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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Valencia

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In a dreamy seaside setting, this balmy Mediterranean port town lives up to the local saying "a piece of heaven fallen to earth." Under the warm rays of the southern sun, Valencia's palm-fringed plazas are full of life, and its churches sparkle with brightly colored azulejo domes.

As the old capital of the kingdom of Valencia, the city is rich in cultural attractions. Magnificent historic monuments, such as the 15th-century Silk Exchange, the 18th-century Marquise Palace, and the Museum of Fine Arts, tell the story of a wealthy merchant and aristocratic past.

Valencia has a charming historic center, the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), but the city has entered the 21st century with gusto. The sleek Modern Art Institute, along with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences immerse visitors into a brave new world of artistic and scientific discovery.

Learn about the best places to visit with our guide to the top attractions and things to see and do in Valencia, Spain.

1. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

2. las fallas festival, 3. oceanogràfic de valència, 4. la lonja de la seda, 5. go shopping at mercado central, 6. iglesia de san nicolás de bari y san pedro mártir de valència, 7. admire the catedral de valència, 8. plaza de la virgen, 9. iglesia de santo tomás y san felipe neri, 10. meet the animals at bioparc valència, 11. museo arqueológico de la almoina, 12. palacio del marqués de dos aguas (ceramics museum), 13. museo nacional de bellas artes de valència, 14. institut valència d'art moderne, 15. torres de serranos (ancient town gate), 16. spend a day at playa del saler, 17. day trip to the medieval town of requena, where to stay in valencia for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in valencia, valencia, spain - climate chart.

You can discover the fascinating world of arts and sciences at this futuristic complex on the outskirts of Valencia. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (The City of Arts and Sciences) is one of Europe's most impressive centers dedicated to cultural and scientific exhibitions.

In a two-kilometer space along the Turia River, the complex includes several stunning examples of avant-garde architecture designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.

The Ciudad complex has six main areas: the Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema , which screens 3-D digital films and serves as a planetarium; the Umbracle landscaped area that features shaded walkways; the Museu de les Ciències , an interactive museum with exhibits about science, the environment, and technology; the Oceanogràfic , Europe's largest aquarium; the Palau de les Arts opera house; and the Ágora concert space.

The City of Arts and Sciences also hosts conferences, exhibitions, and workshops related to science and art topics.

Address: 7 Avenida del Professor López Piñero, València

Official site: http://www.cac.es/en/home.html

Valencia is one of the best places to visit in March . For over two weeks during the month of March, the city becomes a scene of joyous celebration during the Fiesta de San José (Feast Day of Saint Joseph), a lively religious festival that brims with creative spirit and interesting things to do. The festival includes traditional music and food (paella), a parade, fireworks, and unique art exhibits.

This festival is known for its creative installations called fallas , large floats featuring figures made of papier-mâché. These creations are set up in the streets and then burned at midnight on the last day of the fiesta. The custom originated in the Middle Ages, when carpenters and other craftsmen would burn leftover scraps of wood and other materials on the feast of Saint Joseph.

The Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum) on Plaza Monteolivete offers a chance to see the ninots (figures) that have been created over the years. It is interesting to see how the ninots have evolved with technology, from early wax figures dressed in real clothes to cartoon-like modern figures made of papier-mâché and most recently of polystyrene.

Address: Plaza Monteolivete 4, València

This striking building designed by architect Félix Candela as part of The City of Arts and Sciences houses the largest aquarium in Europe .

It is actually a complex of several buildings, each dedicated to one of the earth's most important marine ecosystems and environments: Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical, Oceans, Mediterranean, Antarctic, Arctic and Islands, and the Red Sea.

More than 500 different marine species are represented by 45,000 sea creatures, visible in nine towers that allow viewing as though you are underwater. The most dramatic of these is the tunnel, where you walk surrounded on both sides and overhead by swimming sharks.

Some of the most popular things to see are the beluga whales, sea lions, walruses, penguins, seals, sea turtles, and dolphins. Along with watching the sea life, you can experience mangrove swamps, marshlands, kelp forests, and other wetland environments with their native plant species.

If you're looking for something special to do, enjoy a meal at the Submarine Restaurant within the Oceanogràfic de Valencia building. The dining room is surrounded by a circular aquarium and features a chandelier that looks like a swarm of jellyfish. The menu focuses on modern-fusion cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The restaurant serves lunch every day and dinner Monday through Saturday.

The Oceanogràfic de Valencia is open every day year-round. You can purchase combined tickets for admission to the Oceanogràfic aquarium and the Museu de les Ciències or the Hemisfèric.

Address: 1 Carrer d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, València

Official site: https://www.oceanografic.org/en/

This magnificent Gothic structure was built in the 15th century to house the city's Silk Exchange , the marketplace where the famous Valencian silk was traded with merchants (to be sold all over Europe). The monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

One of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in Europe, La Lonja de la Seda resembles a medieval castle with its crenellated exterior and formidable tower. The façade features richly decorated doorways, decorative windows, and gargoyles (the grotesque carved creatures that function as water spouts). The main hall has rich stellar vaulting borne on twisted columns.

You can climb the 144 stone steps of the tower's helical staircase. From the top of the tower, the views of the town are stunning. This attraction is open to the public daily (except Mondays).

Address: Plaza del Mercado, València

Just steps away from La Lonja de la Seda, the Mercado Central ( Central Market ) is a spacious marketplace built in 1928.

The Art Nouveau building is lavishly adorned with azulejos, decorative ceramics typical of the region. The hall contains hundreds of market stalls where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products from the Valencia region, as well as other areas of Spain.

The Iglesia de los Santos Juanes , a lovely historic church, is found on the Plaza del Mercado immediately next to the Mercado Central. This National Historic and Artistic Monument was built between the 14th and 16th centuries on the site of a hermitage church that replaced an old mosque.

While the interior is Gothic in style, the exquisite Baroque façade was designed by Vicente García in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Gorgeous frescos grace the interior's vaulted ceiling; the fresco paintings were created by Antonio Palomino in 1700.

Address: Plaza de la Ciutat de Bruges, València

Official site: https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/

This church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari and St. Peter the Martyr was founded in the 13th century on the site of a Roman sanctuary. The Romanesque church was renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century, and its interior was finished in the 1690s in the Baroque style.

Although the exterior is quite simple and somber, the church has a sumptuous interior that is one of the most ornate of all Valencia's churches. The sanctuary features breathtaking wall and ceiling frescoes designed by Antonio Palomino, while the actual painting was completed by Dionis Vidal. The frescoes represent scenes from the lives of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr.

With its lavish frescoes and sculptural embellishments, this church is a gem of Baroque art and is sometimes compared to the Sistine Chapel in Rome . The impressive scale of the ceiling frescoes is unique in the world.

Address: 35 Calle de los Caballeros, València

The Catedral de València (Catedral del Santo Cáliz) stands out as one of the most unusual cathedrals in Spain owing to its mishmash of architectural styles. Originally this location was the site of an ancient Roman temple and then a Moorish mosque.

At this spot that is steeped in history, the cathedral was constructed beginning in the 13th century. Renovations were made in the 15th century and 17th century.

