Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain, within the province of the same name.

Situated directly on the Mediterranean Sea and rich in great food, beautiful architecture, and fascinating history, Valencia has become increasingly popular among tourists, expats, and international students in recent years. Whether you’re here to explore the city’s rich culture, study Spanish or want to learn more about the Spanish culture, this city is full of unforgettable experiences.

Thanks to its laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle and excellent schools, Valencia is also one of the top places to study Spanish in Spain. From short courses to immersive programs at a Valencian Spanish School, the city attracts learners from all over the world who want to improve their language skills while enjoying the vibrant local culture.

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No matter how long you’re planning to stay in Spain’s third-largest city, you should set aside at least two days to explore the most beautiful sights you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Valencia’s main attractions are quite centrally located, which makes it super easy to see most of them on foot. Below you’ll find a walking route I recommend to catch all the must-see sights. However, if you prefer getting around on two wheels, you can also rent bikes. I still recommend visiting most places on foot, as the city center doesn’t have many bike lanes—so walking is often the more pleasant option. You could always rent a bike on day two to visit the park and the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (see further below).

Another option is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which you might already know from other touristy cities. But one of the great things about Valencia is that most sights are central, and the city center is largely free of cars, meaning you’ll need to walk to most of the tourist attractions anyway. Still, if you want to save some energy, get to the harbor, and learn something about the city along the way, it’s a good option.
 

Torres de Serranos

   
Your sightseeing tour starts at Torres de Serranos. This is one of the few remaining towers from the original 12 defensive structures and used to be the main entrance to the city.

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday 10:00–14:00.
Entrance: 2€, free on Sundays.
 

Plaza de la Virgen

Continue to Plaza de la Virgen, one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia. Take a moment to enjoy the view of the Fuente del Turia and the Real Basílica. Make sure to walk all the way around—you’ll discover the quieter, equally beautiful Plaça de l’Arquebisbe.
 

Plaza de la Reina & La Catedral

Next, head to Plaza de la Reina with La Catedral. If you’re interested in the history of the Cathedral and want to see the famous Holy Grail, it’s worth a visit.

Last entry: Weekdays at 17:30, and at 16:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
For a stunning city view, visit the tower La Torre del Miguelete, located within the Cathedral.

Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:45.
Entrance: 2.5€.
   

Mercat Central (Central Market)

Valencia is known for its many local markets—usually one in every district—but the biggest, most famous, and most beautiful one is Mercat Central. It offers fresh local fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, fish, and more—all from the surrounding gardens and farms.

When visiting the Central Market, don’t trust Google when it says it’s open until 3 p.m. If you want to experience it at its liveliest, with the freshest products, go in the morning (Monday to Saturday), ideally no later than 1 p.m. Since the products are fresh, many vendors close their tiendas (shops) quite early.

As one of Europe’s largest fresh product markets, it can be a bit pricey—but here’s a secret tip: If you want to taste truly local fruit for a small price, visit Frutería David Martín, located just outside the market.
 

La Lonja de la Seda

Just opposite the Central Market, you’ll find another stunning building that looks like a castle: La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange). It was once the center of trade—especially silk, hence the name. On December 5, 1996, it was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the most beautiful examples of civil Gothic architecture in Europe.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sundays and holidays 10:00–14:00.
Entrance: Only 2€. Definitely worth a visit. As it can get busy on weekends, try to go during the week if you can.
 

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

   
The final stop of the first part of your sightseeing tour is Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the most famous square in Valencia. It’s home to the Town Hall, hence the name. You can even visit parts of the Town Hall and its balcony for free.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00.
It’s a great place to see the square from above and feel like a real Fallera at least once in your life.
 

Turia Park

Either in the afternoon or the next day, rent a bike. You’ll find many stores around the city, but I recommend Virgin Bikes. It’s run by a very friendly Italian family, located centrally at Plaza de la Virgen, and you can reach Turia Park in just one minute.

The Turia is a dried-out river. Even today, locals still call it el río (the river). After a devastating flood in 1957, the city decided to reroute the river around the center. This led to the initial plan to convert the dry riverbed into a highway in 1969. Fortunately, citizens protested and pushed for a different use, transforming the area into what is now an almost 10km-long park. Valencia’s green lung, is a green paradise for residents and a great space for sports, relaxation, and biking directly to the sea.

While you’re exploring the parks and cultural highlights, consider enhancing your stay with a language course at a Spanish School to really deep dive into the Spanish atmosphere.

Click here to learn more and sign up to study Spanish in Valencia in an unforgettable setting.
 

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

   
On your way south to the sea, you’ll pass a special landmark of Valencia—Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). This complex, designed by Spain’s famous architect Santiago Calatrava, stretches nearly 2km through the Turia Park, so make sure to plan enough time here. It features a concert hall, an IMAX, a science museum, and even an oceanographic center all the way at the end. Everything is worth a visit if you’re staying longer in Valencia or want to spend some money, but in my opinion, it’s already beautiful to explore from the outside.

When you’re there, make sure to go up to El Umbracle, a 17,500m² garden offering a spectacular viewpoint over the scenery. In summer, it even transforms into an outdoor club.

As you can see, Valencia has so much to offer—from stunning architecture and vibrant local markets to relaxing green spaces and cultural treasures—making your time here not only unforgettable but truly enriching in every way.

Do you want to dive deeper into Spanish culture, understand what locals are saying on the street, and order a traditional paella with confidence? Then sign up for Spanish class today.

👉 Start your Spanish language journey now at a top-rated school in the heart of the city.

Curious about what else Valencia has to offer? Check out our articles on weekend trips or Valencia’s hidden gems and more tips for Valencia to make the most of your stay.
 

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