Romantic things to do in Valencia: 8 plans for couples

The couples' plans that work best in Valencia combine water, late day light and food without rushing: a sunset boat trip on the Albufera, a walk through the old Turia riverbed, dinner with the lit up city behind you. These are real ideas, with specific places, not a generic list.

Sunset on the Albufera

It is the classic couples' plan in Valencia, and it is hard to beat watching the sun drop into the water from a boat. Boats leave from the jetties at El Palmar and cross the lagoon right as the sun sets. The ride lasts about an hour, and the last departure changes with the season: in summer the sun sets late, in winter much earlier, so confirm the time with the jetty operator on the day. There is a rice lunch close by either way, since El Palmar is the birthplace of arròs a banda and Valencian paella. More on the area in our towns section.

The Turia and the old town at dusk

The former riverbed is now a nine-kilometre park, car-free and mostly shaded. Enter at the Jardines del Real (Viveros) and head down toward the Palau de la Música; as it starts to get dark, climb up into Ciutat Vella. The Serranos Towers, the Plaza de la Virgen with its fountain, and the lanes of El Carmen look different in low light. For more green spots, see our guide to the city's gardens and parks.

Viewpoints and rooftop terraces

• The Micalet bell tower beside the cathedral: the climb is on foot, up a spiral staircase, but the rooftops open up once you are at the top.
• The rooftop terraces of several hotels in the centre, a good option for a drink as the light fades.
• The walkways at the Ciutat de les Arts, which mirror in the water at night.

For wider panoramas, we have a guide to viewpoints near Valencia.

Mercado de Colón and vermouth

The Mercado de Colón is an early twentieth century modernist building, now home to cafés, florists and terraces. It works for a mid morning vermouth or an afternoon horchata, no rush. Each business keeps its own hours, so check before you go.

Beach at dawn or after dark

El Cabanyal and La Malva-rosa are two seaside neighbourhoods right next to the centre. A barefoot walk along the shore, the tiled houses of El Cabanyal and a seafood breakfast add up to a calm plan, away from the crowds. To pick a beach, see our guide to the best beaches near Valencia.

A long rice lunch

Sharing a paella or an arròs del senyoret at midday is the classic Valencian plan. The most serious rice houses sit in El Cabanyal and beside the Albufera. For where to get it right, see our guide to the best paella in Valencia.

For concerts, summer cinema or dinners with live music on a specific day, check the live agenda: that is where the real dates and events for each week show up.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most romantic thing to do in Valencia?

A sunset boat trip on the Albufera, followed by a rice lunch in El Palmar, is the safe bet. The light over the lagoon at sunset is hard to match anywhere else in the city.

What can couples do at night?

Walk through Ciutat Vella with the towers lit up, have a drink on a rooftop terrace, or head to the Ciutat de les Arts, which reflects in the water after dark.

Are there free plans for couples?

Yes. The Turia walk, the El Cabanyal and Malva-rosa beaches, and the open air viewpoints cost nothing. More ideas in our guide to free plans.

What time does the sun set over the Albufera?

It depends a lot on the time of year: in winter it sets in the mid afternoon, and by late June it is close to 9:30pm. Confirm the last departure with the jetty on the day.