Why you should Plan Your Trip to Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain, is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. The city, once the capital of the kingdoms of Valencia and Valencia, is rich in cultural heritage. Magnificent historical 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’s charming old center, Ciutat Vella (Old Town), is still a great place to call home. However, Valencia has moved into the 21st Century with enthusiasm. Visitors are welcomed into an exciting new world of scientific and artistic discovery by the modern Modern Art Institute and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
Best places to visit in Valencia, Spain
La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies de Valencia
This futuristic complex is located on the outskirts of Valencia and offers tourists a unique experience in science and arts. La Ciutat de Les Arts I Les Ciencies de Valencia is Europe’s largest center for scientific and cultural exhibitions.
The complex is located along the Turia River and features several striking examples of avant-garde architecture by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela.
The City of Arts and Sciences hosts workshops, conferences, and exhibitions related to art and science topics.
Oceanografic de Valencia
The City of the Arts and Sciences’ striking Felix Candela-designed building houses the largest European aquarium. It comprises several facilities dedicated to one or more of the most important marine environments and ecosystems on the planet: Wetlands and Temperate and Tropical, Oceans and Oceans, Arctic, Arctic, Islands, and the Red Sea.
More than 500 marine species are represented by 45,000 sea animals, seen in nine towers that give the illusion of being underwater. The tunnel is the most striking, with visitors surrounded by swimming sharks on both sides. Beluga whales and sea lions can be found here, as well as penguins, sea lions (walruses), sea lions (walruses), seals, sea turtles, and dolphins.
You can also see marine life in mangrove swamps, marshlands, and kelp forests. The Submarine Restaurant is also available for dining. Huge aquariums surround it.
La Lonja de Seda
This Gothic masterpiece was built to house the Silk Exchange of the city in the 15th Century. It was where Valencian silk was traded (to be sold throughout Europe). This monument is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
La Lonja de Seda is one of Europe’s most impressive examples of Gothic civil architecture. Its formidable tower and crenelated exterior resemble a medieval castle. The facade has richly decorated doors, windows, and gargoyles, grotesquely carved creatures acting as waterspouts. The main hall features rich stellar vaulting that is supported by twisted columns.
The tower’s spiral staircase has 144 stone steps that visitors can climb. The tower’s spiral staircase offers stunning views of the entire town from the top. The attraction is accessible to the public every day.
Mercado Central
The Mercado Central, a large marketplace built-in 1928, is opposite the Lonja. The Art Nouveau building is richly decorated with azulejos (regional decorative ceramics). There are hundreds of market stalls in the hall where you can find fresh produce, vegetables, and other Spanish products.
Just next to the market hall is the Iglesia De Los Santos Juanes; you can find this beautiful 14th-century church. The church boasts a beautiful Baroque façade and stunning ceiling paintings by Palomino.
Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari y San Pedro Martir de Valencia
The site of an ancient Roman sanctuary was the location of the church’s founding, dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. Peter. In the 15th century, the Romanesque church was reconstructed in Gothic style. The interior was completed in the Baroque style in the 1690s.
The church’s exterior is simple and solemn, but the interior is exquisite and one of Valencia’s most beautiful. Impressive frescoes cover the ceilings and walls of the sanctuary. Antonio Palomino designed the frescoes, and Dionis Vidal completed the painting. The scenes depicted in the frescoes are from Saint Nicholas’ life and Saint Peter’s Martyr.
This church is a treasure trove of Baroque art, with its elaborate frescoes and sculptural embellishments. The ceiling frescoes are unique in their scale.
Plaza de la Virgen
The Plaza de la Virgen, which overlooks the cathedral, is one of Valencia’s oldest and most beloved plazas. Silvestre Edeta, a Valencian sculptor, created the graceful fountain Neptune at the Plaza de la Virgen. Locals often gather there, especially during the night.
Many landmark buildings surround the square. The Palace of the Generalitat is across the square, while the Real Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados is next to the Catedral de Valencia. This is the most important and also the first Baroque church in Valencia. The church’s magnificent fresco on its dome ceiling, painted by Antonio Palomino in 1703, is well-known.
