Top 10 things to do in Valencia

Of course, being such a friendly and open-minded city means that Gay Pride Valencia is a big-hitting annual event here. Regardless of society’s labels, in Gay Valencia everyone is welcome, throughout the rainbow-flagged gay bars Valencia has become known for. Join locals, tourists, drag queens and everyone in between to fill the streets with colour for Saturday’s Pride Parade, starting at 7.30pm at Puerta de la Mar before spreading the joyous atmosphere all the way to Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) where the biggest party of them all – Fiesta del Orgutto LGBT – kicks off 9.30 pm with DJs and dancing until the wee hours.

Gay Pride Valencia is not just a one-day thing however, oh no. In fact, it spans the whole month of June, promoting LGBT voices and activism through festivals, events, concerts, performances and exhibitions. On 28^th June, see the Diputación de Valencia government building light up with rainbow colours, in celebration of International Pride Day. As the month of July dawns, those not yet ready to give up on gay Valencia Spain can happily move to the seaside for the No Closet Summer Festival at the marina.

Choosing where to rest amid Valencia’s architectural splendour presents a delightful conundrum, with the city’s hospitality scene offering sanctuaries that marry historic grandeur with contemporary sophistication. The Only You Hotel Valencia stands as a testament to thoughtful urban renewal, occupying a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion in the pulsating heart of the city center. Designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán has transformed this heritage building into a visual feast where Valencian ceramic traditions meet bold modernist touches. The rooftop terrace presents a cinematic panorama of the city’s architectural tapestry, while the property’s signature restaurant, Salvaje, delivers an avant-garde fusion of Mediterranean and Asian influences that mirrors Valencia’s centuries-old position as a cultural crossroads.

Just steps from the verdant ribbon of Jardín del Turia, Hospes Palau de La Mar offers sanctuary within twin 19th-century palace buildings where aristocratic heritage whispers from every corner. This five-star retreat harmoniously blends period gravitas—think imposing marble staircases and ornate moldings—with sleek contemporary design elements that soothe rather than overwhelm. The subterranean spa, a tranquil grotto overlooking internal courtyard gardens, offers treatments inspired by Valencia’s cultural touchpoints, including orange blossom-infused therapies and Mediterranean sea salt exfoliations. Gastronomes will appreciate Ampar Restaurant’s dedication to reinterpreting classic Valencian dishes with modern technique, creating a culinary journey that honors the region’s agricultural bounty without being bound by tradition.

The Spanish love a good party and Valencia doesn’t disappoint on that front, bursting with vibrant options and an ever-changing line up of hot club events that you’ll want to ask your bellboy or hotelier about. Your best bet is to get dolled up and head to the El Carme district in the historic old town, where most of Valencia’s coolest and craziest gay bars are located. Ease into your evening with a visit to La Boba y el Gato Rancio, a popular gay bar and café, stylishly decorated and serving up a range of cocktails alongside intimate events such as screenings of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Another one for early evening is the adorable Parisian parlour-themed Cafe de las Horas, where you’ll be treated to tea, cakes and exceptional cabaret shows.

Wake up too late for breakfast and a smidge too early for lunch so you have an excuse to try out Bluebell Coffee Co., a charming brunch restaurant and café based in Ruzafa. With its distinct ‘Yankee style’ vibe and cosy inner courtyard, the Bluebell Coffee Co. will introduce you to the best American flavours as well as a few unique others, all complemented by the café’s home-grown, barista-made coffee. Drop a pin on Pelayo Gastro Trinquet for when dinner comes calling, as this Trinquet-themed concept restaurant is a real gem. Dedicated to Valencia’s time-honoured ball game, Pelayo Gastro Trinquet also impresses with its creative menu that spans traditional dishes such as tonyina and abaecho, as well as its pinnacle, made-to-order paella.

At some point in your food tour of Valencia, you’ll also want to make a trip to Mercat Colón Gastro Market, a century-old market recently restored to its former glittering glass and iron glory. The go-to gourmet hub in the city, Mercat Colón is packed with foodie stalls perfect for taste-testing tapas or stocking up on bottles of horchata (tiger nut drink) before being tempted by the surrounding restaurants and cafés. For fresh produce, head to the old town’s Mercat Central instead.

Travel down south a short way for a break from Valencia city centre at the Parc Natural de l’Albufera. One of Spain’s most important wetland areas surrounded by rice fields, this nature park runs with winding trails and bike paths, perfect for an afternoon of bird watching and a sunset boat road from the nearby beach, La Devesa.