Summary
Valencia offers numerous attractions that draw visitors to Spain, all within one vibrant city. This urban center features a lively historical district, characterized by a network of quaint streets and impressive medieval structures like the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda.
Tip – Acquire the Valencia Tourist Card for complimentary access to public museums, various discounts, and free public transportation.
Situated along the Mediterranean coast, Valencia allows visitors to relax on extensive sandy beaches and indulge in exquisite seafood cuisine. This city is renowned as the birthplace of paella, arguably Spain’s most celebrated dish. Additionally, Valencia is home to contemporary attractions at the City of the Arts and Sciences, making it one of the most comprehensive destinations in Spain.
Let’s examine the best activities to engage in while visiting Valencia:
1. City of the Arts and Sciences
Understanding the City of the Arts and Sciences can be quite an experience. This remarkable complex showcases a collection of modern architectural structures, enhanced by the surrounding reflection pools.
Initiated in the mid-1990s and completed in 2005, this expansive site features cultural venues and premier family attractions, such as L’Hemisférico, a planetarium and IMAX cinema, or the stunning L’Umbracle, which boasts a botanical collection of indigenous plant species. It is advisable to plan your visit ahead of time to minimize waiting times.
2. Oceanogràfic
Serving as the highlight of the City of the Arts and Sciences, this state-of-the-art oceanarium was inaugurated in 2003. It hosts 45,000 animals representing 500 species, making it unparalleled in Europe.
The aquarium is divided into ten zones, each representing a unique aquatic environment, utilizing real seawater sourced from Valencia’s coastline. Consequently, visitors can observe beluga whales in a spacious, thoughtfully designed Arctic tank.
Additionally, visitors may encounter sand tiger sharks, penguins, walruses, dolphins, and sea lions, offering an unforgettable experience for both adults and children alike.
3. La Lonja de la Seda
This impressive late-15th-century structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is celebrated as a pinnacle of Valencian Gothic architecture. La Lonja de la Seda represents Valencia’s golden era when the city emerged as one of Europe’s foremost centers for trade and culture.
Commonly referred to as the “Silk Exchange,” the site once hosted merchants from distant Mediterranean regions. Visitors can admire the elegantly twisting columns of the main hall (sala de contratación) and gaze up at the intricate details of the vaulted ceilings. Its formidable crenellated silhouette is located directly opposite the city’s central market.
4. Valencia Cathedral
The city’s somber Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, underwent Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical modifications over the ensuing centuries. Within, one can discover 15th-century Renaissance paintings by artists including the local talent, Jacomart, along with several commissioned by Pope Alexander VI from Rome.
However, the most captivating and possibly controversial aspect is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, which houses one of the few chalices purportedly used by Jesus during the Last Supper to institute the Holy Eucharist. This agate vessel has been dated to between the 4th century BC and 1st century AD, though no scientific examination has yet occurred.
5. El Miguelete
The cathedral’s octagonal bell tower appears on numerous postcards sent from the city. Constructed in the Valencian Gothic style, its building commenced in 1381 and concluded just under 50 years later. Initially, it stood separate from the cathedral, but later expansions in the late 1400s integrated the two structures.
If you are feeling energetic, you may ascend the 207 steps leading up a slightly precarious staircase to enjoy panoramic views 50 meters above the city. The notable feature at the top is Miguel, the iconic bell cast in 1432, weighing over ten tons.
6. Casco Histórico
Like most historical centers in Spanish cities, Valencia’s core is designed for exploration. The key attractions in this area are merely minutes apart.
Between each point of interest lies a labyrinth of narrow streets featuring cafes, restaurants, local shops, and artisan boutiques.
To cool down during the summer heat, consider resting at a square such as Plaza de la Virgen, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of horchata, a beverage made from ground almonds, tigernuts, and a variety of grains, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
On the southern edge of the old town, seek the Neo-Mudéjar Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the impressive ticket hall of the Estación del Nord.
7. Barrio del Carmen
The northeastern section of the old town represents the most youthful and bohemian area of the city. El Carmen emerged during medieval times, situated outside the 11th-century Moorish walls yet within the Christian boundaries established in the 14th century.
One of the appealing aspects of this neighborhood is the transformation of palatial buildings adjacent to these cool, shaded alleyways into trendy boutiques, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Calle de Caballeros, which begins at Plaza de la Virgen, is a prominent nightlife hub in Valencia.
Visitors may also view remnants of Valencia’s late-medieval defenses at Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos.
8. Jardín del Turia
This remarkable park provides fresh air and tranquility in the heart of the city. It was developed in the 20th century after the River Turia overflowed in 1957, causing extensive damage to Valencia.
