If you are planning a tour of Valencia, you will have a busy time. What places are worth visiting and what to see in Valencia first? We have compiled a rating of places where we have included the most interesting sights of Valencia.
What to see in Valencia first of all
If you are tired of the rush of big cities, a vacation in Spain is a great solution. Valencia is perfect for visiting with children, it is interesting for travelers of different ages to relax here.
So, where to go in Valencia for tourists:
1. Science and Art Town
Top view of the City of Science and Art in Valencia
A gem of architecture and a fascinating place. If you want to recover in the future, be sure to visit the town. The architects were able to combine their vision of the space environment of the future and animal skeletons in a unique way. The town is divided into separate parts and consists of a Scientific Museum, an Oceanographic Park, a Planetarium, a botanical Umbraclea Garden, the Sofia Palace of Arts and the Agora Center.
Official website: https://www.cac.es
If you don’t know what to see in Valencia in 1 day, feel free to go to this place. A lot of positive emotions and stunning sea views are guaranteed to you. To get acquainted with the interactive ambitious project of architects, an educational and entertainment complex, plan to spend the whole day.
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2. The Serranos Gate
Medieval fortress gates and towers of Torres de Serranos
The main attractions of Valencia are represented by striking architectural objects. The city gates are the bearers of a long fascinating history. They were built at the far end of the 14th century, and from the 16th century and for 4 centuries they were used as a prison.
The stone structure stands on the site of defensive sites of the Roman era. She admires with her monumentality, noble lines and power. The Catalan monastery was used as the prototype of the gate. From the high towers you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city.
3. Quart Gate
Majestic Towers of the Kuart Gate Hans Hillewaert
The sights of Valencia reflect the history of the city. The fortress entrance gate leads to the historical part of Valencia. In ancient times, they were part of the local wall, the remains of which are located near the towers.
Initially, the gate was built as a military facility. After the demolition of the wall, they received a new purpose, becoming a women’s prison.
Official website: https://www.museosymonumentosvalencia.com
4. City Hall Square
Fountain in a small green park with trees and flowers on the City Hall square
One of the most impressive central squares of the city and, according to reviews, a favorite place of tourists and locals.
The square is surrounded by large-scale structures with exquisite architectural design. There are three complexes on the territory of the Valencia landmark at once: the municipality building, the trade meeting, and the central post office. There is a fountain in the very center.
Official website: https://www.plaza-ayuntamiento.com
5. Queen’s Square
Queen’s Square is located in the heart of the Old Town
The square is considered an important historical site of the city. The best restaurants and the famous shrine – the Cathedral are located on its territory. There is a holy chalice in it – Jesus himself drank from it. The Miguelete Tower on the territory of the square is the highest point of the city. It offers an amazing panorama.
Official website: https://www.visitvalencia.com
See the magnificent views of Valencia in this beautiful video!
6. Valencia Cathedral
The western facade of the Cathedral with the Apostolic Gate on the square of the Holy Virgin in Valencia
It bears the title of the central cathedral of the city. It is believed that from the agate Grail cup, which is kept in this place, Christ received communion at the Last Supper. The church recognized it as a real shrine. The cathedral is also famous for Goya’s paintings and the museum. All interested tourists can climb the bell tower of the shrine.
Official website: https://www.ivam.es
7. Church of the Virgin Mary, Defender of the Underprivileged
The Church of the Virgin Mary Defender of the Underprivileged in the center of the Old Town on the square of the Virgin Mary
The modern attractions of Valencia are represented by many holy sites. The Temple of the Defender of the Destitute is a holy place for local residents. It contains the image of the patroness of the Blessed Virgin. Residents are sure that she keeps the city from diseases and troubles.
The construction of the Spanish landmark lasted from 1652 to 1666. The statue of the Mother of God was originally represented by a reclining figure, so it is slightly tilted forward. She was placed on the coffins of the dead, which meant protection, patronage.
Official website: https://valencia-cityguide.com
8. St. Catalina’s Church
Bell tower of the Church of St. Catalina HombreDHojalata
The architectural monument stands on the site of an ancient Arab mosque. The Christian history of the building begins with the Christian history of the city. During its existence, the temple has repeatedly changed its styles. On an excursion to Valencia, you will see an impressive architectural ensemble reflecting the numerous fashion trends that were present in the domination of various eras of the city.
Official website: https://www.visitvalencia.com
9. St. John’s Church
The Church of St. John (St. Juan) is one of the buildings on the Juan Mayordomo Market Square
The shrine is located opposite the Silk Exchange. The original Gothic building has been restored many times over the history of its existence, and today combines the features of various eras. It has an interesting history. In the past, there was an Arab mosque here. The fascinating interior, which the court artist was engaged in, is striking and impressive. The shrine is painted with frescoes depicting saints.
Official website: https://saintjohnsf.org
10. The Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas
Magnificent facades of the palace decorated with carved Dorieo alabaster
Interesting places in Valencia include palaces of notable people. The palace was built for the noble family of Valencia and is included in the list of the most popular places and the main architectural monuments in the Baroque style.
