Things to Do in Valencia: Oceanogràfic, Las Fallas & Activities 2026

What should you do in Valencia?

Valencia perfectly combines futuristic architecture, beach life, history, and nature. The main attractions are the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) (a futuristic architectural complex featuring the Oceanogràfic, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, and the Palau de les Arts opera house), the Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium), Bioparc (a modern zoo with an African theme), Albufera Nature Park (a vast lagoon with birdlife and authentic paella restaurants), Las Fallas (Spain's most spectacular festival in March), and the Valencia Marathon (held in December, boasting the flattest marathon course in Europe).

First-time visitors should spend 1 day exploring the City of Arts + Oceanogràfic, 1 day in the old town (visiting the Cathedral, Silk Exchange, Central Market, and Serranos Towers), 1 day relaxing at Malvarrosa beach, and 1 day taking a day trip to Albufera. Experiencing Las Fallas requires at least 3-4 days (March 15th-19th).

City of Arts and Sciences: Valencia's Futuristic Icon

The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) is Valencia's most iconic attraction – a futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. The complex is situated in the old Turia riverbed (now a sprawling park) and consists of 5 main buildings: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema/planetarium), the Umbracle (a botanical garden, free entry), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanogràfic (aquarium), and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (opera house).

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia featuring futuristic white buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava

City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia's futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava

Practical Info: City of Arts

Opening Hours: Varies per building (generally 10:00-18:00 in winter, 10:00-20:00 in summer).
Entry Oceanogràfic: Buy tickets here (€35.40 adults, €26.40 kids).
Combo Ticket (Museum + Oceanogràfic): Buy tickets here (€40.60 adults, €30.50 kids).
Triple Ticket (Hemisfèric + Museum + Oceanogràfic): Buy complete ticket here
Hemisfèric IMAX/planetarium: Buy tickets here (€9.50 per showing).
How to get there: Bus 35 from the city center (15 mins), METRO Lines 5/7 to Alameda station (10 min walk), or cycle through the Turia Park (20 mins from the center).
Time needed: Half a day for just the Oceanogràfic, or a full day for the Oceanogràfic + Museum.

Why visit: This is Valencia's signature attraction – featuring futuristic architecture that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Even if you don't go inside the buildings, it is highly worth walking around the area to take photos. The Oceanogràfic is an absolute must-visit for families. The Príncipe Felipe Museum is perfect for children aged 6-14 (packed with interactive exhibits).

Oceanogràfic: Europe's Largest Aquarium

The Oceanogràfic is Europe's largest aquarium, housing 45,000 animals from 500 different species, divided across 9 underwater environments: Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, Arctic, Antarctic, Islands, Red Sea, and the Dolphinarium. The architecture (designed by Félix Candela) is spectacular in itself – the buildings rise like white sculptures over the water.

Oceanogràfic aquarium in Valencia with an underwater tunnel where visitors watch sharks and marine life

Oceanogràfic – Europe's largest aquarium featuring a 70-meter underwater tunnel and 45,000 marine animals

Practical Info: Oceanogràfic

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (winter), 10:00-20:00 (summer).
Entry: €35.40 adults, €26.40 kids (4-12 years), under 4 years free.
Time needed: 3-4 hours (includes time for the dolphin show, shark tunnel, and penguins).
Highlights: A 70-meter underwater tunnel (sharks swim right over your head), beluga whales, a large penguin colony, the dolphin show (4-5 performances daily), and an Arctic section featuring walruses.
Best time to visit: Arrive at 10:00 (opening time) to beat the largest crowds. July and August are extremely busy.
Restaurant: The Underwater Restaurant (Mediterranean food with a view into an aquarium) – approx. €40-60 per person, make sure to reserve well in advance.
Tips: Book tickets online at least 1 day in advance. Buy Oceanogràfic tickets here to skip the line.

Why visit: This is undoubtedly Spain's best aquarium and ranks among the top 5 in Europe. It is fantastic for families (kids will love the dolphin show and the shark tunnel). Even adults without children will thoroughly enjoy the spectacular architecture and the incredible variety of marine life. A definitive must-visit in Valencia!

Bioparc Valencia: A Modern African-Themed Zoo

Bioparc Valencia is a highly modern zoo (opened in 2008) based on the "zoo-immersion" concept – it is designed without visible fences or cages, making visitors feel as though they have stepped right into Africa. The park features 4 African habitats: the Savannah (elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, leopards), the Equatorial Forest (gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos), the Dry Forest (baboons, hyenas), and Madagascar (lemurs). The park covers 10 hectares and houses over 800 animals from 116 species.

Practical Info: Bioparc

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (winter), 10:00-20:00 (summer).
Entry: €28.80 adults, €21.80 kids (4-12 years), under 4 years free.
How to get there: METRO Lines 3/5/7 to Nou d'Octubre station (10 min walk), or bus 81/95 from the center (20 mins).
Time needed: 2-3 hours.
Best time to visit: Mornings (10:00-12:00) when the animals are most active. Avoid visiting between 14:00 and 16:00 in July and August (it gets extremely hot).
Highlights: The elephant herd, the gorilla family, white lions, giraffes, and curious lemurs.
Tips: Book Bioparc tickets online here to avoid the queues. Are you also visiting the aquarium? A Combo ticket for Oceanogràfic & Bioparc offers the best value.

