Choose from 20 Fun Things to Do in Valencia
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Bioparc Valencia
Located in the northwest of the city, Bioparc Valencia is an immersion zoo, where the barriers between animals and visitors are hidden or removed, and animals of different species reside safely side by side. This creates the sensation of observing animals in the wilds of the savanna, equatorial forest, African wetlands, and Madagascar.
The Basics
Explore Bioparc Valencia’s animal exhibits with a single-entrance ticket or visit the zoo as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Alternatively, glide by the zoo on a Segway tour of the city.
In addition to numerous animal exhibits, Bioparc Valencia offers several other ways to connect with the animal kingdom. A cinema screens two films: a short introduction to the park and a longer documentary on conservation. Throughout the day animal handlers demonstrate interesting animal behaviors and offer talks on how the animals are cared for.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bioparc Valencia is a must-visit for animal lovers and families traveling with kids.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair amount of walking.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The entire zoo park is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Bioparc Valencia is located along the Turia Gardens. You can get there on foot, or by cycling along the bike path parallel to the Turia riverbed. Metro lines 3, 5, and 9 all stop near the park; get off at Nou d’October station. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses stop nearby.
When to Get There
Plan to visit the Bioparc on a weekday morning in spring or autumn to enjoy the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting in August—vacation for many Europeans—expect long lines and high temperatures. Check the park calendar before your visit for the latest schedule of animal behavior demonstrations and feedings.
Attractions for the Whole Family in Valencia
Valencia is one of Spain’s most family-friendly destinations, thanks to attractions such as Bioparc Valencia. If you’re looking for other things to do with little ones while in town, consider heading over to the City of Arts and Sciences to tour the oceans at the L’Oceanografic aquarium or explore outer space at the L’Hemisferic planetarium. On a hot summer day, grab some towels and spend some time splashing in the sun at Patacona Beach.
Address: Av Pio Baroja, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Barrio del Carmen
Situated in the ciutat vella, or old town, Valencia’s Barrio del Carmen is in many ways where you’ll encounter the soul of the Spanish coastal city. Once sandwiched between the 11th-century Muslim wall and the 14th-century Christian one, it’s a neighborhood packed with history, dating back over 1,000 years.
You can still see remnants of its distant past among El Carmen’s streets. The most impressive of these sights certainly includes the medieval towers, Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano, both of which once belonged to the now-destroyed Christian wall. Then there’s the Portal de Valldigna (located on the street of the same name) that once served as the gate through the former Muslim wall to the Moorish and Jewish quarter. And the past also lives on in the district’s name, derived from the 13th-century Convent of Carmen, which is now a museum dedicated to the 19th century.
These days, El Carmen is hardly just about the past, though, as this barrio makes up arguably the most hip, trendy and bohemian in town. It’s home to a diverse population of people, and of course the mix of establishments that they frequent. As such, expect to find a healthy concentration of eclectic restaurants, shops, and especially bars since El Carmen is quite noted for its nightlife. The neighborhood is also blanketed by street art, ranging from colorful graffiti to wood installations, and message-filled murals that cover the sides of entire buildings.
Practical Info
Barrio del Carmen spans the northern portion of the old town. Though Calle de Caballeros (or Carrer dels Cavallers, in Valencian) is considered a main drag of sorts, the bulk of the area’s offerings are hardly limited to this east-west avenue.
Address: Valencia, Spain
From $ 17
Valencia Oceanografic (L'Oceanogràfic)
One of several attractions within Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, the Felix Candela"“designed Oceanografic (L'Oceanogràfic) is not only architecturally impressive. It also ranks among the world's best aquariums, with more than 45,000 animals representing over 500 species from the world's main marine ecosystems.
