Valencia caught me by surprise with all its sunshine, warm water and people, and a pride parade full of joy and celebration. If you are part of the LGBTQ community and you have been curious about visiting Spain beyond Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia deserves your attention. I spent a few days exploring the city, checking out venues for the Gay Games 2026, and immersing myself in the neighborhoods, nightlife, beaches and culture. Use my visit as your guide to visiting Valencia – I’ll tell you how I got there, where I stayed, what to see and do, and practical tips so your trip is easy and fun.
Why Valencia for an LGBTQ traveller?
Valencia is often overlooked when our community plan to travel to Spain. The city has pretty much everything you’d want: historic streets, modern architecture, miles of beach, a buzzing gay scene, and a calm, friendly vibe. Valencia will also host the Gay Games in the summer of 2026, which makes it a must-visit for LGBTQ travel enthusiasts, athletes, supporters, and culture lovers who want to experience an international event that blends sports and community.
I love destinations that feel lived in rather than staged and Valencia feels like that. During their Pride parade, which I joined in on, there were no aggressive corporate floats and no protesting crowds. What I saw was real people having fun and celebrating their ability to openly express themselves. This is the kind of city that makes an LGBTQ traveller feel safe to visit.
Getting there: flights and trains
Practical first: how to get to Valencia. I flew into Barcelona with LEVEL. They operate direct flights from North America to Barcelona and their pricing is usually pretty competitive compared with other airlines. From Barcelona, I hopped on a Renfe train to Valencia. The train ride took just under three hours and was comfortable and easy. Spain’s rail network is efficient and you get to see some of the countryside along the way.
- I’d suggest you fly into Barcelona if you can find a good deal and/or get direct flights.
- Take the train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla. Book in advance for the best fares.
Where to stay: NH Valencia Las Artes
I stayed at the NH Valencia Las Artes, and its location is hard to beat. The hotel sits close to the City of Arts and Sciences and has 174 rooms with modern amenities. From my window I could see the stunning futuristic architecture that Valencia is famous for. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, fitness center, swimming pool and a sauna. Staying somewhere centrally located makes it easy to hop between beaches, nightlife and cultural sites without spending too much time in transit.
The Gay Games 2026: what to expect
One of the main reasons I went to Valencia was to scout some of the venues that will be used for the Gay Games in 2026. The scale is impressive: 37 sports over 10 days, and people of all genders are invited to participate. Whether you want to register as an athlete, come as a supporter, coach a team, or simply soak in the atmosphere – the Games are designed to be inclusive and festive.
I walked around several of the venues and imagined the crowds, the medals and the community energy that will sweep through the city. If you plan to participate, start your preparations now. You’ll of course want to begin training early and to think about accommodation and travel plans well in advance. For LGBTQ travel focused on sports events, Valencia will be welcoming and well prepared with facilities and public spaces that handle large crowds smoothly.
What the Gay Games mean for LGBTQ travel
Events like the Gay Games boost visibility and create safe spaces for athletes and visitors. In terms of LGBTQ travel, this is an opportunity to celebrate athleticism and culture in an environment that is built around inclusion. You can expect cultural programming alongside sport, from music and dance to food and exhibitions that highlight local and international queer artists.
Drinks and late nights: Agua de Valencia
One of my favourite nights was spent at Café de las Horas, where I tried the city’s iconic cocktail, Agua de Valencia. It is potent, sweet, and totally local. The atmosphere at Café de las Horas is part cocktail bar, part theatrical experience. The staff are friendly and you never know what might happen on a given night. During my visit there was a sort of fashion show with live singing. It made for a uniquely Valencian way to spend an evening.
For LGBTQ travel, nightlife is a big part of the experience. Enjoying local drinks and meeting people in neighbourhood bars gives you a sense of place that you can’t get from guidebooks alone. Just be mindful that Agua de Valencia goes down easy but can sneak up on you!
Exploring Valencia by bike
I highly recommend taking a bike tour. I joined one that started near the City of Arts and Sciences and wound through expansive parkland toward the downtown core. Valencia is very bike friendly with extensive pathways. Riding is one of the best ways to cover ground, see multiple neighbourhoods, and get a real feeling for the city.
The historic centre dates back more than 2000 years, and pedalling among both the modern, futuristic structures as well as centuries-old architecture is a pretty cool contrast. Bike tours are a relaxed way to meet other travellers while getting a thorough orientation to the city.
