Valencia is a fascinating city packed with incredible architecture. Its blend of Gothic cathedrals, Romanesque structures and ultra-modern buildings makes it unique.
Its huge Turia Gardens, a former riverbed, is the largest urban park in Europe. It offers foot paths, bike lanes, leisure areas and ponds.
1. The Old Town
Known for its dazzling patchwork of architectural styles, Valencia's Old Town is an excellent place to start your trip. You'll enjoy an intimate tour of the city with a local guide who is passionate about its history and culture.
You'll also visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the late 15th century and was once home to Valencia's Silk Exchange. This Gothic monument is a stunning example of gothic architecture, with its delicate twisting columns and gilded roof.
The Mercado Central is another must-see in the Old Town, as it's a beautiful example of Modernism. Here, you can find fresh fish and other local products, as well as some amazing food.
If you're an art lover, the Museo de las Artes y las Ciencias is a great option. This modern art gallery is one of the top attractions in the city and has a superb collection of iron sculptures by Julio Gonzalez, which you'll want to see.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Spain in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Valencia airport you can rent a car from 15 euros per day, in Barcelona airport - from 17 euros per day.
2. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is an eye-catching cultural complex with a science museum, planetarium, IMAX theater and oceanographic park. Located at the end of an ancient river bed, this impressive cultural centre has quickly become one of Valencia’s most popular attractions.
Built in the 1990s, this futuristic complex consists of six main elements: L’Hemisferic (home to an IMAX cinema), Umbracle, Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe, Parque Oceanografic, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and Agora. While each attraction is unique, they all have one thing in common – they are all designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
3. El Miguelete Bell Tower
The tower of El Miguelete (also known as the Micalet) is one of the most iconic symbols of Valencia. It's octagonal, it was built between 1381 and 1425, and it stands at a height of 51 meters.
The construction of this gothic style building took years and was directed by many master builders: Andres Julia, Jose Franch, Pedro Balaguer and Martin Llobet. It's a complex construction, with a helical stairway and fine mouldings.
It also has a belfry on the top which gives you spectacular views over the city. From here you can admire the entire historical center of Valencia and you will see the sea and the mountains from a bird's eye view.
The tower is attached to the cathedral and it's one of the most popular attractions among tourists. After climbing 207 steps, you will reach the belfry where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the sea.
4. Jardin del Turia
The Jardin del Turia is Valencia's largest park and a great place for a relaxing walk in the city centre. The park stretches across the city, extending over 9 km in the old bed of the Turia river and is one of the most popular attractions in Valencia with almost 7 million visitors every year.
Founded in 1986, the park consists of different sections designed by urban planners and landscapers. It is a green lung in the heart of the city and features palm, orange and pine trees, fountains, sports facilities, rose bushes and several ponds.
The garden is a huge attraction in Valencia, combining green spaces with cultural institutions and historical buildings. The most famous section is the City of Arts and Sciences, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava and offers numerous options for walking and sightseeing.
5. La Malvarrosa Beach
One of the best things to do in Valencia is to take a day trip out to La Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia's most popular city beach. It's a fine, golden-sanded beach that is always lively with local residents and tourists alike.
It has plenty of great restaurants and bars along the boardwalk, plus many first-aid posts and a bathing zone for disabled people. The area is also home to a number of festivals and celebrations.
The beach is located right in the center of Valencia, so it's easy to get there by bus. There are 7 bus routes that run towards the beach on a regular basis throughout the year.
The beaches in Valencia are a wonderful way to unwind and soak up the sunshine, and they make a fantastic addition to a holiday itinerary in Spain. The pristine blue waters and sandy sands, along with the adorable family of lavender and olive trees, will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
6. Ruzafa
Arguably the coolest neighbourhood in Valencia, Ruzafa (also spelled Russafa) is a colourful mix of old-fashioned street life and some of the city's most talked-about restaurants, bars and boutiques. Its pretty squares and market provide the perfect backdrop for aimless ambles, while the stylish cafes and arty galleries make it a great place to hang out.
The municipal market in Ruzafa is a treat for any foodie, with stalls selling fruit and vegetables as well as bread and pastries. You can find a number of restaurants near the market, too, serving up international cuisine rarely found in Spain.
If you want to explore the arts, Sporting Club Russafa is a fantastic place to go as it features exhibitions that showcase a wide range of artists from different disciplines. There are also some young galleries that focus on experimenting with art in new and interesting ways.
7. El Cabanyal
The old fishing district of El Cabanyal is a beautiful, authentic neighborhood that is worth a visit. You will find a lot of cafes, eateries, souvenir shops and secret spots for nightlife.
The neighborhood is a good option for those who like to spend a lot of time on the beach, as it's right behind Malvarrosa Beach and the promenade. It's also a very picturesque place that is perfect for families.
You can even enjoy a great meal in this area, as there are many bars and restaurants where you can have delicious Spanish tapas. This neighborhood is very popular among tourists and young people who love to party.
The artisan coffee shops rub shoulders with indie boutiques, and the gleaming art galleries make it the cool kid of Valencia's cultural scene. You could spend hours here, enjoying fresh donuts from the bakeries and tasting the renowned Valencian tapas in the buzzing bars.
8. La Lonja de Seda
La Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most interesting attractions in Valencia. This 15th century Gothic building was once the main silk trading center in Valencia and has a rich history.
The building is composed of three distinct parts and a garden, known as the Orange Garden. The main part is the Contract Hall, a huge space that was the center of commerce in the town.
It was here that merchants wheeled and dealt their goods, signing on the dotted line. The Taula or Table where the transactions were carried out is still kept and can be seen today in the Municipal Archive of Valencia.
The Lonja de Seda is a combination of imposing Gothic monuments and playful fairyland edifices, designed to reflect the commercial and financial power of Valencia during its Golden Age. It was declared a monument Patrimonio de la Humanidad by Unesco in 1996.
9. Casco Historico
One of the best places to get a feel for Valencia’s 2,000-year history is in the Casco Historico, or Historic City Centre. The area is surrounded by old buildings, narrow streets, and cafes.
Here you’ll find several landmarks to explore, including the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados and the Cathedral of Valencia. The area is a great place to wander around on a warm day, and you can take in the beautiful views from many of the side streets.
Another top attraction in this part of the city is the Mercado Central, an amazing market tucked away inside an Art Nouveau building. The stalls here are stuffed with delicious fresh produce and some of the best local cured meats.
You’ll also want to check out the El Miguelete Bell Tower, which is a part of Santa Maria Cathedral and rises up 51 meters above the rooftops. The octagonal-shaped tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Valencia, and you’ll get some stunning views from it!