The exterior combines original Romanesque architectural elements with sculptural details added later in the Middle Ages. Spend some time admiring the façade before entering the cathedral. The splendid Puerta del Palau doorway dates to the Romanesque era, while the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Apostles' Doorway) dates from the 15th century.

The interior has an inspiring ambience with its majestic domed ceiling and a rose window illuminating the space. Dazzling in its Gothic splendor, the somber high-vaulted nave is embellished with Renaissance paintings and elegant Baroque art. The various chapels are adorned with masterpieces of art, including paintings by Goya and a crucifix by Alonso Cano.

A highlight of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Holy Grail (Capilla del Santo Cáliz), with delicate vaulting and star motifs. This chapel illustrates a scene of the 12 apostles in Heaven and the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The most sacred object is a reliquary containing the Holy Chalice, an artifact from the first century CE said to be the goblet that Jesus used to perform the Holy Eucharist.

The Cathedral of Valencia also has a museum, the Museo Catedral de València , which displays a prestigious collection of religious art. A variety of styles from different time periods (Gothic, Renaissance, etc.) are on display. The museum boasts many exceptional artworks including paintings by Mariano Salvador Maella and Francisco de Goya.

In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral and the cathedral museum, you may ascend El Miguelete (the Miguelete Tower) to admire superb views. The 207-step climb to the top of the tower rewards with panoramic vistas of Valencia's cityscape.

The Cathedral of Valencia and the Cathedral Museum can be visit with an admission fee, which includes an audio-guide with various language options. Both the cathedral and its museum are open to the public year-round every day (except for Sundays during wintertime). The Miguelete Tower is open daily year-round; admission requires a small entrance fee.

Address: Plaza de l'Almoina, València

Official site: http://www.catedraldevalencia.es/en/

Overlooking the cathedral, the Plaza de la Virgen is among the oldest (it dates to Roman times) and loveliest of Valencia's many plazas.

The graceful Neptune fountain at the center of the Plaza de la Virgen is the work of Valencia sculptor Silvestre Edeta. Lighted at night, it's a favorite meeting place among locals.

The square is bordered by several landmark buildings. Across the square is the Palace of the Generalitat and next to the Catedral de València is the Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados , the most important (and also the first) Baroque church in Valencia. This church is renowned for its magnificent fresco on the dome ceiling that was painted by Antonio Palomino in 1701 and is considered a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art.

With its dazzling blue-tiled dome, this beautiful church exemplifies the characteristic Mediterranean style of Valencia. Built in 1725, the Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip was listed as a National Historic Monument in 1982.

The church has a fancifully decorated Baroque façade, and the architectural layout was modeled after the much-imitated Il Gesú church in Rome . The breathtaking interior has a spacious central nave lined with numerous side chapels.

Catholic mass is held at the church daily. The monument is not open to the public for visit, but tourists may attend a mass to see the lovely sanctuary.

Address: Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, València

Valencia's zoo covers 25 acres north of the park created by the diversion of the River Turia's course. The landscape was created to house animals in as close to their native habitats as possible, and the zoo is especially known for its large collection of African animals.

The environment is designed so that you immediately feel as though you have been transported to Africa as they view animals almost barrier-free in landscapes typical to the savannah, Madagascar, and equatorial Africa.

Instead of separating different species, they coexist as they would in their native environments. On the savannah, for example, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and rhinoceros all live together as they do in the wild. Gorillas inhabit a dense equatorial forest, while hippopotami and crocodiles cool in the water.

Bioparc is actively committed to sustainability of resources and to wildlife conservation, using solar panels to heat water, and recycling more than 95 percent of it.

Address: 3 Avenida Pío Baroja, València

Beneath a sleek modern building across from the cathedral, La Almoina Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse of the civilizations that have contributed to Valencia's heritage. Discovered during excavations between 1985 and 2005 are well-preserved remains of the first settlement here by the Romans, more than 2,000 years ago.

There are remnants (dating to the 2nd century CE) of the Roman baths and streets, including a sanctuary, part of the forum portico. A baptistery and the apse of a church are from early Christian times. The era of Moorish rule is revealed in vestiges of a courtyard, pool, and fortifications from the Alcázar of the old Muslim city.

Together with historic pottery and other artifacts found underneath modern Valencia, the excavated area is considered one of Europe's best archaeological sites . The ancient ruins are covered with plexiglass to allow for easy viewing, and walking paths are lined with railings for a pleasant experience.

Address: Plaza Décimo Junio Bruto, València

Near the Església de Sant Martí (Church of San Martín) is the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, an 18th-century aristocratic palace that belonged to a prominent noble family. The palace is renowned for its opulently decorated façade and refined, ornately decorated interior.

The palace now houses the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics , which opened in 1947. The museum presents more than 5,000 examples of traditional pottery from Valencia and the surrounding area, azulejos (blue glazed ceramic) from Teruel, and faience (glazed earthenware) from Toledo and Seville.

Other interesting items on display include ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab pottery; and fine porcelain from the Silk Route (China) and Japan. The collection also contains modern pieces, including works by Picasso, and contemporary items.

A highlight of the collection is the fully-equipped 19th-century Valencian kitchen featuring traditional tiles.

The González Martí National Museum of Ceramics is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Address: 2 Calle Poeta Querol, València

The National Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful place to discover the artistic heritage of the Valencia region.

The museum displays archeological findings, paintings, and sculptures, from the medieval period to the 20th century. Much of the art collection represents medieval religious paintings created by Valencian artists or works created for Valencia churches.

Among the museum's most precious works are the 14th-century altarpiece of Fray Bonifacio Ferrer (a Valencian friar) and a triptych of the Passion by Hieronymus Bosch. The assortment of 16th- to 19th-century Spanish paintings is also interesting.

Highlights of the Valencian painting collection are the Last Supper and Saint Bruno by Francisco Ribalta and Saint Jerome by Jusepe de Ribera. Other Spanish masters represented include Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, El Greco, Francisco de Goya and Luis de Morales.

Adjoining the Museum of Art is the Jardines del Real , a peaceful green space filled with statues, fountains, and walking paths.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free of charge.

Address: 9 Calle San Pío V, València

Housed in a surprising space-age building, the Valencia Institute of Modern Art is dedicated to the avant-garde art of the 20th century. The permanent collection covers all movements of modern and avant-garde art, including Analytical Abstraction, Pop Art, and New Figurative.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. In striking contrast to the modern building, an underground room of the museum reveals ruins of Valencia's medieval city wall. The archeological remains were uncovered during construction of the museum.

Well-designed for visitors, the museum has a trendy casual restaurant, Mascaraque , which serves contemporary-style Mediterranean cuisine and has a pleasant outdoor terrace.

There is also a library with a bookshop and Reading Room; the library contains over 40,000 books and documents on topics of modern art.

The Valencia Institute of Modern Art is open Tuesday through Sunday and is open late on Fridays. Admission is free of charge.

Address: 118 Calle Guillem de Castro, València

Official site: http://www.ivam.es/en/

This impressive landmark is a symbol of Valencia . The Torres de Serranos represents an ancient gate of the Old Town and recalls an era when the town was surrounded by defense walls. The town ramparts were built in the 14th century on top of Roman foundations.

In 1930, the Serranos Towers were restored to their former glory. From these massive towers, take in sweeping views of the cityscape. The archway of the entrance gate features decorative Gothic details and two shields of the city.

