10 Valencia travel tips you need to know before you go

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About Valencia

Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea and close to the famous Costa Blanca. With around 800,000 inhabitants, it is Spain’s third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. Yet Valencia feels surprisingly compact, making it easy to explore many of its main sights on foot or by bike.

The city also has a remarkably long history. Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and later came under Visigothic and Moorish rule. These different cultures have all left their mark on the city. Today, you can still discover city gates, churches, squares and historic buildings in the old town that reflect different periods of Valencia’s past. At the same time, Valencia also has a strikingly modern side, best represented by the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

What I personally loved most about Valencia was exactly this variety. You can spend the morning wandering through the charming streets of El Carmen, cycle through the green Jardín del Turia in the afternoon and end your day at Playa de la Malvarrosa. It’s the perfect city for combining culture, architecture, green spaces and the beach in one trip.

Foodies will feel right at home here too. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, but you’ll also find lively markets, cosy tapas bars and local specialities such as horchata. Add the Mediterranean climate and laid-back atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for a surprisingly diverse city break.

10 Valencia travel tips you need to know before you go

1 – How to travel to Valencia?

From Belgium, flying is by far the quickest and easiest way to travel to Valencia. There are direct flights from Brussels and Charleroi, meaning you can be enjoying the Spanish sunshine after a flight of around 2.5 hours.

Valencia Airport is also conveniently located just eight kilometres from the city centre. From the airport, you can easily take the metro or bus into the city. Prefer to travel directly to your accommodation? Taxis and private transfers are available as well.

Valencia is also a great stop on a longer trip through Spain. By train, you can easily travel to other major cities, while a rental car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. For example, you could combine your city trip with a road trip along the Costa Blanca or through Spain’s surprisingly beautiful inland regions.

Valencia is also easily accessible by sea. Ferries depart from the port to destinations including the Balearic Islands and Italy, and the city is also a popular stop for cruise ships.

Prefer to drive your own car from Belgium? You’ll need to cover around 1,700 kilometres. It’s quite a journey, but a great option if you want to turn the drive into a road trip. Along the way, you could plan a stop in France or Barcelona before continuing south towards Valencia.

2 – Passport, visa and vaccinations: what do you need?

Good news: if you’re Belgian, there isn’t much paperwork to arrange for a trip to Valencia. Since Spain is part of the European Union, you can simply travel with a valid Belgian identity card or passport. So, there’s no need for a visa.

When it comes to vaccinations, there are no mandatory vaccinations for a regular trip to Spain. Of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date and to check the latest travel advice before departure.

Don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) either. Hopefully, you won’t need it at all, but it can be very useful if you unexpectedly require medical care during your trip.

In short: less paperwork, more time to figure out where you’re going to have your first paella.

3 – What is the best way to get around Valencia?

Valencia is a wonderful city to explore, with plenty of ways to get around. The city centre is relatively compact, and many of the main sights are within walking distance. So wear comfortable shoes, as exploring on foot is a great way to discover charming streets, little squares and hidden spots.

For longer distances, you can rely on Valencia’s extensive public transport network. The city has a well-connected system of metros, trams and buses, making it easy to reach the historic centre, airport, beach and different neighbourhoods.

Planning to use public transport regularly? The Valencia Tourist Card  is a great option. Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, it includes unlimited public transport within the included zones, including the metro to and from the airport. You’ll also get free entry or discounts at several attractions.

My personal favourite? Cycling! Valencia is almost completely flat and has more than 200 kilometres of cycle paths. The Jardín del Turia, a former riverbed that has been transformed into a green park running through the city, is especially lovely to cycle through. From here, you can easily ride from the historic centre to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and even continue all the way to the beach. You can rent a bike and explore independently or join a guided bike tour.

Short on time or want to get a good overview of the city first? A hop-on-hop-off bus is another convenient option. The sightseeing buses stop at major attractions such as the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, the Marina, the beach and several museums. With a 24- or 48-hour ticket, you can hop on and off as often as you like along the route.

4 – Driving in Valencia and the surrounding area

Planning to spend most of your trip in Valencia itself? Then you really don’t need a car. The city is compact, and you can easily reach the main sights by bike, metro, bus or on foot. Parking in and around the historic centre can also be quite busy and expensive.

However, if you want to explore more of the surrounding area, a rental car is definitely worth considering. From Valencia, you can quickly reach the Costa Blanca, charming villages, orange groves and the mountainous inland regions. Especially if you want to combine several destinations, having a car gives you much more freedom.

Renting a car is easy, and you can drive in Spain with a valid Belgian or Dutch driving licence. You don’t need an international driving permit. The speed limit on motorways is generally 120 km/h. Lower speed limits apply on other roads and in built-up areas, so always pay close attention to the road signs.

Keep in mind that traffic around Valencia can get busier during rush hour. In the city, you’ll find both underground car parks and on-street parking zones, but always check the local parking rules and road markings carefully.

My tip?Rent a car only when you’re ready to leave Valencia. That way, you won’t have to worry about traffic or parking during your city trip, while still having the freedom to explore the coast and inland areas at your own pace afterwards. And don’t be afraid to take a spontaneous detour along the way. Those often lead to the best discoveries.

5 – What is the best time to visit Valencia?

Thanks to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Valencia is a great destination all year round. Winters are mild, and even outside the summer months, you can often enjoy plenty of sunny days.

If you’re mainly looking for warm and sunny weather, May to October are great months to visit. Keep in mind that temperatures can get quite high in July and August, and the city is also busier during this period. Luckily, the beach is nearby whenever you need to cool off.

Personally, I think spring and autumn are ideal for a city trip. In spring, the orange trees are in bloom, filling the streets with the wonderful scent of orange blossom. In September and October, you can usually still enjoy pleasant temperatures without the intense summer heat.

