Practical tips for visiting Valencia

Valencia is a wonderful city on the Spanish coast, where you can enjoy sun, culture, and delicious food. Whether you're coming for the beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, or impressive sights like the City of Arts and Sciences, there's something for everyone. In this blog, we share handy tips to make your visit run smoothly. From transportation and the best time to travel to essential apps and practical checklists, with this information, you'll be fully prepared for your trip to Valencia!

1. How to Get to Valencia

Valencia is a city that's easily accessible, no matter where you're traveling from. Here are the main options:

By Plane

Valencia has an international airport (Aeropuerto de Valencia) that is well-connected to many cities worldwide. There are direct flights from major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt, and connections from cities in North America, South America, and Asia are also frequent. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center. You can take a taxi, or use the metro (lines 3 and 5) for a quick and affordable option.

By train

For those traveling through Spain, Valencia is a key stop on the high-speed rail line (AVE) between Madrid and Barcelona. The train is comfortable, fast, and takes you directly to the heart of the city. From other European cities, you can easily reach Valencia via international train connections, such as the one from Paris to Barcelona.

By car

Planning a road trip through Spain or Europe? Valencia is easily accessible via the AP-7 (along the coast) and A-3 (connection to Madrid) motorways. The city is an ideal stopover or destination, with a well-developed road network and ample parking.

Whichever option you choose, Valencia welcomes travelers from all over the world with open arms!

2. Getting around Valencia

Valencia is a compact city, and most places are easily accessible by public transport, bike, or on foot.

Public transport

The city has a good network of metro, tram, and bus lines. For tourists, there's the Valencia Tourist Card

It gives you unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at many attractions.

Rent a bike

Valencia is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain. A beautiful bike path runs along the Turia Gardens, taking you to the beach or the City of Arts and Sciences. Rental companies like Happy Tourist Center offer good bikes at great prices.

Renting a Car

Want to explore the Valencia region, such as the Albufera rice paddies or the charming town of Xàtiva? Then renting a car is a good idea. Recommended rental companies include Hertz, Europcar, and local options like Drivalia. Tip: book your car in advance to get the best prices.

3. Best Time to Visit

Valencia is a great destination year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to do:

Spring (March-May)

During this period, the weather is mild, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. In March, visit the spectacular Fallas festival, a celebration full of fireworks, parades, and impressive artwork.

Summer (June-August)

The city is bustling in the summer, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. Perfect for enjoying the beach or a day at the pool. Keep in mind that it can get busy.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is ideal for those who want to avoid the summer crowds. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.

Winter (December-February)

Valencia has mild winters, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. The city is festive during the holidays, with charming Christmas markets and lights.

4. Practical tips for your visit

Useful apps

Download the EMT Valencia app for real-time information about buses and metro. Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper also work well in Valencia.

What to pack

Don't forget your sunscreen, even in winter! Bring comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot in Valencia. And if you plan to rent a car, make sure you have a credit card with you (you'll often need this as a deposit). Language

Spanish and Valencian are the official languages, but in tourist areas, you can often get by with English. It's helpful to learn a few basic Spanish words, such as gracias (thank you) and por favor (please).

Cash

Be sure to bring cash with you. There are still many places where you can only pay with cash, or at shops and restaurants where it's simply cheaper to pay with cash. Moreover, it costs money to withdraw cash from a PIN machine per transaction.