Sights in Valencia

It’s been a long time since Bolle traveled to Valencia. But Bolle still vividly remembers his time there, the beautiful sights in Valencia, and the incredibly friendly people. The third-largest city in Spain has a lot to offer and awaits you with a wealth of possibilities. In the following article, I’d like to introduce you to the top highlights in Valencia, from culture and history to trendy neighborhoods, cathedrals, and paellas. Fancy a little Spanish flair and spirit? Then enjoy browsing and reading.

There is a lot to see in Valencia. In the following map I have marked the most important sights in Valencia and highlights for you. There’s obviously so much more to discover, but to give you an initial overview, I’ve focused on the top 12 sights in the following post. Do you know of any other great spots you shouldn’t miss? Feel free to write them in the comments so I can add them.

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1. City of Arts and Sciences

A very modern landmark of the city lies in the dried-up riverbed of the Turia River. It impresses with its modern, unusual shape and is a top sight in its own right, even just from the outside. The Ciutat de les Art i les Ciencies or “City of Arts and Sciences” has a lot of entertainment in store for you. The dome cinema shows the latest films in IMAX format, there is a planetarium and an innovative laser show.

Scientific exhibitions where visitors can touch and try everything out can be found at the Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe Science Museum. There is also a fascinating water park where you can learn more about the world’s ecosystems as well as flora and fauna. Take enough time to explore the extensive complex at your leisure.

L’Hemisfèric, Science Museum & L’Oceanogràfic*
Ciudad de las Arts y de las Ciencias: Tour with Wine & Tapas*
Combination tickets for the Hemisfèric and Principe Felipe Museum*

Valencia-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Highlights-Ciutat-de-les-Arts

2. Plaza de Santa María

Square de Santa María is one of Valencia’s most famous sights and a major tourist attraction. Several highlights await you here, such as the Puerta de los Apóstoles portal of the cathedral, the beautiful Turia fountain, several palaces, the basilica, and the government palace. This lively square is lined with numerous restaurants, cafés, and a few shops. Since there are no cars, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square and admire the surrounding impressive buildings. In the evening, you’ll see many street performers providing entertainment.

Highlights & World Heritage Sites Walking Tour*
Old Town, Wine & Tapas Tour in the 11th Century Monument*
Medieval Valencia: 1-Hour Segway Tour*

3. El Carmen District

El Carmen is a particularly romantic district, known for its historic buildings from the Arab and Roman eras. El Carmen is a trendy, lively area, and is especially beautiful at night. Here, you’ll find unique bars and restaurants (especially around Plaza del Tossal), friendly people on the streets, and relaxed music from the cafés completes the atmosphere. During the day, you can visit the Mercado de Mossen Sorell, a very famous market in the city, or the IVAM (Museum of Modern Art).

4. Mercat Central de Valencia

Bolle still raves about this market today! Located in the old town and just a short walk from the city’s attractions is one of the oldest food markets in Europe – the Mercat Central. Here in and around the magnificent market hall, you’ll find over 1,300 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, spices, plants, baked goods, meat, fish, seafood, cheese, and much more. It’s best to visit the market in the morning when it’s not quite as busy and sample the wide selection and many delicacies. The market is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.. You can also visit this market hall during a cool city tour by bike*.

5. La Marina Harbor District

Another very modern part of the city lies between the commercial harbor and the beach promenade. The La Marina Harbor District offers a diverse selection of options for enjoying the afternoon to the fullest. Trendy, modern bars and restaurants serving local cuisine sit alongside sporting entertainment options and contemporary architecture. If you want to get active on the water, you can rent a kayak, jet boat, or SUP board, or join a yoga session. You can also book a boat tour* to see the city from a completely different perspective.

6. Jardín del Turia Park

One of the largest urban parks in Europe stretches over 9 km in Valencia, along the former riverbed of the Turia. Divided into 12 sections, the Jardín del Turia Park offers something for every age and sports group. There’s a cross-country bike course, a cycling track, soccer, rugby, and baseball fields, and even a roller-skating rink. Children enjoy spending time at Gulliver Park or exploring the 18 bridges from different eras and architectural styles that cross the former riverbed with adults. There are also, of course, vast green spaces and gardens that invite you to relax and linger. The park is open 24 hours a day.

7. Valencia Cathedral

The Cathedral of Valencia is located in the heart of the old town. Construction of the current complex began in the 13th century on a former Roman temple, which was later converted into a mosque. If you’re traveling in Valencia, you’ll find the cathedral easy to reach from the other sights. Its main attraction is its Gothic style, but it also features magnificent elements from the Romantic and Baroque periods. If you can, you should definitely climb the 207 steps up the bell tower and enjoy a great view of Valencia from there. Entrance fee: €2.

8. Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace

The Marques de Dos Aguas Palace houses the National Museum of Ceramics, for which this magnificent building in Valencia is famous. Dating back to the 15th century, this simple residence was renovated in the Baroque style in 1740, and the walls were painted. On the ground floor, you can admire the carriages once used by the nobility. On the first floor, you’ll walk through the rooms of the palace, where you can see furniture and a kitchen made almost entirely of ceramics. The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Sundays only until 2 p.m.).

9. Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)

The old Silk Exchange of Valencia is one of the most famous Gothic civil buildings in Europe and has been a listed building since 1931. Inside the building, the winding, mighty columns and the enormous hall are more reminiscent of a palace than an old silk exchange. Yet, in fact, large-scale silk trading and exports to the entire world were once conducted here. The Silk Exchange has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

10. Valencia North Station

Even though the name North Station or Estació del Norte sounds as if the station is in the north of the city, this is unfortunately not the case. It is located right in the center of Valencia, next to the bullring and the town hall square, and impresses with its beautiful historic facade and old wooden ticket machines. From here, you have direct connections to the most important cities in Spain and Europe.

11. Bullring

Spain, that screams bullfighting and toreros. Valencia also has an impressive bullring right next to the North Station. It was built between 1850 and 1860 on the site of an unfinished arena. To see all the parts and get a better impression of these competitions, you can book a tour. It takes you to the museum, the bullfighter’s courtyard, the arena, stables, and the infirmary. The stop at the arena is also included in the hop-on hop-off bus ticket*.

12. Ruzafa: Trendy District

Located in the Eixample district, the young, modern Ruzafa district has a truly alternative feel. This former working-class neighborhood is now home to unique shops, cool vintage stores (e.g., Kauf Vintage), and trendy bars. I’d call it a hipster district – refreshing, inspiring, and utterly charming. By the way, Ruzafa is the place to experience Valencia’s nightlife.

Flamenco show with dinner at La Bulería*
Welcome to Valencia: Private tour with a local*
Authentic paella cooking class in Valencia*