Discover the 20 Best Places to visit in Valencia: Culture, History and Nature that You Can’t Miss.
Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, is a destination that combines a rich cultural heritage with impressive modern developments. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it is a vibrant place full of history, art, science and nature, attracting millions of tourists every year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Valencia’s top tourist attractions not to be missed.
City of Arts and Sciences: A journey into the future
Príncipe Felipe Science Museum
The Science Museum is one of the main jewels of the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this interactive museum offers a unique experience that fuses education and entertainment. Here, both children and adults can learn about scientific advances in a fun and interactive way. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions cover topics as varied as genetics, space, technology and the environment. In addition, its modern, avant-garde architecture makes it a point of interest in itself.
Oceanogràfic: Europe’s largest aquarium
Another of the must-see attractions in this complex is the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. The main marine ecosystems of the planet are represented here, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans, including tropical seas and the Red Sea. The Oceanogràfic is home to more than 500 different species of animals, including sharks, dolphins, penguins and sea lions. One of the most memorable moments for visitors is the dolphin show, where these intelligent acrobatic mammals show off their skills.
Hemisfèric: A spectacular cinema
The Hemisfèric is one of the most iconic structures in the City of Arts and Sciences. Its human eye shape symbolises the gaze towards knowledge and culture. Inside this structure, there is an IMAX cinema, planetarium and laser, which offers an immersive audiovisual experience. Here you can enjoy documentaries about the universe, nature and science with a visual quality that will not leave you indifferent.
Old Town: History and medieval charm
The Cathedral of Valencia and El Miguelete
Valencia Cathedral, also known as La Seo, is an imposing building that blends several architectural styles, such as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. Its most outstanding feature is the Miguelete tower, an octagonal bell tower more than 50 metres high. Climbing the 207 steps to the top is rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city. Inside the cathedral is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where the Holy Grail is said to be housed, adding an air of mystery and spirituality to the place.
The Silk Exchange
Another must-see in the old town is the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century, this impressive Gothic structure is a testament to Valencia’s economic power in the Middle Ages. The Salón de Contratación, with its spiral columns and high ceiling, is one of the most impressive rooms. In its day, the Lonja was a place of trade, mainly in silk, and is a symbol of the city’s economic and cultural flourishing.
The Central Market
Right next to the Lonja is the Central Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe. This modernist building houses more than 300 stalls where you can find fresh local produce such as fruit, vegetables, fish, seafood, meat and sausages. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Valencian gastronomy, where you can sample tapas, buy ingredients for the famous paella or simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of a lively market.
Serranos Towers and Quart Towers: The ancient gates of the city
The Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers are two of the most emblematic gateways that remain from the old medieval wall that surrounded Valencia. These imposing defensive towers are not only a symbol of the city’s historic past but also offer breathtaking panoramic views from their heights.
The Serranos Towers, located near the old Turia riverbed, date from the 14th century and are one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Valencia. For centuries, they functioned as one of the city’s main access gates and as a prison for nobles. Today, you can visit them to enjoy their architecture and go up to their upper terrace, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Turia Gardens and the old town.
On the other hand, the Quart Towers, built in the 15th century, have a more robust appearance and the attacks mark their history suffered during the wars, as evidenced by the cannon scars visible on their façade. These towers, located in the west of the old town, were a key piece in Valencia’s defence and are another strategic point from which to enjoy elevated views of the city. Both towers are an essential stop for lovers of history and architecture.
Plaza Redonda: A unique corner in the heart of Valencia
The Plaza Redonda is one of the most curious and charming places in Valencia. Located in the heart of the old town, just a few steps from the Cathedral, this small circular square offers a unique experience. It was built in the 19th century and stands out for its completely round design, with a central fountain surrounded by shops and small stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and traditional products.
The Plaza Redonda is ideal for losing yourself among its shops, where you can find everything from fans and typical Valencian lace to antiques and souvenirs. It is also surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas and local dishes, making it the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. Its quiet and picturesque atmosphere makes it a must for those looking for a different and charming corner of the city.
Town Hall Square: Valencia’s monumental epicentre
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most emblematic places in Valencia and a landmark in the daily life of the city. Surrounded by majestic buildings, such as the Valencia City Hall and the Post Office Building, this large square is the setting for important events and celebrations, including the famous mascletàs during the Fallas.
With its elegant central fountain and gardens, it’s a perfect place to stop and admire the architecture or just enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. The square is also lined with cafés and restaurants, making it a great place to take a break after exploring the nearby shopping streets and old town. Its central location makes it a must for locals and tourists alike.