The Basics
Europe's largest aquarium also ranks as the most popular attraction in the City of Arts and Sciences, with exhibits divided into 11 themed areas, including the Red Sea, Mediterranean, Arctic, and Antarctic. You can purchase admission just for the Oceanografic, or buy a ticket that includes other City of Arts and Sciences buildings"”the Hemisferic and the Science Museum"”at a discount. The aquarium is a stop on the Valencia Maritime route of the hop-on hop-off tourist bus, and you can see the impressive structures from the outside during a City of Arts and Sciences Segway tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Oceanografic is a must-see for animal lovers and families.
- Many of the exhibits are outdoors, so don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The entire Oceanographic is accessible to wheelchair users; free wheelchairs are available.
- English audio guides are available at the ticket office.
How to Get There
The Valencia Oceanografic is well connected by public transportation. Take metro Line 3 to Alameda Station, catch EMT Bus 95, or take advantage of Valencia's bike-share program to cycle to the aquarium through Turia river park.
When to Get There
The best time to enjoy the aquarium's indoor and outdoor exhibits is from April to May, when weather is warm and crowds are sparse. Expect longer lines and temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) during the summer months. Be sure to check show times at the Dolphinarium before you arrive.
Eating with the Fishes
While the City of Arts and Sciences is home to several restaurants, none is quite so unique as the Submarine Restaurant inside the Oceanografic. In this underwater restaurant, you have the opportunity to dine in an ocean-like atmosphere, surrounded by more than 10,000 colorful fish.
Address: C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, Valencia 46013, Spain
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adult €31.90
From $ 64
Valencia Cruise Port
Spain’s third-largest city often features on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, and the busy cruise port lies less than 3 miles (4 kilometers) from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the city center. With so much to see in a walkable area, your biggest problem will be wanting to stay longer.
The Basics
Passengers docking at the Valencia Cruise Port will find plenty to do in the elegant, tree-lined streets of the city to occupy a day on land. Among the most popular attractions is the architecturally impressive City of Arts and Sciences, which includes an aquarium (L’Oceanogràfic), science museum, and art museum, all designed by contemporary Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Leafy Turia Park leads from the City of Arts and Sciences into the old city, with its many museums and churches.
Sun seekers can opt to spend the day lazing on the golden sands of Valencia’s beaches; the closest, Malvarrosa Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa), is within walking or biking distance of the cruise port. Other options include a tour of the famous Lladro porcelain factory or a boat ride through the scenic lagoon of Albufera Natural Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
Due to the short distance between city and port, most Valencia shore excursions take under four hours and often include pickup and drop-off at the Valencia port. With so many attractions, consider a private tour to ensure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list.
How to Get to Valencia From the Valencia Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the center of Valencia. It’s a walkable distance, but some ships provide shuttles, and taxis are readily available to take you to central and picturesque Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The docks area itself is a lively mix of old and new architecture, restaurants, and bars.
Port Information
Be aware that while smaller ships dock near the terminal, larger ones drop anchor outside the piers farther away; leave yourself extra time for the shuttle to the cruise terminal. While English isn’t as widely spoken in Valencia as it is in Barcelona or Madrid, you shouldn’t have too much trouble communicating in and around the tourist areas. The currency in Valencia is the euro, and ATMs are easy to come by throughout the city.
Address: Spain
From $ 20
Albufera Natural Park
Albufera, south of Valencia, is home to Spain’s largest lake and some of the country’s most scenic wetlands and lagoons. The park’s natural biodiversity features hundreds of native plants and 340 bird species, including rare and endangered ones. Locally grown rice is featured in many regional dishes, such as paella.
The Basics
Local fishermen use flat-bottomed boats to net fish and eels from the shallow waters of Albufera Lake, and such a traditional boat ride has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy the scenery in Albufera Natural Park (Parque Natural de la Albufera). Day tours from Valencia offer just such a boat trip, as well as options to cycle through the rice fields, dine on a Valencian paella lunch—a local specialty—or take a paella cooking class in one of the villages near the park to learn how to transform local ingredients into traditional Spanish dishes. You can combine park tours with a visit to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Albufera Natural Park is a must-see for bird-watchers and nature lovers.
- Guided tours from Valencia can last anywhere from 90 minutes to six hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat, as La Albufera offers little in the way of shade.
- Come hungry, and don’t leave without trying traditional paella in the very region where the dish was born.
How to Get There
To get to Albufera Natural Park, take the number 25 bus from Valencia to either El Palmar or El Perellonet. The journey takes under an hour. You can also reach the park by bicycle, either independently or as part of a guided excursion.
When to Get There
Valencia’s mild climate means it’s a great place to visit throughout the year. For bird-watchers, the best time to visit the nature reserve is during the autumn and winter months, when thousands of migratory birds return to their winter wetlands.
The Villages of Albufera
There are two main urban areas near the natural park: El Palmar and El Saler. The former sits directly on the lagoon and is one of the best places for eating Valencian rice or taking a sunset boat trip. El Saler attracts visitors with its beach, separated from the lagoon by piney sand dunes. It’s the only beach in the Albufera Natural Park region.
Address: Playa de Pinedo Ctra. del riu, 486, Valencia, Spain
Hours: Open year-round
From $ 29
Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
The twin stone Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos), built in the 14th century as Valencia’s main exit toward Barcelona and Northern Spain, are one of only two remaining portions of the original city walls. What once served as prison cells and a triumphal arch are now thought to be the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe.
The Basics
A popular photo op and architectural landmark in Valencia, the Serranos Towers are included on most walking, biking, and Segway tours of the city. Once at the towers, visitors can tour the battlements or climb to the top for views over the Turia riverbed and Barrio del Carmen neighborhood. Sightseeing tours that include the Serranos Towers can be combined with a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences or a traditional Valencia paella dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Offering one of the best views of Valencia, the Serranos Towers is a must for photographers.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Be prepared to climb about 50 steps (some without handrails) to reach the top of the towers; there is no elevator.
How to Get There
The towers are located just north of the city center and south of Turia Gardens. They’re reachable on foot from most parts of the Old City, or you can take the metro to Alameda Station. Alternatively, arrive as part of a tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
The towers are open to visitors Tuesday to Sunday. Plan to visit first thing in the morning or just before sunset to capture the best photographs of the surrounding city.
Things to Do Barrio del Carmen
The Serranos Towers are situated in Valencia’s Barrio del Carmen neighborhood within the Old City. While you’re in the area exploring the Old City gates, swing by the Mossen Sorell Market to shop for gourmet goods, grab a drink at one of the busy pubs in Plaza del Tossal, or visit one of several museums, such as the Museo del Siglo XIX, Valencian Museum of Ethnology, or the house-museum of painter José Benlliure.
Address: Calle de Serranos, Valencia 46003, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia (Museum of Fine Arts)
Valencia's fine arts museum, the Museo de Bellas Artes, is one of the finest in Spain. Lovers of Spanish art will swoon over the works by El Greco, Goya, Velazquez and Murillo displayed here.
Gothic art is also a highlight, including tempura paintings by early Spanish painters. Perhaps the gallery's most famous artwork is the brooding self-portrait by Velazquez.
Practical Info
The Valencia Museo de Bellas Artes is just north of the Turia Gardens, directly north of the city center. The closest metro stop is Alameda.
Address: Calle de San Pio V, Valencia 46010, Spain
Hours: Tues - Sun 10am - 8pm. Closed Mondays, Jan 1, Good Friday and Dec 25
Admission: Free
From $ 122
Valencia Hemisferic
Exciting big-screen movies are shown at the Hemisferic IMAX cinema at Valencia’s impressive City of Arts & Sciences. The impressive curved building was designed by the renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava in the shape of an eye.
At the Hemisferic Planetarium, the night sky comes alive with the assistance of digital technology and an astronomer. All movies and shows are accompanied by an English commentary.
Practical Info
Valencia’s Hemisferic cinema forms part of the Valencia City of Arts & Sciences, southeast of the center of Valencia.