Following the river’s diversion, its former riverbed was transformed in the 1980s into a lush nine-kilometer green space. A total of 18 bridges still span the riverbed, with the oldest dating back to the Middle Ages, adding to the park’s exceptional scenery.
Multiple landscape architects contributed to the creation of these gardens, resulting in a mix of pine forests, orange groves, palm trees, and pathways leading to sports facilities, play areas, and fountains.
9. Central Market
Opposite the Silk Exchange lies another esteemed landmark, the spacious and opulent Central Market building. Even if your visit is purely for sightseeing, you will appreciate the building’s Art Nouveau metal and glass architecture.
Despite its early-20th-century origins, it harmonizes beautifully with the historical architecture present in this section of the old city. Should you choose to shop at the market, you will discover a haven for food enthusiasts, as the venue houses 400 small vendors, with 959 offering fresh produce from land and sea at the city’s most competitive prices.
If you have a favorite Spanish delicacy, such as chorizo, jamón ibérico, or manchego cheese, this market will undoubtedly be your culinary paradise.
10. Malvarrosa Beach
A short distance from the city center, you can bask in the sun on a Mediterranean beach. Malvarrosa Beach features a broad stretch of golden sand, extending for one kilometer along the city’s coastline.
The beach has earned the Blue Flag designation for its overall amenities, including lifeguard towers, a medical station, drinking fountains, and showers, alongside accessible ramps and pathways.
The excellent news is that you will not need to travel far to find refreshments, as there are permanent restaurants situated right along the beach promenade.
11. El Saler Beach
While Malvarrosa is a commendable urban beach, you may prefer a more natural setting for your day by the Mediterranean. In that case, El Saler is an excellent choice. This beach is situated some distance south of Valencia’s port, which you can see in the distance.
Spanning 2.6 kilometers in length, this beach offers tranquility and seclusion as you unwind on its pristine white sands, located along the La Albufera Natural Reserve’s coastline.
Behind you, there will be little more than sand dunes and pine trees, while in front, you can enjoy gentle waves gradually approaching the shore.
12. Hire a Bike
Although cycling on Spanish roads may seem daunting, rest assured that it is entirely safe within Valencia’s interconnected network of narrow streets, pedestrian squares, parks, and seafront promenades.
With a bike, you’ll have the flexibility to explore Valencia’s top attractions, visit the beach, or enjoy leisurely rides through the Jardín del Turia.
In 2012, the city launched the Valenbisi bike-sharing system, which is subscription-based and primarily designed for Valencia’s residents. Nevertheless, numerous rental options are available throughout the city, such as PassionBike located on Carrer de Serrans.
13. Paella
To savor the finest paella in Valencia, venture off the typical tourist paths and seek out restaurants favored by locals. Numerous establishments are situated around Malvarrosa, and making reservations is generally advisable.
Paella undoubtedly stands as Spain’s quintessential dish, originating right here in Valencia. All ingredients are locally sourced, including the rice cultivated in neighboring fields and the saffron that imparts flavor to the dish.
The term “paella” derives from the large iron pan in which the dish is prepared and served. You may choose from traditional meat options, which include rabbit and snails, or opt for the seafood variant featuring prawns and squid.
14. Parque Gulliver
If you are strolling through the Jardín del Turia with children, take a moment to visit this whimsical attraction situated near the City of the Arts and Sciences. Inspired by Jonathan Swift’s 18th-century masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels, the park allows visitors to immerse themselves in an imaginative setting.
At the park, you’ll feel like a Lilliputian, as children delight in the opportunity to climb and explore the giant likeness of Gulliver lying on the ground.
Children can navigate through numerous slides, ramps, stairways, and various interactive features. Additionally, the park includes a skating area, a giant chessboard, and a mini-golf course.
15. Las Fallas
This vibrant celebration occurs in Valencia in anticipation of St. Joseph’s Day on March 19th and is recognized as one of the most dynamic and colorful festivals in Spain.
Las Fallas signifies the arrival of spring, with historical roots in the city’s carpenters’ traditions of lighting bonfires on the eve of the 19th in honor of their patron saint. Over time, it has evolved into the grand spectacle that involves captivating events each day.
For instance, each day at two o’clock, visitors can witness La Mascletà, a deafening firework display in the town square. Additionally, throughout the week, enormous cardboard sculptures known as “Ninots,” often with satirical themes, traverse the city streets, culminating in their incineration during the Cremà, massive bonfires on the night of the 19th.
