All About Valencia

🏙️ All About Valencia - Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, after Madrid and Barcelona, with a population of around one million inhabitants. Situated on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, it is the central hub uniting North Africa and South-East Europe.

A city rich in history, culture, and modernity, Valencia is home to stunning monuments, UNESCO sites, innovative museums, and futuristic architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences, which has redefined its skyline.

⚓ International Sporting Events

Valencia has hosted world-renowned sporting events including:

• America’s Cup – the most prestigious yacht race in the world, with two finals held in Valencia.

• Urban Formula One Circuit – similar to Monte Carlo, attracting millions of motorsport fans to the city.

🌆 Strolling Through Valencia

Explore a city where historical tradition and futuristic architecture stand side by side. Discover Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, avant-garde structures, vibrant markets, and a lively street life.

🌆 Explore Valencia – Best Things To Do

🚌 Hop On Hop Off Tourist Bus

The most convenient way to see Valencia’s attractions:

• Unlimited travel to major sites

• Informative audio commentary

• Ideal for short visits to gain a complete city overview.

📝 Options:

1. Use as transport between attractions, hopping on/off at your leisure.

2. Do the full loop to understand the city layout and return later to sites of interest.

🐟 Oceanografic – Europe’s Largest Marine Park

Part of the City of Arts and Sciences, Oceanografic boasts:

• Breathtaking avant-garde architecture

• Nine themed marine areas showcasing ecosystems from the Mediterranean to the Arctic

• Over 45,000 marine animals, including:

  • Beluga whales

  • Sharks

  • Sealions

  • Penguins

  • Exotic fish species

📝 Highlights include:

• Wetlands sphere – showcasing marshland ecosystems

• Igloo-shaped Arctic zone – home to beluga whales and walruses

• Huge dolphinarium – with daily dolphin displays

🏛️ City of Arts and Sciences

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic complex covers two kilometres of the former Turia riverbed, featuring:

🔬 Príncipe Felipe Science Museum

• Interactive science and technology exhibitions with the motto:

  “Not touching is prohibited.”

• Suitable for children and adults

• Ground floor has free access to temporary exhibitions, shops, restrooms, and a restaurant; entry tickets are required for main exhibitions.

• Scientific workshops available for all ages (separate ticket needed).

🎬 Hemisfèric

• Digital 3D cinema with a 900 m² concave screen

• Shows educational documentaries (up to 45 mins), suitable for all audiences

• Innovative 3D glasses allow language changes

• Daily children’s film available.

All about Valencia

🌿 Umbracle

• 17,000 m² open-access garden

• Mediterranean plants and contemporary sculptures

• Home to Terraza Mya nightclub during summer nights

• City of Arts and Sciences underground car park is located below.

🏟️ Ágora

• A stunning architectural venue hosting various events

• Generally not open for public visits, but worth viewing for its spectacular design.

🎼 Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (Opera House)

• Valencia’s premier venue for:

  • Opera

  • Ballet

  • Concerts

  • Zarzuela (Spanish operetta)

• Season runs from October to November; guided tours available when not hosting performances.

🌉 Assut D’or Bridge

• Also designed by Santiago Calatrava

• Connects the Science Museum and Ágora with:

  • Traffic lanes in both directions

  • A central pedestrian path linking the two banks of Turia Gardens.

🏘️ Barrio del Carmen – The Old Quarter

A historical collage of architecture with:

• Roman, Arabic, and Gothic buildings side by side

• Valencia Cathedral (13th century)

• La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) – UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, symbolising Valencia’s historic wealth.

🛒 Mercado Central (Central Market)

Located opposite La Lonja de la Seda and the Church of Santos Juanes:

• Originally an open-air market (Mercat Nou) established in 1839

• Current building designed by Alejandro Soler March and Francisco Guàrdia Vial; construction from 1914 to 1928

• Stunning Art Nouveau architecture with iron, glass, and dome structures

• Over 400 vendors, selling fresh produce, seafood, gourmet delicacies, and local souvenirs.

