Things to Do in Valencia, Spain: Sights, Museums and Beaches

If you only have a couple of days, the two big names are Valencia Cathedral in the heart of the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences, the cultural complex about 2 miles east. Between them they cover the city's two personalities: Gothic stone and medieval squares on one side, a modern showcase of science and architecture on the other. These are the Valencia attractions most British travellers come for, and it is easy to give each its own day.

Art lovers have a strong pair in the Museu de Belles Arts de València and the Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, both around half a mile from the centre. For something quieter, the National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts González Martí is housed in the Palau del Marqués de Dos Aigües, so you see a museum and a palace in one visit. Add the Palace of the Borgias and the Plaza de Toros de Valencia and you have a full list of things to see in Valencia without leaving the city.

The old centre is where the density is highest. Valencia Cathedral, the Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken and the Palau del Marqués de Dos Aigües are all practically on top of each other, and the Museu de Belles Arts, the Valencian Museum of Ethnology, the Museu de Prehistòria and the Palace of the Borgias lie within about half a mile. For anyone wondering about Valencia, Spain, what to do on a first morning, a slow walk between these is the answer.

Heading east, the City of Arts and Sciences brings together the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, the L'Umbracle sculpture garden and, a little further at around 2.5 miles from the centre, L'Oceanogràfic. On the way, the Palau de la Música de València hosts concerts, cinema and exhibitions, worth checking if you want an evening plan.

Beyond the city, the area around Valencia has activities to book in Alboraya, about 2.5 miles north on the coast, and La Pobla de Farnals, roughly 8 miles up the same shoreline. Inland, Manises sits beside the airport about 4 miles out, and Catarroja is around 5 miles south. Valencia's own port is close by, and Dénia, about 47 miles down the coast, is the other ferry port within reach.

Families should head straight for the City of Arts and Sciences. L'Oceanogràfic is the obvious favourite with younger children, and the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe next door makes a natural pairing for a full day; L'Umbracle, the sculpture garden within the complex, gives everyone somewhere to stretch their legs in between.

In the old town, the Museu de Prehistòria and the Valencian Museum of Ethnology suit curious older children. Bear the weather in mind: July and August reach around 31°C, so indoor museums in the afternoon and outdoor walks in the morning keep everyone happier. The coastal towns of Alboraya and La Pobla de Farnals, with Valencia itself, give you the sea when the city gets too hot.

May, June, July, August and October are the best months for sightseeing. May and October sit around 24°C, comfortable for a full day on foot, while high summer is hot. September and March are the wettest months, with around eight rain days each, so keep indoor museums in reserve if you travel then. Winter days still reach 16°C to 17°C, which suits a city break built around museums.

You can see tours and tickets for Valencia on this page, alongside hotel prices and car hire to compare. If you prefer flights, hotel and transfers together, package deals from several UK providers are shown here too; Valencia airport has direct flights from the UK and is about 8 minutes from the city, so transfers are short. Prices rise over UK school holidays, so book early if you are tied to those dates.