Buses run here from the center of town, and the Alameda metro stop is a 15 minute walk from the complex.
Address: Autopista del Saler, Valencia 46013, Spain
Hours: Open daily Mon - Thurs 10am - 7pm, Fri - Sun 10am - 9pm
Admission: € 7.50
From $ 64
Valencia Cathedral (Seu)
Known for its jumble of architectural styles, Valencia Cathedral (also known as the "Seu") is also famous worldwide as the home of the Holy Chalice. While the cathedral’s dome and tower are Gothic, the main entrance is Baroque and some of the chapels date from the Renaissance.
Take a tour to learn more about the cathedral’s architectural history and treasures, or just pop in to pay your respects to the Holy Grail in the flamboyant Capilla del Santo Caliz near the main entrance. It’s claimed to be the chalice from the Last Supper.
The de Borja chapel boasts some lovely frescoes by Goya and the museum reveals a rich collection of vestments and statues.
Practical Info
For city views and a workout, climb the 207 spiral steps to the top of the octagonal Miguelete bell tower.
Valencia Cathedral is in the heart of the old city center on one of Valencia’s three main squares, Plaza de la Reina.
Address: Plaza de la Reina, Valencia 46003, Spain
Hours: Open to visitors Mon - Sat: 10am - 6:30pm, Sun and holidays: 2pm - 6:30pm. Masses performed daily
Admission: € 4
From $ 17
Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
During the 15th century, Valencia reached the height of its success as one of Europe’s most important mercantile cities. So come the end of that century, it was decided to construct a building where trading could take place. The result was La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), which is one of the finest examples around of civil Gothic architecture and a sight to behold in this Spanish coastal city.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the secular building is composed of four principal areas, the largest of which is the Trading Hall, which occupies roughly half of the entire property. This main room is where the majority of business went down and is no doubt the most impressive given its shiny marble floors, and spiraling columns that bloom into a vaulted ceiling of palm-tree-frond-like arches. Look carefully along the upper perimeter of the room and you’ll even notice golden Latin letters emphasizing the principles of honest trade.
The other main areas of the Silk Exchange are broken out into the Consulate of the Sea, with its intricate gold-gilt ceiling; the orange tree-filled Patio de los Naranjos; and the chapel-based tower, which once served as a prison for those traders who couldn't pay their debts.
Practical Info
The Silk Exchange is open daily, with reduced hours on Sundays and holidays. It is centrally located, just opposite Valencia’s Mercado Central, and only steps away from a bus stop that serves several different lines.
Address: Calle de la Lonja, 2, Valencia 46001, Spain
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Sunday until 3 p.m.
Admission: €1-€2; free on Sunday
From $ 17
Museum of Las Fallas
For one week in May every year, Valencia's streets turn into a gallery of giant, often cartoon-like sculptures. Come the end of the week, these colorful behemoths are incinerated in building-high bonfires, illuminating the town and filling the city skies with smoke. Though your visit to Valencia may not coincide with this fire- and firework-filled event, you can still become acquainted with it by visiting the Museum of Las Fallas.
But first, to understand the museum, you must grasp what makes up this wild celebration, and specifically the fallas themselves. The fallas are essentially massive, usually paper-mache-made sculptures, typically infused with some sort of political or pop-culture reference. Hundreds of these creations are erected in city squares and street junctions around town, with each big falla having a miniature version next to it, which is called a ninot. Typically both are burned during La Cremà(which takes place the last day of Fallas), but each year one ninot is saved based on popular vote.
And that's when the Museum of Las Fallas comes in, as it is where each of these small fallas (all the way back to 1934) are on display. Viewing each year's salvaged piece will not only give visitors unique insight into the festival but also into the evolution of the artwork and, of course, citizens' interests at the time. Posters and images of Fallas past are on display as well, providing guests with a well-rounded look at what one of Spain's favorite festivals is all about.
