01 — Landmarks & Monuments
Valencia’s historic center is one of the largest and best-preserved in Spain. These are the landmarks that define the city and deserve a place in every itinerary.
The Cathedral of Valencia is a Gothic masterpiece built over several centuries on the site of a Roman temple, an Arab mosque and a Visigothic church. It houses what is claimed to be the Holy Grail — a first-century agate cup displayed in the Chapel of the Santo Cáliz. El Miguelete, the cathedral’s octagonal Gothic bell tower, offers the best panoramic views of Valencia’s old town rooftops. The climb involves 207 steps and is well worth every one. The cathedral faces the Plaza de la Reina, Valencia’s most central square and the natural starting point for any visit to the historic center.
Built between 1482 and 1548, the Silk Exchange is one of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in Europe and Valencia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main hall — the Sala de Contratación — features twisted spiral columns that rise 17 meters. Free to enter on Sundays. Located opposite the Mercado Central.
Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic complex is Valencia’s most photographed landmark. The complex includes the Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), the Hemisfèric IMAX cinema, the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe and the Palau de les Arts opera house. Allow at least half a day. Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the white structures reflect in the surrounding water.
One of Europe’s largest and most beautiful covered markets, the Mercado Central opened in 1928 and occupies a stunning Modernista building with stained glass, ceramic tiles and iron structures. Over 300 stalls sell fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese and local specialities. Arrive early for the best selection. The market sits directly opposite La Lonja de la Seda in the heart of the old town.
Two magnificent Gothic gate towers — the only surviving sections of Valencia’s 14th-century city walls. Torres de Serranos (1392) faces the Turia gardens and offers panoramic views from its battlements. Torres de Quart (1441) shows cannonball marks from Napoleonic siege. Both are within easy walking distance of the cathedral.
After the 1957 Valencia flood, the Turia river was diverted and its old riverbed transformed into a 9-kilometer linear park that cuts through the heart of the city. Cyclists, joggers, families and footballers share its wide paths daily. The park connects the old town to the City of Arts and Sciences and is Valencia’s true civic living room.
Valencia is best explored on foot, slowly, without a schedule built around a locker's closing time
— Tralli Travel Team
02 — Neighborhoods
Each of Valencia’s neighborhoods has its own identity, rhythm and reason to visit. Here are the ones that reward time spent on foot.
Valencia’s most bohemian neighborhood — a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with street art, independent bars, vintage shops and some of the city’s best nightlife. By day it’s quiet and architectural; by evening it comes alive.
Valencia’s trendiest neighborhood — a compact grid of streets with excellent coffee, brunch spots, independent boutiques and some of the city’s most creative restaurants. The local answer to Barcelona’s Gràcia or Madrid’s Malasaña.
Valencia’s historic fishing neighborhood, now undergoing a quiet renaissance. Colorful Modernista facades, fresh seafood restaurants and a village atmosphere just minutes from the beach. One of the city’s most photogenic areas.
The administrative and religious heart of Valencia’s old town — the Cathedral, La Lonja, the Mercado Central and the main civic squares. Dense with history and architecture, it rewards slow exploration with no particular agenda.
The former America’s Cup venue, now a premium waterfront leisure area with restaurants, sailing clubs and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. The gateway between the city and its coastline.
A university neighborhood with a village feel — quiet streets, local bars, an excellent weekly market and some of the most authentic local restaurant options in the city. Away from the tourist circuit.
Store your bags and move freely between neighborhoods
Tralli picks up at your hotel or Airbnb anywhere in Valencia and delivers to your next address. No locker detours, no cobblestone struggles. From €24.95 — pickup and delivery included.
03 — Activities & Experiences
Beyond the landmarks, Valencia rewards participation — in its markets, its food culture, its cycling paths and its beach life. These are the experiences that make a visit memorable.
The 9km linear park has dedicated cycling lanes from the old town to the City of Arts and Sciences. Bikes available for hire throughout the city. Best done in the morning.
Valencia is the birthplace of paella. Several cooking schools offer hands-on classes — including a market visit at the Mercado Central followed by cooking and eating together.
Europe’s largest aquarium, with over 45,000 animals across 12 themed zones including an open-air dolphin lagoon. Allow at least 3 hours. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing are all available at Malvarrosa and El Saler beaches. Equipment rental available directly on the beach.
A freshwater lagoon 10km south of Valencia — the birthplace of Valencian paella rice. Boat trips at sunset, rice field walks and traditional fishing villages. Best reached by taxi or rental car.
