Things To Do
in Valencia
Valencia is a laid-back town in central Trinidad known for its friendly communities and lush hills surrounding the Caroni plain. Nestled between sugar cane fields and tropical forests, it serves as a gateway to day trips for waterfalls, hiking, and wildlife reserves. The town has a growing range of cafés, markets, and guesthouses that reflect Afro‑Trinidadian, Indian, and Caribbean influences.
Visitors can enjoy a calm, authentic slice of Trinidad away from the capital while staying within easy reach of Port of Spain and the Northern Range adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a stroll through the historic center of Valencia, visiting the magnificent Valencia Cathedral and climbing the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views. Enjoy a traditional Valencian breakfast at a local café, trying out the famous horchata and fartons. Spend some leisurely moments admiring the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza de la Virgen.
After lunch, head to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel featuring museums, an aquarium, and a planetarium. Explore the interactive exhibits and spend some time in the stunning gardens surrounding the complex. Before leaving, take a break at a nearby café and enjoy some refreshing paella, a local specialty.
As night falls, immerse yourself in Valencia's lively nightlife by visiting El Carmen district, known for its vibrant bars and tapas restaurants. Enjoy some authentic Spanish tapas while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Finish the evening with a stroll along the Turia Gardens, beautifully lit and perfect for reflecting on your day.
Start your day with a visit to the Central Market, where you can experience the local flavors of Valencia and sample fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Pick up some ingredients for a picnic later in the day. Then, explore the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the city's rich history of trade.
After lunch, visit the Biological Monastery at El Huerto del Cura to experience a slice of tranquility amid stunning gardens filled with palm trees and exotic plants. Spend time leisurely walking through the charming streets of the old town, discovering hidden gems like small boutiques and art galleries. Don’t forget to stop by the Valencia Museum of Fine Arts to admire classic and contemporary pieces.
In the evening, take a sunset boat ride along the Albufera Lagoon, where you can witness the breathtaking views of the setting sun reflecting on the water. Follow this with a visit to a local restaurant serving traditional dishes, delighting in the savory flavors of the region. Wrap up the night by enjoying a Flamenco show, an exceptional cultural experience of Spanish music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥤Coffee or soft drink | $2-4 |
| 🚎Local transit ride | $1-2 |
| 🛒Grocery basket (basic staples) | $25-60 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and a relaxed pace of life
- Easy access to nature: waterfalls, trails, and bird-filled reserves
- Smaller nightlife scene compared with Port of Spain
- Limited high-end dining options; best experienced through local eateries
- "Wha gwan?" - What's going on? / How are you?
- "Wey de toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "How much is dis?" - How much is this?
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "Bless up" - Hello / Best wishes
Places to Visit in Valencia
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic waterfall close to town with lush greenery and opportunities for long-exposure shots in the forested area.
Hilly viewpoints along the Northern Range offer sweeping vistas of valley rice fields, forests, and distant coastlines.
Colorful market stalls and early-morning light create vibrant street photography opportunities.
Lush grounds and birdlife provide rich wildlife photography and canopy views when accessible with a guide.
Food in Valencia
Valencia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A one-pot caramelized rice with chicken or beef, pigeon peas, and a mix of spices; widely found at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Fried bread (bake) filled with fried shark and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sauces; a staple at seaside and market stalls.
A stuffed flatbread (roti) with spiced potatoes (aloo) or leafy saag; often served with curry.
A creamy spinach-like stew made from leafy greens, coconut milk, and sometimes crab or salted meat.
Two fried flatbreads (bara) with curried chickpea filling; a beloved street snack across Trinidad.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Community market offering fresh produce, local snacks, and informal lunch options from nearby stalls.
A string of casual stalls and roti shops where you can taste quick bites like doubles, bake and shark, and roti.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting and a smile go a long way. Handshakes are common; use polite language and address people with respect, especially elders.
Value of casual social time; joining locals for conversation and snacks is part of everyday life.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and ask before taking photos inside sacred spaces. Remove hats and keep noise low in these settings.
Safety
Tipping in Valencia
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary if no service charge is included. For casual eateries and street vendors, tipping is appreciated but not required.
Cash (TTD and USD in tourist areas) is widely accepted in markets and small shops. Major credit/debit cards are common in larger restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with cooler evenings; lower rainfall makes outdoor activities more comfortable and hiking easier.
Frequent showers and high humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack lightweight rain gear and choose morning activities for better trails.
Valencia at Night
Hiking in Valencia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in Trinidad, offering a challenging hike through the Northern Range with rewarding summit views.
Short to moderate hike leading to a scenic waterfall near the town, suitable for a half-day outing.
A network of well-maintained trails inside a famed birdwatching reserve near Arima, ideal for nature lovers.
Airports
How to reach Valencia by plane.
Main international airport serving Trinidad; about a 30-60 minute drive from Valencia depending on traffic and road conditions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial portion of Valencia’s population, contributing to local music, cuisine, and cultural traditions.
Second major demographic group, enriching the community with Indian-influenced flavors and customs.
A diverse mix reflecting Trinidad and Tobago’s broader multicultural society.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national passion; local parks and fields often host informal games and club matches.
Popular at community grounds and school fields; local leagues and pickup games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Valencia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many roti shops and markets offer vegetarian curries, callaloo, aloo, and dal-based dishes. When in doubt, ask for no meat stock and request meat-free curries or stews.