Saturday, November 2, 2024
Latest:
Tourist Places to Visit in Valencia, Spain
Spain

The Top 16 Things to Do and See in Valencia, Spain

Mustafa Natalwala 2492 Views

Valencia is a city in Spain. Some of the best things to do in Valencia include exploring the city’s port history, Spanish culture, local cuisine, historical buildings, museums, art collections, shopping, beach life, and modern attractions.

The city has a long and storied history since its establishment by Romans in 138 BCE. There are quite a few places that trail back to the early Roman roots of the city. Though the best places to visit in Valencia to learn about the early history. The city was under the Islamic rule of Al Andalus from the 8th century till 1238. Many of the historical things to see in Valencia today were built upon the site of mosques, buildings, and monuments of this period.

After the 1200s, the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. But, it primarily flourished after the 15th century as a port city owing to trade with Europe & Iberian Peninsula. The port is still integral to historical Valencia sightseeing. It is now the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the busiest in the Mediterranean Sea.

Like many European port cities, trade brought an abundance of wealth to Valencia. This wealth gave rise to a rich culture reflected in arts, buildings, traditions, festivals, cuisine, fashion, and so on. These nuggets of culture have become major Valencia tourist attractions today.

You will see beautiful buildings exhibiting a wide range of architectural styles. Within these Valencia attractions are works of art by renowned regional and foreign artists from different eras. Many of the city’s museums are housed in churches, mansions, and palaces.

Aside from art and history, you can enjoy several entertainments, leisure, and recreational activities to do in Valencia. The city has public parks, theatres, shopping venues, performance centers, arcades, amusement parks, and more. Many of the modern buildings in Valencia tourist spots are also renowned for their architecture, keeping in tradition with the culture of the city.

You will have a rich and vibrant experience of the Spanish culture during Valencia travel.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Valencia in 2 Days (Trip Itinerary)

When you visit Valencia, I suggest you should try to get some different experiences in this city. Here below I have listed some of the best and unique things to do in Valencia.

Day 1

1. Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Valencia)

You haven’t experienced Spain until you have seen a bullring. This one was built in the 19th century. It exhibits neoclassical architecture which takes inspiration from the Roman amphitheater and colosseum. One of the best things to do in Valencia is to experience a bullfight at this monumental arena. You can also learn about the history of the bullring and the cultural event at the building’s museum. You will need about an hour to tour the Valencia Bullring.

Valencia Bullring

2. Plaza del Ayuntamiento

This square is surrounded by several old and new buildings which exhibit a wide range of Spanish architectural styles. Some of the top things to see in Valencia can be seen from this public plaza including the Town Hall, Central Post Office, Museum of History, Valencia FC Shop, Banco de Valencia HQ, and more. The plaza is also popular for shopping, dining, street food, and festivals. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to admire the square and the buildings around it.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

3. National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts “González Martí” (Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí)

This museum is as popular for its exhibits as the building that houses it. The exhibits primarily consist of decorated, fired, and glazed Valencia ceramics. Its collection also has a few pieces of decorative art from outside of Spain. The building housing this museum is called the Palace of Marques de Dos Aguas. It’s a 15th-century palace renowned for its architecture and plush interior decor. The palace is one of the best places to visit in Valencia to see classic sculptures, decorative artworks, carvings, paintings, furniture, and more. You will need at least an hour and a half to tour this museum and palace.

National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts

4. Central Market (Mercado Central)

This market was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII and is known for all sorts of food items including local produce, organic food, bakery good, herbs, fruits, spices, dairy products, street foods, and more. The market is also known among Valencia tourist attractions for its architecture. It was built between 1915-28. It is one of the best Valencia tourist attractions to try authentic Spanish cuisine. You will need an hour or more to explore this market.

Central Market

5. The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de Seda)

Built between 1482 and 1533, this building was part of a golden age for manufacturing and trade in the city. This gothic-style edifice was used for merchant transactions, primarily for silk. The building was designed by Pere Compte to resemble medieval castles. It is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its historical and cultural significance. You will need about an hour from Valencia sightseeing to tour this historical edifice.

