Long overlooked in favour of familiar go-tos like Barcelona and Andalucía, Valencia, the birthplace of paella, has finally captured the world’s attention. It’s been ranked by expats as one of the best places to live for the past four or so years, and its visitor numbers continue to increase, reaching a record 30 million tourists in 2024.
The fiery spring festival, Las Fallas, celebrates its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2026. While it usually takes the spotlight as the main reason to visit, 2026 has a new contender for the main event of the year: Spain’s first total solar eclipse since 1905. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will be left out of the path of totality, but Valencia will experience the eclipse fully for almost two minutes, making the Mediterranean city the ideal place to view it. The city is planning several events around the eclipse, from conferences to organised viewing experiences. Western viewpoints will offer the best visibility, which in Valencia means finding a spot on the beach to watch the sun set over the water shortly after being covered by the moon’s shadow around 8.32 pm on 12 August 2026.
Other reasons to visit this year include the city hosting the 12th edition of the international Gay Games from 27 June to 4 July , which will join mainstay sporting events like the Ironman competition on 19 April, the half-marathon in October, and the marathon in December. This will also be the first of three years in which the Sail Grand Prix, a prestigious international sailing competition, will take place in Valencia (5-6 September).
But what is it about Valencia that makes it such a special place to visit beyond these events? Its proximity to the Mediterranean grants it a laid-back coastal vibe, while its medium size makes it decidedly walkable. The Turia Gardens, a green artery traversing the city, along with ever-expanding green areas and a flat terrain, make it easy to get around on two wheels. Add to that a culinary scene proud of its local produce and traditions, from the aforementioned paella to horchata (a milky drink made from tigernuts) and esmorzaret (Valencia’s take on brunch).
Below, find our ultimate guide to Valencia – the best places to sleep, eat, drink, and explore in 2026.
The best hotels Valencia
Grand Hotel Centenari
Grand Hotel Centenari
Opened in 2025, this stylish newcomer takes its name from the building’s centennial and is the city’s second Autograph Collection hotel, following the equally chic Palacio Santa Clara. With privileged views of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the city’s town square, the hotel’s Art Deco style echoes 1920s Chicago with French influences, from its tastefully decorated rooms in muted beige and grey to its lobby bar-restaurant, Soul of 1927, where live piano plays each evening. Its spacious rooftop is bound to be one of the city’s most coveted spots to experience a mascletà (a thunderous midday firecracker show) during Las Fallas.