Address: Plaza dels Furs, València

One of the most popular beaches in the Valencia region, this pristine stretch of sand is just 16 kilometers from Valencia in the La Albufera Natural Park . Two other beautiful beaches border El Saler Beach: Playa L'Arbre del Gos; and to the south, La Garrofera beach. This idyllic stretch of fine sandy shoreline extends for 2.6 kilometers and is protected from the wind by dunes and pine trees.

Located 68 kilometers from Valencia, the charming medieval town of Requena reveals a typical Hispanic-Arabic ambience with its old Moorish castle , many narrow pedestrian streets, peaceful squares, and houses adorned with decorative tiles and wrought-iron balconies.

The town has two important 14th-century churches, the Iglesia de Santa María and the Iglesia del Salvador ; both feature ornate Isabelline Gothic facades. Other noteworthy medieval monuments include the El Cid Palace and the Iglesia de San Nicolás .

For those seeking relaxation, the Fuente Podrida spa resort is a worthwhile 30 kilometers from Requena in a pristine natural environment.

The top tourist attractions in Valencia are mostly in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), the historic city center around the cathedral and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Fortunately for tourists, other attractions (such as the beach) are accessible by an excellent transit system. These highly rated hotels in Valencia are convenient for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• On a quiet street near the cathedral, the five-star Caro Hotel occupies the Palacio Marqués de Caro, a historic monument that has been beautifully restored. The recently updated interior décor is sleek and minimalistic. Amenities include a concierge, small swimming pool, and a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant.
• Styled with Art Deco interiors, the five-star The Westin Valencia is in a quiet neighborhood near The City of Arts and Sciences. Lush Mediterranean landscaping, a fitness center, spa, indoor swimming pool, and three restaurants make for a resort-like atmosphere.
• The five-star Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort is a beachfront property with a large outdoor swimming pool. Many guest rooms feature private balconies with sea views. The hotel is on a metro line to the center, a good compromise between the beach and sightseeing.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Ideally located in the center of Valencia on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the four-star Meliá Plaza is within walking distance of many historic attractions, as well as shops and restaurants. Some rooms have balconies with views onto the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. The hotel's restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine.
• The three-star Petit Palace Plaza de la Reina is located in the historic center of Valencia near the cathedral and the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. The contemporary-style guest rooms feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions and iPads. Some rooms feature balconies with city views.
• The SH Ingles occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century palace in the historic La Xerea neighborhood near Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. This four-star boutique hotel has a concierge, 24-hour front reception desk, and a gourmet restaurant known for its authentic paella. The guest rooms are spacious, bright, and minimalistic in style.
• Within easy walking distance of The City of Arts and Sciences, the four-star AC Hotel by Marriott Colón Valencia offers sleek contemporary-style guest rooms, a fitness center, and room service.

Budget Hotels:

• Just off Plaza del Ayuntamiento, near restaurants and historic attractions, the three-star Catalonia Excelsior offers well-situated accommodations at affordable rates. The hotel provides a 24-hour front reception desk, concierge services, and a buffet breakfast.
• The four-star Barceló Valencia is just opposite The City of Arts and Sciences, with great views of the iconic buildings. The hotel offers many luxuries for the price, including a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and sundeck.
• Another hotel overlooking The City of Arts and Sciences, the three-star NH Valencia Las Ciencias is a 15-minute drive to the beach and a 10-minute bus ride to the historic center (Ciutat Vella) of Valencia. Amenities include concierge service and a 24-hour front reception desk.

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Exploring the Mediterranean Coast : The beaches of Mediterranean Spain are some of the loveliest in the world, one of the most famous being El Milagro in the UNESCO-listed Tarragona , which sits north of Valencia. Iconic Barcelona is just beyond, famous for its medieval Barri Gòtic, Modernist architecture, and sandy beaches.

Historic Towns near Valencia: South of Valencia, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara looks down over the extensive beaches and historic town of Alicante . For those who want to venture inland, the art museums of Madrid and cultural diversity of the medieval walled city of Toledo are top picks for sightseeing.

Other Must-See Cities in Spain : A treasure-trove of cultural attractions, Zaragoza boasts ancient Roman ruins, as well as Moorish and Baroque landmarks. West of Alicante, Córdoba is best known for its UNESCO-listed mosque, La Mezquita. To the south, Andalusia 's pride, Granada is a top tourist destination thanks to its vibrant cultural life full of flamenco dancing and cuisine influenced by neighboring Arabian countries. From here, the seaside old-world paradise of Málaga is just a short jaunt to the southern shores.

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2 Days in Valencia: A Fantastic Itinerary (From A Local)

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the cradle of Las Fallas , and for many, the best city to live in , so sooner or later, you might feel tempted to visit. Whether you decide to spend the weekend or include it in a longer Spain itinerary, 2 days in Valencia is just enough to scratch the surface and leave you longing for more.

That’s not to say you should postpone your plans until you have more free days. Yes, 3 or 4 days will allow you to see, taste and experience more of Valencia, but 2 days is a wonderful start for a first-time visit.

In This Article

About this 2 days in Valencia itinerary

Day 1: morning – walk around the city center of valencia, day 1: lunch – try the menú del día, day 1: afternoon – visit some museums, day 1: dinner – have tapas at a gastro market, day 2: morning – explore el cabañal and relax at the beach, day 2: lunch – eat paella, day 2: afternoon – visit the city of arts and sciences, day 2: evening – end your 2 days in valencia with a flamenco show, is 2 days in valencia enough.

Valencia has a great number of attractions and that number is only growing bigger. As the city is awakening to its new reality as a tourist hotspot, new museums, parks, and restaurants are popping up throughout the city.

I’ve designed this 2 day Valencia itinerary with active travelers in mind. This means that by following my itinerary you will be walking quite a bit, but I’ve also included plenty of tasty breaks so you can experience Valencia’s thriving coffee and food scene.

As for where to stay in Valencia during your 2 day visit, I recommend the Old Town, hands down. This is the best area if you want to be close to pretty much everything except for the beach.

To see the best of Valencia in 2 days, simply follow this itinerary. If you think you might have even less than 2 days, check out my 1 day in Valencia post. And if you have more time, check out my 3 days in Valencia itinerary .

The downtown features the oldest part of the city and this is where I suggest you start your 48 hours in Valencia. This area is comprised of 6 neighborhoods, each slightly different than the next.

The Old Town is where you’ll find some of the oldest and most striking buildings but also some of the most cutting-edge restaurants and shops. The best way to explore this part of Valencia is on foot, be it by joining a walking tour or exploring on your own.

When it comes to tours, you have plenty of options, including free walking tours. The best part of exploring Valencia with a local is that they will help you put things into perspective and you’ll likely discover some hidden gems you might not find otherwise.

I recommend you check out the tours below before you make up your mind.

If you want to venture on your own, here are some of the must-see spots around the city center. Depending on where your hotel or Airbnb is located, I suggest you start with the one that’s closest to you.

The City Hall and the City Hall Square are Valencia’s km 0, the heart of the city and the place where many events take place. The Town Hall itself can be visited every morning during work days and the visit is free. I really recommend you pop in to see the magnificent Salón de Cristal (Crystal Hall).

