7 Hidden Gems in Valencia, Spain You Can’t Miss

Hidden gems in València are pretty hard to come by. Let’s be honest—Valencia isn’t exactly undiscovered. From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the hip Russafa neighborhood, it’s hard to keep a secret. But if you’re the kind of traveler who prefers the lesser-known spots, this one’s for you.

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Hidden Gems in Valencia: 7 Surprising Spots Locals Love (and Tourists Miss)

1. L’Almoina Archaeological Museum

The first hidden gem in Valencia is right in the city center. Tucked right behind the Valencia Cathedral, L’Almoina is a glass-floored time machine that lets you walk over ancient Roman ruins—literally. 

You get an inside look at over 2,000 years of history — and enjoy some air conditioning.

This museum doesn’t get the crowds it deserves, which is part of its charm. 

This spot was actually going to get turned into a hotel. Until they discovered some of the most archeological-relevant ruins when they started digging.

So it’s perfect for history nerds (or anyone who just wants to get out of the sun for a minute). 

📍 Bonus: It’s close to many other must-see spots in the old town.

2. Museu Faller

Valencia’s Falles Festival is famous for giant artworks that are lovingly crafted… and then set on fire. 

But each year, there is ONE piece that gets saved from the fire. And all of the winners from the past 100 years are stored here. 

In the Museu Faller—you’ll find a colorful collection of “pardoned” ninots (the figures from Falles).

The reason I’m so obsessed with it is that Les Falles is a satirical holiday. Which means every year, these artworks represent societal criticisms. So when you line up the last 100 years of criticisms — you get an excellent overview of Valencia’s history. 

If you only visit ONE of the hidden gems in Valencia, it should be this one.. 

🔥To learn about Les Falles, check out our complete guide to Valencia in March.

3. Street Art in El Carme

Forget the museums—some of Valencia’s best art is outdoors, scrawled across peeling walls in El Carme. 

The old town is full of artsy streets that travelers love.  

You’ll spot works by local artists like Escif and Julieta, ranging from surreal and political to downright adorable. 

Keep your camera ready; the art changes often.

🎨 Want to get a close up experience? Check out this art and history tour. 

4. Jardins del Montforte

When you need a break from the city center, escape to the Jardins del Montforte.

This elegant 19th-century garden is all neoclassical statues, trimmed hedges, and peaceful vibes. It’s a smaller garden that is one of the best hidden gems in Valencia.

It’s small but gorgeous. It really feels like you’re walking through some palatial gardens. 

And in fact — this is where the City Hall hosts a lot of civil weddings! It was definitely a top option for me and my husband. 

📸 Which makes it the perfect spot to go make an Instagram story and make all your friends jealous. 

5. Centre del Carme de Cultura Contemporània (CCCC)

This is by far one of my favorite hidden gems in Valencia. Don’t let the long name scare you off—CCCC is a hidden cultural powerhouse located in a former convent. 

Which means, even if you don’t love art — this place is absolutely worth visiting. 

You’ll find modern art, immersive exhibitions, performances, and thought-provoking installations.

Best part? It’s free to enter! 

That’s right: zero euros for rotating exhibitions in a peaceful, cloistered setting. It’s also a great place to cool off in the summer (and pretend you understand art).

🧠 For more indoor escapes, the guide to Valencia’s best museums has you covered.

6. Palau del Marqués de Dosaigües

So this is actually a museum a lot of people know about. But I’m telling you to come here for a different reason. 

Because the inside of this unbelievable palace has been turned into the National Ceramics Museum. Which is great if you love that. 

(Though admittedly, not really my thing). 

But I want you to come here for the palace itself. 

It’s absolutely jaw-dropping: a Rococo fantasy carved out of marble. Even the entrance is astounding. It’s a great representation of how much money the Valencian aristocracy had (and how much they wanted to flaunt it…)

🏛 You can get a discounted entrance with the Valencia Tourist Card. 

7. El Mercat de Colom

While the Mercat Central gets all the fame, the Columbus market is a great stop, too! 

This Art Nouveau masterpiece is home to high-end food stalls, wine bars, and cafés that are perfect for a mid-afternoon break. 

Plus, it’s in the heart of the shopping district. So it’s the perfect hidden gem if you’re looking for a place to rest your feet. They also have a Daniel’s here — so you can try Orxata and Fartons, one of the classic Valencian foods.

(btw, you’ll also see it called the Mercado de Colón – but the official name is in Valencian, not Spanish). 

🍷 Want to skip the sweets? Don’t forget to check out a wine tour! 

Valencia’s Hidden Gems

Valencia has more to offer than oranges and futuristic buildings. 

Whether you’re into ancient ruins, edgy street art, or secret gardens, these hidden gems prove there’s still plenty left to discover—even if you’ve been here before.

Because this is just the beginning. Even after living for here YEARS, I’m constantly discovering new secrets about this city. 

So get out there and enjoy the city. 

P.S. Want more off-the-beaten-path tips? Subscribe to our weekly Valencia travel newsletter—we’ll send the secrets straight to your inbox:

Other Travel Resources:

• The best hotels in the city center
• Tourist traps to avoid
• What Valencia is famous for
• The best restaurants in Valencia
• Useful travel expressions