Valencia, Spain is a destination that has it all. Past visitors routinely praise this world-famous city for it’s history, culture, cuisine and nature. This ancient city on the Mediterranean coast boasts a rich and diverse heritage that spans from Roman times to the present day.
Architecture buffs can admire its stunning structures, from Gothic cathedrals to futuristic museums. Foodies can taste its delicious food, from paella to horchata. Nature lovers can bask in its sunny weather, exploring it’s many beautiful highlights from urban beaches to green parks. And everyone can experience its lively festivals, especially the Fallas, which involve burning giant sculptures in a fiery show that illuminates the night’s sky.
Valencia is a city that will captivate you with its beauty and vitality. It’s a city that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Keep watching to learn all about the many top-tier sights and attractions that await you in this historic European city.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Things To Do In Valencia, Spain
Plaza de la Virgen
One of the most charming and historic spots in Valencia is Plaza de la Virgen, a square that dates back to the Roman times. Here you can admire some of the city’s most emblematic buildings, such as the Gothic cathedral, the Baroque basilica and the neoclassical palace of the Generalitat. You can also see the Turia fountain, which represents the river that used to flow through the city and features a statue of Neptune.
Plaza de la Virgen is a lively place where you can enjoy the local culture and traditions. Every Thursday at noon, you can witness the Water Tribunal, an ancient institution that settles disputes over irrigation among farmers. During Las Fallas, the city’s biggest festival, you can see a spectacular floral offering to the Virgin Mary. And throughout the year, you can find street performers, markets and events that add color and fun to this square.
Plaza de la Virgen is a must-see when visiting Valencia’s Old Town. It’s a place where you can feel the history and spirit of this beautiful city. You can also relax at one of the many cafes and bars that surround it and watch people go by. All in all, it’s a place that will surely make you fall in love with Valencia.
Torres de Serranos
Fancy yourself a time traveler? Well, if you want to travel back in time and see how Valencia looked like in the Middle Ages, you should visit the Torres de Serranos, one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall. These impressive towers were built in the 14th century by the architect Pere Balaguer, who designed them as a defensive structure and a triumphal arch.
The Torres de Serranos are considered to be the biggest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe, and they showcase the power and wealth of Valencia at that time. You can admire their elegant façade, their pointed arches and their vaulted domes. You can also climb up to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Turia riverbed.
The Torres de Serranos have witnessed many historical events, such as the entrance of King James I after conquering Valencia from the Moors, or the imprisonment of nobles during the 16th and 17th centuries. They have also survived several threats, such as wars, fires and earthquakes. They were spared from demolition when the city walls were knocked down in 1865, thanks to a public campaign.
Today, the Torres de Serranos are one of the most symbolic monuments of Valencia and an emblem of its identity. They host many cultural activities and events throughout the year, such as exhibitions, concerts and festivals. The most famous one is the Crida, which marks the beginning of Las Fallas every March.
Ciudad de las Artes y Cinemas
If you are looking for a place that combines science, nature and art, you should visit the Ciudad de las Artes y Cinemas (City of Arts and Sciences) in Valencia. This is a spectacular and imposing complex designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, located in the former riverbed of the Turia river.
The Ciudad de las Artes y Cinemas consists of six areas that offer different experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. You can explore the wonders of the universe at L’Hemisfèric, an IMAX dome cinema that resembles a giant eye. Aspiring scientists can learn about science and technology at the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe – more on that one in just a bit.
Visitors can discover the marine life of different habitats at L’Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe that resembles a water lily. If your a fan of the performing arts, you can enjoy opera, music and theatre at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, an elegant building that resembles a helmet. Last but not least, for an experience that’s a bit more laid back, you can relax at L’Umbracle, a landscaped garden with native plants and sculptures.
Explore the City By Bike
Itching to stretch your legs and get some exercise in? Well, you can always join a guided bike tour that will show you the highlights of the city, such as the Cathedral, the Torres de Serrano, and the City of Arts and Sciences. You can also rent a bike for one or more days and explore Valencia at your own pace. Or, better yet, you can enjoy a night bike tour that will let you see Valencia in a whole new light.