Also in the City Hall Square, the old Correos building has recently been converted into an exhibition space. Its imposing glass ceiling is reason enough to visit.

A couple of minutes away, the Mordernista-style North Train Station (Estación del Norte) and the bullring are two other impressive buildings. While the bullring is still in use and you might not feel comfortable visiting it, architecture-wise, it’s still beautiful.

Up next, I’d suggest you head to the Central Market (Mercado Central). This is the largest fresh food market in Europe and one of several must visit markets in Valencia . The Modernista architecture and the vast array of local produce make it a cathedral of the senses.

The market is open every morning from Monday to Saturday. Although it officially closes at 3 p.m., I don’t recommend you leave it to the last minute. This is a great spot for a coffee break or a mid-morning snack.

Across from Mercado Central, the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda is another building worthy of your admiration. While beautiful on the outside, it’s even more impressive on the inside.

If you like heavily ornate Baroque churches, then prepare to be spoiled for choice. Many of Valencia’s beautiful churches are located in the Old Town and you should definitely visit at least one.

Next to Mercado Central and La Lonja, the Church of Santos Juanes won’t take much of your time, but it will definitely leave a long-lasting impression (book here). Not far away, the San Nicolás Church , nicknamed the Valencian Sixtine Chapel, is perhaps the most beautiful church in the city (book here).

If you want to see what might just as well be the real Holy Grail , make sure you budget some time for visiting the Cathedral . And if you like panoramic views, climbing the 207 steps up the bell tower is well worth it.

Come lunch, I recommend you look for a restaurant serving menú del día . You won’t have a hard time finding one and you won’t regret it.

The popular menú del día is a meal deal offered by most restaurants in Valencia. It includes a three-course meal and usually a drink. Sometimes, coffee is included as well, but most often than not you’ll have to choose between coffee and dessert.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in Valencia . Valencianos love ending their lunch with a cup of coffee. They also love spending a good couple of hours chatting over lunch. So ordering a menú del día in a bustling restaurant is not only a culinary but a cultural experience as well.

The Old Town has hundreds if not thousands of restaurants. Of course, this can sound overwhelming, but I can recommend you some of my favorite ones, such as La Diva and Volteretta.

In the afternoon, continue your itinerary with a visit to some of Valencia’s best museums . As the third largest city in Spain, Valencia certainly has its fair share of noteworthy museums. While none of them are of the caliber of El Prado or Reina Sofía in Madrid they are the next best thing.

A short walk away from the Old Town, the Museo de Bellas Artes , is the second most important fine arts museum in Spain, after El Prado.

To get there, you simply have to cross on the other side of Turia Park and you’ll suddenly find yourself surrounded by thousands of fantastic masterpieces, some dating as far back as the Middle Ages. The best part? Unlike El Prado, this museum is completely free.

Another museum you can (and honestly, should) visit, is the Almoina archeological center. This unusual museum is situated in the Old Town, right behind the cathedral, and here you can learn about Valencia’s Roman origins while walking down the two millennia-old Roman roads.

There are many more museums in Valencia, all pretty much niched down and dedicated to a well-curated collection, be it Semana Santa, tin soldiers or rice, or local personalities.

With only 2 days in Valencia, it’s unlikely you’ll manage to visit many museums. But if you want to visit a third one, I’d suggest you choose the Ceramics Museum .

Situated inside the stunning Rococo palace of Marquez de Dos Aguas, this is the largest museum of its kind in Spain. The displays are hundreds, some thousands of years old and there’s even a set of plates designed by Pablo Picasso.

The first floor of the palace hosts the Museum of Sumptuary Arts, with gorgeously decorated rooms that will not let you indifferent.

Not too long ago, I’d have recommended you to have dinner either in the beautiful Mercado de Colón or in the Canovas area. These days, however, I believe you should head to the newly opened Mercado de la Imprenta .

This absolutely astounding gastro market in the Arrancapins neighborhood is only a short walk away from the city center, in a part of Valencia that until recently didn’t have much going for it.

So whether you are visiting Valencia for the first time or you are a repeat visitor, Mercado de la Imprenta will surely surprise you.

Housed in an old printing house, this gastro market is a welcomed effort to decentralize leisure and tourism and redirect people to the neighborhoods.

Here, you can dine on tapas, pinsa, burgers, sushi, or bao buns and wash everything down with a glass of draft beer or wine.

Most food stands, however, serve local dishes, with the added advantage that you can mix and match the plates as you like. This is great if you want to have a full culinary immersion in a fun and informal setting, without the pressure of having to order a whole meal.

Just be aware that Mercado de la Imprenta is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

If you are visiting Valencia on the first 2 days of the week, you still have plenty of options. For example, you could dine in the above-mentioned Mercado de Colón, in the nearby Canovas area, or even in the bustling Ruzafa neighborhood.

On your second day in Valencia, I recommend you take the metro and head to the El Cabañal neighborhood. This neighborhood is completely different from the Old Town, and will surely surprise you.

El Cabañal started as a fishing village separate from Valencia. But roughly a century ago, it became fashionable for the Valencian middle class to purchase a second residence here.

The influx of money was followed by an influx of ideas, and the whitewashed huts were soon replaced by Modernista-style houses.

When hearing Modernista, Gaudí’s lavish houses might pop to mind, but in El Cabañal, this style was adapted to the budget and taste of the Valencian middle class as well as the local climate. As a result, many of the facades are covered in colorful tiles with Modernista motifs.

I recommend you take your time to stroll along the streets of El Cabañal. It can be blissfully quiet here, contrasting immensely with the bustling streets of the Old Town. Personally, I have a hard time accepting that I’m still in Valencia whenever I visit, and you’ll probably experience the same.

After exploring El Cabañal, head to the beach, be it for a stroll, a drink or to relax on the sand.

Note: If you are visiting Valencia in the heat of summer, you might want to head to the beach first thing in the morning and explore El Cabañal later, especially if sunbathing is up on your list. The Valencian sun can be quite strong, so I wouldn’t recommend sunbathing in the middle of the day, and definitely don’t recommend skipping on the sunscreen.

Valencia has not one, not two, but three urban beaches.

Playa del Cabañal (also called Playa de las Arenas) is situated right next to the marina and borders the neighborhood with the same name. Next to it, Playa de la Malvarrosa is the most popular of Valencia’s beaches .

If you are looking for a more quiet beach experience, you can head to Playa de la Patacona. This beach is a bit further away and can only be reached by bus. The journey to and from the city center takes some 45 minutes, so if you only want to spend a couple of hours on the beach, you’re better off stopping at either Playa del Cabañal or Playa de la Malvarrosa.

Valencia’s urban beaches have fine golden sand and wide stretches of sand. Due to this, they rarely feel crowded. Plus you can enjoy a series of fun activities, from beach ball to sailing. Check out some of these activities below.

As I mentioned in the beginning, Valencia is the birthplace of paella . Well, not the city of Valencia per se, but the nearby village of El Palmar a few kilometers south.

El Palmar is situated on the shores of Albufera Lake, one of the best day trips from Valencia . But since you are visiting Valencia in 2 days, going all the way to El Palmar to eat paella doesn’t make much sense. Especially since Valencia has some absolutely fantastic paella restaurants right on the beach.

