The tourist attractions of Valencia, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world. In this article we will tell you about: what to see and do in Valencia, what are the main tourist places of Valencia, what is worth visiting in the first place if you have little time, and much more.
We offer you very useful and interesting information: a true first-hand guide about the tourist places of Valencia.
In terms of history, the most interesting areas of Valencia are: Ciutat Vella and El Carmen. In these areas are the main tourist attractions of Valencia: The Cathedral, the Basilica, the Central Market, the Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers. You will also find in both areas of Valencia: old coffee shops, narrow streets, souvenir shops and many charming corners. This is a true ancient city, which carefully preserves its centennial historical spirit.
Tourist attractions in Valencia: The Cathedral, The Basilica and El Miguelete
The Cathedral and the Basilica, the main tourist attractions of Valencia city, are in its centre. Near the Cathedral, it is the famous bell tower El Miguelete, or El Micalet in the Valencian language. These three tourist attractions of Valencia are included in all the tourist guides of the city. In addition, it is possible to easily explore these Valencia places of interest on your own, since tourists are offered an audio guide service in several languages.
The Cathedral and the Basilica are between two famous squares: The Plaza de la Reina, which dominates the main entrance of the Cathedral, and the Plaza de la Virgen, which dominates the main entrance of the Basilica.
Below, we will take a closer look at the Valencia Cathedral.
This is a great cathedral, in the sense that it combines the characteristics of the Gothic and Romanesque styles, as well as the Baroque. The Valencia Cathedral is really beautiful and has a splendid altar.
The Holy Chalice in Valencia. In one of the small chapels of the Cathedral, to the right side of the entrance, the Holy Chalice is kept, and it is officially recognized by the Vatican. Some popes (for example, Benedict XVI) came here expressly to venerate the Holy Chalice of Valencia. The chapel is dimly lit, and the brightest place here is the showcase itself that contains the Holy Chalice.
To the left side of the entrance to the Cathedral, is the bell tower of El Miguelete. If you manage to climb it (climbing its steep and narrow stairs is not an easy task), your efforts will be rewarded with the magnificent views of the city. Therefore, it must be done at least once in a lifetime.
Tickets to the Cathedral and the Cathedral museum:
- General ticket with audio guide is € 7.
- Reduced ticket: € 5.5.
- Family Pack (2 adults + 2 children from 5 to 12 years old): € 18.
- Group ticket: € 4.
- Ticket for Schoolchild of the Valencian Community: € 1.
- Only Cathedral Museum Ticket: € 3.
El Miguelete tickets:
- General ticket: € 2.
- Adult group ticket: € 1.5.
- Schoolchild group ticket: € 1.
- Reduced ticket: € 1.
Cathedral detailed prices and schedule here.
We continue with our guide to the most important tourist places of Valencia, with a description of the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados.
This Virgin is very loved to Valencians, since evidenced by the fact that years ago, the most common traditional female name in Valencia was the name of Desamparados or Amparo.
Weddings are often held in the basilica. In addition, in order to get married here, it is not necessary to belong to a rich or influential family: all Spaniards who wish can marry here. Marriages with foreigners are also possible, as long as you have the priest permission. During Las Fallas, in the Plaza de la Virgen, in front of the Basilica, a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary is placed near the Basilica. The figure is presented, almost completely, with an enormous cloak made of white and red flowers.
The floral ornament pattern changes every year. The act is known as the Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados (Floral Offering to the Virgin): all the Fallas participants of Valencia go to the Virgin in order to bring her flowers. The act is impressive, and you should definitely see it if you are in Valencia during Las Fallas.
Valencia tourist places on the map: Catedral de Valencia, Real Basílica De Nuestra Señora De Los Desamparados and El Miguelete.
Tourist attractions in Valencia: The Central Market (El Mercado Central)
There are many markets in Valencia, and these are very good markets. Each important area of Valencia has its own indoor market, which are famous for the freshness and quality of the products. The prices here are sometimes even higher than in popular supermarkets. The most famous of them is the Central Market, which may be recognized as one of the attractions of Valencia.
The Central Market must be included without a doubt, in one of the obligatory routes through the places of interest of Valencia. You do not need a guide in order to walk slowly through the delights of ham, cheeses, numerous meat products and seafood.
Why visit the Central Market of Valencia? Here are some of the main reasons:
- Traditionally, it is believed that the best and freshest seafood in Valencia is sold here.
- The Central Market building is very beautiful.
- You will always be offered sangria or Agua de Valencia here, the famous alcoholic beverage based on orange juice, with the addition of vodka and champagne.
- You can have lunch right next to the market: there are a lot of local coffee shops around the main entrance.
Valencia tourist attractions on the map: The Central Market:
Tourist attractions in Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia appears in many guides, postcards, magnets and other souvenirs: this is one of the main tourist attractions of Valencia. This huge and modern complex with futuristic architecture is located at the end of the Turia River. The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia was designed by the world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava.
The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia includes: a museum; an aquarium; an indoor tennis court; a scientific video projection room; as well as ponds and artificial parks, where exhibitions are organized periodically.
Music videos and movies are shot here, including those from Hollywood. Like, for example, Tomorrowland, with George Clooney, filmed entirely in the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia.