Why visit: Bioparc is one of Europe's most innovative zoos – far superior to traditional zoos with small enclosures. It is perfect for families with children (aged 3-12). Seeing the gorillas and elephants up close is a true highlight. It is generally less crowded than the Oceanogràfic.

Albufera Nature Park: Lagoon, Birdlife & Authentic Paella

Albufera is Spain's largest freshwater lagoon (21 km²), located just 10 km south of Valencia. It is surrounded by wetlands, vast rice fields, flamboyant sunsets, and hundreds of bird species. Crucially, this is where the authentic paella valenciana was invented – the rice fields surrounding the lagoon produce the famous bomba rice (a special short-grain rice perfect for paella). Albufera is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an incredibly important resting place for migratory birds.

Practical Info: Albufera

Opening Hours: The nature park is open 24/7; boat tours usually run from 10:00 until sunset.
Entry: Free (to the nature park itself), boat tours cost €4-5 per person (30 mins).
How to get there: Take bus 25 from Valencia center directly to El Palmar village (takes 30 mins, €1.50), or take a rental car (15 min drive, free parking).
Time needed: Half a day (boat tour + paella lunch + watching the sunset).
Best time to visit: Sunset (around 18:00-20:00) for magical light over the lagoon. Spring and autumn are best for bird watching.
Boat tours: Pre-book a traditional Albufera boat tour here to guarantee a spot.
Paella restaurants: Try Ca' Sento, La Matandeta, or Casa Ángel – expect to pay around €15-20 per person for an authentic paella valenciana.
Tips: Arrive for lunch (around 13:00-14:00), eat an amazing paella, take a boat tour, and stick around for sunset. The perfect half-day excursion from Valencia.

Why visit: Albufera offers one of Valencia's most authentic experiences – here you eat the real paella valenciana (far removed from the touristy versions found in the city center), watch spectacular sunsets, and experience traditional Valencian culture. A must-visit for foodies and nature lovers.

Las Fallas: Spain's Most Spectacular Festival

Las Fallas (March 15th-19th every year) is Valencia's signature festival and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event – a wild 5-day explosion of fireworks, gigantic papier-mâché sculptures (called fallas), street music, parades, and mascots (ninots). The festival culminates with La Cremà (midnight on March 19th) when all the fallas are burned down in massive bonfires across the city. Expect over 2 million visitors, 800+ sculptures, and daily firework shows (Mascletà) at 14:00.

Las Fallas festival in Valencia with gigantic papier-mâché sculptures burning in massive flames

Las Fallas – Valencia's spectacular festival where giant sculptures are burned at midnight on March 19th

Practical Info: Las Fallas 2026

Dates 2026: March 15-19 (main week), but festivities actually kick off on March 1st.
Entry: Free (for all street events), Museo Fallero €2, Mascletà fireworks are free.
Highlights: Mascletà (intense daily firework and sound show at 14:00 in Plaza del Ayuntamiento), Ofrenda de Flores (the beautiful flower parade on March 17-18), La Cremà (burning of the fallas on March 19 at 00:00), Cabalgata del Ninot (parade on March 3).
Best time to visit: March 16-19 (the climax days). March 19 is the most spectacular, but also the most crowded.
Accommodation: You must book at least 6 months in advance – hotel prices triple (€200-400/night vs. the normal €80-150).
Tips: Expect noise 24/7, massive crowds, and firecrackers from 08:00 to 02:00. Not recommended for families with toddlers or those sensitive to loud noises. Bring earplugs! Make sure to view the fallas sculptures between March 15 and 18 (before they are burned).

Why visit: Las Fallas is Spain's most unique festival – there is nothing else like it. If you can handle the noise and the crowds, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watch 20-meter tall satirical sculptures burn, experience 5 minutes of non-stop crazy firework chaos (mascletà), and feel the city's incredible energy. Book at least 6 months ahead!

Valencia Marathon: Europe's Flattest and Fastest Race

The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso (held on the first Sunday in December) is widely known as Europe's flattest marathon course, and therefore one of the fastest in the world – the average elevation change is a mere 7 meters! The course takes runners through Valencia's historic center, past the City of Arts and Sciences, along Malvarrosa beach, and through the Turia Park. It attracts over 25,000 runners from 100+ countries, and is famous for being the place where runners smash their personal bests (PBs). Valencia also hosts a 10K and a half marathon on the same weekend.

Practical Info: Valencia Marathon 2026

Date 2026: December 6th (tentative – check the official website).
Registration: €60-90 (depending on when you register), opens in April/May.
Course: Completely flat, asphalt, running through the center and along the beach promenade.
Starting point: Valencia City Hall (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).
Time limit: 5.5 hours (from start time).
Weather: Expect 12-18°C in December – absolutely perfect running conditions.
Expo: December 3-5 at the Valencia Convention Centre (where you pick up your race bib and browse exhibitions).
Tips: Book your hotel at least 3 months in advance as the city fills up fast. Central Valencia is best (close to the start/finish line). The metro is free for runners showing their race bib.