I suggest you should go for a Silk Trade Tour in Valencia.

Silk Exchange

6. Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia)

This 13th-century church has had a long and storied history. It was built upon the site of a Roman temple and an ancient mosque. The church is one of the most beautiful Valencia attractions renowned for its elaborate architecture and artistic interiors. This church shows a blend of different architectural styles most prominent of them being Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. As mesmerizing as it looks from the outside, the interiors are truly overwhelming. You will see historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures, stone carvings, wood carvings, statues, tapestries, and more. The clock tower of this church is also one of the top Valencia sights in its own right. You will need about an hour to explore this cathedral.

Valencia Cathedral

7. San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir Church (Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir)

The history of this church dates back to 1242 and has undergone several renovations. Like Catedral de Valencia, this church was also built on the site of a medieval mosque. It too is renowned for its architecture and interior decor. The artistic splendor of this church has earned it the title “Sistine Chapel of Valencia”. Many renowned artists, sculptures, and painters have contributed to this church. It is among the most beautiful Valencia tourist spots. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this church.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket for San Nicolas de Bari Church in advance.

San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir Church

8. Valencian Institute of Modern Art (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno)

Also known as IVAM, this institute exhibits works of renowned modern artists such as Julio Gonzalez, Francisco Solana, Mars Solis, Ignacio Pinazo, Gabriel Cuallado, and many more. A tour of this gallery is among the top things to do in Valencia for art admirers. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, photographs,  art installations, and so on. You will need an hour from Valencia travel to tour the art gallery of this institute.

Valencian Institute of Modern Art

9. Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)

These fortified towers were one of the 12 entrances of the ancient port city. The towers are among the last remnants of the medieval fortification. These towers defended the city against several invasions. They were famously used in the 1930s to save artworks during the Spanish civil war. Serranos Towers are one of the most important historical places to see in Valencia. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore these towers.

Serranos Towers

10. Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de València)

This museum preserves and exhibits artworks of Valencia from the 14th century to contemporary times. You will see paintings, sculptures, drawings, decorative art pieces, historical artifacts, archeological findings, and so on. The museum has a collection of more than 2,000 artworks. St. Pius V Palace which houses this museum is also one of Valencia’s top attractions. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

Day 2

1. Bioparc Zoo / Valencia Biopark

Spread over 25 acres, this zoo has animals brought from Europe and Africa. Some of the highlight animals of this zoo include elephants, rhinoceros, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, and crocodiles. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo when you visit Valencia.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Bioparc Valencia in advance.

Valencia Biopark

2. Museum of the History of Valencia (Museu de la Història de València)

This museum tells the story of the city from the 138th century BCE to the 20th century AD. You will learn about natural history, politics, culture, religion, traditions, ethnography, art, economics, architecture, and more. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Valencia. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

Museum of the History of Valencia

3. Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia – Tramo VIII)

This is one of the largest gardens in Spain. The garden is named after the river Turia, which overflowed in 1957 to give birth to it. Turia Gardens have a lot of facilities for outdoor activities to do in Valencia such as nature trails, green spaces, a cycling track, a jogging track, a baseball pitch, ruby ground, a skating track, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so in this garden.

I suggest you should try a Segway Tour of Turia Garden.

Turia Gardens

4. Patriarca Museum (Museo del Patriarca)

This museum has several religious artifacts and artworks, some of which are associated with renowned historical figures. You will get to see artworks by El Greco, Michelangelo Caravaggio, Francisco Ribalta, and several more. It is also one of Valencia’s top sights for its collection of historical and cultural artifacts. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

Patriarca Museum

5. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

This modern architecture was built in 1996 and was designed by Santiago Calatrava. The complex comprises six areas dedicated to different sciences, arts, and cultures. It is one of the best places to visit in Valencia for entertainment, leisure, and recreation as well. The complex has Science Museum, Art Museum, Opera House, 3D Cinema Complex, Aquarium, and more. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this place.

