The Top 10 Sights to See in Valencia
For tourists, Valencia is one of the most popular Spanish cities to visit. In addition to its many beautiful beaches, the city also has a vibrant old center, housing a cluster of historic streets and medieval-styled buildings.
Valencia is also filled with some amazing places to eat and shop. This port city is located right on the Mediterranean, so expect some aquatic themes when you’re traveling. After all, this city is the home of paella, one of the most famous Spanish dishes of all time.
Before you go out and explore, make sure to find luggage storage in Valencia, so your belongings are safe. Pickpockets and thieves are rampant in Europe, especially among tourists. For this reason, it is best to leave your things in a secure location.
There are few cities as unique as this one. Wherever you decide to visit, you’re in for a good time. For the top 10 sights to see in Valencia, continue reading below!
City of the Arts and Sciences
The City of the Arts and Sciences is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Spain. At first glance, it may be difficult to wrap your head around this complex building. The facility features a complicated ensemble of ultra-modern structures, which give the pools surrounding them a shimmering quality.
Creation of the center began in the mid-90s and was fully renovated by 2005. The city hosts a cluster of large buildings, each containing its own collection of exhibits.
The most notable attractions include the planetarium L’Hemisfèric, the IMAX Cinema, and the L’Umbracle, a display of plant species native to Valencia. For the best experience, make sure to book appointments for exhibits ahead of time.
La Lonja de la Seda
The La Lonja de la Seda is a late 15th century-styled building, used as a UNESCO site. It is largely regarded as a masterpiece of Valencian Gothic architecture. The structural design of this building is so impressive that people from all over the continent come to see it.
Without a doubt, La Lonja de la Seda is the most signficant monument to come from Valencia’s golden age, when the city was one of Europe’s main hubs for trade and culture.
The name translates to “Silk Exchange.” Back then, merchants from opposite ends of the Mediterranean would meet here to make deals.
In the main hall, you’ll come across some amazing twisting columns that stretch across the room. You can also look up at the vaulted ceilings, which also contain incredible detail. The crenelated outline is placed directly in front of the city’s central market.
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral dates to the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the next few centuries though, several renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical modifications were made to the building.
Inside, tourists can look at 15th-century renaissance paintings by artists like the Valencian, Jacomart, as well as several paintings commissioned by Pope Alexander VI.
National Ceramic Museum
The National Ceramic Museum, also known as Museo Nacional de Ceramica Gonzalez Marti, is located in a 15th century palace that was renovated in the rococo architectural style. The front entrance is adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, pouring twin fountains from her hands.
The museum was named after the collector that designed it. The exhibits feature ceramic pieces from Greek, Roman, Arab, and prehistoric times. There are also many
traditional Spanish pieces from regions like Manises, Paterna and Alcora on display, as well as some contemporary pieces.
Casco Histórico
There are many historic centers in Spanish cities that are great for wandering. Yet, Casco Histórico is special. This plaza contains a myriad of must-see sights just a few minutes away from each other.
Between each landmark, there are small groups of cafes, restaurants and local amenities or artisan shops. Stop by the Plaza de la Virgen for a refreshing glass of horchata!
One of the most popular landmarks in the area is the Neo-Mudéjar Plaza de Toros (bullring), located on the southern side of the center. Another worthy attraction is the ticket hall of the Estació del Nord.
Barrio Del Carmen
On the northeast side of the old-town, you’ll find the youngest and most bohemian part of the city: Barrio Del Carmen.
This city, founded in medieval times, houses fanciful palaces with one-of-a-kind architectural designs. These places feature the 11th century Moorish walls on the outside and 14th century Christian ones on the inside.
Next to the palaces, there is also a line of cool, shaded alleys that have been converted into trendy boutiques, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Jardín del Turia
There are also some great nature spots in the city, like Jardín del Turia. This park was created in the 20th century after the River Turia burst its banks and wreaked havoc on the city.
The river was diverted and its riverbed was transformed into nine kilometers of verdant green space. As a result, the Turia was born! There are 18 bridges that cross the riverbed, with the oldest one going back to the middle ages.
Central Market
Across the Silk Exchange is another iconic landmark: the Central Market building. Even if you aren’t hungry, you’ll enjoy the building’s art nouveau metal and glass design.
There are 400 small traders inside this market. If you love Spanish foods like chorizo, jamón ibérico or manchego cheese, you’ll love the Central Market!
Malvarrosa Beach
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Malvarrosa Beach. This beach contains a long strip of golden sand that stretches for a kilometer across the city’s seafront.
The beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award for all the amenities it provides: lifeguard towers, a medical station, drinking fountains and showers, and easily-navigable ramps and footpaths. There are also many restaurants on the promenade next to the beach.
Bioparc Zoo
Launched in 2008, the Bioparc Zoo uses natural landforms like large rocks, ditches, and rivers to create optimal environments for their animals. The zoo is owned by the city of Valencia, but run by a for-profit zoological company.
The main highlight of the zoo is its African exhibits. However, there are also a number of animals from other ecosystems in the zoo.