🦁 Bioparc Valencia – The Immersive Zoo

Opened in 2008, Bioparc spans 100,000 m² in the Parque de Cabecera, featuring:

• Zoo immersion – minimal barriers so visitors feel within natural habitats

• Home to:

  • Lions, leopards, hyenas

  • Lemurs, gorillas, elephants

  • Giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses

  • Porcupines, ostriches, otters, and more

🎯 Key missions:

• Promote respect for animals

• Raise awareness of environmental conservation

More Places You’ll Love Visiting in Valencia

Plaza de la Virgen & Valencia Cathedral
Step into Valencia’s heart at this historic square. Don’t miss climbing El Miguelete bell tower for unbeatable city views – perfect for your holiday photos.

Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia)
Wander or cycle through this stunning 9km park, once a riverbed. It’s lined with fountains, playgrounds, cafes, and connects many top attractions.

La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a true Gothic masterpiece that tells the story of Valencia’s golden silk-trading era.

Torres de Serranos & Torres de Quart
Climb these impressive medieval towers for panoramic views over the old town rooftops and beyond.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Visit the city’s grand main square with its majestic buildings, buzzing cafés, and fountains – always lively and full of local life.

Ruzafa District
Discover Valencia’s coolest neighbourhood, bursting with quirky cafés, street art, markets, and some of the best nightlife in the city.

Albufera Natural Park
Just a short drive away – glide along the lagoon on a traditional boat and taste authentic paella Valenciana where it was born.

Colon Market (Mercado de Colón)
Soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful Modernist building filled with trendy cafés, tapas bars, and boutique shops.

Fallas Museum
See the incredible ninots (giant festival figures) saved from the flames of Valencia’s famous Fallas festival – a unique glimpse into local culture.

🍽️ Dining Out in Valencia

Valencia’s food scene is a feast for the senses! From cozy tapas bars, serving the iconic paella — the city’s proud culinary gem — to sleek modern restaurants, blending Mediterranean and international flavours, there’s something delicious for everyone.

🏘️ Wander the charming streets of Barrio del Carmen for authentic local eats or enjoy a meal with a view by the City of Arts and Sciences waterfront.

🦐 Don’t miss fresh seafood, creamy artisanal cheeses, and the refreshing local drink horchata.

Whether you want a casual snack or a gourmet feast, Valencia’s vibrant dining spots will make your visit truly tasty and memorable!

Language in Valencia vs. Benidorm

Valencia:
Valencia is part of the Valencian Community, where two official languages are spoken: Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian, a variety of Catalan. Most locals are bilingual, and you’ll see signs, menus, and official documents in both languages. Valencian is actively promoted in schools and public life, and many residents take pride in their regional language and culture.

Benidorm:
Benidorm, also in the Valencian Community, primarily uses Spanish, especially due to its large international tourist population. While Valencian is recognized, Spanish tends to be the dominant language in daily use, tourism, and business. You might hear Valencian less frequently here than in Valencia city, but it’s still present.

Conclusion

Valencia is a city bursting with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From futuristic architecture to ancient streets, hidden cafés to bustling markets, you’ll quickly realise that one day is simply not enough to see it all. But even a short visit will leave you inspired to come back for more.

🚗 Getting To Valencia From Benidorm

✅ Organised Coach Trip

Book a Round Town Travel coach tour with transport and free exploration time in Valencia.

✅ By Car

• Distance: 139 km via AP-7

• Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours

✅ By Bus (ALSA)

• Route: Benidorm – Valencia

• Journey time: 1h 45m

• Guide price: €12 – €17

• Frequency: Hourly

• 🎟️ Tickets available at the station, online, or by phone (+34 902 42 22 42).

Check ALSA bus times and prices here.

✅ By Train

• Route: Alicante – Valencia

• Journey time: Around 1h 54m (fastest trains take 1h 44m)

• Distance: 179 km

• Operator: Renfe Viajeros

✅ Getting to Alicante from Benidorm

• Take the tram from Benidorm to Alicante, then connect to Valencia by train.

🏘️ Travel Tip: Port Saplaya – Little Venice

If visiting Valencia, take a slight detour to Port Saplaya, a beautiful coastal village with colourful canal-side houses, earning it the nickname Little Venice. You certainly won’t regret it!

Find information of other places to visit in this section of the website

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👉 Have you visited Valencia?
We’d love to hear your favourite places and hidden gems. Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!