Most of the restaurants lining the promenade serve delicious paella, so you can pretty much stop wherever you feel comfortable and find a table. They really know what they are doing, since many of them have been preparing paellas for decades, so you are in safe hands.

One thing to take into account though is that the paella is made to order. This means you’ll have to wait some 40 minutes give or take for your paella to be served. But if you order a starter, the wait won’t seem long at all and it’s definitely worth it.

Another thing is that paella is always prepared for an even number of people (see these interesting paella facts to learn why). Also, paella is a rice dish first and foremost, so don’t expect a lot of meat or vegetables.

The point that I’m trying to make is that in Valencia, paella might not be exactly what you’ve grown used to in other parts of the world or even Spain. But this is the original recipe and I believe anyone should try it to form their own opinion.

Personally, I love paella the way it is prepared in Valencia and I wouldn’t change a thing.

But I had family and friends come over and some of them were less impressed, mostly because they had tried paella before and were either hoping for paella with chorizo (that’s a British invention!) or seafood paella that has more seafood than rice. Paella is a rice dish and the original recipe doesn’t even have seafood!

That being said, and while I definitely recommend you try the paella Valenciana (the one with chicken and rabbit), there’s a myriad of other local rice dishes you can try. Many Valencian dishes use rice as the main ingredient, but if rice is not your thing, you can try fideuá, paella’s lesser-known, noodly cousin.

Whether you visit Valencia in a day or a month, the one attraction that cannot miss from your itinerary is the City of Arts and Sciences .

This futuristic complex will surely captivate your imagination and will make you want to explore every nook and cranny.

Comprised of six interesting-looking buildings, most of which were designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, this place was used for filming various TV series and movies, including Westworld and Tomorrowland. In fact, they are filming a new Star Wars movie here, as I write!

Walking around and admiring the buildings is completely free, but if you want to see an opera performance, an IMAX movie, or visit the science museum or aquarium, you must purchase tickets, ideally in advance.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a fantastic spot for a romantic stroll but it’s also a great place to visit in Valencia with kids .

The Oceanogràfic is probably the most family-friendly attraction in the city, as it is home to an incredible array of fish species and even some birds. They also organize dolphin shows and shark sleepovers, so if you are traveling with kids, this place is a must-visit.

If you don’t want to visit any of the buildings, but would still like to learn more about the City of Arts and Sciences and its architectural defiances and challenges, a tour of the complex might be right up your alley. You can check out some of the available tours below.

What better way to end your Valencia in 2 days itinerary than with a flamenco show? While flamenco is originally from Andalucia, Valencia has quite a few tablaos (venues where flamenco is performed) and they are pretty top-notch.

So whether you’ve attended a flamenco show in Seville or another part of Spain before and especially if you haven’t, seeing a flamenco performance in Valencia is a wonderful way to end your 2 days in the city.

Flamenco shows in Valencia typically involve both singing and dancing. Expect a lot of foot stomping and hand clapping. Traditional flamenco instruments such as the guitar and cajón are also commonly used.

The costumes tend to be colorful and eye-catching, often adorned with sequins and embroidery. The female dancers typically wear long, flowing dresses with ruffles or frills, while the male dancers wear tight-fitting trousers and shirts.

In many places, the audience is encouraged to participate by clapping along with the music. So don’t be shy and join in the fun!

Many flamenco shows in Valencia are accompanied by a drink or even dinner. Check out some of the most popular ones below.

If flamenco isn’t your thing or there’s no flamenco performance during your visit (most flamenco shows are organized in the second half of the week), you might want to check out one of the jazz clubs in the Old Town.

Two days is just enough time to visit some of Valencia’s highlights such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the historic Old Town, as well as relax on the beach for a couple of hours and sample some delicious local food (the world-famous paella included).

However, keep in mind that Valencia has much more to offer, including vibrant nightlife , interesting museums, beautiful churches, and a thriving tapas scene . If you have specific interests or want to delve deeper into the city’s cultural and culinary offerings, you might want to consider extending your stay.

Whether 2 days in Valencia is enough or not for you, will greatly depend on your personal preferences and the time you have available. Two days might be enough to give you a taste of the city, but most likely it won’t be enough if you want to explore all the attractions.

My 2 day itinerary reflects how I would spend 2 days in Valencia if I were to visit for the first time. However, if two days is all you have, make sure to plan your itinerary wisely and prioritize the attractions that interest you the most.

If you’d like to swap any of the activities or attractions I included for something that better matches your interests, make sure you check out my list of top things to do in Valencia for more inspiration.

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Valencia Transport

System messages

Getting Around

Valencia is a sustainable destination thanks to its excellent public transport network, which connects all neighbourhoods and major tourist areas. Although the city’s size allows you to get almost everywhere on foot or bike, for longer journeys, we recommend the underground, tram or bus.  Here is everything you need to know for your travel convenience – at the best price, while reducing emissions !  

How to get around in Valencia  

The city offers  60 bus lines, 5 metro lines and 4 tram lines, as well as  180 metropolitan bus routes and 6 commuter trains  to take you wherever you want. There is a connection to the airport, the center, the trendy neighborhoods, the beach, l'Albufera, local towns and all other points of interest.  

The whole city is connected!  

First stop: pick up a Valencia Tourist Card  

If you have decided to opt for public transport on your visit to Valencia, this card is the most convenient and affordable option. It offers unlimited trips for 24, 48 or 72 hours . It will be activated when you first use it (on a bus/train or other establishments), and you can use it as often as you want  on any of the  city and metropolitan bus lines, metro, tram and commuter trains . So forget about buying tickets and travel for less. 

The Valencia Tourist Card  includes the Valencia-Airport-Valencia route (metro lines 3 and 5), which by taxi would cost you around 15 euros each way. And you can also reach  l'Albufera, Port saplaya, El Puig, El Saler, Pinedo, Puçol and Sagunto with it. 

Plus, you get  free admission to city museums and monuments , discounts at leading tourist attractions and numerous stores in Valencia, and two tapas with free drinks. 

Valencia Tourist Card 24, 48 or 72 hours

Entry ticket to the Oceanografic and Valencia Tourist Card 72 hours

Valencia Tourist Card 72 hours and Entry to the Oceanografic, Science Museum and Hemisferic

Valencia Tourist Card 72 hours and Entry to Oceanogràfic, Science Museum, Hemisfèric and Bioparc

Bus: price, timetables and frequency .

If you have not purchased a Valencia Tourist Card , you have to pay for the ticket. You can buy a single ticket (1.5 euros) when boarding the bus or through the EMTicket app, a bus pass for €10.50 (€8.50 + €2 for the card), or the SUMA card for 10 trips on urban and intercity buses, metro, tram and suburban trains for €10 (€8 + €2 for the card). Both cards have to be activated when boarding the bus.  

The bus pass can be purchased at tobacconists, kiosks and EMT customer service offices, and it can be reloaded online at www.emtvalencia.es and in the EMTValencia app. Each trip is valid for one hour and allows unlimited transfers between EMT buses.