Practical Info
The Museum of Las Fallas is located in the southern part of Valencia, near the City of Arts and Sciences. It is open every day of the week, and is free to enter on Sundays and holidays.
Address: Plaza Monteolivete, 4, Valencia 46004, Spain
Hours: Tue - Sat 10am - 2pm & 4:30pm - 8:30pm, Sundays & Holidays 10am - 3pm
Admission: 1 €-2 €, Free Sundays & Holidays
From $ 17
Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros)
Whether you’re a fan of bullfighting or not, a quick or not-so-quick visit to the Valencia Bullring is surely a worthwhile add to your sightseeing itinerary. The city’s neoclassical-style structure dates back to the mid 1800s, and features quintessential Spanish bullring characteristics, such as a multi-leveled exterior lined by bricked arches, and, on the interior, a circular, sand-filled arena.
That famous interior holds up to 10,500 people come the main bullfights,
which take place during the July Fair, and also in March in conjunction with the city’s Fallas celebrations. Whether you are able to (or wish to) attend a fight or not, you can learn more about the bullring’s history and even check it out during a visit to the Museo Taurino, or bullfighting museum, which is also located here. Quick and cheap to see, the museum is a great way to learn more about the bullfighting tradition without actually attending a fight.
Practical Info
To visit the inside of the bullring, you either need to attend a bullfight, or visit the bullfighting museum, which, note, is closed on Mondays during the winter season.
Address: Pasaje Doctor Serra 10, Valencia 46004, Spain
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Museum: €2. Ticket prices for bullfights vary.
From $ 17
Plaza Ayuntamiento
The grand Plaza Ayuntamiento is one of Valencia’s three main squares.
The stunning plaza has a fountain and patch of grass at its heart, and is flanked by some of Valencia’s most important buildings.
The bell tower of the neoclassical town hall chimes on the hour, and inside the opulent decor features marble and richly carved wood.
The post office is more like a theater than an administrative building, with a leaded-glass dome. The plaza is a popular meeting spot for local Valencians, and is the focus for fireworks displays during the annual Fallas Festival.
Practical Info
Plaza Ayuntamiento is the main square of Valencia’s old quarter, a few blocks south of the central market on Plaza del Mercado.
Address: Plaza Ayuntamiento, Valencia 46001, Spain
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Reina isn’t particularly old: it dates back to only 1878, when a triangular block of buildings was destroyed to make room for a large main square. Now the plaza – considered the city’s Kilometer 0 -- fills with cars, flower beds and pedestrians, and is lined by a host of cafes and outdoor terrazas (seating areas). In fact, this is where you’ll find one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Horchatería Santa Catalina, the ideal place to try Valencia’s signature beverage, the nutty-flavored and refreshing horchata.
Perhaps more intriguing than the actual plaza itself are the sites that surround it, most notable of which is surely the Valencia Cathedral. Built on the site of a former mosque, the 13th-century church is a mixture of architectural styles, but predominantly Gothic. What makes the basilica particularly special, though, is that many believe it to be the most plausible home of the Holy Grail.
A few other sites also skirt Plaza de la Reina, including the neighboring Plaza de Santa Catalina and its small church of the same name. Then, just a few steps farther away, you’ll find the Plaza Redonda, a circular-shaped plaza that usually fills with kiosks, and even a Sunday market.
Practical Info
Plaza de la Reina sits just east of the Old Quarter’s center, making it accessible from pretty much anywhere in this historic part of the city. A stop for many bus lines, the square is also home to a Valencia tourism office, making it an ideal starting point before tackling the rest of town.
Address: Valencia, Spain
From $ 20
Valencia History Museum (Museu d'Història de València)
Get to know Valencia beyond just the modern-day city by heading to the
Museu d'Història de València. The museum takes visitors back over two
centuries to explore the city's deepest roots via exhibitions that range from pictures to documentaries, artifacts, and more. Perhaps the highlight is the museum's time machine, which captures the evolution of Valencia as it grows and changes over time.
