Valencia Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Travel & Planning
Is Valencia worth visiting? Absolutely. Many travelers on forums call it an “underrated gem” and love its mix of historic and modern attractions, laid-back vibe, and affordability compared to cities like Barcelona.
Is Valencia a good alternative to Barcelona or Madrid? Yes. It’s often described as a more relaxed, less crowded, and safer city than Madrid or Barcelona, with a great mix of culture, food, and beach life.
How many days are enough to see Valencia? Most visitors recommend 3-4 days to see the main sights. A week is perfect if you want to include day trips and a lot of beach time.
Is it safe for solo travelers? Yes, Valencia is generally considered very safe for solo travelers, including women.
What’s the best time of year to visit? Spring is highly recommended for its beautiful light and pleasant weather. Fall is also a good option. Summers can be hot and humid, but great for beach lovers.
Getting Around
How do you get from the Valencia airport to the city center? You can take the metro directly from the airport. A Zone AB+ ticket is required as the airport is in a different zone than the city center.
What’s the best way to get around the city? Valencia is very walkable and bike-friendly. The old riverbed park, now the Turia Gardens, is perfect for cycling. Public transport, including the metro, tram, and bus, is also efficient.
What public transport ticket should I get? The SUMA card is a popular choice. The SUMA 10 is a multi-person card for 10 trips on the metro, bus, and tram. It’s often more economical than paying for single rides.
Can I use the same SUMA card for multiple people? Yes, you can use one SUMA 10 card for several people.
Do kids need to pay for public transport? Children under 10 years old travel for free if accompanied by an adult.
Are ride-sharing apps available? Yes, FreeNow and Uber are available and often recommended by locals.
Is it easy to walk everywhere? Most of the city’s main attractions in the historic center are very close together and easily walkable.
Can I rent a bike? Yes, bike rentals are very popular and a great way to explore the Turia Gardens and get to the beach.
What’s the deal with the old riverbed? The Turia River was diverted after a flood. The old riverbed was transformed into a 9km-long park, perfect for walking, jogging, and biking.
Neighborhoods & Accommodation
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in?
Ciutat Vella (Old Town): Best for a first-time visit, with historic charm and central location.
Ruzafa: A trendy and vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife, restaurants, and bohemian atmosphere.
El Carmen: A historic and local-feeling neighborhood within the Old Town.
Cabanyal: Located near the beach, it’s a great option for those who want a mix of city and sea.
Are hotels or Airbnbs better? It depends on your preference. Many travelers find that hotels are well-located and easy to book, while Airbnbs can offer a more local experience.
Is it better to stay near the train station? If you are taking a train to another city like Madrid, staying near Valencia Nord or Joaquín Sorolla station can be convenient, but the city is small enough that a short taxi or metro ride will get you there easily from most locations.
Food & Drink
Where can I find authentic Valencian paella? Valencia is the birthplace of paella. Locals advise looking for a restaurant away from the main tourist areas and checking to see if locals are eating there.
What is “Paella Valenciana”? The original version of paella includes rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails and vegetables like green beans and garrofó (a type of white bean).
What are some must-try local foods besides paella?
Horchata: A refreshing drink made from tiger nuts.
Fartons: A long, sugary pastry often eaten with horchata.
Agua de Valencia: A famous local cocktail with cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin.
Tapas: You can find great tapas everywhere, especially in local bars in Ruzafa or the historic center.
Where should I go for a food market experience? The Central Market (Mercat Central) is a must-visit. It’s a huge, beautiful market with fresh produce, fish, meats, and places to eat.
What’s a good spot for a drink? Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza del Tossal are popular for drinks and a lively atmosphere. For a more modern vibe, check out the Marina Beach Club.
What is a “guiri”? This is a Spanish term for a tourist, and forums often advise avoiding “guiri” restaurants, which are typically more expensive and of lower quality.
Sights & Activities
What are the main must-see attractions?
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences): A futuristic complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.
Turia Gardens: The park in the old riverbed, great for a stroll or bike ride.
Mercat Central: The stunning Art Nouveau central market.
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic civil architecture.
Valencia Cathedral: Famous for housing what’s believed to be the Holy Grail.
Is the City of Arts and Sciences worth the price? Many people recommend seeing the exterior for its impressive architecture, but say the cost to enter all the museums (like the science museum and aquarium) can be high.
What is there to do at the beach? The city beaches (Malvarrosa and Cabanyal) are wide and sandy. You can walk the promenade, find great restaurants, or simply relax.
Are there any good day trips from Valencia? Yes! Popular day trips include:
Albufera Natural Park: Known for its large lake, birdwatching, and authentic paella restaurants.
Peñíscola: A beautiful seaside town with a historic castle.
Poza del Bolbaite: A swimming hole/waterfall for a nature-filled excursion.
Sagunto: A town with a Roman theater and castle.
What is Las Fallas? A massive, fiery festival held every March. It’s a huge event with elaborate monuments, fireworks, and parades. If you’re visiting in March, be prepared for large crowds and closures.
Miscellaneous Tips
What’s the language situation like? While Spanish is the official language, many Valencians also speak Valencian, a co-official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Is Valencia a good destination for a relaxing trip? Yes, many people describe Valencia as more relaxed and laid-back than other major Spanish cities.
Are there any safety concerns? As in any major city, be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
Can I use a credit card everywhere? Yes, credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or local markets.
What about siesta? Many smaller shops and businesses still close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Should I book train tickets in advance? Yes, especially for popular routes to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, it’s best to book online in advance to secure a seat and a better price.
What’s the best way to get a local experience? Explore neighborhoods like Ruzafa and Benimaclet, wander away from the main tourist streets, and don’t be afraid to try smaller, family-run restaurants.