I suggest you should book a City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine Tasting and Tapas.

City of Arts and Sciences

6. L’Oceanografic Aquarium

Part of the City of Arts & Sciences, this aquarium houses 45,000 marine animals from 500 species. Some of the most popular animals in this aquarium include beluga whales, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, and manta rays. It is one of the most fun things to do in Valencia for family tourists. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring various tanks and enjoying activities at this aquarium.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to L’Oceanografic Aquarium in advance.

L'Oceanografic Aquarium

If you are looking for more things to see in Valencia, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities you can explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Valencia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Valencia

  1. La Lonja de la Seda
  2. Valencia Cathedral
  3. Palau de les Artes
  4. Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe
  5. Torres de Serranos
  6. Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
  7. Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno
  8. El Micalet
  9. Museo Nacional de Ceramica y Artes
  10. Plaza de Torros de Valencia
  11. Quart Towers
  12. Museu Faller de Valencia
  13. San Nicholas de Bari y San Pedro Martir
  14. Palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas
  15. La Almoina Archeological Museum
  16. Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia
  17. Real Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los
  18. Church of Santa Caterina
  19. Centro del Carmen de Cultura
  20. Museo Valenciano de la Ilustracion y la Modernidad
  21. Real Parroquia de los Santos Juanes Valencia
  22. Bombas Gens
  23. Museu de la Historia de Valencia
  24. Museo de Soldaditos de Plomo L’Iber
  25. Almudin de Valencia
  26. Iglesia San Juan del Hospital
  27. Valencia Museum of Ethnology
  28. Natural Science Museum of Valencia
  29. Museo Taurino
  30. Casa Museo Benlliure
  31. Porta de la Mar
  32. Palace of the Borgias
  33. Museo y Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda
  34. Museo Casa de las Rocas
  35. Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes
  36. Museo del Patriarca
  37. Museo Historico Militar
  38. Palacio de la Generalidad Valenciana
  39. Museo del Arroz de Valencia
  40. Casa Museo Blasco Ibanez
  41. Lladro Museum
  42. Centro Cultural la Nau
  43. Palau de Cervello
  44. Drassaes del Grau
  45. Sagunto Castle
  46. Roman Theatre
  47. Casa dels Berenguer
  48. Monastery of Santa Maria de la Murta

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Valencia

  1. Valencia Biopark
  2. Parque Natural de la Albufera
  3. La Vallesa
  4. Devesa del Saler
  5. Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona
  6. Mirador del Ebron
  7. Rio Bohilues
  8. Ruta de los Calderones
  9. Serra del Benicadell
  10. Charca del Turche

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Valencia

  1. The City of Arts and Sciences
  2. L’Oceanographic Aquarium
  3. Hemisferic
  4. Jardin del Turia
  5. Gulliver Park
  6. Jardines del Real O Viveros
  7. Cabecera Park
  8. Jardin Botanico de la Universidad de Valencia
  9. Jardi de Montfort
  10. Parque de Benicalap
  11. Casino CIRSA Valencia
  12. Antic Tram Fluvial del Riu Turia
  13. Piscina Parque de Benicalap
  14. Parc Central
  15. La Fabrica de Hielo
  16. Piscina Parque del Oeste
  17. Valencia Parque Central
  18. Los Viveros
  19. Puente de las Flores
  20. Parque de la Rambleta
  21. Jardin de las Hesperides

Shopping in Valencia

  1. The Central Market of Valencia
  2. Mercat de Colon
  3. Plaza Mercado
  4. Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal
  5. Plaza Redonda
  6. Street of the Baskets
  7. Poeta Querol Street
  8. Colon Street
  9. Avenue of France

Beaches & Island in Valencia

  1. Playa de la Malvarrosa
  2. Patacona Beach
  3. Pinedo Beach
  4. Playa de Llevant
  5. Playa de la Devesa del Saler
  6. Playa de I’Arbre del Gos
  7. Playa de la Garrofera
  8. Playa del Saler
  9. Malvarrosa Beach
  10. Playa Port Saplaya

