27 Valencia Attractions You Should Visit

If you are planning to visit one of the most beautiful places in Europe - Valencia, know that a sea of pleasure awaits you. The third-largest city in Spain offers its guests much - from world-class restaurants to magnificent beaches, from interesting museums to vibrant nightlife.

The attractions of Valencia, the photos and descriptions of which we would like to offer you in our review today, are something you simply cannot miss; otherwise, you will never fully experience the spirit of Spain.

In this futuristic complex on the outskirts of Valencia, tourists and locals have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a multifaceted world of science and art. The <<City of Arts and Sciences>> is one of the most impressive recreational-educational centers in Europe.

The complex, located along the former riverbed of the Turia river, extends 2 km and includes several stunning buildings - bright examples of avant-garde architecture designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.

These include the Hemisférico cinema, which showcases IMAX format films, the landscape zone Umbracle, the interactive Prince Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanographic Center Oceanogràfic, the Queen Sofia Opera House, and the multifunctional Agora center. The <<City>> regularly hosts conferences, exhibitions, and seminars on themes directly related to science and art.

Address: City of Arts and Sciences, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia, Spain.

The Valencia Cathedral was built on the site of a destroyed Muslim mosque after Valencia was reclaimed from the Arabs in 1238. The outlines of this structure reflect a mix of various architectural styles: the low, wide brick vaulted triple nave is predominantly Gothic, while the side chapels display neoclassical elements.

The main attractions of the cathedral are the rich Italian frescoes above the altar and a couple of paintings by Goya in the chapels of Capilla de San Francisco de Borja and Capilla del Santo Cáliz. And of course, we cannot overlook the greatest Christian relic housed here - the agate cup, which is said to be the Holy Grail, the very vessel from which Christ drank during the Last Supper.

Address: La Seu de València, Plaça de l'Almoina, Valencia, Spain.

Next to the Church of Saint Martin lies the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, an impressive 18th-century mansion. It is famous for its richly decorated façade with a luxurious carved alabaster door frame. Since 1947, this aristocratic palace has housed the National Ceramics Museum.

Here you can find over 5000 samples of traditional ceramics from Valencia and its surroundings, azulejos (white-blue glazed ceramic tiles) from Teruel, and faience (glazed clayware) from Toledo and Seville. Among other interesting exhibits in the museum are ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab ceramics, exquisite porcelain from China and Japan, as well as works by Mariano Benlluire and Pablo Picasso.

The highlight of the collection is the 19th-century Valencia kitchen, adorned with painted tiles and filled with authentic kitchen utensils.

Address: Museu Nacional de Ceràmica, Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València, Spain.

This single-nave church has only recently opened to the public after renovation. The Gothic vault of the cathedral is adorned with rich baroque frescoes. The incredibly beautiful painted ceiling features so many cherubs that it could be used as a backdrop for a serious documentary on childhood obesity.

The altar is done in the same style, with twisted (Solomonic) columns framing the saints who patronize this church - Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter.

Address: Església de Sant Nicolau, Carrer dels Cavallers, 35, 46001 València, Spain.

San Juan de Ribera, an outstanding figure of the Counter-Reformation, who held immense spiritual and secular power not only in Spain but beyond, founded a seminary in Valencia in the late 16th century, for which a magnificent building with an impressive, albeit somewhat austere Renaissance courtyard was constructed in the city center.

Over time, the main value of the seminary became the Museum of the Patriarch - a small, yet excellent museum of religious art, which is now open to the public. The museum's collection includes works by Caravaggio, El Greco, José de Ribera, Juan de Juanes, and other renowned masters of painting. A true gem of the exhibition is a manuscript written by Thomas More while awaiting execution in London's Tower.

Address: Museo del Patriarca, Carrer de la Nau, 1, 46002 València, Spain.

This beautiful church with a dazzling tiled dome is a prime example of the Mediterranean style characteristic of Valencia. Built in 1725, the Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip was declared a national historical monument in 1982.

The cathedral features a whimsically decorated baroque façade, and its architectural layout was modeled after the church of Il Gesù in Rome. The mesmerizing spacious central nave is surrounded by numerous chapels. No tours are conducted for tourists in the cathedral, but you can see the lovely sanctuary by attending a service. Catholic masses are held here daily.

Address: Iglesia de Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri, Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, s/n, 46003 Valencia, Spain.

In this magnificent building (or rather even a complex of buildings), constructed in the late 15th century when the city was thriving, the Valencia Silk Exchange was located in ancient times. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Gothic. The space between the main buildings of this complex - Sala de Contratación (Contract Hall) with its magnificent twisted columns and Consulado del Mar (Sea Consulate), where the maritime tribunal once sat, is occupied by the Orange Courtyard, littered with citrus trees.

In the upper room, you can admire the stunning coffered ceiling, brought here from another building. The Silk Exchange is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Llotja de la Seda, Carrer de la Llotja, 2, 46001 València, Spain.

The Valencia zoo, dedicated exclusively to African animals, is quite unusual. The confinement of wild animals in restricted spaces always elicits mixed feelings; however, the innovative approach taken in this zoo allows you to momentarily suppress feelings of sympathy for our lesser brothers and simply enjoy being close to nature. The thing is, you won't see any cages or other barriers here.

Barriers between people and animals are well concealed in some instances, and in others even nonexistent. As a result, it creates the impression that animals roam freely among waterfalls and dense grass as you wander between the <> and the <>. Large crowds of curious visitors gather around aardvarks, leopards, and hippos; however, the most popular attraction is the <<Madagascar Zone>>, where adorable lemurs with big eyes frolic at your feet.

