Sits on the East coast of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean, Spain’s third-largest city is not getting the attention it deserves, and it is still a bit of a hidden gem with a wealth of things to see and do. From cutting-edge architecture and some of the most innovative and avant-garde buildings to excellent museums, historical sites, markets and beautiful beaches. Enjoy our Top 7 Things To Do In Valencia.
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Valencia Cathedral
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Founded in the 13th century on the site of a mosque in the Plaza de la Reina, Valencia Cathedral is about 800 years old, but in its life it suffered many alterations, extensions, but also damage. Nowadays, it is a Roman Catholic Church, mostly famous for its claim of owning the Holy Grail, which is supposed to be the chalice used in the Last Supper.
City of the Arts and Sciences
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Developed by the Valencian world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava, The City of Arts and Sciences is a large-scale urban recreation complex for science and cultural leisure. It is made up of five main elements: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema), the Umbracle, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe) and the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía.
Albufera Nature Park
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La Albufera is a wonderful escape from the bustling city of Valencia. The park is home to the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. it is a national park and surrounded by wetlands with about 250 different bird species.
Central Market
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Built in the early 20th century, the historic Central Market is an 8000 square meter building provides city dwellers with some of the area’s freshest and finest food, local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and cured meats, It is one of Europe’s oldest food markets, decorated with colorful ceramics and mosaics and the domed ceiling, has gorgeous sky-high windows.
Plaza de la Virgen & Fallas Festival
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The Plaza de la Virgen sits is a lovely square on the site that once was the forum of Roman Valencia in the heart of Valencia’s historic district. Surrounded by impressive buildings, it is a major gathering point for the festival of Fallas which occurs from March 15-19 annually. The Fallas It is a Valencian traditional celebration in praise of Saint Joseph. Each neighborhood of the city has an organized group of people, the Casal faller, that works all year long holding fundraising parties and dinners, usually featuring the famous specialty paella. Each casal faller produces a construction known as a falla which is eventually burnt.
Valencia Beaches
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Valencia has beautiful beaches: Las Arenas, Malvarrosa and El Cabañal – with white sand, blue water, volleyball, barbecues and beautiful people. Malvarrosa is the main beach, busy almost all year long, just 10 minutes ride from the city.
Calle Caballero
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Showcases Valencia’s most social and fashionable citizens, Calle Caballero is the hot spot for all of the young people visiting the city full of shopping, cafes and bars.
Just So You Know…
- Valencia is home to Spain’s biggest cargo port.
- Muslims founded the first Spanish university at Valencia in 1209.
- La Tomatina, or “The World’s Biggest Food Fight,” is held every year on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol, outside of Valencia. Over 150,000 tomatoes are thrown.
- Valencia is famous for its gastronomic culture. Make sure you try paella, a simmered rice dish with seafood or meat (chicken or rabbit), fartons, bunuelos, the Spanish omelette, rosquilletas and squid (calamares).
- Make your holiday perfect by staying only at one of the 11 Best Hotels in Valencia or 11 Best Hotel Pools in Valencia.
- Valencia is a gay friendly city. On that note, we have a list of Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Valencia.
Nearby Destinations:
- Barcelona – located on the shores of the Mediterranean sea in northern Spain, is the most cosmopolitan and economically most active city in this country.
- One of the many wonderful things about southern Spain is that there are so many little villages to discover. Check out The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Andalucía.
Get Some Culture:
- Fine Art Museum of Valencia – With major Valencian & Flemish painting collections.
- Valencia Museum of Modern Art – Features painting, sculptures, photography, drawings, concerts and more from artists in Spain and worldwide.
- Fallas Museum – If you can’t visit Valencia for Las Fallas, then this museum full of the festival’s ninots (giant puppets or dolls).
- Almoina Archaeological Museum – With an exhibition of archaeological pieces from various periods in the history of Valencia.
Grab A Bite:
- La Pepica – Valencian cooking of La Pepica and his tasty rice, overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
- Casa Paquito – With delicious homemade dishes in a typical Valencia style.
- Mercatbar – amazing Tapas bar by chef Quique Acosta.