Why participate: The Valencia Marathon is a dream for runners chasing a new personal best (PB) – it offers the flattest course in Europe, excellent weather, and fantastic crowd support. Over 50% of runners set a PB here. It also pairs perfectly with eating paella and sightseeing before or after the race!

Valencia with Kids: Family Activities

Valencia is an excellent destination for families with children, thanks to its endless sandy beaches, vast green parks, interactive museums, and modern zoo. Here are the best things to do with kids:

Oceanogràfic (from 3 years): Europe's largest aquarium is a massive hit with its shark tunnel, dolphin show, penguins, and beluga whales. €35.40 adults, €26.40 kids. Perfect for ages 3-12.
Bioparc Zoo (from 2 years): A highly modern zoo where you get incredibly close to gorillas, elephants, lions, and giraffes. €28.80 adults, €21.80 kids. Perfect for ages 2-10.
Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (from 6 years): An interactive science center featuring experiments, a planetarium, and fun exhibits. €9 adults, €6.90 kids. Perfect for ages 6-14.
Malvarrosa Beach (all ages): A 3 km long beach with shallow water, playgrounds, and plenty of space to run. Free. Perfect for families with toddlers.
Gulliver Park (2-12 years): A gigantic sculpture of the character Gulliver (70 meters long!) that kids can climb all over, with slides built into his body. Located in Turia Park and completely free. Best for ages 4-10.
Albufera Boat Tour (from 5 years): Take a relaxing 30-minute boat ride on the lagoon to watch birds (especially nice at sunset). €4-5 per person. Combines well with a paella lunch.
Turia Park (all ages): A 9 km long park (built in an old dried-up riverbed) packed with playgrounds, bike paths, and football pitches. Free. Rent bikes or a family tandem (€5-10/hour).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most important things to do in Valencia?

Must-dos: (1) Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium), (2) City of Arts and Sciences (futuristic architecture), (3) Albufera lagoon (boat trip + paella), (4) The Old Town (Cathedral, Silk Exchange, Central Market), and (5) Malvarrosa beach. You need at least 3-4 days to see the highlights. Visiting during Las Fallas (March) requires an extra 3-4 days.

Is the Oceanogràfic worth the €35 entry fee?

Yes, absolutely! This is Europe's largest and best aquarium, featuring 45,000 animals, spectacular architecture, a 70-meter shark tunnel, a dolphin show, and beluga whales. It is especially fantastic for families – children (aged 3-12) love it. Book online 1-2 days in advance. A combo ticket with the Príncipe Felipe Museum will save you €10-15.

How much time do I need in Valencia?

Minimum 3 days: Day 1 = Oceanogràfic + City of Arts. Day 2 = Old Town (Cathedral, Silk Exchange, Central Market). Day 3 = Albufera day trip or the beach. Ideally 4-5 days: This allows time to add Bioparc and stroll through the hipster Ruzafa neighborhood. During Las Fallas (March): Set aside 3-4 extra days.

Is Valencia good for families with children?

Yes! The Oceanogràfic (aquarium), Bioparc (zoo), Malvarrosa beach (long beach with shallow water), Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (interactive), and Gulliver Park (a giant free playground) are perfect for kids. Valencia is generally more family-friendly and easier to navigate than Barcelona or Madrid.

What is Las Fallas and should I go?

Las Fallas (March 15-19) is Spain's most spectacular street festival, featuring giant papier-mâché sculptures, daily fireworks at 14:00, flower parades, and the burning of all the sculptures at midnight on March 19th. Yes, you should visit! – but you must book a hotel 6+ months in advance (prices triple). Expect noise 24/7. Not recommended for small children who dislike loud bangs.

How do I get to the Albufera Nature Park?

Take Bus 25 from Valencia's city center directly to the village of El Palmar (takes 30 mins, €1.50). Alternatively: rent a car (15 min drive, free parking). Arrive for lunch (13:00), eat paella, take a boat tour (€4-5, 30 mins), and stay for the sunset (18:00-20:00). A perfect half-day trip.

Is the Valencia Marathon really that good for a Personal Best (PB)?

Yes! The Valencia Marathon has Europe's flattest course (only 7 meters of elevation change), excellent weather in December (12-18°C), and fantastic crowd support. Over 50% of runners set a personal best. Registration costs €60-90 and opens in April-May. Book your hotel 3+ months in advance.

Are there free activities to do in Valencia?

Yes! You can enjoy the 9 km long Turia Park, sunbathe at Malvarrosa beach, let the kids run wild at Gulliver Park, wander through the old town (the Cathedral often has free entry Mon-Sat mornings 10:00-13:00), climb the Serranos Towers (€2 normally, but free on Sundays), or browse the Central Market. Valencia has a huge amount to offer for free!

Updated: February 2026. Opening hours, prices, and availability are subject to change. Always check the official websites before your visit. Data is based on Visit Valencia, Oceanogràfic, Bioparc, official Las Fallas sources, and local knowledge. Images: Unsplash (free for commercial use). Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.