Practical information for visiting Valencia

Is Valencia safe for tourists?

Yes. Valencia is a calm city and violent crime is rare. The real risk for visitors is petty theft: pickpockets in crowds and bags or phones left unattended on terraces and on the sand.

The places to stay most alert are the old town (Plaza de la Virgen, Central Market, Silk Exchange), the metro at rush hour, Malvarrosa beach and huge festivals such as the Fallas.

• Wear your backpack on your front on the metro and at mascletàs.
• Don't leave your phone or wallet on terrace tables.
• At the beach, don't leave valuables unattended while you swim.
• If you're robbed, report it to the National Police (091) or call 112: they'll help you in several languages.

Emergency phone numbers in Valencia

112 is the single emergency number across Europe: it covers police, ambulance and fire brigade, it's free and works without credit. These are the other useful numbers:

Health, pharmacies and doctors

If you're an EU citizen, bring your European Health Insurance Card: it gives you access to public healthcare on the same terms as a resident. If you're coming from outside the EU, travel with medical insurance. For an emergency, go to a public hospital's A&E or call 112.

There are pharmacies on almost every street, recognisable by the green cross. Outside opening hours there's always one on duty: a sign on any pharmacy door and the Valencia College of Pharmacists' website tell you which.

Can you drink the tap water in Valencia?

Yes. Valencia's tap water is drinkable and constantly tested. It's quite hard, so it tastes more mineral than in other cities and many locals prefer bottled or filtered water. In bars and restaurants you can ask for tap water: since Spain's 2022 waste law they're required to offer it free.

When do people eat and shops open?

Spanish timetables are later than in the rest of Europe, and Valencia is no exception. Plan your meals around this so you don't find kitchens closed:

If you're hungry at noon or 7 pm, look for a tapas bar: they usually serve all day.

Payments and tipping

The currency is the euro and cards, including contactless and phone payments, are accepted in practically every shop, bar and taxi. Still, carry some cash for markets and small stalls. Tipping isn't compulsory and isn't added as a separate charge: if you liked the service, it's usual to round up or leave around 5–10%.

Is there a tourist tax in Valencia?

No. The Valencian Region passed a tax on tourist stays, but it was repealed in November 2023 before it started being collected, and in 2026 there's no regional or municipal tax for staying in Valencia. Unlike Barcelona or the Balearic Islands, you won't pay a per-night hotel surcharge for this.

What language is spoken in Valencia?

There are two official languages: Spanish, which everyone speaks, and Valencian. You'll see many signs, streets and stations named in Valencian (carrer, plaça, avinguda). English is widely spoken in tourist areas, less so in residential neighbourhoods and markets.

• Bon dia: good morning · Bona nit: good night.
• Gràcies: thank you · Per favor: please.
• Carrer: street · Plaça: square · Platja: beach · Eixida: exit.

Heat and sun: what to know in summer

In July and August the average high is around 31 °C with high humidity, and heatwaves push it past 35–40 °C. Avoid walking in the sun between noon and 5 pm, drink water often, wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and check AEMET's weather warnings. At the beach, check the flag colour before swimming.

Plugs, mobile coverage and other details

• Type C and F plugs at 230 V: the same as in most of continental Europe.
• With an EU SIM card, roaming costs nothing extra.
• Smoking is banned indoors in bars, restaurants and on public transport.
• On the metro you validate your card on entry and exit; on buses and trams, only when boarding.

Tourist offices

Visit València, the city's official tourism body, has information offices at the airport, in Plaza del Ayuntamiento and in the beach area. You can get maps and museum information there and buy the Valencia Tourist Card.