This place is very beautiful, especially on sunny days, so it is especially popular for photo shoots, including weddings. The museum is really interesting since everything can be touched here. Needless to say, children enjoy a lot in this kind of places.
The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia can be visited individually or with a guide. Admission is paid only to access to the closed areas. That is to say, the museum, the oceanarium, etc. The surrounding parks, with ponds, are publicly accessible.
Get more information about schedules and prices here.
The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia on the map:
Tourist attractions in Valencia: The Bioparc
The Bioparc of Valencia is an ideal place to visit with children. The Bioparc of Valencia is a zoo, but not in the traditional sense. There are practically no cages here (only for the cheetah and the panther). Animals are free, you can communicate with them, which delights children. For example, in the area of the lemur, animals run right in front of you, even hovering over you. Elephants are separated only by thin cables under voltage. Giraffes walk freely with gazelles and may approach you to ask for water. It is very interesting to observe the feeding of elephants and monkeys.
Tips to visit the Bioparc of Valencia:
- If possible, it is recommended to choose a weekday during the visit (not on weekends or holidays).
- If you have children and you live in Valencia, or you often come here, we recommend that you buy a season pass. It is very profitable, and you will never get bored at the Bioparc: you will always find something new here. For example, on one of yours visits to the park, a hippo may wallow lazily in the water, and next time it may run quite actively.
- If it is very hot outside, it is preferable not to go to the Bioparc: animals fleeing from the heat will remain in the shade, therefore it is unlikely that you will see them.
Get more information about prices and schedules on the official website of the Bioparc of Valencia.
Bioparc of Valencia on the map:
Tourist attractions in Valencia: Music Palace (Palau de la Música)
The Palau de la Música in Valencia is a great place for classical art lovers. Concerts of local and foreign classical music stars are held here. It is worth noting that people here are very fond of Russian classics. In fact, in November, Stravinsky’s concert will take place; and in January, Tchaikovsky´s. In February, the famous Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov will also come here. In March, at the Palau de la Música of Valencia, the famous Austrian violinist born in Chisinau, in the USSR period: Patricia Kopachinsky. You can buy the annual subscription.
In order to obtain the detailed program of concerts, prices and schedules, visit the official website of the Palau de la Música de Valencia.
Palau de la Música of Valencia on the map:
Tourist attractions in Valencia: museums
There are museums for all tastes in Valencia: paintings, ceramics, archaeology, inventions; Everyone has something to do in Valencia. The affordable cost of the tickets is a great advantage. You will find a list of the main museums in Valencia here:
González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts
Price:
- General ticket: € 3.
- Group ticket: € 1.5.
- Children (under 18), pensioners over 65, disabled and unemployed: free.
- Free admission on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Schedule:
- From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays and bank holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays.
National Museum of Ceramics on the map:
Valencia Museum of Fine Arts
Price: Free
Schedule:
- From Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 20.00 p.m.
- Closed on Monday.
Valencia Museum of Fine Arts on the map:
Silk Museum
Price:
- General ticket: € 6.
- Reduced ticket: € 4.
- Children under 5 years: free.
Schedule:
- From Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (in November and December – until 6:00 p.m.).
- Monday and Sunday: from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Silk Museum on the map:
Museum of the Patriarch – National Monument
Price: € 3.
Schedule (guided tours):
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10.00 a.m.
- Thursday and Saturday: 11.00 a.m.
- Closed on Sundays.
Museum of the Patriarch – National Monument on the map:
Fallas Museum
Price:
- General ticket: € 2.
- Reduced ticket: € 1.
- Sundays and bank holidays: free.
Schedule:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. at 7 p.m.
- Sundays and holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fallas Museum on the map:
You can find a list of the best museums in Valencia here with their prices and schedules.
Other places of interest in Valencia
- Serranos Gate − Torres de Serrano and Torres del Quart. The beautiful medieval door: you can climb the stairs.
- District of El Carmen. This area is ideal for walking. There is a remarkable difference among other areas of Valencia.
This area is the old part of the city, with narrow streets, small squares and Theatre Cafes. You can start walking from the square in front of the Central Market and walk through El Carmen and the entire old town.
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- Bullring of Valencia.
- Colón Street and its adjacent streets, where there are many shops.
- Gran Via Fernando el Católico: a large avenue with a picturesque green alley in the middle.
Trips in Valencia by bike and segways
If you really do not like to walk or you are simply tired, this option in order to explore the many attractions of Valencia, may be your salvation. You can book such trips, for example, here and here.
In this article, we have informed you about the most important tourist places of Valencia, but of course, there are many more. Valencia itself deserves to be called “the open-air museum”. Valencia, which carefully preserves its traditions, is a very beautiful and welcoming city, which invites its walkers to stroll through its narrow streets, to feel and absorb its incomparable majestic-city atmosphere, with a rich history and culture. We are completely in love with Valencia! And you?
Remember that now, our company works for you not only in Alicante, but also in Valencia. We are always pleased to answer your questions about the purchase of homes in Valencia and help you choose the best option.
Read our articles about Valencia:
- Valencia Areas: Guide to Valencia Districts and Neighbourhoods;
- Patacona, Valencia: area and real estate reviews.
