Valencia tours and tickets
Valencia sells most tickets at the door, but a few things need planning. The Oceanogràfic fills on weekends and school holidays, the Church of San Nicolás uses an online booking, and Las Fallas in March sends room prices up months ahead. A paella lunch at a good place is worth reserving. The Albufera and Sagunto are easy trips.
Book these first
- A room for Las Fallas
- 4 to 6 months ahead. The center fills for 15 to 19 March, and the rooms nearest the old town go first.
- Oceanogràfic tickets
- a few days ahead for weekends and holidays. Tickets are sold online by date, which saves queuing, and the ticket office shuts an hour before closing.
- A paella lunch
- a few days ahead, more for weekends. The rice restaurants worth the trip cook to order, and a booking at Casa Carmela counts only once the restaurant has confirmed it.
- Church of San Nicolás
- a day or two ahead. The church recommends booking in advance to avoid queues, and it is shut on Mondays.
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Churches and palaces
Valencia Cathedral and the Miguelete
A Gothic cathedral with a chapel said to hold the Holy Grail, and a bell tower with a view over the old town. Tickets are sold at the door, and audio guides are included.
Which to pick. Buy at the door early in the day, and climb the tower for the view. Avoid midday, when the queues are longest.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorChurch of San Nicolás
A Gothic church whose interior was covered in Baroque paintings, sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. Entry is by timed ticket and booked online, with an audio guide included.
Which to pick. Book a day or two ahead, and go in the morning. The light on the ceiling is best then.
A day or two ahead, onlineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorLa Lonja de la Seda
A Gothic silk exchange and a UNESCO site, with a hall of twisted columns and an orange garden. Tickets are sold at the door. A visit takes about 45 minutes.
Which to pick. Buy at the door and go in the morning. It is a short stop beside the Central Market.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Oceanogràfic
The largest aquarium in Europe, in the City of Arts and Sciences, with sections for different seas, dolphins and a walk-through tunnel. Entry is by ticket, and weekends and school holidays are busy.
Which to pick. Book a morning slot online a few days ahead. Start with the far end and work back, to avoid the crowds.
A few days ahead for weekendsVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCity of Arts and Sciences
A complex of white futuristic buildings by Calatrava, with a science museum, an opera house and an aquarium. The buildings and pools can be walked for free, and tickets are needed to enter.
Which to pick. Walk the site in the evening when it is lit, and buy tickets only for what you want to enter.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMuseo de Bellas Artes
A fine art museum with Spanish paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including works by Sorolla and Goya. Entry is free or low cost, and it is closed on Mondays.
Which to pick. Walk in on a weekday morning. See the Sorolla rooms first. Allow an hour and a half, and note that it closes on Mondays.
Not needed, entry is freeOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Outdoors
Turia gardens
A long park in the former riverbed, running from the old town to the City of Arts and Sciences, with paths, playgrounds and sports courts. It is free at all hours. Bikes can be hired.
Which to pick. Hire a bike and ride the full length in the morning. It takes an hour and ends at the aquarium.
Not needed, entry is freeOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBioparc
A zoo designed as an African landscape, with open enclosures and no cages. Tickets are sold at the gate and online. Allow three hours.
Which to pick. Go in the morning when the animals are active. Book online on weekends. Bring water and a hat for the heat.
A day ahead for weekendsOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
L'Albufera and El Palmar
A freshwater lagoon south of the city, with rice fields and a fishing village, about 30 minutes by bus. A boat trip at sunset is the highlight, and paella is the local dish.
Which to pick. Take the bus and book a sunset boat. Eat paella at a restaurant in El Palmar.
A day or two ahead for sunsetOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSagunto
A hill town with a Roman theater and a long castle on the ridge, about 40 minutes by train. Entry to the castle is free, and the theater has a ticket.
Which to pick. Take the train and walk up. Go in the morning, since the ridge has little shade.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorXàtiva
A town with two castles on a hill, a historic center and a market, about 45 minutes by train. The castles have a ticket, and the walk up is steep.
Which to pick. Take the train and walk up in the morning. A taxi is available for the climb.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Valencia
When are Las Fallas?
In March, with the main burning on the night of the 19th. Rooms book months ahead. If you want the atmosphere, go early in the week.
Do I need a booking for the Oceanogràfic?
On weekends and holidays, yes, a few days ahead. On weekdays, tickets are usually available at the gate, but online is simpler.
Is the Cathedral free?
No, a ticket is needed, with an audio guide included. The Miguelete tower is separate. Mass times affect visiting hours.
Where do I eat paella?
In the Albufera or at a restaurant that cooks it over a wood fire. Book a table on weekends, and avoid places with pictures on the menu.
Is a bike a good way to see the city?
Yes, since it is flat and has many bike lanes. The Turia gardens are a safe route, and rental points are common.
What can wait until I arrive?
The cathedral, the Lonja, the Turia gardens and Sagunto can all be done on the day. Book San Nicolás, the aquarium and a paella table first.