Until today, when you thought about traveling in Spain you probably imagined yourself walking the streets of Madrid, soaking up the Catalonian atmosphere in Barcelona, or perhaps lounging on the beach in Ibiza. With all due respect to these destinations and their abundance of attractions, none of these places offer the chance to visit one of the most impressive centers of entertainment and art in Spain (if not in the whole world); indulge your taste buds in the largest indoor food market in Europe; climb, along with your young children, on a giant Gulliver; and maybe even witness the Holy Grail that is believed to have been used by Jesus during the Last Supper. All these things, and many others, can be experienced when visiting the wonderful city of Valencia, which is quickly becoming a leading tourist destination in Europe and a place everyone wants to visit. We've compiled 12 diverse attractions around the city that absolutely justify the flight to this fascinating and recommended destination.
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This huge complex is probably one of the most important modern places that every visitor to Valencia must see, and it's easy to spend entire days exploring the wealth of attractions it offers. If you want to visit the largest aquarium in Europe, an interactive science museum showcasing the wonders of technology, a particularly impressive botanical garden featuring many local plants, or an advanced planetarium that also serves as a giant IMAX cinema, this is the place for you. It’s worth mentioning that there is much more to do in this enormous complex, but even just strolling through the area and admiring its grandeur and architectural creativity can bring immense enjoyment.
No visit to the third-largest city in Spain would be complete without a tour of one of Valencia's most famous crown jewels, the city's renowned cathedral, whose full Spanish name is Iglesia Catedral-Basílica Metropolitana de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Valencia. This impressive building was constructed in 1238 on the ruins of the city's previous cathedral, which had been converted into a mosque by the Moors (a collective term for Muslim residents of North Africa and Spain) who once ruled the area. Inside the cathedral, you can find an array of paintings and artworks centuries old, stunning ceiling paintings, and decorative stained glass windows. However, these pale in comparison to one of the holiest Christian relics preserved in this place. Many believe that within this cathedral lies the Holy Grail, the cup believed to have been used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Some attribute supernatural powers to this Grail, and while there are other contenders for this title, most Christian historians believe this is the original Grail.
The central market of Valencia is an indoor shopping complex in the city center, considered the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Most of the market is dedicated to food products, so you can also find restaurants inside, as well as souvenir shops for tourists. If you want to smell and taste the finest produce Spain has to offer, this market is probably the best place to do so. The market is open to the public for free and attracts both tourists and locals alike. Once you’ve finished marveling at the premium goods sold in the market, don’t forget to step outside for a few moments and admire the market building itself, completed in 1928. It combines construction with iron and glass, along with Art Nouveau style and influences from other historic buildings in the city.
This impressive fortified structure is one of 12 massive gates that were part of Valencia's old city wall. Although it was built at the end of the 14th century, it has been very well preserved, and some say it is the best-preserved ancient relic in the entire city. The gates were one of the main entrances to the city, but in 1583, they were converted into a prison for nobles after one of the city's largest prisons burned down. The towers continued to serve as a prison until 1887, and in 1893, a major renovation project began that lasted over 20 years, transforming the site into a leading tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city after climbing the stairs to the top of the tower, as well as numerous official ceremonies held at the site.
5. Malvarrosa Beach - Malvarrosa
Valencia holds a special place in Spanish culture not only because of its rich history and abundance of attractions but also due to being the spiritual home of paella, one of the most popular dishes in Spanish cuisine. There’s no better place to indulge in this culinary experience than at Malvarrosa Beach. As a city located on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia offers plenty of beaches, and along Malvarrosa, you’ll find one restaurant after another serving this famous rice and meat dish. Note that in some places, paella is served with seafood, but you can also find versions with chicken and beef. Experienced travelers recommend avoiding the large tourist restaurants advertising their paella on massive signs and instead seek out small, family-run establishments where you’ll enjoy a true celebration of flavors.
