How to Get From the Airport
Valencia Airport (VLC) is cute and compact—perfect for hopping off your flight and into the city ASAP. If you’re tempted to call a taxi, don’t. It’ll cost you around 20-25 EUR and you could spend that on literal litres of sangria. Instead, ride the Metro (lines 3 or 5) straight into the city centre for around 4.80 EUR. It takes just 25 minutes and yes, it’s air-conditioned. You’re welcome.
Public Transport
Valencia’s public transport is smoother than a reggaeton remix. Buses and metros are cheap and reliable, and the city’s flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling. Grab a Valenbisi (city bike rental) subscription for just 13.30 EUR/week and cycle your way into Insta glory. Or grab an electric scooter for about 0.15 EUR/min and cruise by the beach with wind in your hair and absolutely zero responsibilities.
How to Enjoy Valencia for Free (or Almost Free!)
City of Arts and Sciences: Look Rich, Spend Nothing
This architectural fever dream is the definition of futuristic flex. While the museums and the aquarium inside cost a chunk of change, you can soak in the sci-fi drama of the exteriors for absolutely nada. Walk around the shallow turquoise pools, pose on the white arched bridges, and pretend you’re in a Marvel movie. The vibe is 100% extra, and so are your photos. Bonus: the acoustics here are wild, so try singing into the void. Or don’t. Just vibe.
Turia Gardens: From River to Runway
What happens when a city reroutes a river? You get a giant, palm-lined park that’s basically a green runway for locals, tourists, dogs, joggers, and TikTokers. It stretches for 9km and passes right by major sights like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Bioparc. Bring a picnic, rent a bike, or just walk and people-watch to your heart’s content. Don’t miss Gulliver Park—where you can climb, slide, and sprawl all over a massive sculpture of a guy tied to the ground. It’s chaotic, it’s free, it’s childhood unlocked.
Montforte Gardens: Secret Picnic Paradise
Blink and you’ll miss it, but right near the more famous Turia Gardens lies this tiny, romantic gem. Think marble statues, rose bushes, and more fountains than you have emotional stability for. It’s completely free and usually quiet—ideal for introvert recharging or a bougie baguette picnic that costs about 3 EUR (if you shop smart at the market).
La Lonja de la Seda: Gothic Drama for Loose Change
This medieval silk exchange is a straight-up architectural masterpiece—and it’s only 2 EUR to enter. Bonus: it’s completely FREE on Sundays and public holidays. Inside, you’ll find twisted stone columns, vaulted ceilings, and vibes that scream, “I do business, but I do it dramatically.” It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you get extra bragging rights for being cultured on a budget.
Playa de la Malvarrosa: Sun, Sea, and Zero Euros
Forget paying for a rooftop pool—you’ve got the Mediterranean for free. This sandy escape is just a quick metro ride from the city centre. Pack a towel, slather on sunscreen, and enjoy beach volleyball, paddleball, or just aggressively napping while locals rollerblade past in slow motion. Pro tip: the sunset hits different here, and it costs nothing to get existential while the sky turns pink.
El Carmen Street Art Safari
This historic neighbourhood doubles as Valencia’s unofficial street art museum. The walls talk here—literally. You’ll spot cheeky political murals, dreamy illustrations, and some genuinely weird (but cool?) paste-ups. The best part? It’s all free, and constantly changing. Every time you visit, something new has popped up or been painted over. Bring a camera and your best moody fit.
Free Museum Days
Valencia is big on culture, and even bigger on letting you enjoy it without cash. On Sundays, many museums throw open their doors—yes, for zero euros. Hit up the Museo de Bellas Artes to see everything from medieval icons to Goya masterpieces. Then head to the IVAM if modern and contemporary art is more your speed (or if you just want an edgy photo in front of something abstract). For something a bit more offbeat, check out the Museo del Arroz (yes, the Rice Museum). It’s in an old rice mill and takes you through Valencia’s long, delicious relationship with this humble grain. Spoiler: it ends in paella.
Cheap Theatre & Indie Cinema Nights
Valencia’s cultural life doesn’t stop at museums. Head to La Filmoteca for old-school or indie movie screenings starting at 2–3 EUR. It’s perfect for when you want a break from the sun (or just want to feel something). Some small theatres also do free or “pay-what-you-can” performances—keep your eyes on Ruzafa posters and local events boards.
