Valencia is, without a doubt, one of the easiest cities I've ever photographed. What do I mean?

Some cities require you to search for the right angle or chase the light for days. But in Valencia...

Everywhere you look, something is happening-locals cycling through tree-lined streets, a lone figure reading under the shade of an orange tree, colorful buildings reflecting the midday sun.

The city itself is a blend of old and new, thanks to a rich history influenced by Romans, Moors, and Christian rulers. And the layout—an organic mix of narrow, alleys and open, airy plazas—almost guides you to the next great shot. There's a flow to the city that feels natural for street photography, no map required. You can just start walking, and let Valencia show you where to go.

Centro Histórico

If you want to maximize your time and photos, Valencia's Centro Histórico is a good place to start. The mix of narrow alleyways and grand plazas creates plenty of natural frames for your shots.

Centro's colors pop at any time of day, and the blend of architecture and intricate details ensures you'll find something that catches your eye, no matter your photography.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

If you're shooting in the morning, Plaza del Ayuntamiento is a great place to start. The early light catches the Fuente de las Flores fountain and the grand neoclassical buildings, giving you some solid warm-up shots that are almost guaranteed to look great.

At the center of it all (you can't miss it) is Ayuntamiento de Valencia (City Hall). Built in the 18th century, it's an impressive mix of Baroque and neoclassical styles, with its clock tower standing tall over the plaza.

The combination of old-world architecture and the morning rush of people makes for a dynamic backdrop.

Plaza de la Reina

You'll likely find yourself at Plaza de la Reina next, another busy spot no matter the time of day. With street performers, bustling cafés, and plenty of tourists, it's a fun area if you're into street photography.

And of course, with the towering Valencia Cathedral as a backdrop—it's tough to take a bad shot with that in the frame.

Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete

Speaking of Valencia Cathedral…madre mía what a sight it is. The cathedral is a unique blend of architectural styles—Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque—layered over what was once a mosque. Also, a little bonus for the history buffs it’s home to the supposed Holy Grail.

The Torre de Santa Catalina is another sight that’s hard to miss wherever you are in Valencia, with its historic bell tower towering over the city.

The history alone is worth the photographs, but it also just looks so beautiful at any time of the day.

For a wider view, head up the stairs of El Miguelete. From there, you can capture the maze of streets below, with rooftops stretching to the horizon. Whether you’re there for golden hour or a midday climb, the view from the top is worth every step.

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas

If Baroque architecture is your thing, then Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas has to be high on your list. This aristocratic mansion is best photographed early in the morning when the intricate sculptures that adorn the entrance are draped in these super dramatic shadows.

The palace now houses the National Museum of Ceramics, but the real draw for photographers is the building itself. The two water gods guarding the entrance offer a mix of textures and shapes that are perfect for close-ups or wide shots that capture the whole dramatic scene.

Artist hand-painting traditional fans inside a workshop, seen through the window in Valencia

Antiquedades vintage storefront in historic Valencia, Spain, with sunlit wooden facade and hanging laundry above

A senior man window shopping outside a bookstore in the afternoon light in Valencia

Chapel of Reconciliation in Valencia Cathedral with its door open, revealing a priest inside

Elderly couple holding hands while walking down a sunlit alley in Valencia’s Old Town

Sunlit white wall with a small window framed by green shutters and colorful flower pots in Valencia, Spain.

Fountain of the Turia in Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia, with historic architecture in the background

A shirtless man working with sparks flying in a dimly lit workshop filled with tools and old equipment

Mother and daughter in matching floral outfits sitting in a plaza in Valencia

Sunlight casting shadows on the circular building in Plaza Redondo, Valencia

Reconciliation Chapel entrance inside the Valencia Cathedral, with a religious statue and a wooden door partially open

Red electric bus reflecting historic architecture near Centro Historico, Valencia

Sun rays casting shadows on a textured wall in Valencia’s Old Town

Silhouette of a woman walking down a narrow alley in Valencia, captured in black and white

A vintage shopfront with “Antigüedades” written on the window, surrounded by ornate wooden frames, in the old town of Valencia.

A bicycle leans against a graffiti-covered wall in Valencia, with bright sunlight casting artistic shadows.

A black and white image of people walking down a narrow alley in the evening, with shadows stretching across the street.

A man dressed in a red bullfighter costume walks across a plaza in Valencia, with the historic Valencia Cathedral in the background.

A single spotlight illuminating the stone wall inside Valencia Cathedral

A narrow street in the old town of Valencia with a couple walking under the midday sun. In the background, the dome of the Valencia Cathedral is visible.

A woman sits on a stone bench against a historic stone wall in the old city of Valencia, framed by a large textured stone in the foreground.

A storefront display in the old town of Valencia showing a striped shirt and denim overalls, with flowers on a small table outside.

A woman walking through a sunlit street in Valencia, surrounded by colorful buildings

An elderly man walks down a narrow street with bright sunlight casting dramatic shadows on the wall adorned with graffiti.

