The Valencia, Spain Bucket List: 10 Things To Visit And Experience

Valencia is a coastal city of Spain located on the southeastern coast; the most significant landmark is the futuristic city built by the architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela called the City of Arts and Sciences. However, stretching beyond the sleek and stylish structures that make up the city skyline, Valencia is a city steeped in history and holding many artistic and cultural treasures within its grasp. 

1. Stroll in the Carmen district

Take a simple and leisurely walk through the walled-in alleys that form the Barrio del Carmen district of Valencia. The Barrio del Carmen boasts beautiful local architecture, stylish shops and cafés, and some must-visit attractions like the Valencia Cathedral and the Central Market. Some scenic shots are missed while taking pictures from the top of Torres de Serranos, the ancient gate of the city.

2. Stroll through the Turia park

Stroll through the park built over the dry riverbed that flows through the city and its beautiful gardens, fountains, sculptures, and bicycling tracks. Look at the impressive designs of the complex while walking through the lovely gardens and beside the water bodies.

3. Sunbathing on City Beaches

A visit to the city beaches is inevitable during the summer period to get that natural tanning from the sun while experiencing the Mediterranean feel. La Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are among the famous beaches with expansive golden sand and are much preferred by tourists and citizens. Visit the beach by hiring a bicycle to ride along the promenade for a true Spanish touch of Valencia.

4. Visit the Albufera Natural Park

This park is located just 10 kilometers on the outskirts of Valencia and it is the most important wetland area in Spain. Visit the Albufera Lake and explore barracks farmhouses by taking a boat trip along the lake. Visit the area for bird watching of herons and egrets, ducks, and other types of water birds. Sunset is particularly beautiful in the park though the entire year has beautiful views to offer.

5. Visit Las Fallas festival

If you are planning your trip to Valencia, try to schedule it for March because that is when the city turns into the stage of Las Fallas – the five-day fiesta accompanied by the burning of the enormous paper-mâché sculptures called fallas, firecrackers, and fireworks. More to it fireworks, paellas, marches and performances, demonstrations, dances and celebrations, and feasts on the streets.

6. Visit the Market

Central Market is a Modernist indoor market built in the early 20th century and it has architectural designs such as ornate columns, stained glass windows, and colorful ceramic tiles. You may savor the delicious and freshly baked products at any of the stalls including cheeses, hams, fruits, flowers, candies, and many others. Before you leave, be sure to order a glass of an official cocktail of the city known as Agua de Valencia.

7. Try out a food tour

Valencia boasts of a rich and diverse food culture and the best way to explore it is through a food tour – specifically a Paella tour to understand the preparation of Spain’s flagship rice dish. Learn the art of traditional port valuations through master recipes that you will be served by a professional chef as you prepare dishes such as saffron rice, shellfish, and vegetables. Then you get to eat it as well, and it is always yummy.

8. Go to the Cathedral and the Miguelete Tower

This cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, has a Baroque frontage, and has an amazing interior, and the chalice that inspired the famous character Indiana Jones is also here, as the climbing tower of Miguelete which is also ancient. Get a ticket to get to the 207 steep, spiral steps to the area that offers an excellent view from the top of the Cathedral bell tower.

9. Have coffee at Hemingway

This is a café in Valencia and is famous not only for its coffee but also for its live music and art performances. Attending a show within Palau’s ultra-sleek exterior, which was designed by Óscar Tusquets Blanca, looks like the ultimate evening out.

10. Dine at Central Market

Dinner at one of the restaurants or tapas bars of Central Market can be a great way to end a day in Valencia since most of them source their ingredients from within the market itself. Sit at a counter and choose from substantial boards of cured meats and cheeses, seafood starters, market salads, and the like, amid this energetic market.

Thanks to such treasures as ancient ruins and narrow streets, avant-garde structures, yachting-friendly beaches, cheerful celebrations, serene countryside just around the corner, and not to mention – mouthwatering paella – Valencia caters to every type of tourist. Here is a breakdown of a bucket list that one could use to maximize his/her experience in this beautiful coastal Mediterranean city.

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