6. Mestalla Stadium - Mestalla
The Valencia Football Club is one of the city’s greatest sources of pride and has existed for nearly 100 years. During this time, the team has won the Spanish Cup 7 times, been crowned Spanish league champions 6 times, and nurtured many renowned players such as David Villa, Jordi Alba, Juan Mata, and David Silva. Mestalla is the home stadium of this prestigious team, and although there are plans to move games to a new stadium called Nou Mestalla, its construction is currently incomplete due to financial issues. Visitors to the city can sit and watch a football match of one of the world’s favorite leagues in a stadium with a rich heritage and no fewer than 49,500 seats!
This urban park is a great place for an afternoon outing with young children, and entry is free for all ages. The "giant" Gulliver, the protagonist of Jonathan Swift’s famous novel, lies on the ground as children and adults climbing on him play the role of the Lilliputians. The giant statue incorporates several large slides, and many children refuse to leave the park until they’ve tried them all. In addition to the park’s main attraction (located within the Turia Gardens complex - Jardí del Túria), visitors can also enjoy vast lawns, a mini-golf course, and a scaled-down model of Valencia that allows you to see the entire city from a bird’s eye view.
8. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) - Llotja de la Seda
This massive Gothic building served for many years as one of the most important trade hubs in the city, and today it is one of its key tourist attractions. Its luxurious construction is a testament to the immense power of Valencia’s merchant class, and after entering the main building of the complex, you can further admire this opulence by looking up at the ceiling. In 1996, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and its role as a testament to the wealth and influence of one of the major trading cities in the Mediterranean. On Sundays and public holidays, entry is free, but keep in mind that the site can get very crowded on these days. It may be worth paying the modest entry fee to enjoy the sights on less busy days.
This is the largest square in Valencia. Alongside the impressive town hall building located at its center, visitors can enjoy a few moments of relaxation in a beautiful garden, a sumptuous meal at the numerous nearby restaurants, and at night, various bars frequented by tourists from all over the world. The town hall itself offers free tours, and you can also stroll around the square to admire the historic and majestic buildings surrounding it. Many events take place in this square, so it’s definitely worth checking if any events will be held during your stay in Valencia.
This modern zoo, opened in 2008, offers a wonderful opportunity to add a taste of Africa to your visit to Spain. The zoo was designed so that visitors blend into the animals’ natural environment rather than the other way around, making a visit here an extraordinary experience that doesn’t necessarily feel like a typical zoo visit. Instead of cages, many animals are housed in areas separated from visitors by rivers, lakes, and rock formations. At the center of the zoo, you’ll find an amphitheater with space for about 1,000 visitors who can watch various performances and learn about the different animals at the park.
Valencia is one of the busiest port cities in Europe, with about 20% of all Spanish exports passing through. Following the hosting of the America's Cup sailing competition in 2007, the city’s port and marina underwent extensive renovations. Today, you can admire the bustling port or stroll along the docks to see the impressive yachts moored in Valencia and its surroundings. Tourists visiting the area can enjoy boat tours along the city’s coastline, walk through the marina, and stop for a refreshing drink at the many restaurants and cafés nearby.
If you want to venture outside the city limits and perhaps even take a short swim in nature, this green national park awaits just 12 kilometers from Valencia. Its status as a national park ensures the protection of the many plant and animal species found within the lake area, and birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty of facilities and opportunities to observe the region’s birds. Additionally, you can boat or swim in the lake, and entry to the park is free. You can explore the area on your own or join a guided tour that includes a boat ride on the lake and explanations about the delicate ecosystem in the region.
In conclusion, there are plenty of great reasons to visit Valencia as part of a trip across Spain, and you can easily dedicate a full week or more to exploring the city. The architecture showcased in every street, the Spanish atmosphere, the local cuisine, and the scents of the sea and the market make a visit to Valencia a delightful experience for all the senses. It will undoubtedly provide you with memories for years to come and warm your heart every time you recall it. It's no wonder that Valencia has been selected as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations in recent years!