The SUMA10 card can be purchased at the ticket offices and self-serve machines in Metrovalencia and Renfe Cercanías stations, in kiosks, tobacconists and other usual points of sale of the ATMV sales network, and it can be reloaded through the RecargaSUMA app. Each trip is valid for 90 minutes. Transfers are only allowed within the same zone or for 110 minutes if traveling in different zones.

In Valencia, the buses run from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. Average wait time is 12 minutes. Stops with a shelter have a panel informing passengers of the wait time for the next bus. The night bus service begins at 10 p.m., with different frequencies on 23 lines (4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 40, 60, 62, 63, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 81, 92, 93, 95, 98, 99, C1, C2 and C3).

Bus to L’Albufera Natural Park 

If you're planning to visit the lagoon, woods and paddy fields of the nature reserve, the best thing is that you can get there by bus! Municipal bus numbers 25 and 24 will take you to El Palmar and El Perellonet, respectively. If you're planning on a traditional boat ride on L’Albufera Lagoon, the Embarcadero and El Palmar stops are the closest. Buses on both lines run from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. These buses also go through Pinedo, El Saler and El Perellonet, which boast spectacular natural beaches. 

Buses to visit nearby towns 

These are the typical yellow buses (Metrobus) that let you travel from Valencia to the main residential developments and shopping centers on the outskirts, as well as to most landmarks in the metropolitan area: Port saplaya, El Puig, El Saler, Pinedo, Puçol, Sagunto and more. 

With the Valencia Tourist Card, you can travel by Metrobus to all the stops in zones AB.

Download the EMT city bus app 

For your convenience, download the EMT Valencia app . The app can tell you how long it will be before the next bus; figure out how to get to any spot in Valencia; show you three route options; help you locate stops based on your location using GPS; and allow you to save your stops and locations as favourites to make it easier to use the app. Available for iOS and Android. 

City bus information

Underground and tram: price, timetables and frequency 

The underground and tram system offers 9 lines , which can be combined to get you anywhere you want in the city. A single underground ticket costs €1.50 for one zone, €2.80 for two zones, €4.80 for three zones. Your choice will depend on how much and where you want to travel. This price is in addition to €1 for the reloadable card. You can also purchase a bono SUMA (travel card) for €8 (plus €1 for the card). This includes 10 journeys and also allows you to transfer from the underground and tram to the bus, or vice versa. All these tickets can be purchased at underground or tram stations. Valencia underground and tram system map.  

Hours are 4.00 am to 11.30 pm on weekdays. On Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves, the schedule is extended until 3 a.m. And since we’re always thinking about sustainability in Valencia, bikes are permitted in the carriages.  

A few of the stations are notable for their design. Among them is Alameda Station (underground lines 3 and 5), designed by internationally renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. The Amado Granell-Montolivet station is home to a spectacular mural by Valencian illustrator Paco Roca, 2018 National Comic Award winner. And at Colón Station, you can visit the Sala Lametro cultural exhibition space.

All about the Metro de Valencia underground system

Download the underground map

The pleasure of biking .

If you’d rather hop on a bike, Valencia will be a paradise for you. There are over 200 kilometres of bike lanes throughout the city. Additionally, you can ride along the old course of the River Turia, which has been converted into a bike-friendly garden running through the entire city centre.  

The city’s terrain is flat, ideal for pedalling, and motor vehicles are limited to a maximum speed of 30 kilometres per hour. This is a great help in terms of safety. The beaches, L’Albufera Natural Park and La Huerta agricultural area are all incredible spots and accessible by bike. You can purchase bike tours to visit different sights around the city or travel around on your own with bicycle hire. 

Cycling in Valencia

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Valencia’s stunning parks and outdoor spaces

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Aug 2, 2024 • 5 min read

Valencia's outdoor spaces – like Parque Central – inspire locals and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors.

Valencia has a sky that's almost always bright blue: no wonder everyone would rather be outside. Life happens in the street in Spain 's third-largest city, whether that's catching up with friends on sunny terraces over a caña or sipping mojitos with toes plunged into the golden sand.

Come to Valencia to marvel at modernist architecture and Gothic monuments and when it's time to unplug, head to the secluded beach in a thriving natural park, wade a stand up paddleboard into the calm ocean, or roll out a yoga mat in one of the lush city parks. Further afield there are mountains to explore and leafy bicycle paths to whizz along.

Whether it's elegant squares or natural beauty, Valencia's outdoor spaces inspire people to enjoy the great outdoors.

Jardin del Turia

Draped across the city like a winner's sash, Jardin del Turia is a 5.6-mile-long green lung. It's planted in the former riverbed of the Río Turia, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957. Today, it's the largest urban park in Spain. It's speckled with lemon trees, grassy meadows and cafés serving chilled horchata under rubber trees. Some roped-off areas might look overgrown; these are wild sections, left unkempt to encourage biodiversity. Threaded through the plants are running routes and bike paths, while yoga classes take place under the shade of palm trees. Walk along the paths to reach cultural hubs, like the grand music venue Palau de la Música and the otherworldly Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias .

Valencia city beaches

Valencia's most popular beach, Playa El Cabañal is a lively stretch of butter-yellow sand backed by the old fisherman's quarter. Begin by exploring the barrio's character-filled tiled houses and then pop into the local market, Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal for some field-fresh peaches before making tracks to the seaside. Not into sunbathing? Book one of the volleyball courts for free on Playa de la Malvarrosa for you and up to eight friends with the local school BeachBol .

A wealth of water activities await just offshore from all of Valencia’s beaches. From sunset cruises and catamaran sailing to jet skis, windsurfing and paddle boarding, there’s something for every kind of nautical adventurer.

Less than 7 miles from the city is Albufera, and El Saler Beach. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet

Away from the well-trodden path, this secluded beach just south of Valencia is a sustainability and rewilding success story. The coastline of La Devesa was nearly set to be redeveloped, but thankfully the project was scrapped in favor of keeping the beach natural. The shrub-covered dunes have been reinstated, and now the wild coastline is only accessible by foot. Take the number 25 bus from Porta de la Mar to Embarcador de l'Albufera, then it's a pleasant 20-minute walk past pine trees and butterflies to reach the hidden sands dotted with shells. Pack a picnic: there are no beach bars shaking up cocktails here. It's peaceful, undeveloped, and totally relaxing.

Finish with a visit to nearby La Albufera for the region’s famous paella – Bon Aire serves their house special (snails optional) on a terrace beside the rice paddies, or you can escape the elements in the bright and airy Restaurant El Redoli. For a great boat tour of l’Albufera, coupled with delicious paella, look for Nou Racó – it offers traditional flavors with avant garde presentation.

Jardín Botánico

Hidden in a quiet corner of the city center, Jardín Botánico has a fascinating history with roots that stretch back to the 16th century; it was relocated to its current location in 1802. Throughout the 19th century botanical classes took place in this leafy oasis, before it sadly fell out of use. A ten-year recovery project, finished in 2000, restored the old features and added new sights, like the grand orchid and carnivorous plant glasshouse. Now it's a restorative haven, ideal for morning walks or balmy evening strolls (it's open until 8pm). Keep an eye on its website for dreamy activities among the flowers.