Bike tours are a great way to discover Valencia’s beauty, culture and history while having fun and staying active. You will be able to cover more ground than walking, take scenic routes along the Turia Gardens and the beach, and learn from local guides who will share their insights and tips with you.
Jardines del Turia
The jardines del turia (Turia gardens) is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. This lush green oasis runs along nine kilometres of the former riverbed of the Turia river, which was diverted after a catastrophic flood in 1957.
The jardines del turia offer a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Visitors can stroll along its paths, surrounded by palm trees, orange trees, fountains and ponds. Active guests can play sports in its fields, courts and tracks, or rent a bicycle, a segway or a tandem to explore its length. You can also find many bars and cafes with terraces where you can have a drink or a snack.
The jardines del turia are crossed by 18 bridges from different periods and styles, adding charm and history to this park. Some of them are ancient stone bridges from the medieval times, such as San José, Trinidad or El Real. Others are modern steel bridges designed by renowned architects like Santiago Calatrava or Norman Foster.
The jardines del turia are one of the most beloved places in Valencia by locals and tourists alike. They are open every day for free and accessible from different points of the city.
The Cathedral of Valencia
This awe-inspiring building stands at the heart of the old town of Valencia, linking two of its most iconic plazas: Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen.
The Cathedral of Valencia was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple that later became a mosque. It was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia after the Christian reconquest, and dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I the Conqueror. The cathedral features a Gothic style, although it also contains elements from Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical periods.
The Cathedral of Valencia holds many treasures inside its walls, such as paintings, sculptures and relics. The most famous one is the Holy Chalice, which is believed by many to be the true Holy Grail used by Jesus in the Last Supper. This legendary relic is kept in a chapel specially dedicated to it. The cathedral also has impressive frescoes on its main altar, which were commissioned by Cardinal Rodrigo de Borja, later Pope Alexander VI, to Italian artists in 1476. They depict twelve angels playing musical instruments and are considered one of the most important works of the first Spanish Renaissance.
Placa de la Reina & El Miguelete Tower
These must-visit attractions are two of the most iconic landmarks of the city, located in the heart of the old town.
Placa de la Reina (Queen’s Square) is a spacious and elegant square that surrounds the Cathedral of Valencia. It is named after Queen Maria de las Mercedes, who visited Valencia in 1878. The square is full of cafes, restaurants and shops where you can enjoy the local cuisine, culture and shopping. It is also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, especially during festivals and events.
El Miguelete Tower (Torre del Micalet) is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Valencia, which stands out with its octagonal shape and Gothic style. It was built between 1381 and 1429 by several architects, such as Andres Julia and Pedro Balaguer. It is 51 meters high and has 207 steps that lead to the top. From there, you can admire a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
El Miguelete Tower takes its name from one of its bells, dedicated to Saint Michael. The tower has eight bells in total, each with its own name and function. The largest one is called Santa Maria dels Desamparats (Saint Mary of the Forsaken) and weighs more than 10 tons. The bells ring every hour and on special occasions, such as religious ceremonies or celebrations.
The Museu de les Cincies Princep Felip
If you are looking for a place that stimulates your curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, you should visit the Museu de les Cincies Princep Felip (Prince Felipe Science Museum) in Valencia. This is a modern and interactive museum that invites you to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
The Museu de les Cincies Princep Felip is part of the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is a spectacular building that resembles the skeleton of a whale, with over 40,000 square meters of exhibition space. It was opened in 2000 by the President of the Local Government of Valencia, Eduardo Zaplana.
The Museu de les Cincies Princep Felip has three floors with distinct thematic areas that cover topics such as astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, ecology, health and communication. You can interact with hundreds of exhibits that challenge your senses and mind, such as simulating an earthquake, flying over Mars or exploring the human body. You can also enjoy temporary exhibitions that showcase the latest scientific discoveries and innovations.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to book a flight to Valencia? What are you most excited to see and do on your first visit to this historic European city? Let us know in the comments section down below. And, as always, Happy Travels!