And the building is quite intriguing, too, as the museum is located in an old, essentially underground, water cistern. Constructed in 1850, the brick-and-column structure is emblematic of Valencian industrial architecture. While the space is lighter on artifacts than it is on videos and descriptions, those that are interested in Valencia's history, and seeing this historic space, will find the visit to be a gratifying way to get better connected with the city and its past.
Practical Info
The museum isn't located in Valencia's historic center, and rather at the
western end of the Turia River Bed Gardens, right near the Bioparc zoo. The museum is free to enter on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays.
Address: Carrer València, 42, Valencia 46920, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9.30 a.m.-7.00 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays: 9.30 a.m.-3.00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Admission: General: €2; reduced: €1; free on Sundays and for children under 7 years old
From $ 17
Valencia City of the Arts & Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
Situated along Valencia’s old Turia riverbed, the visually striking City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias) was the work of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The spectacular architecture is just part of the appeal of the futuristic complex, home to a science museum, planetarium, and more—all popular with families.
The Basics
You haven’t seen Valencia until you’ve seen its City of the Arts and Sciences, an icon in the Spanish city. The site encompasses the Prince Philip Science Museum, Hemispheric Planetarium (with its own IMAX cinema), Oceanographic Park (Oceanografic), and the Palace of the Arts (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia). You can purchase solo tickets for each individual attraction within the park, or save on combo tickets to two or more of the buildings. It’s also possible to see the attraction on a guided tour of Valencia, which might include other experiences like rooftop wine tasting, a Segway sightseeing tour, or a guided bike ride through the city, depending on the option you choose.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The City of Arts and Sciences is a must-see for architecture buffs and families.
- Choose between a single attraction ticket or a combo ticket with access to the science museum, aquarium, and planetarium.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water, as much of the complex is outside without much shade.
- The City of the Arts and Sciences is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Valencia City of Arts and Sciences is southeast of central Valencia. Buses run here from the center of town, and the Alameda metro stop is a 15-minute walk from the complex.
When to Get There
The City of Arts and Sciences is open throughout the year. To best enjoy the outdoor architecture, plan to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the heat; expect daily highs around 95°F (35°C) during July and August.
Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences
While it’s possible to experience all of the City of Arts and Sciences’ attractions in a single day, it’s recommended to dedicate at least two days if you want to see everything. A typical visit to the science museum takes about three hours, while the aquarium takes four, depending on how many shows you plan to see. Individual sessions at the planetarium last about 45 to 50 minutes.
Address: Autopista del Saler, Valencia 46013, Spain
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Torres de Quart
Once upon a time, Valencia had four gates that allowed for passage through its medieval wall. Come the 19th century, the city needed to grow, so that stony barrier was demolished, leaving only two gates behind, one to the north, and the other to the west, the 15th-century Torres de Quart (or Quart Towers).
Acting as Valencia’s western gate, the Torres de Quart led to the pueblo Quart de Poblet, from which they got their name. Over the centuries, the towers have weathered their fair share of battles; in fact, reminders of Napoleon’s bombardment live on in the gate’s canon-ball-pocked outer walls (which now tend to fill with birds’ nests instead of weaponry). Though the Torres de Quart’s original purpose was as a passageway, for centuries they acted as a prison: first one for women, starting in the 1600s, and later as a military prison, from 1813 until 1932.
These days, you can explore the ancient gate by visiting and scaling its interior. Once inside, you can work your way up the tower’s steep spiral steps to reach the lookout point above, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Practical Info
The Torres de Quart are located at the western end of Carrer de Quart, along the perimeter of the El Carmen neighborhood. They are open TuesdayTus through Sunday. Note that the entrance is modestly marked, and located on the south side of the towers.
Address: Guillem de Castro 89, Valencia 46003, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-2pm & 4:30pm-8:30pm, Sundays 10am-3pm
From $ 29
Central Market (Mercado Central)
To experience a Valencia sight that will satisfy all of your travel senses, head straight to the city’s Central Market (Mercado Central in Spanish, or Mercat Central in Valencian). This is where, since 1928, hundreds of vendors have come together to sell their goods under one giant, beautiful roof.