Plaza de la Virgen

Graceful Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia's most atmospheric squares, and it’s steeped in history. There has been a square of sorts here since Roman times, and thousands of years later people still gather here to socialize under the clear sky. In the center, a reclining figure in the fountain represents the Río Turia, and each woman surrounding him represents the eight irrigation canals that watered the surrounding farmland. For a better view, go to the rooftop of Hotel Palacio Vallier (there's a €10 minimum spend per person). Up here, there's an eagle-eye perspective over the shell-pink basilica and the cathedral.

Bioparc and Oceanográfic

Opened in 2008, Bioparc is an enormous zoo found at the western end of Jardin del Turia. This huge park has been cleverly designed to feel more immersive: traditional fences and cages are replaced with streams, rocks and lakes. Recreated habitats include the African savannah with rhinos and antelopes, and the Kenyan wetland with crocodiles and hippos. Even the café is set in a round hut-inspired building, with giraffes ambling past the terrace. Over in the Madagascar zone, lemurs with long, bouncy tails scuttle along fences and between the ankles of visitors. Keep an eye out for Makena, the first baby elephant ever born in Valencia.

Spain's most famous aquarium, Oceanográfic , is the southernmost building of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias . The sharks, complete with tunnel, are an obvious favorite, while a series of beautiful tanks present species from temperate, Mediterranean, Red Sea and tropical zones. Out of the water, An aviary presents wetland birds, while polar regions feature penguins, and there are seals, sea lions and walruses, too.

Parque Central

Russafa is one of Valencia's most culture-packed barrios , and in 2019 a new park was designed to bring some greenery to this vibrant area. Parque Central is a multi-faceted leafy space with peaceful water features, native flora and modern installations; it's perfect for picnics and taking a breather after action-packed sightseeing. In the height of summer, children love dashing and squealing through the interactive fountains called Estanque de la Panderola while families celebrate birthdays on picnic benches in the shade. In the center, a walkway shaded by a canopy of pink bougainvillea leads to a large grassy expanse and a flower garden interspersed with trickling pools. Pick up some seasonal fruit and other local delicacies from Ruzafa Market en route and spread out a blanket next to the roses for a blissfully unhurried afternoon.

From our sponsors: Visit the official tourism website of Valencia to start planning your trip today.

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Essentials of Valencia and its World Heritage Sites (Tour in english)

A guided tour through the Historic Centre to visit its most emblematic monuments, with a special stress on the city's World Heritage properties.

Date: Everyday (except for holidays of 2024)

Languages: English. Consult about tours in other languages ​​at [email protected]

AVAILABILITY DATES:

• Summer (June - August) at 10:00 am.
• Fridays & Saturdays, on August & September, at 06:30 pm too.
• October: everyday at 10:00 am too.

The city of Valencia boasts more than 21 centuries of history, dozens of monuments from every era and four World Heritage properties: the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), the Water Tribunal (Tribunal de las Aguas), the Fallas (annual festival featuring ephemeral art, fire and fireworks) and the Mediterranean diet. Few destinations in the world can boast some different cultural attractions on the prestigious UNESCO list.

This cultural walk covers Valencia's most essential, must-see sites, with a professional guide sharing the city's many stories.

The North Station, City Hall, Central Market, Silk Exchange, Queen's Square, Virgin's Square... Our steps will take us down the streets and through the squares of the Historic Centre , as we discover how this urban network has evolved over the centuries: from its Roman origins, through the Muslim period, the Christian era, and down to today.

We will enter the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) , a masterpiece of Gothic civil architecture that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. The fabulous Trading Hall with its columns, vaults and ribs will transport us back to Valencia's prosperous Golden Age.

The Water Tribunal , declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, is re-enacted every Thursday at noon at the Cathedral's Door of the Apostles, while the Fallas was Valencia's last addition to this UNESCO list, in 2016. These festivities are held between March 15 and 19, turning the city into an open-air museum of ephemeral monuments, accompanied by music, traditional attire and the scent of gunpowder.

The Mediterranean diet was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Moreover, it constitutes a healthy lifestyle and it is also, a cultural heritage that includes recipes, ways of cooking, traditions and typical products such as olive oil, rice and dried fruit.

"Essentials of Valencia and its World Heritage Sites" constitutes an exclusive journey through the city's great wealth of culture and heritage, which has garnered it three-fold recognition by UNESCO . Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy this tour through Valencia's past and present, a unique opportunity to ensure great and lasting memories of your visit .

The tour includes admission to the Silk Exchange (every day) and the City Hall (working days, except when official events are held).

*Evening tours (on August & September) do not include entrance fees.

Punto de encuentro / dirrección:

6 comments on “essentials of valencia and its world heritage sites (tour in english)”.

Anais was our excellent guide for historical Valencia tour. She was very knowledgeable and sharing her knowledge in a very pleasant way. In English and Spanish. Thank you!

Thank you very much for your comment towards our guide. She's a professional in the field. From Turiart we are grateful that you enjoyed the route and we look forward to it on upcoming routes. Best Regards.

I had a guide tour through Tania and it was very educational. Details about buildings that you as a tourist don't know, you'll find out with this tour. Tania tells in an easy way how the city of Valencia came about, the cultural customs of the residents, in short, highly recommended. thumb for Tania!

Thank you so much for this review! We are glad you linked our daily tour "Essentials of Valencia and its World Heritage sites". Tania is indeed a great guide and very passionate about her job and the history and art of our city. We hope you enjoyed Valencia and that you visit us again! 🙂

We were guided by Anais on a two-hour tour of the old city today. We were very impressed by her knowledge which was transmitted with enthusiasm and passion. She was generous with her time and was a great natural communicator. We learnt a great deal in a short period of time which has given us a good basis for further exploration and a desire to dig deeper to learn more. Thank you Anais!

Thank you Pippa! Anaïs is indeed a great guide and we are happy that our visitors can enjoy her tours and knowledge. We are glad you learnt a lot and that you will keep a good memory of your visit. See you again soon! 🙂

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Everyday (except for holidays of 2024)

At 11:00 am. *Summer (June - August) at 10:00 am.

English. Consult about tours in other languages ​​at [email protected]

Adult: 18 € Two adults: 32 € Child (from 4 to 12 years old): 6,50 € --- In case you want to change of group according to language, it will be subjected to availability and with an extra cost of 5€ per person.

Clients can change the date of any activity (guided tour, event, excursion...) up to 24 hours in advance free of charge. --- Turiart reserves the right to cancel the visit due to adverse weather conditions. --- In case you want to change of group according to language, it will be subjected to availability and with an extra cost of 5€ per person.

Meeting point / Location

Tourism Hub at Estación del Norte (North Station, main railway station), Valencia. West Tower (the one on the right hand side when facing the station), Ground Floor. Carrer de Xàtiva, 24. Metro station: Xàtiva.

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Santiago Calatrava: Valencia's Starchitect and Architectural Tourism Draw

F rom my seventh-floor hotel window, I watch the evening sun glow on an expansive white exoskeleton collection of buildings known as the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia . A blue and white clamshell structure juts into the skyline alongside a helmet-shaped building, all masterworks from the mind of Santiago Calatrava, Valencia's Starchitect.

The scene could pass for a sci-fi movie set as it has for several futuristic films, including The Suicide Squad , Tomorrowland , Andor , and many TV shows, including Westworld and Doctor Who .

