The City of Arts and Sciences
With an architecture that seems out of this world, The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural-educational complex that can’t be missed. Comprising six main elements – Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema), Umbracle (sculpture garden), Oceanogràfic (open-air aquarium), Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (opera house), Ágora (multipurpose space), and Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, it offers an array of experiences for the curious and the culture-seeker. Its reflective pools and the futuristic structure make it an Instagrammers paradise too.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.cac.es
Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral, or the Saint Mary’s Cathedral, encapsulates the city’s rich religious heritage and architectural grandeur. Inside, you can discover beautiful frescoes, the stunning Santo Caliz Chapel – rumored to house the Holy Grail, and the splendid altar. The blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles is a visual treat. Don’t miss out on climbing the Miguelete Tower, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entrance: Admission
Website: catedraldevalencia.es
Address: Pl. de l’Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Mercado Central (Central Market)
Step into the pulsating heart of Valencia’s local culture at the Mercado Central. One of the oldest running food markets in Europe, this place buzzes with energy. With hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to local delicacies, it’s a sensory delight. Beyond shopping, the impressive Modernista architecture of the market building is sure to impress.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.mercadocentralvalencia.es
Address: Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
L’Oceanogràfic (Aquarium)
Submerge yourself in the aquatic wonders at L’Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium. Housing over 45,000 creatures from around 500 different species, this complex offers a journey through the major marine ecosystems of the world. From the mesmerizing dolphinarium to the immersive underwater tunnel, the Aquarium promises unforgettable encounters with marine life.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.oceanografic.org
Address: C/ d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
Torres de Serranos (Serranos Towers)
Marking Valencia’s medieval past, the Torres de Serranos or Serranos Towers stand as imposing gateways to the city. Climb to the top of these iconic towers to enjoy breathtaking views of the old town and beyond. As one of the best-preserved monuments of the ancient city wall, they serve as an exciting reminder of Valencia’s historical depth.
Entrance: Varies
Website: www.valencia.es
Address: Plaça dels Furs, s/n, 46003 València, Spain
Bioparc Valencia
As one of Valencia’s most popular attractions, Bioparc Valencia offers an immersive African safari experience right in the heart of the city. Housing a plethora of wildlife in recreated natural habitats, it showcases Africa’s unique ecosystems. The interactive enclosures provide close-up views of lions, giraffes, and many other species. This innovative zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families alike.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.bioparcvalencia.es
Address: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain
Museu de Belles Arts de València (Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia)
The Museu de Belles Arts is a treasure trove of fine art from the 14th to the 20th century. Housed in a beautiful Baroque building, it boasts a superb collection of local Valencian artists and Spanish masters. The works of Goya and El Greco, among others, adorn the walls. The museum also features a lovely courtyard, creating an atmosphere that enhances the art experience.
Entrance: Free
Website: museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es
Address: C/ de Sant Pius V, 9, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain
Plaza de la Virgen
In the heart of the old town lies the charming Plaza de la Virgen, a square steeped in history. Flanked by the stunning Valencia Cathedral and the beautiful Basilica of the Virgin, it’s a perfect place to unwind and soak in the city’s vibe. Don’t miss the Turia fountain, symbolizing the Roman god Neptune, in the center of the plaza.
Entrance: Free
Address: Plaça de la Verge, 4, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
A masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, La Lonja de la Seda or Silk Exchange, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was once the center of Valencia’s silk trade and today stands as a testament to the city’s mercantile history. The intricate stone carvings, the elegant columns of the main hall, and the serene orange garden will leave you mesmerized.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.valencia.es
Address: C/ de la Llotja, 2, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
Jardín del Turia (Turia Gardens)
Jardín del Turia, formerly a riverbed, has been transformed into a lush, expansive city park that stretches across the city. With beautiful landscaping, biking paths, sports fields, and playgrounds, it’s a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Along its path, you’ll find several museums and attractions such as the City of Arts and Sciences, providing a lovely backdrop for a day out.
Entrance: Free
Website: jardins.valencia.es
Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square)
Plaza del Ayuntamiento is Valencia’s grandest square, dominated by the city hall and post office’s neoclassical facades. It’s a bustling hub of activity, lined with shops, restaurants, and florists. The square also hosts the spectacular ‘mascletà’ firecracker display during the annual Las Fallas festival, a spectacle not to be missed if you’re visiting in March.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.plaza-ayuntamiento.com
Address: Pl. de l’Ajuntament, 46002 València, Spain
Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe (Prince Felipe Science Museum)
Part of the iconic City of Arts and Sciences complex, the Prince Felipe Science Museum is a treasure for inquisitive minds. Its interactive exhibits cover a wide range of scientific and technological topics, making learning fun for all ages. The museum’s architecture is a visual treat in itself, with its skeleton-like structure resembling the skeleton of a whale.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.cac.es
Address: Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia, Spain
Palau de la Música de Valencia (Palace of Music)
Overlooking the Turia Gardens, the Palau de la Música is a cultural gem that music lovers should not miss. Known for its excellent acoustics and modern architecture, it hosts a variety of concerts from classical to jazz. It also boasts a stunning glass dome, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a performance or simply admire the architecture.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.palauvalencia.com
Address: Pg. de l’Albereda, 30, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain
Albufera Natural Park
A short trip from the city center, Albufera Natural Park offers a different kind of Valencia experience. Home to the largest lake in Spain and a wealth of flora and fauna, it’s a sanctuary for nature lovers. Take a tranquil boat ride, watch the sunset over the lake, or explore the wetlands – it’s a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.parquesnaturales.gva.es
Address: Carrer del Pintor Martí Girbés, 23, 46012 El Palmar, Valencia, Spain
Valencia History Museum
For history buffs, the Valencia History Museum is a treasure trove. With a vast collection of artefacts and documents, it offers a fascinating insight into the city’s past, from its founding in Roman times to the present. The museum’s interactive displays make the journey through time engaging, while the well-preserved historical items are a testament to Valencia’s rich heritage.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.valencia.es
Address: Plaça de Montolivet, 4, 46006 València, Valencia, Spain
Mercado de Colón (Colon Market)
Mercado de Colón, with its ornate modernist architecture, is much more than just a market. Besides stalls selling fresh produce, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops housed within its beautiful structure. Whether you’re looking to taste the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or simply admire the architectural beauty, Mercado de Colón is a place where every visitor can find something to enjoy.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.mercadocolon.es
Address: Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain
Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí (National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts)
Located in the opulent Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum’s extensive collection showcases beautiful ceramics from all eras, along with other decorative arts like furniture and textiles. The building itself, with its ornate façade and elaborate interiors, is a work of art worth admiring.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.culturaydeporte.gob.es
Address: C. del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain