No matter what kinds of things you like to do and see on a city break, you’ll surely find them in Valencia, one of my favorite Spanish destinations.
If you’re like me and you prefer spending your money on delicious food or unique experiences, you’ll want these sights to be budget-friendly, so check out my awesome list of free things to do in Valencia!
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
Quick Suggestions for Your Trip
Highly-rated (9+) accommodations in Valencia’s city center:
1. L’Esplai Valencia and Fetén (mid-range)
2. One Shot Puerta Ruzafa (mid-range with a good location for Las Fallas festival when most of the center is closed for vehicles)
3. Hotel Helen Berger (boutique)
Top experiences in Valencia:
1. Old Town tour with a meal in an 11th-century monument
2. Paella cooking class in a typical farmhouse near the city
3. FREE walking tours of Valencia
Highly-rated half-day & full-day tours from Valencia:
1. Albufera Natural Park, the area where the paella was born
2. Morella & Peñíscola, two historic towns with medieval castles
3. Hot springs & waterfalls near Valencia
4. Guadalest, Altea & Algar Waterfalls
5. St Joseph’s Caves (with a boat trip on the longest underground river in Europe)
6. Vineyard tour in the Utiel-Requena wine region
Best Free Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
Important Note
Many of these sites in Valencia offer free admission on weekends or with the Valencia Tourist Card, which also offers unlimited use of public transportation.
That said, most of them charge a very small admission fee (usually around 2 euros), making Valencia a cheap/budget-friendly city, at least in terms of attractions, so make your own calculations before getting the city card.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Taking a free walking tour is a great way to enjoy Valencia on a budget.
Of course, you can see its landmarks and neighborhoods all on your own, but if you want to learn about the history and culture of the city or meet other travelers, a guided tour might be a good choice.
Check out these free tours offered in Valencia, includnig a classic tour in the historic center and a mysteries & legends night tour.
Explore Valencia’s Old Town Streets, Squares, and Cathedral
There’s something magical about old towns, so usually, they are my favorite part to explore in any city. Of course, Valencia’s old town (Ciutat Vella) is no exception.
Apart from roaming the cobbled streets, you should visit famous squares like Plaza de la Reina, Plaza Redonda, and Plaza de la Virgen.
While Plaza Redonda houses tapas bars, restaurants, and a Sunday flea market, Plaza de la Virgen is home to several important landmarks.
The top one is Valencia Cathedral, a 13th-century historical monument where you’ll supposedly find the real Holy Grail.
To enter Valencia Cathedral and its museum, you will have to pay a small fee, but you can get a discount with the Valencia Tourist Card or just admire its exteriors (I was hooked by the intriguing Star of David on its facade).
If you want to explore this area with a guide, take this free walking tour.
Fun fact about Valencia: In its old town, you’ll also find the narrowest building in Europe, La Estrecha.
Go Street Art Hunting in the Neighborhood of El Carmen
One of the best ways to experience the city on a budget is by exploring all the stunning street art in Valencia, especially in the neighborhood of El Carmen.
Not only is this old town district beautiful by itself but the artistic discoveries you make along the way make it even better.
From big murals to tiny figures, I know El Carmen’s street art will put a smile on your face (I felt like a kid in a candy store).
Admire the City of Arts and Sciences
Whether you’re an architecture fan or not, you HAVE to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is a unique scientific and cultural complex in Valencia that includes six impressive structures:
- Hemisferic: A planetarium and an IMAX cinema.
- Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia: Promoting performing arts like opera, ballet, and concerts.
- Principe Felipe Science Museum.
- The Umbracle: A beautiful wide garden covered by a unique arched structure.
- The Agora: A building that hosts different events.
- Oceanografic: Europe’s biggest aquarium.
Strolling around this futuristic complex is free of charge while entering each museum will cost you between 8 to 32 euros (though you can get combo tickets or purchase a Valencia Tourist Card for a discount).
It truly is a spectacular area where you can spend a couple of hours and take some incredible photos.
STROLL THROUGH BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND PARKS
A classic thing to do in any city without spending money is to enjoy its green spaces.
In Valencia, it’s pretty much impossible to skip out on the Turia River Gardens, the most extensive urban gardens in Spain. They are perfect for walking and relaxing, but they also offer cycling routes and sports facilities.
If you like your gardens a bit more artistic and uniquely designed, you can also visit the enchanting Monforte Gardens and Royal Gardens (Jardins del Real/Vivers).
Wander Around Valencia’s Markets
One of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new destination is to visit the local markets.
I love seeing the local produce and artisanal goods, doing some people-watching (not in a creepy way, I swear), and just feeling the local atmosphere.
