I just got back from an unforgettable 3,5-day city trip to Valencia in Spain, with my friend Lieke in collaboration with Visit Valencia, to explore the city and find the most Instagram-mable spots.
I had been there once in my teens and have only been to other cities in Spain since.
Therefore I did not really know what to expect, but Valencia truly impressed me with its unique mix of old and new, combined with a more laid- vibe compared to other Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
If you're looking for a city trip that combines beach, nature, culture, beautiful architecture, history, sightseeing and authentic food seamlessly, then this is the blog and guide for you.
Why visit Valencia?
But what makes Valencia worthy of your Instagram feed and more photogenic than other major Spanish cities, you might ask? In my opinion its relaxed, local and friendly vibe. And the unique combination of nature, historical buildings, like the Valencia Cathedral and La Lonja de la Seda, with the futuristic innovation of the City of Arts, with impressive modern structures reflecting in the water.
All this makes Valencia a highly versatile and Instagram-mable destination, ideal if you like photography. Furthermore the city is easy to reach with daily flights and is generally cheaper and less busy than Barcelona for example.
Valencia was also elected European Green Capital of 2024 for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The city has made great progress in promoting green spaces, like the transformation of the Turia Gardens and its expansion of bike-friendly infrastructure.
The city also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering a circular economy.
Sounds good? Then you will find everything you need to know for your own visit, including a custom Google map with some of the nicest sites we visited, along with a ton of my own pictures below! But first:
How to get to Valencia?
This Spanish city is easily accessible from various parts of the world. It has an international airport (VLC), with direct flights from major European cities. Long-haul travelers can transfer via Madrid, Alicante or Barcelona, with fast train or flight connections to Valencia.
From the Netherlands direct Transavia flights go from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Eindhoven and only take 2 hours. I flew from Rotterdam, which is close to my home, and a very cozy and convenient airport to fly from, making the trip even more smooth!
From Valencia airport it's just a short 20-minute drive to the city center.
I took a taxi easily from the taxi line in front of the arrivals terminal. This costs about €20 with a meter taxi and is even cheaper with an Uber.
But you can also take the subway straight from the airport to the city center, which takes about 30 minutes.
10 most Instagram-mable spots - Valencia City Guide
First of, I would highly recommend renting a bike if you want to explore more of Valencia in a short time. There are plenty of bike rentals throughout the city, and we rented a pastel-colored one from Flight Mode (location indicated on the Google map), making those bike shots extra Instagram-mable;).
But you can also take public transport, as the bus and subway network in Valencia is excellent.
When you purchase a 24, 48 or 74-hour tourist card you will have free use of public transport, free access to all municipal monuments and museums and get discounts on some other popular sites, tours and restaurants. Find all info and order it online in advance at: Visit Valencia tourist card.
Find my custom Valencia City Guide map with all the locations mentioned below. And read on for more insider tips and many pics of our fabulous Valencia visit!
1. Explore El Carmen
This artistic neighborhood is located right in the heart of Valencia. It’s the best area to admire street art, find photogenic alleys and unique shops, making it perfect for authentic shopping and photography.
The narrow and colorful streets with vibrant murals are more tranquil and provide the perfect settings to capture the soul of the city, as you can see in this gallery:
The street art and many colorful murals here form a unique combination with the city’s historical architecture.
• Instagram-mable tip: Go to Carrer de Lope de Rueda, Carrer de Pineda and Carrer del Portal de Valldigna for some of the best street art and those photogenic, colorful and atmospheric alleys.
Also make sure to stop by Reinverso bar for Instagram-mable interior.
2. Visit La Seu for history & culture
The Valencia Cathedral and colorful Real Basílica de Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados, located on the Plaza de la Virgen, are stunning examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture. And the square is surrounded by photogenic buildings and atmospheric terraces.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Cathedral is that it's said to house the Holy Grail, which holds great significance and mystery.
• Instagram-mable tip: Climb the El Micalet Tower for panoramic shots of the city and the surrounding architecture.
3. Wander through L'Eixample & Russafa
These adjoining neighborhoods are worth exploring for their classy architecture, vintage and antique shops and trendy restaurants. This area is ideal to snap photos of these stylish streets and unique venues.
• Instagram-mable tip: Go to the Avenida del Regne de Valencia for those impressive palm tree lined street shots.
And stop by ViveVino wine bar in Russafa for the best natural wines and that authentic Valencian vibe among locals!
4. Climb Torre de Serranos
These Gothic towers, that once were part of Valencia’s old city walls, offer one of the best views of the city. It’s an excellent spot to capture the beauty of Valencia’s skyline.
• Instagram-mable tip: The view over the Turia Gardens and the city’s rooftops is ideal for wide-angle shots, especially during sunset when the light softens.
5. Go photo crazy at the City of Arts & Sciences
An absolute must in Valencia, especially for photographers. This futuristic complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is one of the most photogenic locations in the city with its modern architecture and bright blue colored pools.
• Instagram-mable tip: Go inside the CaixaForum for a drink and admire the beautiful ceiling.
And don’t miss the Hemisférico, Oceanografic, and the Umbracle. The reflective pools and curving structures make very Instagram-mable settings.
6. Relax at Valencia’s beaches & marina
Valencia is known for its beautiful seaside area, such as Malvarrosa Beach and the Marina Real. Here you'll find long stretches of beach and a wide boulevard lined by palm trees, close to the city center.