A man sits outside a small restaurant named “Tasca Sorolla” in Valencia, while another man is pouring a drink inside.

Valencia historic watchtower with a Spanish flag waving at sunset

A woman with red hair sitting at an outdoor cafe in Valencia with sunlight streaming through

Enjoying this guide so far??

I’ve got even more to share in the Valencia issue of FramesFrom. It’s got insider tips on photographing Valenica and over 200 reference photos to help make your trip to the city a photographic success.

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Ruzafa

Ruzafa is a neighborhood that’s constantly changing. What was once a gritty working-class district is now one of Valencia’s most vibrant, with street art covering walls, local cafés spilling into the streets, and a market that’s always buzzing.

The beauty of Ruzafa lies in its contrasts. On one street, you might find a crumbling, centuries-old facade, and on the next, a modern mural in bold colors. Mercado de Ruzafa is perfect for candid market shots, while Calle Literato Azorín and Carrer de Cuba offer a mix of urban textures, street art, and everyday life.

The best way to shoot Ruzafa? Put away the map and just start walking. The neighborhood will surprise you pretty much everywhere you go.

Young girl running past a fruit and vegetable market in Valencia during warm golden hour light.

Yellow building in Ruzafa, Valencia, with a large circular tree in front and a woman and child walking by.

Reflected city buildings in Ruzafa Valencia Spain in a workout poster featuring a woman boxing in an athletic outfit.

Woman sitting elegantly on a park bench with her dog, surrounded by greenery and palm trees in Parc Central, Valencia.

Silhouette of a person walking under a Sendra Boots sign on a street in Valencia at sunset.

Simple scene outside Hoja La cafe in Ruzafa, Valencia, with a pink neon sign and two red chairs arranged around a small table.

Outdoor fruit and vegetable market in Valencia bathed in golden hour light with fresh produce displayed.

Cyclist riding through a tree-lined path in Valencia with long shadows and graffiti-covered walls near Parc Central.

Bar The Corner with outdoor seating and a red and yellow facade in Ruzafa Valencia, Spain.

City of Arts & Sciences

As someone who spent years photographing massive modern buildings in New York City, I thought I’d seen it all. But the City of Arts & Sciences is on a whole different level. It feels like a world apart—not just from Valencia, but from anywhere else.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava (who coincidentally designed NYC’s One World Trade Center), this futuristic complex is one of the most striking examples of modern architecture you’ll find. It has everything you could want as a photographer—sleek leading lines, reflections, geometric shapes—it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here.

Each structure—the Hemisfèric, Oceanogràfic, and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía—has its own personality, and together, they offer just an endless variety of compositions to explore.

The real fun is in the timing. No matter when you visit, whether morning or evening, the light transforms the entire space, making each shot feel completely new.

A close-up of directional signage at the Arts & Sciences Center pointing towards Hemisferic, Palau de les Arts, and other attractions.

A person sits under the large structural supports of a modern bridge at the Arts and Sciences Center in Valencia, casting long shadows under a clear sky.

Close-up of a textured mosaic tile wall at the Arts and Sciences Center in Valencia, with the walkway stretching into the distance.

A reflective security booth near the water at the Arts and Sciences Center in Valencia, with trees and the modern architecture reflected in the booth’s surface.

View of a long staircase at the Arts and Sciences Center in Valencia, with a metal sphere in focus in the foreground and a person standing at the top of the stairs.

View of the suspension bridge and the Hemispheric structure in the background at the Arts & Sciences Center.

Tall vertical cables of a suspension bridge at the Arts & Sciences Center in Valencia, captured from below.

A grand staircase with a metal railing leading up to an upper level at the Arts & Sciences Center in Valencia.

Two people sitting by the water in front of the Hemispheric building at the Arts & Sciences Center in Valencia.

The sun setting over the Hemispheric building at the Arts & Sciences Center in Valencia, reflected in the surrounding water.

A man pushing a cart under a structure with long shadows at the Arts & Sciences Center, with a biker in the background.

A woman with an umbrella, sitting in front of the L’Hemisfèric at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

Reflection of a child running, captured in a mirror sculpture at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

A couple on a motorcycle passing by the City of Arts and Sciences buildings in Valencia, with L’Hemisfèric in the background.

View of a bridge casting shadows with a couple embracing under the warm sunset light at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

A walkway lined with trees leading towards Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

View of L’Hemisfèric and Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe with a small boat in the water at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

Close-up of a shaded area by the water, with futuristic buildings reflecting in the still waters at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

Group of women looking over a ledge with Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe in the background at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

A couple sitting by the water, embracing as the sun sets over the Hemisferic at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

Palau de les Arts building exterior in Valencia during the daytime, featuring a reflective pool with the building’s name displayed.

Couple walking under the Umbracle in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, sharing an umbrella under the arched structure in the sun.

El Cabanyal

Did I mention Valencia is also a beach town? Once you're tired of (though, let's be honest, how could you ever tire of photographing this city?) and looking for a change of scenery, head out to Playa del Cabanyal.

