Top 6 things to do in Valencia

Valencia is famous for its sunshine, making it the ideal place to spend an afternoon by the sea with your family behind a parasol. But it’s not all about the beach! Spain’s third-largest city offers countless activities and has nothing to envy Madrid or Barcelona: it boasts magnificent historic buildings steeped in history, as well as ultra-modern sites such as the City of Arts and Sciences. Between shows, museums and arts and crafts activities, be sure to roll up your sleeves! With so many things to do and places to discover, we’re taking you on a little tour in this article. It’s sure to make your mouth water!

What to do in Valencia Here are our top things to do in Valencia

1 – Visit the Oceanogràfic

Category: €/Cultural

Description: For more than three hours, explore Europe’s largest marine life centre in the aquarium of the City of Arts and Sciences, and discover the different marine species through ecosystems each as incredible as the next. Between fish, jellyfish sharks, tropical waters and whales, you’ll be more than surprised to (re)discover some of these magnificent species, this time in a more intimate way. Built over two levels, the upper floors host outdoor exhibits, including a magnificent freshwater lake with pelicans, flamingos and cormorants. Open from 10am to 6pm, over 45,000 aquatic creatures are on show, so don’t wait any longer and dive headlong into the heart of an underwater world. However, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to enter the park during a time slot other than the one you’ve booked.

2 – Cycling around the city

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Put aside the traditional car, which can be cumbersome and far too polluting for a day. How about opting for a healthier means of transport for the planet, which will allow you to squeeze through the narrow streets (impossible to access by car). It’s a good idea to cycle around Valencia with a guide, to get to know the city better. It’s an activity that will allow you to discover a number of popular sites, such as the old town and the breathtakingly beautiful Turia gardens. Cycling around the city is both a romantic activity for couples and a family activity for children. It’s a great way to enjoy the cultural and historical sites, and discover the secrets that Valencia has to offer. Ready to get on your two-wheeler?

3 – Take part in a traditional cookery course

Category: €€/Gastronomic

Description: Spanish cuisine, known as the “cuisine of a thousand colours”, is one of the most popular in the world. It’s no surprise that you’ll be able to sample many divine dishes during your stay, in splendid restaurants. And what about taking a cookery class or two at the same time? There’s nothing better than learning how to cook an authentic Valencian paella in the company of an experienced chef. This convivial activity will allow you to learn more about Valencian gastronomy and the local products that will be used in your recipe. You can also sip sangria and enjoy snacks while your dish is cooking. It’s an activity that’s both nourishing and instructive! In a friendly atmosphere, the chef will teach you about the different varieties of rice and cooking techniques to ensure a perfect paella.

4 – Attend a flamenco show at the Palosanto

Category: €/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Flamenco, such a beautiful show, with such precise and graceful dance steps. Come and discover this magnificent dance at the Palosanto Flamenco theatre in Valencia, accompanied by Spanish flamenco musicians. This is typically the kind of activity that appeals to everyone, so vibrate to the sounds of castanets and guitars for a sensory and sensational experience that’s as cultural as it is authentic. Whether you’re with family, friends or lovers, you won’t be able to escape the magic of this show, with its lively music guaranteed to get your heart racing. In the heart of a picturesque district, let yourself be lulled by the magnificent artistic expression that is flamenco.

5 – Visit an orange farm and orchard

Category: €/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Come and visit an orange farm that has been in operation since 1870 in Valencia and discover the world of citrus fruit. Thanks to a guide who knows the area inside out, you’ll learn more about this traditional crop and the different varieties of citrus fruit. As you wander around, you can pick your seasonal oranges to take home, or taste them yourself. There’s no better activity than admiring what Mother Nature has to offer… The guide will take you to see the well from which the orangery is irrigated. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a tasting of typical Valencian products such as Valencian liqueurs, homemade jams, orange juice, mandarins and orange blossom honey. So don’t delay in visiting this beautiful natural spot steeped in history and exquisite gastronomic specialities.

6. The Valence Museum of Fine Arts

Category: €/Cultural

Description: To all lovers of art and beautiful things! This is the second largest art gallery in Spain: the Valencia Fine Arts Museum. This little gem is located in Calle San Pío, and is open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Mondays. With works ranging from the 15th to the 19th century, the museum is particularly prized for its remarkable collection of Renaissance paintings. What tends to leave visitors speechless? It’s undoubtedly the Gothic rooms par excellence, as well as the magnificent rooms of the painters and sculptors Benlliure and Pinazo: works that are highly representative of the Valencian school in all its splendour. It is with amazement and wonder that you will enter a “sacred” place housing what is the pride of the city’s inhabitants. A visit full of surprises…