If you are planning a trip to Valencia, Spain and are looking for some insider knowledge, then look no further. Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially if you have no prior knowledge about the destination you have chosen. Below you will find the best tips and tricks for traveling to Valencia in style. From booking to arrival to budgeting, these are the things you need to know before jetting off to Spain on your next holiday.
During Booking
The best time of year to visit Valencia is between the months of April and May. This is the time of year in Spain where you will be able to bask in the warm weather without getting lost in the massive crowds that the later summer months can often draw. However, this is a city that has comfortable weather year-round and boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. Even the winter months won’t see weather below the mid-40s, so there really isn’t a bad time to visit.
Before you Depart
If you are traveling from the U.S., you do not need to worry about obtaining a visa unless you plan to be in the country for more than three months. A valid U.S. passport is all you need to enter Spain, as long as the passport is not set to expire within three months of your travel date. You should also consider acquiring a power adaptor if you are bringing any electronics such as a phone charger or hairdryer. Spain uses Type C and Type F outlets and requires a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 230V. If your appliance is rated between 220V and 240V then you will not need a power converter, just the adaptor. You should also consider packing a portable charger so you have access to your phone as you move around the city. Spain is notorious for pickpocketing, so consider this when choosing which bag you will carry with you throughout the day. Neck wallets are a great option that will protect your money and identification cards. If you plan to carry more than just your cards, Amazon sells backpacks that you access from the back, so the zipped pocket is resting against your back instead of facing out in the open.
When you Arrive
Once you arrive in Valencia you can take the metro straight from the Airport into the city. The primary way to get around Valencia is by metro, and it is the easiest for tourists to understand. Renting a car can get confusing for out-of-town folks so we definitely recommend sticking to public transit. If you arrive before your hotel check in time, but want to start exploring the city unburdened by your luggage, check out luggage storage in Valencia. There is sure to be a drop off point close to your hotel so you can ditch your baggage and start taking in the sights. Valencia has plenty to see with over 30 museums, mind blowing architecture, white sand beaches, and shops and restaurants galore. Once you’ve ironed out the logistics of your trip choosing activities to do and sights to see is the easy part. Unless of course you struggle to choose from all the amazing options Valencia has to offer! We’ll help you out and give you a few must see attractions. We recommend the City of the Arts and Sciences for it’s contemporary architecture and myriad of displays, the Central Market for its local offerings, and The Cathedral for its city views and display of the preserved Holy Grail.
Budget Tips
If you are traveling on a budget, you’ve picked a great destination. Valencia is significantly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, so if your goal is to see Spain on a budget, you’re in luck. Traveling in off season is the best way to travel on a budget. Valencia is great for this because, as previously mentioned, the weather remains nice year-round. This makes it easy to snag off season deals and cheap flights. You will also experience a price drop on Valencia’s hotels from November to March, so keep that in mind. If you plan to spend more than a few days in the city, you can purchase a Valencia Tourist Card which comes with unlimited travel via the city's mass transit systems. The tourist card will also provide you with additional discounts at the major museums, attractions and even some of the shops. These cards can be purchased for one-to-three-day time periods and are easily found at most places tourists visit like travel desks and airports.
Bon Voyage!
Now that you have all the start to finish tips and tricks for traveling to Valencia, Spain, it’s time to book your trip! With a little planning ahead, you will be stress-free and ready to enjoy your time abroad.