The market offers everything from fresh produce to meat and fish, and even specialty coffee — all making it a foodie’s dream, and the perfect place to get closer to the region’s culinary culture. The building alone is quite astonishing, too, featuring fancy iron and glass domes through which sunlight illuminates the entire 8,160-square-meter space. The market also has some pretty impressive neighbors beyond its doors, including the imposing Church of Los Santos Juanes, and the Lonja de la Seda, a divinely designed building that used to be home to the city’s silk exchange.
Practical Info
The market is centrally located and easily reachable from anywhere in Valenicia’s old quarter. You can also get there via the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tour. Note that the market is closed in the afternoon and all day on Sundays. Public parking is available beneath the market.
Address: Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, Valencia, Valencian Community 46001, Spain
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
From $ 29
Turia Riverbed Gardens
Just beyond the borders of Valencia’s old town, bridges cross over a river’s canal. But you won’t find water flowing below those bridges – not anymore, that is -- and instead the Turia Riverbed Gardens.
Indeed, until 1957, the River Turia gushed through Valencia. But then a devastating flood prompted citizens to shift the river’s course, diverting the waterway just west of the city. Though this several-kilometer long swath of land was at one time destined for use as a motorway, it was ultimately turned into a garden, making it Spain’s largest urban getaway, and Valencia’s beloved green haven.
Along its meandering course, you’ll find all sorts of park paradise. There are fountains and ponds, cafes and climbing walls, and loads of paths for walkers, runners and bikers. Kids will find their bliss at Gulliver Park, a giant playground inspired by its namesake children’s tale. Along the way, centuries-old bridges cross over the slithering greenery, just as they did when this channel filled with water.
Perhaps the most famous of the Turia Riverbed Gardens’ sites is the City of Arts and Sciences, which sits at the eastern end of the park, near where the original river arrived at the Mediterranean Sea. Here’s where you’ll come upon a complex featuring a collection of buildings with futuristic architecture, and serving both educational and entertainment purposes. Among them are Europe’s largest Aquarium, and L'Hemisfèric, home to a planetarium, laserium and IMAX theater.
Practical Info
The Turia Riverbed Gardens can be easily reached from Valencia’s ciutat vella, or old town, by simply heading east until you hit the former waterway. If, however, you aren’t within walk distance, the park has two MetroValencia stops: Turia and Alameda.
Address: Valencia, Spain
From $ 29
Lladró Museum
Perhaps you may be familiar with Lladró and its porcelain figurines. The fragile pieces typically depict people, and especially women, who are often pensive or frozen in artistic motion. The internationally famous works of art originate from the Valencian suburb of Tavernes Blanques, and have been handmade there since the business got started by the Lladró family in 1953.
While their beauty alone might be enough to satisfy your curiosity, you can also learn more about their history at the Lladró Museum. There, you can explore many facets of the brand’s past as you view a chronological display of noteworthy pieces that are no longer being made. A portion of the museum also consists of a private collection of paintings that is considered one of the most notable in Spain. The pieces span different artistic eras, and are the work of a variety of artists, ranging from El Greco to Zurburán and Valencia-native Sorolla.
Probably the highlight of a trip to the Lladró Museum, however, is a visit to the factory, where you can gain new appreciation for the intricate handiwork that goes into each figurine. Observing the artisans work on real projects — whether creating molds, painting faces, or piecing everything together — will bring new meaning and value to the impressive finished product.
Practical Info
The Lladró Museum is located about 15 minutes away from Valencia’s city center. It is open Monday through Saturday, although hours are reduced during the month of August. Though entrance is free, it’s important to note that your visit must be booked in advance.
Address: C/ Poeta Querol, 9, Valencia 46002, Spain
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-1pm
From $ 458