Valencia is a unique combination of the traditional, avant-garde and sustainable. A vibrant city
with a host of new attractions and accolades next year, combined with its long sandy beaches,
natural spaces, great cultural offerings and exquisite gastronomy make it the destination of
2022.
Celebrate Valencian design
Throughout 2022, València will be crowned the World Capital of Design, and an ideal time to
discover the work of local designers, architects, interior designers and professionals who have
left their mark on the city and promoted it on an international stage. From traditional ceramics,
silk and goldsmithing, to the futuristic designs of the City of Arts and Sciences, the design aims
to improve people’s lives connecting Valencians and visitors with their Mediterranean way of
life. Exhibitions, conferences and professional meetings will take place in 2022. Follow this link
for more information visitvalencia.com/en/world-capital-design
10 new hotels for all tastes
Nine hotels have recently opened their doors to welcome guests in search of a little r&r and new
experiences. For those who prioritise design, Hotel Only You, Helen Berger, AC Palacio Santa
Clara and Yours have unique spaces designed by renowned interior designers. For adventurous
travellers, Casual Socarrat, L&H Gran Vía and SH Suite Palace all offer themed rooms. And for
the more sporty, Sercotel València Alameda offers scooter and bicycle rental services to explore
the old Turia riverbed located just a few meters from the hotel. Puerta Serranos and Axel Hotel
will soon join this list of new establishments in the Barrio del Carmen neighbourhood.
CaixaForum València, a new cultural space
Lose yourself in this grand, avant-garde building and enjoy spectacular art under the light of the
Mediterranean sun. The new Caixa Forum València will open its doors in the summer of 2022,
after previously showcasing in Spain’s other cultural capitals, Madrid and Barcelona. Next year,
Turia will take the centre stage and the exhibition will open in the spectacular Agora building, in
the City of Arts and Sciences. The futuristic work of Santiago Calatrava has been completely
remodeled covering an area of approximately 6,500 sq meters and welcoming up to 300 people.
The cafeteria, bookstore and shop are free to enter and tickets will be required to access the
exhibition area and any activities held in the auditorium. The perfect activity for the whole family
to enjoy.
Valencia advances in sustainable mobility with street art
Spanning 5km and passing through 8 stations, line 10 of the Valencia metro will link the city
center with the area of the City of Arts and Sciences and the Nazaret neighbourhood. This new
connection will not only provide additional transport through the city for both residents and
visitors but will also offer visual art and colour at every station. The Ferrocarriles de la
Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) body commissioned eight young Valencian illustrators to create an
image of each of the stations encapsulating Valencia as the World Headquarters of Design in 2022.
The aim of the art is to strengthen the bond between the residents of the areas where
this line passes, and show visitors the traditions and life of these popular neighbourhoods.
Following the pedestrianisation of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the remodeling of the
surroundings of the Central Market and the Plaza de la Reina will also soon become traffic-free.
The latter includes several varieties of trees, awnings, fountains and water diffusers.
International festival Las Fallas returns in March
After almost two years celebrating the festival virtually, the Fallas returns with force to the
streets of Valencia. The Fallas monuments of 2022 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento will bear the
stamp of the Fallas artist Alejandro Santaeulalia, who achieved great success in the sector after
planting the municipal falla eight times, in addition to the Valencian urban creator Dulk, whose
work has been exhibited in Miami, London, Antwerp or Barcelona. Under the title ‘Protegeix allò
que estimes’, the artists will merge their creations on a monument made with sustainable
materials and that seeks to raise awareness of conservation. Furthermore, local artists Ceballos
and Sanabria will plant a monument entitled: ‘També?’ ensuring that the celebration lasts year
round.
Valencia, a model of food sustainability
Few cities have the privilege of access to natural pantries providing a wealth of sustainable
seasonal products. València is surrounded by thousands of acres of fields of vegetables,
and fruits, extending from Albufera Natural Park where various local varieties of rice
are grown and the main ingredient of Valencia’s most notable dish – paella. The Mediterranean
Sea also provides the city with fresh fish that is auctioned daily in the Fish Market of the Marina
de València, and on the menus of many local restaurants. These two natural pantries, such as
L’Horta and the Mediterranean, have recently joined the city’s urban beekeeping programme.