The most famous market in Valencia is the 100-year-old Mercado Central (Central Market), an Art Nouveau indoor market that houses almost 1000 food stalls filled with fresh produce.
Another famous but slightly different market is Mercado de Colon, where you’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The building itself is absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit.
One more big indoor food market to check out is Mercado de Ruzafa in the neighborhood of Ruzafa. If that’s not enough, many smaller markets operate once a week in different areas of the city.
Look At the City From Above
Who doesn’t love a good viewpoint (apart from the climbing part)?
Both the 15th-century Quart Towers and the 14th-century Serranos Towers were gateways in the ancient wall that used to surround the old city of Valencia.
Apart from climbing them to see magnificent views of the city, you can admire their beautiful Gothic architecture.
They both offer free admission on Sundays or with the Valencia Tourist Card; otherwise, it’s 2 euros.
If you don’t mind the 2 euros (still quite budget-friendly, right?), you can also climb El Miguelete, the bell tower of Valencia Cathedral.
Visit Some Free Museums in Valencia
Several museums in Valencia are completely free to visit like:
- Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, the second-largest art gallery in Spain
- Centre del Carmen (hosts different art exhibitions), housed in a former royal monastery
- House of las Rocas (a museum dedicated to the religious festival, Corpus Christi)
Other museums offer free admission on Sundays or with the Valencia Tourist Card like:
- La Almoina Archaeological Museum
- Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)
- Fallas Museum
- The Rice Museum
- Valencian History Museum
- The Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity (MuVIM)
- Valencian Museum of Ethnology
- Valencian Museum of Prehistory
Go to the Beach
Since it is a coastal city, obviously one of the best free things to do in Valencia is to relax on the beach.
The most popular one is La Malvarossa, and if even you’re visiting off-season, you can still walk alongside it, on the Maritime Promenade.
If you feel like going outside the city, you can also visit beaches on the outskirts of Valencia.
Visit Gulliver Park
This quirky park is a part of the Turia River Gardens, but such an unusual little corner deserves its own attention.
In the park, you’ll find a giant figure of Gulliver (from the story of Gulliver’s Travels) lying on the ground, forming slides and stairs.
For actual climbing and sliding, it might be more appealing to kids. However, if you feel like connecting with your inner child (because why not?) or just seeing a unique spot in Valencia, give this park a visit.
Admire Valencia’s Bridges
In a city with such amazing architecture, even the bridges are an unmissable attraction. There are 15 of them in the city, with the oldest one dating back to the 15th century.
Even if architecture isn’t your thing, you’ll surely appreciate some of these bridges like Puente de las Flores (aka one of the most beautiful bridges in the world), Puente de la Trinidad, and Puente del Real.
Explore the Neighborhood of Ruzafa
As much as I love seeing the traditional side of a city, I love exploring its stylish and modern side too.
Ruzafa is the perfect place to wander around for anyone who loves concept shops, trendy cafes and restaurants, and an overall young and vibrant vibe.
Two of my favorite cafes in this neighborhood are DDL Boutique (Carrer del Pintor Gisbert 2), where you can devour scrumptious breakfasts, and Ubik Cafe (Carrer del Literat Azorín 13), a bookshop cafe with an inviting atmosphere.
I’ve also already mentioned Mercado de Ruzafa, which is an indoor market you can visit.
VISIT THE MARQUES DE DOS AGUAS PALACE
This incredible Baroque-style nobility palace was the house of the Marquess of Dos Aguas, and today it houses the National Museum of Ceramics.
Even if you don’t want to enter the museum, you should at least admire its astounding main facade.
Admission is free on Saturdays after 4 PM and on Sundays; otherwise, it’s 3 euros. You can also get a discount with the Valencia Tourist Card.
Photograph a Colorful Art Deco Building
If you’re an architecture lover, you have to check out Casa Judia (Jewish House).
Built in 1930 for a local Jewish man (hence the name and the Star of David embellishing the entrance), this residential building is one of the most photogenic places in Valencia and a total hidden gem.
The mix of color and unique architectural elements will win you over in a heartbeat, especially if you love quirky Gaudi-like creations. I also love that it just sits there amongst the most ordinary residential buildings, which is probably why most people overlook it.
Visit the Silk Exchange
The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) is a work of art and a famous Spanish landmark.
This incredible Gothic building from the 15th century has been a significant commerce center that was mostly used for trading silk.
With such architectural and cultural importance, it’s no wonder why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can visit it for free on Sundays or with the Valencia Tourist Card; otherwise, admission is 2 euros.
STROLL ALONG THE GRAN VIA DEL MARQUES DEL TURIA AVENUE
I’ve yet to walk on every single street in Valencia (I’ll get there one day), but I can safely say that Gran Via del Marques del Turia is one of the most charming avenues in the city.