Unlike other big cities like Madrid, which lack beaches, or Barcelona, where the coastline can be crowded, Valencia’s beaches are spacious, picturesque, and often less tourist-packed.
Perfect for coastal photography and lovely beach scenes. Unfortunately I did not have time to visit myself, but am surely coming back for this!
• Instagram-mable tip: The sunsets should be incredible here too, so make sure to walk along the shore all the way to Marina Real Juan Carlos I around golden hour, while enjoying the sights.
7. Cycle through the Turia Gardens
These gardens offer 110 hectares of green space stretching 9 km around the city. The gardens were created in the old Turia Riverbed, which was diverted after the devastating 1957 flood.
It’s pure delight to cycle through the lush parks with many recreational areas and unique spots all around the city, such as the Royal Gardens, City of Arts and Sciences, the Bioparc and Parc Gulliver.
• Instagram-mable tip: Rent a pastel-colored bike for those Instagram-mable shots. And make sure to stop at the Palau de la Música or Parc Gulliver for unique shots of Valencia’s nature and iconic architecture. Especially photogenic as seen from the bridge.
8. Bike Tour to Albufera Nature Reserve
This tranquil National Park is located just 10 km from the city, and is the birthplace of paella. Home to rice fields, almost 300 species of birds and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain.
You can explore the area by bike and even take a traditional boat tour over the largest lake in Spain, covering more than 28,000 ha.
We visited the Nature Reserve on a day tour by e-bike with Igor of The Easy Way Valencia (location indicated on the Google map).
He showed us all the best spots, starting at the City of Arts and Sciences, and after driving just 10 minutes we were surrounded by nature.
We cycled past beaches and wide sand dunes, all the way to the Albufera Nature Reserve. From El Saler we were able to take our bikes with us on the electric boat, for a tour over the lake, surrounded by marshes and rice fields.
• Instagram-mable tip: Capture shots of the sunset over the lake and the rice fields, ideal for nature photography.
Visit the Nature Reserve to spot flamingo’s and drive through the dunes to Platja de la Malladeta to have the beach all to yourself.
Finalize it with a traditional paella at one of the quaint beachside restaurants, like we did at La Ferrera, while enjoying the sea view, about which you can read more in this Restaurant Blog. The best ending to a great day!
9. Visit the Central Market
This covered market place is a must-visit for food lovers. The historic building in modernist style is not only the place to be for fresh produce, but also for architecture photography.
With its impressive high ceiling, unique structures and columns resembling the Eiffel Tower, as well as big glass-stained windows, it's highly photogenic.
With more than 250 stalls it’s the largest fresh market in Europe and thé place for capturing the colors of Spanish produce and local delicacies.
• Instagram-mable tip: Walk all round the market to see every entrance, as each is different and photogenic. Outside the market you will also find photogenic buildings like the Gothic-style la Lonja de la Seda and many vibrant outdoor terraces.
10. Explore Plaza del Ajuntament & experience Las Fallas
One of the most Instagram-mable moments in Valencia is Las Fallas. Most celebrations of this yearly festival take place on the Plaza del Ajuntament, the city hall square, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
Throughout March the Fallas -enormous sculptures made from wood and papier-mâché- are displayed all around the city and daily celebrations and firework shows are held on this, and other squares.
• Instagram-mable tip: Unfortunately we visited Valencia a bit too early, when most Fallas statues were still covered. Therefore it’s best to come between 15 - 19 March to see the 800 sculptures, spread out through the city, before they go up in flames on the 19th.
During Mascletà make sure to get a good spot to optimally capture the fireworks, preferably from above. Although access to rooftop locations at that moment generally doesn’t come cheap.
From the 1st of March the Mascletà firework shows are already held daily. And from the 17th even more festivities start, with vibrant parades that make Las Fallas one of the most photogenic festivals in Spain.
Where to stay in Valencia
Novotel Valencia Lavant
For an affordable luxury stay, this modern and recently refurbished 4-star Novotel hotel with wide views, plenty of facilities, restaurant, rooftop pool and extensive gym, is perfect.
It's located on the edge of the city center, right next to the Turia Gardens and the subway, making it easily accessible.
SH Palace Valencia
For an even more luxurious stay, SH Palace is a 5-star hotel, just across from the Palau de la Música and the Turia Gardens.
Located on the other edge of the city center, offering 3 restaurants, a Spa, gym and indoor pool, making it ideal for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Singular Stays
If you prefer to stay in a more authentic accommodation, right in the city center, and don’t mind less facilities, then these apartments, spread out through the city center, are perfect.
Get more info and find your ideal location, also for long-term stays, here.
Where to eat in Valencia - must-try restaurants
Valencia has a wide variety of foodie hotspots, unique eateries, posh restaurants and quaint tapas bars, of which we sampled the following:
• Felix Chaques
• Lienzo Restaurant
• Mamma Pazzo
• San Tommaso
• Restaurante Leo - El Saler
• La Ferrera - Playa de Pinedo
Find more info about these and a few more restaurants in my next Top 11 Valencia Restaurants blog, accompanied by many of my own pictures.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, lush gardens, friendly locals, laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches, Valencia really has it all.
With so much to see and do, I found Valencia one of Spain’s most versatile and photogenic cities. I hope that I was able to convince you of this through this blog and will hopefully inspire your next city trip.
Valencia is perfect for a fun girls trip or a romantic city trip. But also suitable for a full week of exploring with ease, by hopefully using my Instagram-mable Valencia City Guide and Top Restaurant list, with custom Google map, to your advantage.
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