Approximately twenty beehives are housed on the roofs of public buildings to pollinate and
contribute to the biodiversity of the city’s parks. València’s commitment to food sustainability
goes much further than this however and since 2019 it has been the headquarters of the FAO
World Center for Sustainable Urban Food and a benchmark in the face of the challenges that
large cities face in food and nutritional issues. In addition, it has been the epicenter of the best
gastronomy, hosting the Gala for the presentation of the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2022.
https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-do-valencia/gastronomy
Valencia, European Capital of Smart Tourism
In 2022, Valencia will be known as the world capital of Design due to its innovative tourism
development in Europe. València has been chosen together with Bordeaux as the Capital of
Smart Tourism for its advances and achievements in sustainability, accessibility, digitization and
cultural heritage and creativity. Promoted by the European Union, 30 candidates from 16
different countries, including Copenhagen, Dublin, Florence, Ljubljana and Palma submitted
entries. Valencia’s projects for certification and reduction of carbon and water footprints, the
development of a complete Tourist Intelligence System, efforts to increase the space dedicated
to pedestrians and the elimination of barriers, and the promotion of its cultural heritage ensured
that Valencia took the crown. https://www.visitvalencia.com/noticias/valencia-capitaleuropea-del-turismo-inteligente-2022
ListenValencia – live music returns to the city
Music is part of the soul of the city, not to mention the design, gastronomy and laid back
Mediterranean lifestyle. Valencia’s diverse musical styles can be enjoyed in a variety of unique
environments including futuristic outdoor spaces at the City of Arts and Sciences, on the seafront
and in majestic auditoriums with privileged acoustics such as Les Arts or the Palau de la Música.
The long-awaited return of concerts and festivals sees the city’s events calendar already fit to
burst with Festival de les Arts, 4ever Fest, the Concerts de Vivers and Diversity Valencia already
confirmed. Find your perfect music event, festival or concert here:
https://www.visitvalencia.com/agenda-valencia/musica
Responsible tourism
Valencia already has various initiatives in place to practice sustainable tourism and the goal has
been set for its visitors to leave the least possible footprint and impact on the destination as
well. WIth an efficient public transport network and extensive bike lanes on offer throughout
the city, moving around Valencia emitting low emissions has been a reality for many years.
Furthermore, there are also many existing projects for locals and visitors to get involved with
including the conservation programme for endangered species that Bioparc and Oceanogràfic
have in place and Valencia is ready to welcome sustainable travellers and encourage visitors to
pack responsibility in their suitcase first. https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/sustainable-tourism
A city of cinema
Over the years Valencia has become the backdrop for many blockbuster movies and 2022 is no
different. Next year the city will become the setting for a series of both international and
national television series and films. Avant-garde settings such as the City of Arts and Sciences,
the winding alleys of the center or the light of the city all inspire film directors for their works.
And in the summer, the city will celebrate the centenary of Luis García Berlanga, the great
Valencian director and in celebration of this, on 12 February, the 36th Goya Gala will take place
at the Palau de les Arts. One of the most important events on the Spanish film scene.
https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/berlanga-year
València Tourist Card 24, 48 or 72 hours
- Free public transport around the city. Urban and metropolitan buses, Suburban trains, Metro and Tram zones AB. Including the journey València-Airport-València (L3, L5).
- Free entry to Public Museums and Monuments
- Discounts of up to 50% on 130 participating tourist and leisure services and in shops and restaurants.
- We give you a free Map of València and a discounts guide.
- We invite you to two tapas and two drinks
WHAT IS THE VALÈNCIA TOURIST CARD
With the València Tourist Card you travel FREE on urban and metropolitan buses, metros, trams and suburban trains, get FREE entry to municipal museums and monuments and enjoy special discounts in València’s main tourist attractions.
There are three types of card, 24, 48 or 72 hours, offering:
FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
FREE bus, metro and tram travel for 24, 48 or 72 hours starting the moment the card is activated. Includes journeys to and from the airport. Allows you to travel in any of València’s metro, urban and metropolitan buses, suburban trains and tram zones.
FREE ENTRY TO MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS
Free entry to municipal museums and monuments such as the Lonja de Seda (silk exchange), the Serranos and Quart Towers, the Fallas Museum and the Almoina, as well as many other attractions.
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Special discounts for the city’s main tourist attractions:
- City of Arts and Sciences (15% discount)
- Oceanogràfic (15% discount)
- Valencia tourist bus tour (red) – (12% discount)
- Up to 20% off guided tours, 50% off entry to Marqués de dos Aguas Palace and 10% discount off entry to the Cathedral.