The promenade along Playa del Cabanyal (runs parallel to Calle de Pavia) is great for photographing beach life-people relaxing under the palms, the iconic lifeguard stands, and many spots to grab tapas at the restaurants dotted along the way.

If you can, definitely stay for sunset. Walk over to the dock at Calle Marina Real Juan Carlos / and toward the lookout spot (Mirador del Puerto), you'll find a ton of opportunities to capture couples, friends, and solo visitors soaking in the evening light as the sun dips below the horizon.

Wide shot of Playa del Cabanyal beach with a bird flying and beachgoers in the distance

A peaceful boardwalk at Playa del Cabanyal during sunset, with the golden sun reflecting on the sea and a seagull flying overhead

Couple sitting on a beachfront wall with graffiti at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

A couple with their white dog sitting on the boardwalk at Playa del Cabanyal, enjoying the sunset by the water.

Empty bar chairs on the boardwalk at Playa del Cabanyal, bathed in warm sunset light.

Lifeguard station at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia, with a sunny beach background

Man standing next to his electric scooter near the sea at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

Man in an orange shirt sitting on a beach bench smoking at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

Panorama restaurant sign illuminated by the setting sun with flowers and chairs in the foreground at Playa del Cabanyal

People sitting by the beach, framed by a metal railing during sunset at Playa del Cabanyal

A silhouette of a person walking along the boardwalk during sunset at Playa del Cabanyal.

Skybar rooftop building with palm trees and shadows during sunset at Playa del Cabanyal

Sunset casting long shadows through the boardwalk railing at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

Valencian and Spanish flags flying with a backdrop of flowers and blue sky at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

Woman in a pink dress sitting on a bench, framed by pink flowers at Playa del Cabanyal, Valencia

Turia Gardens

Once the Turia River, this park now winds its way through Valencia, cutting across the city like a green ribbon. The Turia Gardens are a photographer’s playground (without calling it a playground!)—families having picnics, runners along the paths, and the stone bridges that cross the park make for fantastic photo opportunities.

As a bonus go under the bridges, in the mid-day the light and shadow give you plenty to play with.

Woman holding a parasol walking through a sliver of sunlight under a bridge in Turia Gardens, Valencia.

A man reading at a picnic bench under a tree in Turia Gardens, Valencia, with the City of Arts and Sciences in the background.

View under a bridge in Turia Gardens, Valencia, with a sliver of sunlight cutting through the shadows and graffiti on the pillars.

Woman carrying a bag while walking under a bridge in Turia Gardens, Valencia, illuminated by a shaft of sunlight.

Benimaclet

Benimaclet still holds onto its rural roots, even though it’s now very much a part of Valencia. This neighborhood feels different—slower, more personal. The old houses and small village squares contrast with the influx of students, artists, and bohemian energy.

Wander through its streets, and you’ll stumble upon graffiti-covered walls, art workshops, and locals hanging out at cafés. The mix of old traditions and new energy makes Benimaclet a unique spot for capturing street photography with a real sense of place.

Man walking below a graffiti-covered bridge with a cyclist on an upper level in Benimaclet, Valencia, at sunset

Woman cycling past a tree-lined street and colorful buildings in Benimaclet, Valencia, during golden hour.

Jogger passing by a reflection of a balcony in a motorcycle mirror with graffiti in the background in Valencia

A man walking past a graffiti-covered wall in Benimaclet, Valencia, with afternoon shadows falling on the street

Mother walking with her child on a scooter through a quiet street in Benimaclet, Valencia, with sunlight casting long shadows.

A motorbike parked near a bench on a sunlit street in Benimaclet, Valencia

Poster-covered wall with a shadow of a street lamp in Benimaclet, Valencia, during the late afternoon

Reflection of a balcony in a motorcycle rearview mirror against a graffiti-covered building in Valencia.

Street reflection of a mannequin and pedestrians walking by a shop window in Valencia

In Closing

Anyway, if you can’t already tell by my enthusiasm Valencia is truly one of a kind for photography. No need to overthink your shots here, just start walking and the city’ll guide you.

And if you’re still here, consider checking out FramesFrom Valencia. Your photo travel companion to Valencia. With a ton more insider tips and hundreds of reference photos.

Check It Out

The Photographer’s Guide to Valencia

Centro Histórico

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Plaza de la Reina

Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas

Enjoying this guide so far??

Ruzafa

City of Arts & Sciences

El Cabanyal

Turia Gardens

Benimaclet

In Closing

PAT SIMMONS

The Photographer’s Guide to Valencia

Centro Histórico

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Plaza de la Reina

Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas

Enjoying this guide so far??

Ruzafa

City of Arts & Sciences

El Cabanyal

Turia Gardens

Benimaclet

In Closing

A Morning in Madrid: 35mm Composition Breakdown

35mm Photography Composition Breakdown | Valencia, Spain

PAT SIMMONS