Valencia, Spain is a tourist magnet with a plethora of attractions all conveniently located in one place. The city boasts a lively old center, complete with a maze of charming streets and impressive medieval architecture such as the UNESCO-designated Lonja de la Seda.
Additionally, Valencia is situated along the Mediterranean coastline, making it the perfect destination to soak up the sun on wide sandy beaches and savor delectable seafood cuisine. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, undoubtedly the most iconic Spanish dish. For those seeking contemporary entertainment, the City of Arts and Sciences offers a variety of cutting-edge attractions. All of these features make Valencia one of the most comprehensive tourist destinations in Spain.
The City of the Arts and Sciences
The City of the Arts and Sciences is a remarkable attraction that can be overwhelming to comprehend. This collection of state-of-the-art structures is surrounded by reflective pools that give them an otherworldly appearance. Construction began in the mid-1990s and was completed in 2005, creating a massive complex with cultural venues and top-tier family attractions. One such attraction is L’Hemisfèric, a planetarium and IMAX cinema, and L’Umbracle, an awe-inspiring botanical collection of native Valencia plant species. To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
Oceanogràfic
The Oceanogràfic is the crown jewel of the City of the Arts and Sciences, and it opened its doors in 2003. With over 45,000 individual animals from 500 species, it is the largest aquarium in Europe. The aquarium is divided into ten zones, each showcasing a unique environment, and uses actual seawater from Valencia’s waterfront. Visitors can view beluga whales in the spacious Arctic tank, as well as sand tiger sharks, penguins, walruses, dolphins, and sea lions.
La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Valencian Gothic architecture. This grand building, constructed in the late 15th century, is a monument to Valencia’s golden age when the city was a significant center for trade and culture in Europe. The name “Silk Exchange” refers to the location where traders from different parts of the Mediterranean met to make deals. Inside, visitors can marvel at the elegant twisted columns in the main hall (sala de contratación) and admire the intricate detail of the vaulted ceilings. The building’s imposing crenellated outline is situated directly in front of the city’s central market.
Valencia Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral in Valencia dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, with additions made in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles in the following centuries. Visitors can admire 15th-century Renaissance paintings by artists like Jacomart from Valencia and several from Rome commissioned by Pope Alexander VI. But the most intriguing, and possibly controversial, part is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where one of the few chalices claimed to have been used by Jesus during the Last Supper is displayed. This agate vessel has been dated by archaeologists to between the 4th century BC and 1st century AD, but no scientific analysis has yet been performed.
El Miguelete
The cathedral’s octagonal bell tower is a famous landmark that appears in many postcards from the city. It is a Valencian Gothic structure that was begun in 1381 and completed just under 50 years later. Initially, it stood apart from the cathedral, but extensions in the late 1400s brought the two structures together. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the 207 steps up a slightly precarious stairway to the top for fantastic views 50 meters above the city. The main attraction at the top is Miguel, the famous bell cast in 1432 and weighing over ten tons.
Casco Histórico
The historic center of Valencia is a perfect place to explore on foot. All of the must-see attractions in this area are just a few minutes apart, and in between them, you’ll find a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with cafes, restaurants, local shops, and artisanal boutiques. To escape the heat during the summer, take a break at a square like Plaza de la Virgen and enjoy a refreshing glass of horchata, a drink made with ground almonds, tigernuts, and a variety of grains, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. On the southern side of the old town, don’t miss the Neo-Mudéjar Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the stunning ticket hall of the Estació del Nord.
Barrio del Carmen
The northeast side of the old town is the most bohemian and vibrant part of Valencia. El Carmen was built during medieval times outside the 11th-century Moorish walls but within the Christian walls that were erected in the 14th century. What’s fascinating about this area is the way the palaces next to the charming, shaded alleys have been transformed into chic boutiques, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Calle de Caballeros, which starts at Plaza de la Virgen, is where many nights out in Valencia begin. You can also see fragments of Valencia’s late-medieval defenses at Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos.