Address: Bioparc, Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 València, Spain.

This bright and spacious art gallery is among the best in Spain. Its collection primarily consists of stunning late medieval altarpieces, as well as paintings by several Spanish artists, including some portraits by Francisco Goya, a widely known self-portrait by Diego Velázquez, <<John the Baptist>> by El Greco, and works by Bartolomé Murillo, José de Ribera, Francisco Ribalta and his son Juan.

The exhibition space on the ground floor is dedicated to the universal Valencia artist Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), who seemed to capture the spirit of his time through sensitive portrait painting.

Address: Museu de Belles Arts, Carrer de Sant Pius V, 9, 46010 València, Spain.

The enormous covered market, built in 1928, is full of scents, colors, and movement. Impressive seafood stalls showcase an abundance of cephalopods and numerous fish species. The meat stalls <> under the weight of sausages and large cuts of the freshest meat.

Fruits and vegetables are also of exceptional quality, many of which are grown in the suburbs of Valencia. A tapas bar located within the Central Market allows you to enjoy a glass of wine and the pleasant atmosphere.

Address: Mercado Central, Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Spain.

Occupying the former riverbed of the Turia, this park area extends 9 km and represents an incredible combination of wooded areas, sports fields, cycling, jogging, and pedestrian paths, lawns, and playgrounds. Watch as <<Lilliputian>> children climb the ever-patient Gulliver in the eponymous children's park.

Address: Jardines del Turia, Carrer del Pintor López, 1, 46003 València, Spain.

In this interactive science museum that resembles a giant whale skeleton, located in the <<City of Arts and Sciences>>, there are plenty of interesting exhibits designed specifically for children. However, there is suitable entertainment for visitors of all ages here. The main concept of the museum - learning through entertainment - is realized here perhaps better than anywhere else.

Address: Museu de les Ciències de València, Avinguda del Professor López Piñero, Valencia, Spain.

The twin towers frame the most magnificent city gates in Spain - part of the medieval wall that once surrounded the Old City. These gates face west - towards Madrid and the setting sun. Should you wish, you can climb to the top of this 15th-century structure.

Take note of the <> left by French cannonballs during the Napoleonic invasion of the 19th century.

Address: Porta de Quart, Plaça de Santa Úrsula, 1, 46003 València, Spain.

The southernmost building of the <<City of Arts and Sciences>> houses the most famous aquarium in Spain. It is divided into several parts according to the climate zones of the natural habitats of the fish kept here. Undoubtedly, the favorite attraction of this oceanographic center is the sharks, which can be observed while in a special tunnel.

But do not linger near them for too long, as you must also take a look at other beautiful aquariums that house fish from the Mediterranean, Red, and several other seas. Regrettably, the aquariums also house dolphins and belugas: studies have shown that keeping these animals in captivity negatively affects their health.

Address: Oceanographic Park Valencia, Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències, Carrer d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Spain.

This art gallery regularly hosts intriguing temporary exhibitions, but in addition to that, it possesses a small yet impressive collection of works of Spanish art from the 20th century.

Works by Julio González are most commonly exhibited here. This Catalan master (1876-1942) created exquisite metal sculptures. His works significantly influenced later artists such as David Smith and Eduardo Chillida.

Address: Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, Carrer de Guillem de Castro, 118, 46003 València, Spain.

The building of this ultra-modern complex, which is part of the <<City of Arts and Sciences>>, looms above the riverbed like a giant snail, its shell shimmering with semi-transparent mosaic tiles. Inside the Arts Palace are four auditoriums.

To enter the building when no concerts are held, you can only do so as part of a guided tour.

Address: Queen Sofia Arts Palace, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 1, 46013 València, Spain.

The factory hall, where hydraulic pumps were once produced, has been transformed into a magnificent space for showcasing modern art. The room with high ceilings displays a collection of photographs beautifully.

Although this project does not receive government funding, there is a café for underprivileged young people. There is also a new restaurant with local chef Ricardo Camaren.

Address: Bombas Gens, Av. de Burjassot, 54, 46009 València, Spain.

Deciding what to see in Valencia on one of your last days in the city, when you are tired of walking through museums, galleries, and exhibitions, overwhelmed with new information and vivid impressions, choose the Monforte Gardens for their quietness and tranquility.

These decorative gardens, designed and laid out in the middle of the 19th century, are a peaceful place to escape the urban noise and hustle. Marble statues, sculpted hedges, and a pond filled with goldfish complete the neoclassical style of the park, while pathways shaded by blooming vines offer much-needed relief on a hot summer day.

Such a picturesque backdrop and the presence of a small but luxurious pavilion at the entrance make this place popular for weddings.

Address: Jardí de Monforte, Carrer de Montfort, S/N, 46010 València, Spain.

The northern section of Valencia's main beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, but in the summer, it is still busier than one would like. Beautiful traditional houses line the beach, turned into snack bars and attractive beach bars.

Like the rest of the coastline, this wide beach has ample space to move freely even in peak season.

Address: Passeig Marítim de la Patacona, 51, 46120 Alboraia, València, Spain.

Once the main exit from the city towards Barcelona and the north, the impressive Serranos Towers, built in the 14th century, lead to the now-dried riverbed of the Turia. The Serranos Towers, along with the Torres de Quart, are all that remains of the old city walls of Valencia.

Climb the towers to survey the surroundings - the Barrio del Carmen district and the former riverbed.

Address: Porta de Serrans, Plaça dels Furs, s/n, 46003 València, Spain.