Beach day: Playa Las Arenas
After biking I went to the beach. Playa Las Arenas is one of Valencia’s most iconic stretches of coastline. It is close to the city center and easy to reach. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or grab a casual meal at a beachfront bar, this beach makes a perfect afternoon retreat during the summer in Valencia. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Valencia Pride: the parade and celebration
Valencia’s Pride parade takes place in the evening, and it has a different feel from the daytime marches you might see elsewhere. I went thinking I would just be a spectator, but the parade is an everyone’s-welcome kind of event. People marched, danced, and celebrated together. The route culminates in a massive open-air dance party where buildings light up in rainbow colours, DJs spin, and everyone is invited to join in, in a free public celebration.
For LGBTQ travel, local Pride events like this are a chance to experience community in a way that is authentic to the city. Valencia’s parade felt grassroots and joyful, rather than commercialized. I didn’t notice corporate sponsorship or protesters – it was pure celebration.
Tips for attending Pride in Valencia
- You can just find a spot along the route to watch and/or join in on the march.
- Expect crowds and plan meeting points with friends in case you get separated.
- You can take a lot of photos, but ask before taking close-up pictures of people.
Nightlife: clubs and drag in Valencia
Valencia’s nightlife is varied, especially during Pride. From huge street festivals to small neighbourhood bars, you can find something that fits your vibe. A club that I visited was called Hot, which isn’t always gay, but that night it hosted a party named Cancaneo, an old-fashioned term loosely associated with cruising. The place was packed and there was a standout performance by Pam Demia, a drag queen who performs in the Valencian language. It was a reminder that the local queer scene has its own cultural flavours and language layers.
For an LGBTQ traveller, exploring local clubs is a good way to meet people and experience the gay culture. Expect a mix of Spanish pop, electronic music, and local hits. Dress up as you like, bring cash and card so you’re prepared for whichever payment metod the venue prefers, and check opening times as Valencia nightlife tends to ramp up late.
Ruzafa: Valencia’s gaybourhood
Ruzafa (or Russafa) is the neighbourhood that would be considered the gaybourhood in Valencia. It is trendy, filled with cafes, bars, and small shops, and is known as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly areas in the city. I wandered through it on a Sunday afternoon, which was an extremely quiet time with many shops closed, so I’d recommend visiting another day of the week.
Practical tips for LGBTQ travel to Valencia
Here are practical tips to make your visit to Valencia smoother and more enjoyable.
Booking and timing
- Book everything early for the Gay Games and for major events like Pride.
- If not going for Pride, travel in shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Consider flying into Barcelona and taking the train to save money on flights and get to Spain in one flight.
Money and cards
- Most places accept cards but small bars and beach kiosks may prefer cash.
- Have a few euros on hand for tips and small purchases.
Language and local culture
Spanish is spoken everywhere, but Valencian is also used and can be heard regularly. I loved seeing local performers like Pam Demia doing shows in Valencian – it adds another layer to the cultural experience. Learn a few basic phrases and be open to local customs; a little politeness goes a long way. English is widely understood around the city on a basic level.
Safety and digital privacy
Valencia is generally safe for LGBTQ travel, but of course like in any city when you travel, stay aware of your surroundings. For digital security, I use NordVPN when I’m travelling so I can securely connect to public Wi-Fi and access my usual streaming services as if I was back home. It protects against phishing and keeps my browsing private when I am on coffee shop or airport networks. They gave me a discount code to pass along to my readers for an exclusive deal on the pricing plus 4 extra months for free: use discount code JOSHRIMER when you check out.
Sample 4-day LGBTQ travel itinerary in Valencia
- Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona or Valencia. Check into your hotel near City of Arts and Sciences or in Ruzafa. Walk around the area, get your bearings, and enjoy a casual dinner with local wine.
- Day 2: Take a morning bike tour starting at the City of Arts and Sciences, then hit Playa Las Arenas for an afternoon on the sand. Evening at Café de las Horas for Agua de Valencia and whatever they might have going on that evening.
- Day 3: Stroll the historic centre and visit the Museum of Science. In the evening join the Pride parade if you’re there during that time or check a local neighbourhood party.
- Day 4: Explore Ruzafa, shop local markets, and hit a club for late-night dancing. Wrap up with a seaside sunset and reflect on the trip!
Why Valencia deserves a visit
Valencia is bright, friendly, and diverse. It has beaches, historical depth, cutting-edge architecture, and a local queer scene that is simultaneously low-key and exuberant. The Gay Games in 2026 will only enhance what is already an inviting city for LGBTQ travel. Whether you are visiting for Pride, to support athletes, or to enjoy a beach holiday with a vibrant cultural aftertaste, Valencia will make you feel welcome.
This article was sponsored by NordVPN. The trip was supported by Spain Tourism in collaboration with LEVEL & Valencia Tourism.
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