Turia Garden: An oasis in the middle of the city
One of the most unique aspects of Valencia is the Turia Garden, an extensive urban park that stretches for more than 9 kilometres. This green space is located on what was once the course of the Turia River, diverted after a major flood in 1957. Today, the Turia Garden is a place where locals and tourists can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as cycling, jogging, picnics or simply relaxing under the shade of the trees.
The park connects several of Valencia’s main tourist attractions, such as the City of Arts and Sciences and Bioparc. It also houses children’s play areas, artificial lakes, fountains and sculptures, making it an ideal place for the whole family.
Gulliver Park: Giant fun for the little ones
Located in the Turia Garden, Gulliver Park is one of the most original and fun places in Valencia, ideal to visit with the whole family. This theme park is inspired by the famous novel Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, and the main attraction is a gigantic sculpture of the character of Gulliver, lying on the ground, who seems to have been tied up by the Lilliputians.
The structure, more than 70 metres long, is designed as a huge playground with slides, ramps, ladders and climbing areas where children and adults can climb and slide. It is a unique experience that transports visitors to the world of fantasy while enjoying an outdoor activity in the heart of the city. The park is also free and open all year round, making it a must-see if you’re visiting Valencia with children.
Bioparc: A safari experience in the heart of the city
Bioparc is an innovative zoo located at the western end of the Turia Gardens. Unlike traditional zoos, here the animals live in habitats that mimic their natural environments and there are no visible cages. Visitors can walk along trails that take them through recreations of African savannahs, tropical rainforests and areas of Madagascar. Gorillas, elephants, lions and giraffes are just some of the species you can see up close in this space that promotes conservation and respect for biodiversity.
Valencia’s beaches: Sun and sea just a few steps from the centre of Valencia
Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia has urban beaches that are easily accessible from the city centre. The most famous is Malvarrosa Beach, a wide sandy area with clean waters and a varied offer of restaurants, bars and beach bars where you can enjoy delicious paella in front of the sea. It is the perfect place to enjoy a day of sun and sea, whether sunbathing, swimming or practising water sports such as paddle surfing or windsurfing.
El Saler beach
If you prefer a more natural and less crowded environment, El Saler Beach is an excellent option. Located south of the city, this fine sandy beach is surrounded by dunes and pine trees, giving it a wilder and quieter character. Nearby is the Albufera Natural Park, a freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice paddies, where you can enjoy a boat ride and watch the local wildlife, including migratory birds.
The Albufera Natural Park: Nature and Tradition
The Albufera Nature Park is a magical place just 10 kilometres from the centre of Valencia. This wetland is home to a great diversity of bird species, and its tranquil landscapes offer a perfect contrast to urban life. It is also the birthplace of paella, Valencia’s most famous dish, as the rice used in its preparation is grown here. You can’t miss a visit to one of the traditional Barracas, where you can taste an authentic Valencian paella while enjoying an unforgettable sunset over the waters of the lagoon.
Barrio del Carmen: Culture, art and nightlife
The Barrio del Carmen is one of Valencia’s oldest and most charismatic neighbourhoods. Located in the heart of the old town, its narrow cobbled streets are full of history and contrast with its vibrant nightlife. In this neighbourhood, you will find some of the city’s most important monuments, such as the Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers, which were once part of the city walls that protected the city.
El Carmen is also famous for its cultural and artistic offerings. Numerous museums, art galleries and theatres can be found here, as well as murals and street art decorating the facades of buildings. At night, the neighbourhood comes alive with bars, pubs and nightclubs that attract locals and tourists alike.
Museums in Valencia: A Journey through History and Art
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must for art lovers. It houses one of the most important collections of paintings in Spain, with works ranging from the 14th to the 19th century. Here you can admire paintings by artists such as Goya, Velázquez and El Greco, as well as an extensive collection of Valencian art.
National Museum of Ceramics
Located in the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, the National Museum of Ceramics is another must-see for lovers of history and craftsmanship. This museum exhibits an extensive collection of traditional Valencian ceramics, as well as ancient and contemporary ceramic pieces from different parts of the world.
In conclusion, Valencia is a city that has it all: history, modernity, nature, gastronomy and culture. From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the beaches of Malvarrosa and El Saler, the medieval charm of the old town and the biodiversity of the Albufera Natural Park, there is something for every type of traveller. No matter how long you spend in this city, there is always something new to discover.
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