LOCAL INFORMATION

Named the WorldDesign Capital in 2022, Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, was founded by the Roman Empire in 138 BC. Originally called Valentia, the name translates to the land of the brave. Situated on the south-east coast of Spain, this culturally vibrant city is a key port situated on the Mediterranean. Valencia’s combination of historical and innovative design structures coupled with the natural environment is best showcased in the Turia Garden, one of the largest urban parks in Spain. Closed to traffic, visitors can cross the city by bike or on foot, nearly reaching the Mediterranean Sea!

Valencia is also recognized as a 'Smart Sustainable City' by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN's specialist agency for information and communication technologies (ICT).  It is the first city in the world to certify and verify the carbon footprint of its tourist activities.

Valencia has a broad range of cultural, shopping and leisure activities. We invite you to actively engage in Valencia’s fusion of tradition, architecture, diverse dining, bright weather and sandy beaches. And don’t forget to have a glass of horchata!

To view Valencia’s tourist maps and digital guides, click here.

Climate
Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine! The average temperature in Valencia during June is 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) during the evening.

Art in Valencia
With more than 30+ museums, there are many opportunities for exploration of Spain’s rich culture. We've highlighted a few here.

The City of Art and Science is a scientific and cultural leisure complex covering two kilometers of the former riverbed of the River Turia. The Science Museum offers hands-on science and technology exhibits where the motto is, "Do touch." Oceanogràfic, composed of several buildings has seven different environments offering the opportunity to discover 45,000 specimens of 500 magnificent species! Hemisfèric, a digital cinema offers a 900-metre concave screen where you receive 3D glasses that fully immerse you in the film, allowing you to be transported away by surround sound and imaging. Bombas Gens Art Center is located in a vintage factory built between 1930 and 1935. Bombas’ collection is composed of large and unique works by national and international artists, with a special focus on photography and abstract languages on both painting and sculpture. Be sure to visit the medieval wine cellar and Civil War anti-aircraft shelter, both open to visits. The center is also home to a 2 star Michelin restaurant by Ricard Camarena. The González Martí National Museum of Ceramics is located in what is considered to be the best example of Baroque architecture in Spain, the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. The museum houses the largest national collection of ceramics, dating from the 18th century to the contemporary period, and includes pieces by Picasso. In this museum you can also find treasures from the Valencian Silk.

Culture
Founded in 138 BC by the Romans, Valencia is an overlap of Roman, Visigothic, Muslim and Medieval cultures. Did you know the Holy Chalice is kept in the Cathedralof Valencia? The Cathedral Museum exhibits up to 90 works of different styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist. The collection includes pieces by Maella and Goya or panel paintings by Juan de Juanes. Valencia’s main monuments, including the Cathedral, La Lonja and the Mercado Central, are all within walking distance in Valencia’s compact Old Town. You can also enjoy Valencian culture, traditions and history on a guided walking tour. To get the best panoramic views, climb the 207 stairs to Migueletetower.

Valencia is the birthplace of paella. For authentic paella valenciana – made with chicken or rabbit, white beans and snails – visit La Pepica, a Valencian institution by the beach, once frequented by Ernest Hemingway.    

Shopping
Whether it is creations from Valencian designers, international brands, fresh local seafood, or herbs and spices, the shopping in Valencia will not disappoint.

Covering more than 8,000 square meters, The Central Market of Valencia is one of the largest in Europe. With its colored window panels and Art Nouveau style, construction began in 1914 and was not fully completed until 1928 by the Valencian architects Enrique Viedma and Angel Romani. It is one of the most attractive and visited buildings in the city.  The Central Market offers fresh items including fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats, and herbs and spices. Be sure to stop by one of the many bakeries as well as the gourmet shops. 

Offering traditional craft shops and tapas bars at street level, Plaza Redonda is one of Valencia’s most unique attractions due to its distinct design. The Plaza shops sell fabrics, crafts, Valencian souvenirs, clothing, embroidery and much more.  The square was built in 1840, though it has been renovated in recent years, creating a modern space with roofed areas providing shade from the Valencian sun for shoppers.

For street shopping in search of high street brands, exclusive interior design and jewelry stores head to the Eixample district, close to Colon Market. For Spanish luxury brands and famous international designers, visit Poeta Querol Street. 

Looking for shopping centers? Try Bonaire, one of Spain’s largest shopping centers. It is as large as 100 football fields! With 120 stores and 30 restaurant options, the possibilities are endless.  Bonaire also features an amazing open air space with Mediterranean design.  There are 9 movie theaters, a multi-adventure space with zip lines, trampolines, escape rooms, a climbing wall and bowling alley!

Beaches
One of the busiest beaches in Valencia, La Malvarrosa is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. The beach is lined with a promenade with restaurants and cafes.  Malvarrosa offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fitness courses, Crossfit and there are even sunshades and deckchairs for hire. The Malvarrosa Beach has been awarded blue flag granted by the European Union for many years. This recognition certifies the quality of its water and sand, as well as all its services.

Be sure to stop by Las Arenas (El Cabanyal) beach, located between the port of the city and La Malvarrosa beach.  Las Arenas also feature a promenade with unique and exciting places for sunset drinks and unforgettable memories. The beach was named after the old spa of the same name, which has now been converted into a luxury hotel resort. Don’t forget to stop at the Marinade Valencia just down the way.

If you are looking for a walk or run along with the sea breeze, visit PaseoMarítimo. The beach offers a section with a cycling path and several children’s playgrounds. The Paseo is lined with numerous restaurants with a variety of delicious options. For night life, there are many pubs, cafes and bars available. 

Tours
Be sure to stop by the Tourist Information Office City Hall – Ayuntamiento offering tourist information, personalized advice in various languages, comprehensive assistance in planning your stay in the city, reservations and purchase of tickets for tourist attractions in the area. Here are some of the experiences available:

• Guided tours on foot, bike or Segway, through the historical centre of the city, seaside villages, Albufera and other places of interest.
• Themed tours: Silk Route, Route of the Grail and Religious Art, Fallas Tour, Albufera Natural Park, Day Tours, etc.
• Renting bikes and Segways.
• Culinary experiences: tapas and wine tours, gastronomy tours, paella workshop, dinner with entertainment, and wine bus.

For more on guided tours, click here.