VALENCIA, SPAIN
Valencia is the capital of the Valencian Community and the province of the same name in Spain. It is located on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of 824,340, it is the third-largest city in Spain. The Port of Valencia is one of the busiest container ports in Europe and the Mediterranean. The city has numerous celebrations and traditions, and was selected as the World Design Capital 2022 and the European Green Capital 2024.
Valencia stands out for its architectural richness and its rapid development. A case in point is the futuristic design of the City of Arts and Sciences, which is giving the city a new look after it had long been confined to its historic centre. In Valencia, the past and the present blend harmoniously together. There, you can find everything from a Plaza del Toro that looks a bit like the Colosseum to an up-to-date museum on the city’s history, as well as a two-century-old botanical garden. Don’t forget to lose yourself in the old town surrounding the cathedral, a maze of narrow streets where most drivers don’t venture.
TRANSPORT INFO
How to get to Valencia
Air
Valencia airport (VLC) is located 8km from the city centre and is served by all types of public transport (buses and the subway).
Two subway lines take you to the city centre from the airport: Line 5: Airport/Torrent Avinguda-Neptú and Line 3: Airport-Palmaret-Rafelbunyol (Metrovalencia). Approximately every 15 to 20 minutes. A single ticket costs 4,80€ (+1€ for the card). This route is free with the Valencia Tourist Card. Journey time: around 20 minutes.
Getting around in Valencia
Taxi
City taxi companies’ cars are white and are available 24 hours a day. You can book them by phone or online, but also hail them in the street at the various ranks located throughout the city and along the main roads. The current fares for taxi journeys are always the same across official companies and must be clearly displayed to the public. Fares depend on the zone (urban 1, urban 2 and interurban) and the time of day (fares increase at night). The total amount due must be displayed on the meter, and a receipt can be requested. Most taxis also have an electronic payment terminal, allowing you to pay by credit card.
Car
Driving a car in Valencia can be a hassle; the streets are very narrow, and parking can be difficult to find. It's best to save yourself the trouble and take the metro. Moreover, it's illegal to rent a vehicle without first obtaining an international driving permit.
Bus
Local buses connect the major Valencia attractions. Some buses also run to nearby towns, such as Buñol, where the famous La Tomatina festival takes place. Standard fare without transfers is around 2€ and can be purchased as you board the bus.
Metro
The Metrovalencia network has 10 lines connecting the airport, the historic centre, the beaches, the City of Arts and Sciences and many other essential places.
The metro operates with three fare zones: A, B and B+, and the ticket price depends on the zones of your origin and destination, so you must make sure your ticket covers the zone in which your destination is located. Single tickets go from 1,50€ to 4,80€ and are purchased exclusively from station ticket machines, where you can pay by credit or debit card. You must also purchase a physical card, which you can reload for future journeys: cardboard card: €1.10 or plastic card: €2.20.
Bicycle
Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Valencia. The city's bike rental service, Valenbisi, has nearly 300 stations around town where you can pick up a bike. A weekly pass costs about 13.30 euros and can be purchased at each station.
Practical tips – Need to know
Language: Spanish
Currency: EUR Euro
Time zone: GMT + 1
Country code: + 34
Voltage: 230 V
Electrical socket: Type F (Schuko)
Tourist Contacts:
+34 4 75 79 20 00
Internet Resources:
General emergency number: 112
Explore city centre
The Church of San Nicolás de Bari
Nicknamed the « Sistine Chapel of Valencia », the Church of San Nicolás de Bari features spectacular frescoes painted on the ceiling between 1690 and 1693. Located in El Carmen, one of Valencia’s oldest neighbourhoods, the church was built in the 13th century. Its impressive Baroque interior, vibrant stained-glass windows and famous painted ceiling make it one of the city’s must-see attractions. Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 10:30 am-7 pm, Saturday: 10am-6:30 pm, Sunday: 1 pm-7 pm.
La Lonja de la Seda
In the historic centre of Valencia, one building stands out like no other: the Gothic masterpiece La Lonja de la Seda. Once the hub of the silk trade in Valencia, this 15th-century Silk Exchange is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bears witness to the city’s former wealth. Today, you can admire its many stunning architectural details, including the elegant, twisted columns in the grand trading hall, the intricately decorated vaulted ceiling of the chapel, and the spiral staircase shaped like a snake that leads up to the tower. Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-7 pm, Sun & Public Holidays: 10 am-2 pm
The Turia Garden
As Spain’s largest urban park, the Turia Gardens are one of Valencia’s main attractions. This 5.5-mile-long green space winds its way through Valencia’s historic district. By foot, by bike or on a Segway, cross a series of new and historic bridges, go past impressive palm trees and don’t forget to smell the roses. On sunny days, you can rent a canoe from the ponds near the City of Arts and Sciences or a swan-shaped boat at Cabecera Park.
Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa Beach is Valencia’s main city beach, located within the city and easily reached from the centre by public transport, bike or taxi. It is known for its wide sandy shoreline, palm-lined promenade, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. With restaurants, café and walking areas nearby, it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying a break by the Mediterranean without leaving Valencia.
The City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia’s most impressive modern architecture can be found in the City of Arts and Sciences. The complex features stunning contemporary designs and some of the best places to visit in Valencia, including the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, an interactive science museum designed to look like a whale’s skeleton, and L’Umbracle, a beautiful garden with an open-air sculpture gallery. Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am-6 pm, Fri-Sun: 10 am-7 pm