Santiago's buildings are living organisms that move with the sun and shade, often as winged structures that appear to float and defy gravity. His work pushes the bounds of engineering into new possibilities, which is precisely the brilliance of this architectural mastermind. 

The structures Santiago Calatrava built in his hometown are a must-see for architectural tourists. The City of Arts and Sciences puts Valencia on the global tourism radar; however, Calatrava's imprint on the city's infrastructure and skyline is evident throughout Valencia. The architect designed several bridges that span the Turia riverbed as sculptural landmarks.

I spent several days in Valencia, experiencing Calatrava's structures up close. His structures emanate a gravitational pull, commanding you to stop, stare in awe, and ponder the engineering genius that created these structures.

Calatrava draws inspiration from the mechanics and movements of nature, designing structures that explore relationships with the environment. These are the places where his ideas of moving roofs and winged pergolas take flight. 

The architect's buildings are instantly recognizable and obtain iconic status soon after construction. 

The City of Arts and Sciences is Calatrava's calling card. He built a cultural complex that serves as the soul of the city and a statement of Valencia's progressive urban ideals, earning it the title of a World Design Capital. 

The City of Arts and Sciences complex comprises six structures. The Hemisfèric was the first building to open at the City of Arts and Sciences. It resembles an eyeball, with the hemispherical dome acting as the pupil and eyelids that open and close using hydraulic lifts to operate the steel and glass shutters. The Hemisfèric houses an IMAX theatre, planetarium, and laser.  

The Palau de les Arts stages performances and cultural events, punctuating the skyline with two symmetrical concrete shells clad in broken mosaic tiles. A large steel sheath extension crowns the structure, anchoring one side. 

The Agora building, designed by Calatrava, houses CaixaForum, a cultural center designed by Catalan architect Enric Ruiz-Geli.

Inside the blue ceramic -clad shell, steel arches and a glass roof frame a series of cells, two exhibition halls, and an auditorium.

Sustainable materials, including cork, wood, glass fiber, and cardboard, form many design elements . 

The complex also includes a science museum with a large pond outside where people can paddle board. At the end of the complex, L’Oceanografic aquarium is one of Europe's largest marine centers.  

Also in Spain, Calatrava designed the Bodegas Ysios Winery , which was named one of the most beautiful wineries in Spain.

The long undulating structure overlooks the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range.

Santiago's global projects extend to the United States with several landmark projects.

In Florida, the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building at Florida Polytechnic University commands attention along Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa.  The otherworldly structure comprises a steel trellis and an operable roof, with hydraulically activated brise-soleil louvers that adjust throughout the day to optimize natural light and reduce solar heat gain. The robotic louvers move like wings, shading the commons skylight of the great hall inside. 

New York's Ground Zero is home to two Calatrava structures: the Oculus station at the World Trade Center and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. Both address the traditional Greek Orthodox liturgy near the World Trade Center memorial site.

Calatrava's first project in the United States was the 2001 completion of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s extension, which featured the architect's signature moving roof: a bris-soleil with louvers that open and close like wings.

Around the world, Calatrave sculpts and shapes the skyline with projects such as The Expo City Dubai, located in the UAE Pavilion, built for Expo 2020, and the Turning Torso in Malmo, the world's first twisting skyscraper.

Calatrava designed the structure, drawing inspiration from his Twisting Torso sculpture of white marble. The skyscraper rotates 90 degrees as its height increases, sheathed in a steel exoskeleton, and stands 57 stories high.

My guide, Adrian Torres Astaburuaga, an architect and urban planner, says Valencia bet on Calatrava to usher in a new era for the city. "As Valencia was emerging from dark days of dictatorship in the 1980s, this idea of the Guggenheim Effect took hold and transformed industrial and blighted areas of the city," explains Adrian. The result is the “Calatrava Effect,” which is evident in public buildings that convey Valencia’s personality and progressive mindset.

The post Santiago Calatrava: Valencia's Starchitect and Architectural Tourism Draw appeared first on The Design Tourist .

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

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By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

On Sunday, rioters set upon a hotel that was housing asylum seekers in the town of Rotherham, in northern England, breaking windows before surging inside as the police struggled to control them. No guests were injured in the melee, the police said.

In Middlesbrough, a group of rioters, some masked, hurled bottles and rocks at officers. Cars were set on fire, and at least nine people were arrested. On Saturday, a library and a food bank were set ablaze in Liverpool as groups damaged and looted businesses, and in Hull, fires were set and storefronts smashed in the city center.

Dozens of police officers were injured, including some who required trips to the hospital.

What set off the protests?

The unrest began after a teenager wielding a knife attacked a children’s dance class early last week in the seaside town of Southport, which is near Liverpool. Three children were killed, and eight were wounded.

The suspect was born and raised in Britain, but online rumors soon circulated that he was an undocumented immigrant. To counter those false claims, the authorities took the unusual step of publicly identifying him. The BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents are from Rwanda. The police have not disclosed a motive for the stabbing attack.

But with migration a flashpoint issue in Britain, especially on the far right, the rumors were all it took to set off violence.

Extremist groups urged their followers to take to the streets, and on the day after the stabbings, they began to do so, starting in Southport.

How have the authorities responded?

The weekend riots prompted a heavy police response. Nearly 4,000 additional officers were deployed, a law enforcement association said. And a government order gave officers in some places special powers to disperse any gatherings or “antisocial behavior,” the police said in a statement .

More than 400 people have been arrested, and about 100 have been charged, Mr. Starmer said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday — the second in two days.

The prime minister, who has characterized the riots as “far-right thuggery,” encouraged prosecutors to name and shame those convicted to dissuade others from joining the violent rampages.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of the week,” Mr. Starmer said. “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody, should involve themselves in this disorder.”

BJ Harrington, the head of public order for Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that online disinformation had been “a huge driver of this appalling violence.”

Intelligence teams, detectives and neighborhood officers, Mr. Harrington said, were working to identify the people fomenting the violence.

“They won’t win,” he said.

How are the authorities handling online incitement?

Social media has acted as an accelerant throughout the protests, with disinformation fueling far-right and anti-immigrant groups . Britain and other democracies have found that policing the internet is legally murky terrain, with individual rights and free speech protections balanced against a desire to block harmful material .

In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr. Starmer said that some arrests involved people accused of inciting violence online.

The first person to be convicted over online posts since the riots, according to the Crown Prosecution Service , was a 28-year-old man from Leeds who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel that housed asylum seekers. It said that the man, Jordan Parlour, had pleaded guilty and been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred.

Mr. Starmer has called out social media companies over misinformation on their platforms, but holding them accountable could be tricky. Britain adopted a law last year that requires social media companies to introduce protections for child safety and to prevent and quickly remove illegal content like terrorism propaganda and revenge pornography. The law is less clear about how companies must treat misinformation and incendiary language.

What are the political implications?

The riots are the first political crisis for Mr. Starmer, who took office a month ago after his Labour Party defeated the Conservatives, who had been in government for 14 years.

While in power, the Conservatives tried to capitalize on public unhappiness over immigration, vowing to reduce it (though failing to do so). But in recent days they joined Labour in condemning the violent protests.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now the opposition leader, said the unrest had “nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.” The police, he said, have “our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly.”

Megan Specia contributed reporting.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel