Valencia has most of what people look for in a Spanish city: a historic centre, beaches reachable by bike, good food, a relaxed pace and costs below Madrid and Barcelona.
It has grown fast as a remote-work and family destination since 2020, and rents have risen with it, but it remains good value for a city of its size.
Climate: Mild winters (around 16 °C by day in January), long warm summers, about 300 sunny days a year. Autumn can bring heavy rain.
Visiting Valencia
How long: 2 to 3 days
Don’t miss
- Turia Gardens
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Central Market and La Lonja
- El Carmen old quarter
- Malvarrosa beach
- Albufera lagoon at sunset
What to eat
- Paella valenciana at lunchtime
- Horchata with fartons
- Esgarraet
- Agua de Valencia
Classic places to eat
- Casa Montaña: Tapas, anchovies and wine from the barrel. A tavern in El Cabanyal open since 1836.
- La Pepica: Paella on the beach. A beachfront paella house on Malvarrosa, open since 1898.
- Horchatería Santa Catalina: Horchata with fartons. A tiled horchata café in the old town.
Tip: Locals eat paella at lunch, not dinner. For a classic version, head to the restaurants by the Albufera or in El Palmar.
Plan a visit
Things to do in Valencia Where to stay
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A perfect first day
- Morning: the Central Market and the Silk Exchange, then the cathedral and its Holy Grail chapel.
- Afternoon: cycle or walk the Turia gardens to the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Evening: paella at a restaurant by Malvarrosa beach (traditionally a lunch dish, but places serve it at night).
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For the historic centre.
For food and nightlife.
For the beach.
More of Valencia
Fiestas
Living in Valencia
Best for: Remote workers and families wanting a big city with beaches at fair cost.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Cafés, restaurants, central; lively and noisy at night.
Old town, bars and street art.
Village feel, near the universities, good value.
Former fishing quarter by the beach, changing fast.
Newer flats, parks, family-friendly.
Pros
- Beaches and a big city
- Flat and bikeable
- Good value
- Mild climate
Cons
- Rents rising quickly
- Hot, humid summers
- Autumn flood risk in some areas
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Valencia?
2 to 3 days is enough for the main sights: turia gardens, city of arts and sciences, central market and la lonja. Locals eat paella at lunch, not dinner. For a classic version, head to the restaurants by the Albufera or in El Palmar.
Is Valencia expensive to live in?
On our scale it is high (€€€). Rents are above the Spanish average.
How do I get to Valencia?
By air: Valencia (VLC), 20 minutes by metro. By rail: AVE to Madrid in about 1h50.
Have you been to Valencia?
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