Want to experience Valencia at its most vibrant? Visit in March during Las Fallas, one of Spain’s most famous and unique traditions. From 15 to 19 March, the city comes alive with enormous artistic creations made of wood and papier-mâché, parades, music and, above all, lots of fireworks. The grand finale is La Cremà, when almost all of the fallas are set on fire on the final night.

We visited Valencia in October and, apart from one less-than-perfect day, enjoyed lovely weather throughout our stay. For me, it’s a wonderful time of year to explore the city.

6 – Booking accommodation in Valencia

Valencia is a popular city break destination, especially during spring, summer and major events such as Las Fallas. If you have a particular neighbourhood in mind or have spotted a lovely boutique hotel, I recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. The best places often fill up first.

It’s also worth thinking about where exactly you want to stay in Valencia, as each neighbourhood has its own atmosphere. Choose Ciutat Vella if you want to be surrounded by historic sights, Ruzafa for cosy restaurants, bars and a lively atmosphere, or stay closer to the beach if you’d like to combine your city trip with some sun and sea.

Since choosing the right base can really make a difference, I’ve put together the best neighbourhoods and hotels in my guide ‘Where to stay in Valencia?’. This makes it easy to find the area that best suits your city trip.

Below, you’ll also find a Booking.com map where you can easily compare different accommodation options in Valencia and see exactly where they are located.

7 – Paying and tipping in Valencia

Paying in Valencia is very straightforward. In restaurants, shops, hotels and most other places, you can easily pay by debit card, credit card or smartphone. Still, it’s useful to carry a little cash with you for local markets, small bars or street stalls.

In terms of prices, Valencia is generally more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, although you’ll naturally notice a difference between tourist hotspots and more local neighbourhoods. Prices can be slightly higher around popular attractions and along the beach.

Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, and the same applies in Valencia. If you’re happy with the service, you can simply round up the bill or leave a few euros. In restaurants, people sometimes leave a tip of around 5 to 10% after a more elaborate meal, but this is by no means a fixed rule.

You can also leave a small tip in cafés, taxis and hotels if you wish. Think of it as a friendly gesture rather than something that is expected. A smile and a friendly “gracias” are just as appreciated.

8 – Wi-Fi and 5G in Valencia

When it comes to internet access, Valencia is very well connected. You’ll have access to 4G or 5G almost everywhere in the city, and most hotels, apartments, restaurants and cafés also offer free Wi-Fi. Perfect for quickly looking something up, planning a route or saving your favourite places while you’re out exploring.

Since Spain is part of the EU, Belgian travellers can usually use their mobile data without additional roaming charges. It’s still a good idea to check exactly what is included in your mobile plan before you leave, just to avoid any unexpected costs.

I use my smartphone constantly during a city trip for Google Maps, restaurant recommendations, tickets and practical information. That’s why I usually download an offline map of Valencia beforehand. Not because the coverage is poor, but simply because it’s useful if you temporarily lose your connection or want to save mobile data.

If you’re planning to work online during your trip, it’s worth checking the Wi-Fi quality at your accommodation in advance. Especially at smaller properties, connection speeds can sometimes vary.

9 – Must-try specialities in Valencia

If you’re visiting Valencia, you should definitely make time to discover the local cuisine. The city’s most famous classic is, of course, Paella Valenciana, which originated here. Fun fact: the traditional version isn’t made with seafood, but with ingredients such as chicken, rabbit and local beans. Want to eat it the Valencian way? Order your paella for lunch. Well-known places to try it include La Pepica, Casa Carmela and Alqueria del Pou.

You should also try horchata de chufa at least once. This refreshing, slightly sweet drink is made from tiger nuts and is a true Valencian speciality. Enjoy it like the locals do with fartons, soft, elongated pastries that are traditionally dipped into the horchata. A classic place to try this combination is Horchatería Santa Catalina.

Looking for something a little stronger? Try an Agua de Valencia, a cocktail made with fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. Café Madrid and Café de las Horas are two popular places to give it a try.

Want to fully immerse yourself in the local flavours? A food tour in Valencia is a fun way to sample several local specialities while learning more about the city’s culinary culture.

10 – Discover the traces of Valencia’s history

Valencia may be known for its sunshine, beaches, paella and modern architecture, but the city also has an incredibly rich past. Its history stretches back more than 2,000 years. Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and later came under Visigothic and Moorish rule, before being reconquered by Christian forces in the 13th century.

It’s especially in Ciutat Vella, Valencia’s historic heart, that you can see these different periods come together. As you wander through its atmospheric streets, you’ll pass centuries-old city gates, churches, palaces and other buildings that offer a glimpse into medieval Valencia. The Moorish period also had a major influence on the development of the city and surrounding region, particularly when it came to agriculture and irrigation.

More recent history has also played an important role in shaping Valencia as you see it today. A striking example is the devastating flood of 1957, after which the Turia River was diverted around the city. The former riverbed was later transformed into the green Jardín del Turia, which now runs through Valencia like a long green artery.

So, during your visit, be sure to look beyond the colourful squares and impressive façades. Many places have a fascinating story behind them, helping you better understand Valencia and the unique character of the city.

Read more about Spain? 

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• 15 iconic things Spain is known for
• 19 best things to do in Valencia you can’t miss
• Where to stay in Valencia? The best neighborhoods and hotels
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• Discover the murals of Penelles, Catalonia’s most colourful village
• 11 amazing things to do in La Vall de Boí, a hidden gem in the Catalan Pyrenees
• 12 unique things to do in Cerdanya, Spain
• 11 amazing things to do in and around Solsona, Spain

Thanks for reading. 

Your truly, 

Sarah