Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is a beautiful destination that combines modern and medieval architecture.
Valencia has everything. Attractions, restaurants, entertainment and a huge beach are just a few of the many things it has to offer.
To get to Valencia, you can fly or take the train from other cities of Spain, as we did from Madrid.
If you visit Spain you will definitely eat paella. The original paella originated in Valencia. In fact, the authentic “Paella Valenciana” involves meat (mostly chicken and rabbit) rather than seafood which most restaurants advertise, presumably to charge more for them.
Transportation in Valencia
In Valencia’s old town you can walk to see all the sights, but to visit places like Oceanogràfic you will need to use public transport.
Valencia has quite good public transport, with many buses and metro. You can get rides or even a one-day pass. We got a 5 euro ticket with 10 journeys.
Sightseeing in Valencia
Jardins del Turia
Valencia is home to the largest urban park in all of Europe. Jardins del Turia is just one of a total of five gorgeous parks in the city.
City Hall
Pl. de l’Ajuntament street is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the city hall. It’s worth a stroll through the shops and shopping for souvenirs.
Mercado Central de Valencia
In the city’s renovated market you will find many stalls to sample various local products.
Silk Exchange
In the city centre, next to the Mercado Central, you’ll find the Silk Exchange (The Lonja).
It was declared a National Historical and Artistic Monument in July 1931 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1996.
The name of the building comes from the fact that silk was the strongest industry in the city from the 14th to the 18th century. In the 14th century, local weavers, mainly Jews, and later monks, joined together in 1465 to form the ‘Brotherhood of the Merciful Virgin’, to whom a chapel in the exchange, built between 1484 and 1486, is dedicated.
Visitors can tour the former trading centre with its magnificent spiral columns and relax in its lovely courtyard, full of citrus trees. The ticket costs just €2.
Basílica del Sagrat Cor de Jesús
Behind the Silk Exchange is the Basílica del Sagrat Cor de Jesús, an impressive church that is well worth a visit.
Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Reina is a lively square with a fountain, surrounded by cafés, bars, shops and historic buildings. In December a small Christmas market is set up for you to stroll around.
At the beginning of the square is the city’s Cathedral.
Valencia Cathedral – Miguelete Tower
The cathedral is a mishmash of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
In fact, it is said to be the location of the Holy Grail (the same one that was present at the Last Supper).
Next to it is a royal church adorned with a magnificent fresco and the Miguelete Tower, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city.
Entrance to the Cathedral costs 9 euros and entrance to the Tower costs 2.50 euros.
Plaça de la Verge
Plaça de la Verge also “faces” the huge Cathedral. You’ll find cute little shops, but also the impressive Neptune’s Fountain.
Porta dels Serrans
Imposing Gothic towers that were part of the old city walls, overlooking Valencia and the river. From the park side you can go to the Pont dels Serrans bridge to take photos overlooking the towers.
Porta de la Mar
This monument is a replica of a historic gateway to the city and commemorates the victims of the Spanish Civil War.
Mestaya Stadium
If you’re visiting Valencia, it’s worth a visit to the Mestalla Stadium, which is the home of the Valencia team. The tour costs 13.30 euros.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Outside the old town centre is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias a place completely different from the medieval style historic centre.
The stunning and huge modern buildings, many built by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, have plenty to see.
You can make a visit to the Natural History Museum, the Planetarium or the truly impressive and largest Aquarium in Europe! We went to a screening at the Planetarium and it was magical!
If you don’t want to go to a museum, you can visit the equally impressive outdoor facilities. You can ride a bike or even canoe on the complex’s man-made lake. There is also a small garden with palm trees and other plants that is home to small parakeets.
Beaches
One of the most beautiful beaches I have seen is definitely the one in Valencia. I went to Malvarrosa beach with an endless view of golden soft sand and palm trees as if you were in some tropical place and not in Spain.
Above the beach you will find several restaurants for food. Valencia has many beaches along its coastline, whichever one you visit will be just as nice.
There are also beaches suitable for water sports, such as windsurfing. One of these is El Saler beach.
Food in Valencia
Granier
Granier bakeries are the perfect choice for delicious and inexpensive food. You will find a rich selection of savoury and sweet foods with quite good prices.
Orxateria Santa Catalina
In Spain and especially in Valencia they make a cool drink called horchata, which is made with soaked, ground and sugared tiger nuts.
Orxateria Santa Catalina is one of the most famous places in Valencia to try this sweet drink. I tried it and it was too sweet for me.
Mercado Central de Valencia
In the market I mentioned above in the sightseeing area you can find several local delicacies to try.
Bertal Homenatge
In Plaza de la Reina you will find Bertal Homenatge, a beautiful café to enjoy croissants and many delicious brunch dishes.
Taco Bell
It may be a chain store, but Taco Bell is a great option for Mexican food with fairly affordable prices.
We ate from Taco Bell in Madrid and Valencia and all the dishes were delicious.
If you want to see more about my trip in Valencia visit my Instagram profile.
