City break Valencia
The people of Valencia like to party. There is no shortage of festivals, cultural events and a vibrant outdoor life in Valencia. Valencia gets busy during the famous Las Fallas festival, but is still a very pleasant destination to visit around this time. To discover the best of Valencia, there are many fun activities to do. Cycle through the city with a local guide or visit authentic tapas bars during a tasty tapas tour. Discover the most fun activities in Valencia.
Choose from curated tours & activities
Exclusively selected based on quality
Discover the best sights of the city
With expert guides & locals full of passion
The highlight of your city break
Experience the best the city has to offer
7 tips for your city break Valencia
-
Visiting the historic town centre is a must. In addition to its historic character, it is very lively and atmospheric, with old churches, imposing gates, vibrant terraces and a great nightlife.
-
In the Quatre Carreres district, just outside the city centre, you'll find the very special designed City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). This huge complex with futuristic buildings has a number of top attractions, such as the Planetarium, the Oceanographic Park and the Prince Felipe Science Museum. You can easily spend a whole day enjoying yourself here
-
Do you want to learn more about the local culture? Then visit the world-famous porcelain figurines at the Lladró Museum or watch the huge figures being made of papier-mâché at the Museo del Gremio de Artistas Falleros. Every year, in mid-March, these often funny figures can be seen at the biggest local party, Las Fallas
-
Do you want to stroll or have a bite to eat in one of Valencia's oldest and cosiest neighborhoods? Then go to Barrio del Carmen. It is located in Ciutat Vella (old town), the historical centre of the city. Here you can explore the beautiful ancient towers Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
-
Go and eat paella in one of the many restaurants. This famous Spanish dish with rice originates from the region, so Valencia is definitely the place to taste some authentic paella
-
In the attractive district of El Carmen you will discover beautiful street art. Walk to Plaça del Tossal and you will see colourful murals
-
Throughout the year you can visit numerous events, concerts and theatre shows in Valencia. Check the event calendar for an overview.
Information about Valencia
Valencia has long been in the shadow of Barcelona. That has changed as more and more city break lovers visit Valencia and enjoy the great atmosphere of this vibrant city. Valencia is a wonderful city full of history and lively streets and squares. From the futuristic architecture of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias to the beautiful Turia Gardens: Valencia is definitely worthy of a visit.
Valencia, located on the Mediterranean Sea, is more than 2,000 years old. The third city of Spain (after Madrid and Barcelona) has a beautiful historic center with impressive buildings, squares, bridges and churches. You can still see many of the Roman, Arab and Christian influences on the city. Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC. In 711 the city came into the hands of the Moors and it was not until the 13th century that the Spaniards regained power. In the 15th century, also called the "Golden Age of Valencia", the city grew tremendously. Trade was a strong factor, both economically and culturally. A large number of palaces and churches were built, including the bell tower "El Miguelete", La Lonja de la Seda (the silk fair) and the old city gates Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. Travelling to Valencia can be done by plane or by car. Renting a car in Valencia is also easy to do.
4 facts about Valencia
-
In the 17th century, the economy was hit hard. It was not until the 19th century that the city recovered. Not only did the the city and the economy grew, but also the local (Catalan) pride of the Valencians. The Spanish Civil War in 1936 and the Franco dictatorship put an end to this period of growth.
-
During the dictatorship, the Valencian language (kind of Catalan) was banned. Only after Franco's death in 1975 did Spain and Valencia begin to catch up in order to become more modern and democratic. Language and culture have been restored and new projects, such as the park and gardens in the Turia riverbed, the metro and the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, have turned Valencia into a modern, beautiful city.
-
After the flooding of the Turia River in 1957, the government decided to divert the river and turn space into a large city park (Jardines del Turia). Along the river you'll find many of the famous sights, museums and attractions.
-
In addition to beautiful old buildings and streets, Valencia also has a lot of contemporary and modern architecture and art to offer. In many places in the city you can find beautiful street art, very nice to discover while walking through the streets!