full-day tour to Peniscola is a must! Multiple scenes from the iconic show were shot in this postcard-perfect town.
Honestly, even if you haven’t seen the show, Peniscola is definitely worth checking out – after all, Game of Thrones is known for its scenic shooting locations.
As soon as we arrived in this perfectly preserved medieval town, we felt like we had stepped into a storybook. We started out by exploring the charming cobbled streets with our guide, Miguel, who did an amazing job of bringing the town’s history to life. Plus, as GOT fans, seeing all of these spots in person and watching the corresponding scenes on Miguel’s tablet added an extra layer of excitement.
The highlight was undoubtedly the Castle of Pope Luna. Perched dramatically above the sea, the castle was once the refuge of Benedict XIII and the last stronghold of the Templars. Inside, each room had informative displays in both Spanish and English, allowing us to explore at our own pace while learning about its fascinating history.
After the guided portion of the day wrapped up, we had free time to wander, take in the views of the Mediterranean, and explore the local shops. We had such a great time on this tour, and we really think it’s a must-do in Valencia, whether you’re a history lover, a Game of Thrones fan, or simply eager to explore one of Spain’s most beautiful towns.
Book your spot on this tour here and pay NOTHING until 48 hours before you go!
Where to Stay in Valencia, Spain
Now that you know all the best things to do in Valencia, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! We recommend staying in the historic Old Town so that you’re close to top attractions, shops, and restaurants. To help you out, I’ve rounded up some great recommendations no matter your budget!
Luxury – $$$
Only YOU Hotel Valencia is a stylish 5-star stay in the heart of the city. This modern and elegant hotel offers beautifully designed rooms, a top-rated restaurant, a fitness center, and a chic bar to unwind after a day of exploring. Its central location means you’re within walking distance of major attractions, making it a perfect base for a luxurious stay in Valencia.
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start between €200 – €400 USD. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Venecia Plaza Centro is a fantastic mid-range option in Valencia, offering comfortable rooms and a prime location right on Plaza del Ayuntamiento. With modern, well-equipped rooms and free Wi-Fi, it’s a great choice for travelers who want convenience without the luxury price tag. Plus, it’s within walking distance of several bars, restaurants, and shops in Valencia’s charming old town!
Prices usually range between €150 – €180 depending on the time of year. You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Pensión Alicante by Moontels is a budget-friendly option in Valencia, perfect for travelers looking for a simple and affordable stay in a great location. Situated in the city center, it’s within walking distance of top attractions, restaurants, and public transport. The rooms are basic but comfortable, with options for either shared or private bathrooms, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious visitors exploring Valencia!
Rooms start as low as €60 USD per night and you can reserve your room on Booking.com in advance!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Valencia here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We hope our guide to Valencia has you all ready for your trip here! This is one of our favorite places to visit in Spain – good food, amazing history, and bucket list experiences – you’re in for a treat.
If you need more travel advice or inspiration, have a look at our full blog here or I picked out a few articles below that might come in handy while you’re in Spain!
10 Fun & Exciting Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
Cecilia Jones
Sunday 6th of April 2025
Very helpful thanks