City in Valencian Community, Spain
Valencia
Spain's best-value big city: beach, flat bike-friendly streets, strong food, and a growing nomad scene. Quieter nightlife than Barcelona, summer humidity and occasional storm floods are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,140–3,040Comfortable, one person · €1,900–2,700Details
- Value for money36/100Better value than 35% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, OctWarmest: Jul, 35°CDetails
- Air quality11 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink but hard and chlorinated; many residents filter it or buy bottled for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work nearly everywhere; markets, small bars and beach kiosks may prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Valencia
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ruzafa | Nomads: cafés, bars, coworking, nightlife, walkable |
| El Carmen | Old town: nightlife and sights; noisy but atmospheric |
| Cabanyal | Beach barrio: cheaper, creative, near the sea |
| Benimaclet | Student area: cheap, local, cafés and bars |
| Eixample (Gran Vía) | Central, calmer, close to the train station |
Apps that work in Valencia
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Metered taxis are cheap and hail well near the station. Airport trips have a set fare; check before riding.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; markets, small bars and beach kiosks may prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Valencia solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.