Cheap Bites & Culinary Delights
Horchata & Fartons: Weird Names, Delicious Vibes
Get a glass of creamy horchata (made from tiger nuts, not actual tigers) and a farton (a sugary pastry stick, stop laughing). These two are the ultimate Valencia snack couple—iconic, slightly confusing, and surprisingly refreshing. You’ll find the best version at Horchatería Santa Catalina, a charming café with painted tiles, old-school waiters, and tables full of locals sipping their midday treat. Not only is it a cheap sugar rush for under 3 EUR, but it’s also a whole cultural experience. Bonus: You can totally justify it as hydration. Probably.
Tapas, Baby
Tapas = small plates, big love. Think of it like Spain’s answer to sharing without actually having to share. From crispy patatas bravas to garlicky calamari and that dreamy jamón, you can create a full meal from 3-4 plates without breaking a tenner. And yes—some bars still bless you with a free tapa when you order a drink. That’s the kind of love language we like. Bring friends or make new ones over shared croquetas and mutual food envy. 📍 Go-to budget tapas:
- Tasqueta del Mercat (near Central Market) – Local, loud, and lovely. Expect handwritten menus and regulars who know what’s up.
- La Pilareta – This one’s old-school and iconic. Order the clóchinas (tiny local mussels) with a cold beer and pretend you’re a Valencian grandpa.
Mercado Central: Cheap Eats & Aesthetic Bangers
This market is a full-on sensory fiesta—think rainbow produce, sizzling seafood stalls, and cheese wheels the size of your backpack. The atmosphere? A little chaotic, super authentic, and very TikTokable. Grab a slice of tortilla (under 2 EUR), sip on a fresh-squeezed orange juice (another 2-ish), and snag a massive bocadillo to-go. If you’re feeling bold, try a local delicacy like esgarraet (salt cod salad) or figatells (Valencian meatballs). Come hungry, leave cultured.
Use Refillable Water Stations
Valencia is eco and wallet friendly. Bring a water bottle—there are refill fountains all over the city, especially in parks and main squares.
Nightlife on a Budget: Fiesta Mode Activated
Happy Hour = Power Move
Hit up Ruzafa, Valencia’s artsy party district, where you can score 2-for-1 cocktails and cheap beers from 5 PM. Bars like Ubik Café and Slaughterhouse (chill, it’s just a name) deliver vibes and deals.
Free Live Music & Street Parties
Valencia loves a spontaneous party. Check out Plaza del Cedro for free live music, or catch a beach DJ set at Las Arenas during summer weekends. Want to feel like a local? Follow the drum circles at Turia Gardens on full moon nights. Seriously.
Clubs Without the Cover
Some clubs in El Carmen and Ruzafa let you in for free before midnight if you’re on the guest list (check their Insta stories). Radio City is your go-to for flamenco nights and wild dance floors.
Tourist Attractions Worth the Splurge
Oceanogràfic (33.70 EUR)
The biggest aquarium in Europe. Sea turtles, sharks, and belugas all chilling under sci-fi domes. Go during feeding time and pretend you’re on National Geographic.
Albufera Boat Ride (10-15 EUR)
Head south to Albufera Natural Park for a dreamy sunset boat ride through rice paddies and lagoons. You might cry. In a good way.
Paella at the Source (15-20 EUR)
This is where paella was born, so don’t leave without eating the real deal. Go for Paella Valenciana (with rabbit and chicken, no seafood in sight). Eat it by the Albufera or near the beach. Yes, it’s more than a bocadillo. Yes, it’s worth it.
How Expensive is Valencia, Really?
- Food: Street eats from 2-4 EUR, solid meals around 10 EUR.
- Drinks: Beer for 1.50 EUR, cocktails 4-6 EUR.
- Transport: Metro/bus ride 1.50 EUR, 10-ride card for 8.50 EUR.
- Accommodation: Hostels from 15 EUR, cute hotels from 35 EUR.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
- Spring (Mar-May): Orange blossoms, street life, and chill weather.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Beach days, party nights, and FIRE.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Still warm, way fewer tourists.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild and cheap. You can wear a T-shirt in January. Flex.
Ready to Conquer Valencia?
Armed with churros, bike pedals, and a dangerously cheap bottle of local wine, you’re ready to live your best Valencian life. From beach naps to futuristic selfies to that third plate of tapas you “didn’t need”—this city is your playground. Go forth and thrive.