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Valencia

  1. Hiking
  2. Boat Cruise
  3. Walking Tour
  4. Bicycle Tour
  5. Sailing

Sightseeing in Valencia

  1. Virgin Square
  2. The Central Market of Valencia
  3. Plaza Modernisme
  4. Mercat de Colon
  5. Plaza de la Reina
  6. Caixa Forum Valencia
  7. Valencia Station North
  8. Plaza Redonda
  9. Pont l’Assut de I’Or Bridge
  10. Veles e Vents
  11. Palacio de Congresos de Valencia
  12. Oficina de Correos
  13. Pont de la Mar
  14. Pont del Real
  15. Pont de I’Exposicio

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Valencia

  1. Ruzafa
  2. Cafe de las Horas
  3. Casa Roberto
  4. Cafe Negrito
  5. DDL Boutique
  6. Cafe Sant Jaume
  7. Levante
  8. Cafe Infanta
  9. RiFF
  10. Cafe Madrid
  11. Hochateria Panach
  12. L’Etibador
  13. Casa Carmela
  14. Casa Isabel
  15. Asador de Aranda
  16. Palau Alameda
  17. La Pepica
  18. El Trompo
  19. Bouet
  20. La Murciana
  21. La Riua
  22. La Alegria de la Huerta
  23. Ubik cafe Cafeteria Libreria
  24. Horchateria Daniel
  25. La Mas Bonita Ruzafa
  26. Horchateria Santa Catalina
  27. El Camerino Ruzafa
  28. Asador San Telmo

Where to Stay in Valencia?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Valencia. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Valencia.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
  2. Parador de El Saler
  3. Helen Berger Boutique Hotel
  4. Hotel Melia Valencia
  5. Hospes Palau de la Mar Hotel
  6. The Westin Valencia
  7. Venecia Plaza Centro
  8. Caro Hotel
  9. Casual Vintage Valencia
  10. AC Hotel by Marriott Valencia
  11. Vincci Lys
  12. Vincci Mercat

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel Neptuno
  2. Sabbia by Gabbeach
  3. Hotel Olympia Universidades
  4. L’Esplai Valencia
  5. Hotel ILUNION Aqua 4
  6. Valencia Center Hotel
  7. You & Co. J. Botanico Boutique
  8. Senator Parque Central Hotel
  9. Sercotel Sorolla Palace Hotel
  10. Eurostars Gran Valencia
  11. Casual de las Artes Valencia
  12. Ilunion Valencia 4

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel Malcom and Barret
  2. Home Youth Hostel Valencia
  3. Port Feria Valencia
  4. Russafa Youth Hostel
  5. You & Co. Saler Beach Boutique
  6. Ohmyloft Valencia
  7. Sweet Hotel Continental
  8. MD Design Hotel – Portal del Real
  9. Purple Nest Hostel Valencia
  10. Hostal Balcon al Mar
  11. Pension Alicante
  12. Casual de las Civilizaciones Valencia

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Valencia

How to Reach Valencia?

By Air

Valencia Airport sits 9 km outside the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Valencia from Athens, Moscow, Cairo, Madrid, Paris, Belgrade, Vienna, Riga, London, Brussels, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Oslo, Barcelona, Ibiza, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Luxembourg, Casablanca, Naples, Prague and several other cities in Europe.

You can get the metro, buses, and cabs to reach Valencia tourist spots from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to visit Valencia from several cities in Spanish including Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. You can also get direct trains from major European cities like Paris and London. The bus network connects Valencia to almost every major city in Spain.

If you are planning to reach Valencia by road, you can head for routes E-15, AP-7, V-21, E-15 or E-901.

By Water

You can get direct ferries for Valencia travel from Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

You May Also Like

Famous Tourist Attractions to See in Mallorca (Majorca)

Famous 20 Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Mallorca (Majorca)

Mustafa Natalwala
Barcelona City Sightseeing

Cool Things to Do and Must See Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

Mustafa Natalwala
Sightseeing Places to Visit in Seville

Visit The Top 18 Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Mustafa Natalwala