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 stay in Valencia can seem a pretty impossible task, thanks to the sheer number of fantastic hotels that reside here. One of our top choices is Hotel MARQUÉS HOUSE 4* SUP, based in a historic building in close proximity to the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas monument, right in the commercial centre of the city, surrounded by upscale boutiques. Marqués House will grant guests a luxurious stay, both urban and bursting with heritage, complete with a chill-out terrace area, restaurant and one of the best cocktail bars in Valencia.

Just minutes from the winding streets of the ancient city centre, lies Hospes Palau de la Mar, a five-star boutique hotel based across two former palace buildings. Blending period features, such as grand double doors and impressive marble staircases, with contemporary lines and modern amenities, this hotel is a pleasant surprise. As well as resting beside the waterfall-fed pool, guests can enjoy the serenity of the subterranean spa which overlooks the courtyard gardens and offers Valencia-inspired massages and treatments using Mediterranean sea salt. Alternatively, try Apartments BONNIES Suites & Spa Valencia, a selection of modern suites centred in the old town, close to sites such as the cathedral, La Lonja and Sint Niklas. Take advantage of the late afternoon sun on BONNIES’ terrace which features a Jacuzzi, sauna and lounge area with unbeatable views over the city.

For an extra special foodie treat, the Caro Hotel has what you’re looking for, an independent contemporary getaway in the central Seu-Xerea neighbourhood, hosting its own Michelin-starred restaurant on site. Reminiscing on the gastronomic histories of Valencia, the hotel’s Sucede restaurant has been labelled by art publishers Taschen as one of the most stunning eateries in the world. Buen Provecho, indeed!

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.