If you're looking for a holiday destination that offers culture, history, and natural beauty all in one place, Valencia is the perfect spot for you.
Situated on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia is home to some of the most stunning architecture and landscapes in the country. From its ancient cathedrals to its modern City of Arts and Sciences, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
And if that's not enough, Valencia also boasts miles of pristine beaches and lush countryside waiting to be explored.
What Are The Best Places To Visit in Valencia?
Here are the top 12 places you won't want to miss on your visit to Valencia.
1. Plaza de la Virgen
The Plaza de la Virgen dates back to Roman times and is one of Valencia's oldest and most beautiful plazas. In the center of the plaza is an elegant Neptune fountain created by Silvestre Edeta, a local sculptor.
The square is surrounded by several important buildings, including the Palace of the Generalitat. Across from there is Valencia Cathedral Catedral and next to that is the most important Baroque church in Valencia, Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Forsaken (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Desamparados). This church contains a beautiful fresco on its dome ceiling, painted by Antonio Palomino in 1703.
Plaza de la Virgen is a central destination and a great place to start your walk through the historic downtown. There are also several cafes on the square, so it's a great place to stop for ice cream or a drink.
2. Catedral de Valencia
Valencia Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Holy Chalice, is one of Spain's most unique cathedrals because it is a combination of different architectural styles. The site on which the cathedral now stands has been steeped in history for centuries; first as an ancient Roman temple, then as a Moorish mosque. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century, with renovations in the 15th and 17th centuries.
Be sure to walk around the entire building and take note of the different architectural styles used on each facade. Truly, a very unique building!
The Cathedral is beautiful and unique, both inside and out.
The Chapel of the Holy Grail inside the Cathedral contains beautiful vaulting and star motifs. It illustrates a scene with the 12 apostles in Heaven as well as the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The most precious item is a reliquary housing the Holy Chalice, which is an artefact from the early first century AD supposedly used by Jesus during Holy Eucharist.
The Cathedral of Valencia also has a museum, the Museo Catedral de València. You can also climb to the top of El Miguelete (the Miguelete Tower) for a panoramic view of Valencia's cityscape.
3. Mercado Central
The Mercado Central is a beautiful marketplace built in 1928. The Art Nouveau building is adorned with stunning decorative ceramics ( azulejos) that are typical of the region. The hall contains hundreds of market stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products from Valencia as well as other areas of Spain.
Stop by in the morning for a coffee and to watch the locals go about their shopping. And pick up some fresh fruit while you're at it.
My personal favorite is the fresh juice. There are so many fruit flavors to choose from!
4. Torres de Serranos
The Torres de Serranos, located in Valencia, is a grand fortification symbolic of the town. The structure represents one of the ancient gates into the Old Town and harkens back to a time when Valencia was surrounded by walls for defense purposes. These town ramparts were constructed during the 14th century upon Roman foundations.
The Serrano Towers have been restored to their original beauty and stand as a monument in the city. These courts not only offer an amazing view of the skyline but also transport visitors back in time. As you walk through the grand entrance, which is complete with Gothic details and shields from the city's coat of arms, you'll feel like you're stepping into another era.
Tip: Take the time to climb to the top of the tower. The entrance is free and you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
5. Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas
The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas is famous for its luxurious exterior and intricately designed interior.
This 18th-century palace originally belong to a noble family, but now holds the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics, which opened in 1947.
Inside you will find over 5,000 examples of traditional pottery from Valencia and the neighboring area.
Additionally, there are many other fascinating pieces on display such as ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab pottery; as well as delicate porcelain originating from the Silk Route in China or Japan.
The collection also has some amazing modern art, including some of Picasso's works.
6. Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is Spain's second-largest art gallery. The museum displays art from the 15th to 19th centuries, including works by important Valencian painters like Joaquín Sorolla and Francisco de Goya.
For any art lover, this is a must-see stop.
Gothic art lovers will be especially impressed, as there are several rooms containing artwork in that style. For a deeper understanding of the Valencian school, I recommend taking a look at the works of Pinazo and Benlliure included in the collection. This will give you an interesting look into the city's culture and rich art and historical tradition.
In addition to its outstanding Renaissance paintings--with Valencia being the point where this style entered Spain--the museum also features important works by Velázquez.
7. Bioparc Valencia
At Valencia's zoo, the landscape of the park simulates native habitats as closely as possible to provide animals with the best environment.
Rather than separating different species, they exist together as if in their natural environments. For example, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and rhinoceros all live together on the savannah just like they would in nature. Gorillas live amongst the dense trees of an equatorial forest while hippopotami and crocodiles take refuge in the water to cool down.
The zoo is known for its large collection of African animals and its focus on sustainability.
8. La Lonja de la Seda
The Silk Exchange buildings are one of the hidden gems of Valencia many tourists miss.
The collection of buildings, constructed between 1482 and 1533, was once used for trading silk (thus its name, the Silk Exchange). It has always been a hub for commerce and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The grandiose Contract or Trading Hall illustrates the prosperity and power of a major trading city in southern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The architecture is an exemplary example of the late Gothic style and is well worth a visit.
9. Plaza Redonda
The Plaza Redonda, designed by Salvador Escrig Melchor in 1840, is one of Valencia's enchanting tourist attractions.
You can browse small stalls selling lace, embroidery, fabrics, and Valencian souvenirs while surrounded by traditional craft shops.
If you stand by the fountain in the center, you can take in the beautiful view of Santa Catalina's Late Baroque bell tower. The three-story building is capped off with a magnificent structure, which offers visitors a wonderful sight to behold.
10. Horchaterías de Santa Catalina
Horchata, a sweet drink that resembles milk, is very popular in Valencia. It's made of chufas--tiger nuts that originally come from Egypt but now are grown in Alboraya (located in the province of Valencia).
Oftentimes, you can get a farton (a sweet pastry) with your horchata in Valencia--and it's the perfect combination! This was my favourite combination.
Horchaterías de Santa Catalina located around the corner from Plaza Redonda is a beautiful cafe designed in the Art Nevou style and the perfect place to stop for a refreshing horchata.
11. Turia Park
If you're looking for a breathtaking place to take a walk or go on a run, the Turia Garden is your perfect spot.
This urban park in Spain crosses 18 bridges and boasts 9 kilometers of gorgeous green space. As a bonus, it's also full of historical landmarks and runs by some of the city's most popular museums.
Interesting fact: The gardens were once the riverbed of the Turia. After many flooding incidents, the river's course was changed to prevent future floods. This is why you'll still see many bridges throughout the park.
So if you're a runner, cyclist, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a beautiful place to relax with your family, the Turia Garden should be at the top of your list!
12. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València
The City of Arts and Sciences is an incredible cultural and scientific center located in Valencia. The complex, which stretches two kilometers along the Turia River, was designed by world-renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.
The Ciudad complex is divided into six sections: the Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema, which screens 3-D digital films and serves as a planetarium; the Umbracle landscaped area with stunning views; The interactive museum of Science, environment, and Technology known as Museu de les Ciències; Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanogràfic; Palau de les Arts opera house; and lastly, Ágora concert space.
A contrast to the historic downtown, this avant-garde complex is worth a visit.
Wrapping Up And My Experience In Valencia
Valencia is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to see and do. From its stunning cathedrals to its modern architecture, there's something for everyone. And of course, let's not forget the delicious food!
I spent a week here in the summer of 2022 and would have gladly extended my stay. The city is easy to navigate and the people are friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend a visit to Valencia, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly holiday.
From exploring Valencia's rich history to its exciting present, you're sure to have a wonderful time.
Have you been to Valencia? What was your favourite part of the city? Let us know in the comments below.
This travel experience was kindly contributed by Alisa Goz, a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner.