This is where you can find some beautiful buildings like Casa Ortega and Casa Chapa and enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Attend the Quirky Fallas Festival
If big colorful sculptures, firework shows, illuminated streets, parades, and an overall 5-day giant celebration sound like something you want to experience, you’ll love the Fallas festival.
It takes place every March and celebrates the beginning of spring along with Saint Joseph’s Day.
The huge bonus is that you don’t have to buy tickets to attend it. Sure, flights and accommodations will be pricier, but the festival itself is free to enjoy all around the city.
Read my full guide that will help you make the most of the Fallas festival.
See the Tribunal de Las Aguas in Action
I’m sure you’ve never wondered what is the oldest justice institution in Europe (still in operation), but I’m here to tell you that you can see it with your own eyes every Thursday at noon just outside Valencia Cathedral.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court) has a weekly meeting in which it settles disputes between farmers regarding the use of irrigation in the region.
Even if you don’t understand the language, witnessing such a culturally and historically important event is still a unique experience.
Visit City Hall Square
In City Hall Square or Plaza del Ayuntamiento and near it you can see some gorgeous buildings like Valencia’s City Hall, the Post Office Building, and the beautiful Estacio del Nord train station (don’t miss its ceramic-covered interiors).
The square is also an important gathering place when the Fallas de Valencia festival takes place in March.
Explore the Neighborhood of El Cabanyal
If you want to see a less touristy side of Valencia, you should definitely take some time to wander the streets of El Cabanyal, Valencia’s old fisherman’s quarter.
From old colorful tiled houses to locals seeping their coffees together, you can feel the traditional and familiar vibe.
Some of the houses were actually almost demolished a few years ago, but as of today, El Cabanyal is a protected area.
Visit the Botanical Gardens
Ok, so I’m cheating here a bit because you do need to pay to visit the Botanical Gardens, but after this entire list of things to do in Valencia for free, I think you can handle 4 euros, right?
Dating back to the 19th century (though their original location dates back to the 16th century), the gardens are home to about 3,000 plant species from around the world.
They are perfect for a morning or an afternoon tranquil stroll.
Have a Glance at the Plaza de Toros
While I by no means support the tradition of bullfighting, I can still appreciate the beauty of the building itself.
Valencia’s Plaza de Toros dates back to the 19th century and is located right next to Estacio del Nord train station.
Its neoclassical architectural style and over 380 arches are something to be admired, and it also looks beautiful at night when it is fully illuminated.
Other Spain Travel Guides
Check out some more Valencia travel tips, and read more about Spain:
- Spain travel tips
- Spain travel quotes
- Best road trips in Spain
- Long weekend breaks in Spain
- Best hidden gems in Spain
- Novels about Spain
- Spain themed gifts
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Such a beautiful post. It felt like we are interacting in real. hahaha.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for this sweet comment. That’s one of my goals!
Going to Visit Valencia next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to there thanks for this information. As Know I know What to do there.
I’m glad I could help, Jagjit 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing these valuable tips with us.
You are very welcome!
Just booked a trip to Spain & me and my friend are staying in Valencia for 3 weeks! If you have any other cafes/restaurants/ &/or any other cute placed that you recommend, I am so opened to hearing about them! Other than that, this was definitely very informal! Thanks for posting!
Hi Tina!
You are very welcome, and I’m happy this is useful.
I have another post about alternative things you can do in Valencia, so you can check that out too. Other than that, there a few places to eat that I loved – La Pepica, La Riua, and El Coso del Mar for paella, La Petite Brioche for breakfast or coffee and cake. Cafe Museo was also very nice for coffee and a snack.
I have to say you are so lucky to be spending 3 whole weeks there! Have fun, and let me know if there’s anything else you want to know 🙂
Thanks for the ideas of what to in Valencia. We have rented an apartment in El Carmen for a month next year and we are really looking forward to our trip. This post will come in quite useful.
You are more than welcome! I have to say that one month in Valencia sounds like a dream, especially in El Carmen which is such an amazing part of the city. If I had more time in Valencia, I would have probably taken more day trips.
Have fun! 🙂
Such a beautiful looking city. Great write up. I haven’t really spent too much time in Spain other than Barcelona, so this gives me something to think about for my next trip.
Thank you! Love Barcelona, but there’s so much more to see in Spain, and Valencia is a pretty amazing option 🙂 It’s also a bit less touristy, so that’s a huge plus.
I’ve heard Valencia can be an expensive city. So this list is very helpful 😁 the first thing we normally do is a free walking tour, as it helps you to get to know the city from a locals point of view!
Free walking tours are always great! And I’m glad you find my list helpful 🙂 Surprisingly, Valencia is not that expensive, and it’s such an amazing city to visit!