The structure acquired its modern appearance after 1740, when a major reconstruction was carried out. Today it houses the National Ceramic Museum.
Official website: https://www.tadviser.ru
11. The Generalidad Palace
The Generalidad Palace is an example of the civic architecture of Valencia Anual
The coolness and silence of the government palace surprise tourists who came here from the noisy square for the first time.
These structures were built for the city government more than half a century ago. The sights of Valencia beckon with mystery, mystery and are considered a real masterpiece, despite the fact that one of the towers of the palace was destroyed.
Official website: https://www.gva.es
12. Valencia Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most important and famous museums in Valencia
The architectural object was erected in the middle of the 17th century. It was originally used as an educational institution for the clergy. Here any tourist has the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of the city, household items, furniture, architectural finds. Most of the collection of the Valencia landmark is dedicated to the works of Spanish artists.
13. Lonja de la Seda (silk exchange)
The Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange building in the Market Square area
When planning a trip and what to visit in Valencia, be sure to include this place in the list. Centuries ago, silk was traded in this territory. Today, it reflects the strength of the outlets of the past. It is listed by UNESCO as a vivid reflection of the Gothic of late times.
The Silk Exchange was built in the period 1482-1548. It is a unique reflection of Gothic architecture and the prosperity of a large-scale trade center in the Middle Ages. Today it is presented in the form of a museum, which attracts with its ancient design and unique execution.
Official website: https://whc.unesco.org
14. North Station
The square in front of the Valencia North Railway Station
The railway station is a fascinating architectural monument. The spectacular structure is made in the Art Nouveau style. A trip to the city and acquaintance with the tourist center begins with this object.
The north station, the main station of Valencia are the names of the same attraction. It is rare where a railway station is a genuine architectural object, but this is exactly the case here.
Official website: https://www.adif.es
15. Plaza de Toros (bullring)
The architecture of the Plaza de Toros resembles the Roman Colosseum
It is a popular place for entertainment and recreation for many tourists. A massive national bullfighting festival is held here, conveying the national spirit of the country. For centuries, visitors have been getting a lot of adrenaline and vivid emotions in the big arena.
Bullfighting gathers thousands of people. The incredible sight will be the most memorable of the holidays.
The sights of Valencia: what else to visit in Valencia
What else to see in Valencia? You can hire an escort – guides in Valencia will tell you and show you what to see in Valencia. If you decide to act on your own, you are guaranteed a lot of emotions and vivid impressions.
16. Central Market
The entrance to the Central Market building is through three rounded arches
It holds the title of the largest indoor grocery market in Europe. It is located near the Silk Exchange. It uniquely combines the features of ancient architecture and local flavor, expressed by stained glass windows, panoramic windows with original decorations. There is a very large assortment of fresh products from all over the world. You can buy exotic goods, all kinds of food, as well as souvenirs only before lunch. In a picturesque place, it’s good to just take a walk, look at the showcases.
Official website: https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es
17. Columbus Market
The colorful facade of the Colon or Columbus market on a sunny day
In ancient times, the market was considered an ordinary Spanish bazaar and an architectural masterpiece of national importance. Since 2003, it has been a large-scale shopping and entertainment center. On its territory there are entertainment complexes, boutiques and much more. Every day, locals and tourists stroll along the huge, beautiful state square.
Official website: http://mercadocolon .
18. Biopark
Equatorial Africa Zone in the Valencia Biopark
If you don’t know what to visit in Valencia with children, include this place in your list. There are no bars between guests and animals in the interactive zoo, except when it is necessary to ensure safety. The interesting design of the zoo masks any barriers, creating the impression of getting into the natural habitat of pets. Various representatives of fauna live here – elephants, rhinos, gorillas and many others.
Official website: https://www.bioparcvalencia.es
19. Gardens of the Turia River
One of the Turia River Garden areas near the City of Science and Art
Fountains, fascinating paths, and football fields are waiting for you here. And all this is located at the very bottom of the Turia River, in its former channel, which was “moved” from the city in the middle of the last century 3 km to the side. It happened in 1957 after the flood.
The gardens stretch across the city. A great place for sports, walking, reading books.
Official website: https://www.cac.es
20. Albufera Nature Park
Boat trip on the freshwater lake of the Albufera Nature Reserve
A fascinating nature reserve, on the territory of which there are many different waterfowl, and one of the favorite places of photographers. The word “Albufera” translates as “little sea”. The name accurately describes this place. Interestingly, many birds are not afraid of tourists at all and fly very close to them.
Official website: https://www.gva.es
Valencia is a compact city. Many hotels in Valencia are located in the old town, so tourists can easily walk to most of the attractions. There is a metro and a taxi in the city. Holidays in Valencia are multifaceted, it is interesting just to walk here, enjoy interesting objects, the sun, cleanliness.
Read also about the sights of Seville and be inspired to travel further in Spain.