What to Do and What to Pack: Valencia, Spain in November
My best friend and I hopped on a quick RyanAir flight last November to go check out Valencia for the weekend. I was over to visit with my partner’s family in Ireland, and we added on a quick cheeky getaway to Valencia. We started off by Googling the warmest cities in November as we both wanted a warmer break from the day to day cold of Canada and the UK. I loved Spain when I went there back in 2014, and I was happy to be back and eating all the tapas and paella we could find. With such a quick trip though, we had a lot to squeeze in and we wanted to still have a rather laid back weekend. We’re both foodies, so we wanted to also stop at one Michelin Star restaurant, and we wanted to make sure that we could find food that was okay for our food allergies (gluten, fish) but still was authentic to the area. Here was our short list on what to do and then a few things that we packed.
What to Do
1. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is one of Valencia’s most famous landmarks. November's mild weather is perfect for exploring its futuristic architecture and museums. Highlights include:
Oceanogràfic: The largest aquarium in Europe.
Museo de las Ciencias: A science museum with interactive exhibits.
Hemisférico: An IMAX cinema and planetarium.
L'Oceanografic: A stunning aquarium that's great for a relaxing stroll.
There is also a beautiful park that is connected to this landmark, and so it means you can walk around here quite easily through the Turia Gardens.
2. Explore the Old Town (Ciutat Vella)
Valencia’s Old Town offers a charming mix of historical buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant squares. You can visit:
La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 15th-century silk exchange is an architectural gem.
Valencia Cathedral: Don't miss the Holy Grail Chapel, believed to house the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper.
Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen: Beautiful squares filled with cafes and restaurants.
3. Take a Walk in Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia) are a vast green space created from a diverted riverbed. It's an ideal place for a walk or bike ride. In November, the weather is cooler, and the fall colors provide a picturesque backdrop. The park leads you to the City of Arts and Sciences, and it's also home to playgrounds, fountains, and outdoor cafes.
4. Visit Albufera Natural Park
Just outside the city, Albufera is a massive freshwater lagoon and a natural park known for its wildlife and rice fields. November is an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory birds stop here. You can also enjoy boat rides across the lagoon, experience a traditional paella meal in nearby villages like El Palmar, and explore the scenic landscape.
5. Attend Valencia's Gastronomy Scene
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and many restaurants in the city offer this iconic dish. In November, many eateries hold special events related to food and wine. You can:
Enjoy traditional paella in the city's bustling markets or by the beach.
Visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce and local delicacies. Pick up saffron at this market to bring home, or some paella spice kits!
Take part in a tasting tour or food workshop to learn more about Valencian cuisine.
6. Explore the Museums
Valencia boasts several fantastic museums that you can explore during the cooler weather:
Museo de Bellas Artes: One of the most important art museums in Spain, showcasing works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern): A contemporary art museum that hosts rotating exhibitions.
Museo Nacional de Cerámica: Housed in the stunning Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, it exhibits ceramics and decorative arts.
7. Enjoy Valencia’s Beaches
While it’s too cool to swim in November, the city’s beaches remain pleasant for a walk, bike ride, or to simply relax by the sea. The Malvarrosa Beach and Patacona Beach are beautiful in the fall, and you'll find less crowded spots for unwinding.
8. Experience Local Festivals
Valencia celebrates various cultural events throughout the year, and while the biggest celebration, Las Fallas, occurs in March, you can still experience some interesting events in November:
Valencia Jazz Festival: If you're in the city early in the month, you can enjoy concerts from jazz musicians around the city.
Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st, when families gather to celebrate and honor loved ones, sometimes with unique cultural events.
9. Take a Bike Ride Through the City
Valencia is a bike-friendly city, and the pleasant November weather makes cycling an ideal activity. Rent a bike and take a ride through the Turia Gardens or along the Albufera Natural Park, and explore the hidden gems of the city.
10. Relax at the Beachfront Promenade (Paseo Marítimo)
For a more laid-back activity, stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, Valencia’s vibrant waterfront promenade. You can enjoy the views, check out the beach bars (called "chiringuitos"), and indulge in a refreshing drink while soaking in the atmosphere.
11. Go Wine Tasting
The region around Valencia has great wine regions, and November is the start of the grape harvest season. Consider going on a wine tour in nearby regions like Requena and Utiel, where you can visit wineries, learn about local wine production, and taste various wines.
12. Attend a Football Match
If you're a football fan, catch a Valencia CF match at the Mestalla Stadium. The atmosphere during home games is always exciting.
With cooler, pleasant weather and fewer tourists than in peak summer, November is an excellent time to visit Valencia and enjoy all it has to offer without the crowds.
What to Pack
Clothing:
Light Jacket or Sweaters: Valencia in November is generally mild but can get a bit chilly in the evenings, so bring a light jacket and some sweaters for layering. I brought a black pullover that was able to be dressed up slightly if need be.
Long-Sleeve Shirts and T-Shirts: Pack several for layering. Uniqlo has great options for basics.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Valencia is a great city for walking, so bring comfortable and sturdy shoes for exploring. I have a paid of Nike’s in white that I recently acquired, but for this trip I brought my Vessi’s because I was also going to rainy Ireland.
Comfortable Pants and Jeans: Valencia is a bit upscale, so although I brought a pair of leggings, I wore my jeans most of the time.
Silk Skirt: I appreciated having a leopard print silk skirt with me which I could dress up or make more casual if I needed to. It packs down into nothing and its a good transition piece. We went to a Michelin Star restaurant and I was able to match this up with a plain black shirt and felt slightly more upscale.
Swimsuit: While it may not be warm enough for sunbathing, if you want to hit the ocean for a cold dip, or if you have access to a sauna, its always worth having one no matter where you go.
Essentials:
Travel Adapters: Spain uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets, so make sure you have the appropriate adapters.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads has a great deal on travel insurance! Keep your travel insurance documents handy in case of emergency.
Currency: The currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Carry some cash and a couple credit cards (stored in a couple different places)
Toiletries:
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash or Soap: Lush has a great bar set.
Sunscreen: Even in November, UV protection is important. Get one with a tint in it to be multi-purpose!
Valencia in November is a lovely time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Customize this packing list based on your specific needs and activities, and check the weather forecast before you leave to ensure you're prepared for the conditions during your visit, you might encounter some beautiful weather!
-Love E