Valencia, Spain - Travel Guide

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

ValenciaSpainEuropeValènciaComunidad ValencianaTuriaCiutat de les Arts i les CiènciesFallasPaella

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jun
Sep
Cold Season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly into Valencia Airport (VLC)
Direct trains connect Valencia to major Spanish cities like Madrid (1h 40m, \~$40
80) and Barcelona (3h, \~$30
70)
Buses are available from various Spanish and European cities

Getting Around

Metro and tram system
EMT Valencia (local bus)
Valenbisi (bike
sharing)
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are available

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for Spain beyond routine vaccinations
Consult a doctor for personal recommendations
No altitude sickness or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Spanish providers like Orange, Vodafone, and Movistar support eSIMs
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Paella Valenciana must_try

Originating in Valencia, this iconic rice dish is traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, lima beans, and saffron. It is cooked in a wide, shallow pa

Fideuà regional_speciality

Similar to paella but using short, thin noodles (fideos) instead of rice. This seafood dish is cooked in a broth, typically including shrimp, monkfish

Horchata de Chufa non_alcoholic_beverage

A refreshing, milky-white beverage made from tigernuts (chufa), water, and sugar. It is served cold and has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, commonly

Fartons snack

Soft, elongated, sugar-glazed pastries that are specifically designed for dipping into horchata. They are light and spongy, making them the perfect ac

Agua de Valencia alcohol

A cocktail invented in Valencia, made from a blend of cava (or champagne), orange juice, vodka, and gin. It is often served in pitchers and is popular

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book at least 2–3 months in advance for peak events

Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly, and prices surge, particularly during major events like Las Fallas or peak summer.

Michelin-starred or High-demand Dining Reservations (e.g., Ricard Camarena Restaurant) Dining

Book 1–3 months in advance

The few high-profile and Michelin-starred restaurants have very limited seating and book out immediately when their reservation window opens.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (City of Arts and Sciences) Attraction

Book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for specific time slots

Tickets, particularly those bundled for multiple attractions or for peak weekend times, can sell out, limiting entry or specific time availability.

High-speed Train Tickets (AVE/Ouigo) to Madrid or Barcelona Transport

Book 3–8 weeks in advance

Advance purchase locks in the cheapest promotional fares (Tarifa Promo or Similar). Prices increase significantly closer to the travel date.

Guided Bicycle or Boat Tour (Albufera Natural Park) tour_or_activity

Book 1–2 weeks in advance

Popular local tours, especially sunset boat trips on Lake Albufera, have limited capacity and sell out quickly, particularly on weekends.

Fun Facts

1. The Turia Park, which is now a massive green space for the city, was once the bed of the Turia River, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957.
2. Valencia was the World Design Capital in 2022, a title reflecting its mix of futuristic architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences and centuries-old design traditions.
3. The city houses the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Tribunal), which is recognized as the oldest functioning judicial body and oldest surviving democratic institution in Europe, dating back to at least the year 960.
4. Valencia briefly served as the capital of Spain for almost a year during the Spanish Civil War, becoming the political center of the country.

Valencia