Calatrava’s futuristic opera house hosts world-class opera, ballet and classical concerts. Check the season program in advance — tickets sell out months ahead for headline productions.
Traditional Arab baths in the heart of El Carmen, housed in a beautifully restored building. A two-hour circuit of hot, warm and cold pools. Advance booking essential.
One of Europe’s most innovative zoos, designed around the concept of “zoo-immersion” — no visible barriers between visitors and animals. African savannah, Madagascar zone and more.
Valencia’s most famous festival — five days of enormous papier-mâché sculptures, fireworks, flower offerings and the spectacular nit de la cremà (burning night) on 19 March. One of Europe’s greatest street festivals.
04 — Food & Gastronomy
Valencia’s food culture is one of its defining characteristics. The city invented paella, produces some of Spain’s finest citrus and seafood, and takes its culinary traditions more seriously than almost anywhere else in the country.
Authentic Valencian paella contains rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofó beans, tomato, saffron and rosemary. It does not contain seafood — that is a different dish (arroz a banda or paella de mariscos). The best paella is eaten at lunch near the beach, at Restaurante La Pepica, La Rosa or any of the traditional restaurants lining the Malvarrosa promenade.
Horchata (orxata) is a cold drink made from tiger nuts (chufa) grown in the Valencian region. Served with elongated sugar-glazed pastries called fartons, it is Valencia’s signature refreshment. The best horchata comes from Horchatería de Santa Catalina in the old town or from Horchatería Daniel in Alboraia — the village where chufa is grown.
05 — Beaches
Valencia has over 20 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline within easy reach of the city center. The main beaches are accessible by tram from the historic center in under 20 minutes.
Valencia’s main urban beach — wide, sandy and lined with a promenade of restaurants and bars. The Paseo Marítimo runs its full length. Busy in summer but large enough to find space. Best combined with a traditional paella lunch on the terrace.
Just north of Malvarrosa and administratively part of Alboraia — La Patacona feels noticeably less crowded and more local. Excellent seafood restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere. Walking distance from Malvarrosa.
A natural beach 15km south of the city within the L’Albufera Natural Park — backed by pine forests rather than urban development. No facilities, no crowds. Requires a car or bus. Worth the effort for the setting.
Store your bags and go to the beach hands-free
Whether you're heading to Malvarrosa before check-in or spending your last afternoon at the beach before the airport, Tralli collects your bags and delivers them wherever you need. From €24.95.
06 — Day Trips
Valencia’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. These destinations are all reachable within two hours.
10km south. Freshwater lagoon, rice fields, boat trips and the best traditional rice restaurants in the region. Half-day minimum. Taxi or rental car recommended.
45 minutes by train. Medieval hilltop castle with panoramic views, a beautiful old town and the birthplace of the Borgia family. One of Valencia’s best day trip destinations.
1.5 hours north by car or bus. A medieval fortified town on a rocky promontory above the sea — used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Spectacular coastal views.
1.5 hours south by AVE. Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada promenade, excellent beaches and a vibrant old town. Easy to combine with a night away from Valencia.
1 hour west by train or car. Valencia’s most important wine-producing area, known for Bobal red wines. Several bodegas offer tastings and tours. Best visited in autumn.
1 hour south by train. One of Spain’s best urban beaches — wide, clean and well-organized, with a full range of restaurants and facilities. Popular with Valencianos in summer.
07 — Practical Information
Everything you need to plan your visit efficiently.
08 — Luggage Storage in Valencia
The best way to explore Valencia is always without bags. Whether you arrive before check-in, leave after check-out or simply want a hands-free day at the beach, Tralli’s door-to-door luggage concierge solves the problem at every stage of your visit.
Pickup anywhere. Stored securely. Delivered wherever you need.
From €24.95 per service — pickup and delivery included. Insured up to €4,000. Sealed and tracked. Book online in seconds at bookings.tralli.es.
The Tralli Travel Team helps travelers explore Valencia without the burden of luggage. With experience assisting visitors arriving through Valencia Airport, train stations, the port and accommodations across the city, the team understands the practical challenges that come with managing bags during short stays — and the difference it makes when those challenges disappear.
Through practical travel guides and local insights, the Tralli team shares tips that help visitors enjoy Valencia more comfortably — from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
If you are looking for a flexible way to store your luggage in Valencia, Tralli offers a door-to-door concierge service that collects, stores and delivers bags anywhere in the city — so you can focus entirely on the experience.