Although Alicante is of course the most delightful city, taking a day trip to Valencia is a great option during your stay on the Costa Blanca. By train you’ll be in the heart of Valencia in two hours. Due to my sports career I visited Valencia regularly. That’s why I’ve compiled a collection of the best local Valencia tips for anyone planning a city trip to the capital of this Spanish comunidad.

Traveling to Valencia

From Alicante you can be in Valencia within two hours. You can book a train ticket via the Renfe website—the Spanish rail network. Coming straight to Valencia from the Netherlands? Then you can fly comfortably from, for example, Eindhoven with

Cheap flights to over 100 destinations in Europe?

Best places to stay in Valencia

Valencia has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation. There are many great hotels for every budget, but many visitors also stay in charming Bed & Breakfasts. It’s a good idea to check the location. Because while “Valencia” sounds cozy and wonderfully Spanish, it’s actually a large city! Depending on where you stay, you’ll often need public transport, a taxi, or a bike to get around the city. So think in advance about what you plan to do during your visit to Valencia. Will you mainly go shopping, eat tapas, and take a bike tour? Or do you also want to spend most days at the beach?

Valencia is made up of different neighborhoods. Ruzafa, for example, is a very lively area that belongs to the Eixample district, with many bars, nice coffee spots, and great restaurants—and plenty of nightlife. Ideal when you’re on a weekend trip with friends.

Camins al Grau is not one of the prettiest neighborhoods, but it’s more geared toward business travelers. Still, it’s useful to look for a hotel in this area too. Especially on weekends, prices are often lower than hotels right in the center. And it’s close to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), which you must definitely see when you’re in Valencia.

I also recently wrote a blog about the best accommodations in Alicante. If you combine your trip to Valencia with Alicante, you’ll also find nice, modern, and affordable places to stay here.

Breakfast at City Garden Bed & Breakfast

Below is a short list of the nicest places to stay.

What to do in Valencia

Take a bike tour and discover the city like a local

Exploring the city by bike, hearing stories from a Dutch guide who has lived in Valencia for years, is of course a great start to your city trip. That way you’ll know exactly where to go (and where not to). Book your bike tour with Baja Bikes, for young and old. Valencia is now a great city to explore by bike.

But keep in mind that sometimes you suddenly end up in a section where the bike path stops and you have to ride on the road. And Spaniards aren’t always great at dealing with cyclists in traffic. Always keep that in mind, especially when you’re out with children.

Renting bikes with children? Then spend half a day in the Turia Park. You can cycle for hours through the dry riverbed. Stop along the way for a picnic in the park, or at the large Gulliver Park. Kids can slide down the giant’s long arms, climb on his belly, and play in the enormous sandbox!

All sorts of events are organized in this Turia Park. You often see musicians, and I once saw a large group dancing Lindy Hop—it drew quite a crowd.

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

This is the iconic image of Valencia that you always see on all the postcards. And you really must have seen it when you’re in Valencia. Fun for young and old. Visit the Science Museum, the Hemisfèric, and the Oceanogràfic. That might be a bit much for one day, but it’s perfectly doable in two, even with children. The Hemisfèric is suitable for kids from about six years old. The Science Museum and Oceanogràfic are for all ages.

Book your tickets online

Below you’ll book online tickets with discounts that I can offer through the program I work with. That way, you not only benefit from all these day tickets together, but I also earn a little to keep this site running. With these tickets you also don’t have to stand in line—you can skip them all!

Tip: Tourist card

Book your tourist card here. For just a few euros you can use public transport, the metro to the airport, and there are various attractions you can access for free.

Eat like a local at the Mercado Central

In Spain it’s very common not only to shop at the market but also to eat there. Usually these are small dishes like tapas or a daily menu. Add a glass of wine, a bit of ambiance, and what more do you want? A visit to the market is a must anyway. You won’t just feast your eyes on the fish, meat, and exotic fruits and vegetables on display.

The whole experience of a Spanish market is an event in itself. You’re truly among the locals. Make sure you get there around 1 p.m. After strolling around, you can then sit down at one of the (cheap and good) tapas bars.

Bioparc Zoo

This zoo has been open since 2008, and the most natural possible habitat has been created for the animals. The zoo is known for being as animal‑friendly as possible. Perfect for a day out with the kids. Order your tickets here and you can even get a discount.

Eat in a local bar: “Bodega La Peseta”

When you walk in, you’ll probably think, “Where has Monique sent us now?” But as soon as your tapas are served here, you’ll understand why. Not a popular tourist spot, but a real Spanish bar with a rather remarkable interior and ditto restroom. Don’t forget to order a tortilla—the Spanish omelet was really delicious. And don’t skip dessert either.

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche

Spaniards really line up here in the morning to get a seat in this coffee bar. And it’s definitely worth it. They have delicious lattes, smoothies made with fresh fruit, cake, and breakfasts. But it has become a bit touristy by now. That’s why it’s all the way at the bottom of this blog. Is it worth going here? Yes. Is it a disaster if you skip it? No.

Are you going to Valencia this year? Then send me a message if these tips helped you! I always love to hear that.

Adios! Greetings from Alicante,

Monique

How nice that you read to the very bottom of my blog!

Have you already downloaded the free Alicante Like a Local App? It also lists all my tips from this Valencia blog. That way you can easily view the best Alicante and Valencia tips in one overview!

Download the free Alicante Like a Local App here—for all your Alicante and Valencia tips.

The Best Local Valencia Tips