Turia Gardens
This stunning park offers a breath of fresh air and relaxation right in the heart of Valencia. It came to be in the 20th century after the River Turia flooded and caused significant damage to the city in 1957. The river was diverted, and in the 1980s, its former riverbed was transformed into nine kilometers of lush green space. Today, 18 bridges still cross the riverbed, some dating back to the Middle Ages, adding to the unique scenery in the park. Several landscape architects were brought in to create the gardens, featuring a combination of pine forests, orange groves, palm trees, and pathways leading past sports facilities, playgrounds, and fountains.
Central Market
Across from the Silk Exchange, you’ll find another prized landmark in Valencia, the Central Market building. Even if you’re just sightseeing, you’ll love the building’s art nouveau design featuring metal and glass.
Despite dating back to the early 20th century, the building blends perfectly with the historic architecture of this part of the old city. And if you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll be in foodie heaven. The market boasts 400 small traders, with 959 selling farm-fresh and sea-fresh produce at the best prices in the city.
Whether you’re searching for Spanish delicacies like chorizo, jamón ibérico, or manchego cheese, the Central Market is sure to be your El Dorado.
Malvarrosa Beach
Within minutes of the old town, you could be sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach. Malvarrosa is a wide strip of golden sand that stretches for a kilometer along the city’s seafront. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for all the amenities it provides, from lifeguard towers, a medical station, drinking fountains, and showers to its easily navigable ramps and footpaths. The great news is that you won’t have to walk far for a cold drink or bite to eat, as there are permanent restaurants right on the promenade next to the beach.
El Saler Beach
Malvarrosa is a fine urban beach, but you might want a more natural setting for your day by the Mediterranean. In that case, El Saler is the way to go: the beach starts some way south of Valencia’s port, which you’ll be able to see in the distance. At 2.6 kilometers in length, this beach offers peace and privacy as you relax on white sands on the coast of La Albufera Natural Reserve. Behind you will be little more than sand dunes and pine trees, and in front moderate waves and a wash that shelves gently into the sea.
Bike Rental in Valencia
Exploring Valencia on a bike might sound daunting, but it’s actually quite safe thanks to the city’s narrow streets, pedestrian squares, parks, and seafront promenades. You can enjoy the freedom to zip around top attractions, visit the beach, or take easy rides through Jardín del Turia. While the Valenbisi bike sharing network is subscription-based and intended for residents, there are plenty of rental companies around the city, such as PassionBike on Carrer de Serrans.
Best Paella in Valencia
To savor the best paella in Valencia, you’ll need to venture off the beaten path and dine at restaurants frequented by Valencians. There are plenty of options around Malvarrosa, and it’s always a good idea to make reservations if possible. Paella is perhaps Spain’s most famous dish, and it originated in Valencia. Every ingredient used in the dish is locally sourced, including the rice grown in the vast fields north and south of the city, and even the saffron that flavors the rice. The dish is named after the large iron pans it’s cooked and served in, and you can choose from the traditional meat variety with rabbit and snails or the seafood version with prawns and squid.
Parque Gulliver
If you’re strolling through Jardín del Turia with your little ones, don’t miss the chance to visit Parque Gulliver. This imaginative attraction near the City of the Arts and Sciences is inspired by Jonathan Swift’s classic work, Gulliver’s Travels, written in the 18th century. At the park, you’ll feel like a Lilliputian, while kids will have a blast climbing over the giant figure of Gulliver lying on the ground. There are slides, ramps, stairways, and various interactive features, including a skating area, giant chessboard, and mini-golf course.
Las Fallas
Valencia’s Las Fallas festival, leading up to St. Joseph’s Day on March 19th, could be the noisiest and most colorful fiesta in Spain. This celebration marks the beginning of spring, and in the past, the city’s carpenters would hold bonfires the night before the 19th in honor of their patron saint. Over time, it evolved into the awe-inspiring spectacle you can witness today, with something special happening every day. For instance, at 2 PM daily, you can see La Mascletá, an ear-splitting firework display in the town square. Throughout the week, enormous cardboard sculptures with satirical themes, called “Ninots,” parade through the streets and are eventually burned in the Cremà, massive fires on the night of the 19th.