Iglesia de Santo Tomas y San Felipe Neri
This beautiful church, with its stunning blue-tiled dome and interior, exemplifies Valencia’s Mediterranean style. The Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip, built-in 1725, was designated a National Historic Monument by the National Historical Monuments Act of 1982.
The baroque-style facade of the church is a striking example of Baroque architecture. It was also modeled on the famous Il Gesu church in Rome. The stunning interior features a large central nave with many side chapels.
Every day, the church hosts a Catholic mass. Although the public can’t visit the monument, tourists can visit the beautiful sanctuary.
Bioparc Valencia
Valencia’s zoo is located 25 acres north of the park. Diverting of the River Turia created the park. This landscape’s design allows animals to live in their natural habitats. The zoo is mainly known for its extensive collection of African animals.
Visitors feel transported to Africa when they see animals in landscapes typical of Savannah, Madagascar, and Equatorial Africa.
They coexist in the same way as their native environment, rather than as separate species. For example, in the savannah, rhinoceros, lions, and giraffes co-exist as they would in their natural habitats. The dense equatorial forest is home to gorillas, while the water cools crocodiles and hippopotami.
Bioparc commits to the sustainability of resources and wildlife conservation. We use solar panels to heat our water and recycle more than 95% of it.
Festivals in Valencia, Spain
Las Fallas Festival
Valencia is an enjoyable place to visit in March. The city transforms into a vibrant celebration during Fiesta de San Jose (Feast Day of Saint Joseph). This lively religious festival is a local tradition. Festival attendees can enjoy traditional music, paella, fireworks, and art exhibits.
Fallas are large floats made from papier-mache that feature creative designs. People are placing these creations on the streets and burn them at midnight on day three of the fiesta. Carpenters started this custom, and other artisans joined in the Middle Ages who used leftover wood and other materials to lighten their homes on Saint Joseph’s Day.
You can see the preserved ninots at the Museo Fallero on Plaza Monteolivete. It’s fascinating to see how technology has influenced the evolution of the ninots, from early wax figures in real clothes to more modern ones made of paper-mache and polystyrene.
Shopping in Valencia, Spain
The ceramic industry is very famous in this region. Visitors will find a variety of sizes and qualities, with the town of Manises being the most traditional production center.
Tavernes Blanques, the home of local porcelain production and home to Lladro, which exports around the globe, is Tavernes Blanques. The craft of vegetable fiber, which is used in furniture and household decoration, must be added to pottery and earthenware. You can find fine examples in Vallada and Montesa as well as Navarres, Navarres, and L’Olleria. Overall, Valencia is not the most expensive place in Spain.
L’Olleria, Llosa de Ranes makes handmade glassware and woodcraft. The furniture industry is thriving in Alboraya and Xirivella. Handicraft in cork is a specialty in Sagunto.
Aldaida and Alacuas, Godella, and Valencia show excellent craftsmanship in fan-making, from the most straightforward designs to those made with mother-of-pearl.
You can find a wide range of local products, including sausages, confectionery, and rice. You should also taste the red and white wines made from Valencian denominations.
Travel regulations in Spain
The European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) was organized by the EU to improve the Schengen zone’s border control. ETIAS is a travel authorization system coming into force in 2025, mandatory for anyone wanting to travel to Europe from a country whose citizens do not require a visa to enter. ETIAS applies to those visa-free travelers who plan to visit Schengen countries, including Spain.
Beaches in Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a beautiful coastal city on the Mediterranean coast. It boasts a 323-mile stretch of coastline that will suit any mood or moment. Las Arenas is the most sought-after beach, which is located less than two miles from the city’s center and is easily accessible via public transport. You will find the ideal spot to relax and tan on this beach, which has a large stretch of golden sand. There are also a variety of amenities like toilets and volleyball courts.
Of course, there are other towns in Spain that have very lovely beaches. But still, there is something about Valencia’s beaches that everyone enjoys very much.
La Malvarrosa is another must-see beach in Valencia. This beach is well-known for its many outdoor activities, including canoeing and paddleboarding.
FAQ
What is Valencia Spain known for?
The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Old Town, and Central Market are all highlights of Valencia. It is also the birthplace of paella. Valencia is known for its quirky museums, festivals, sunny weather, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Is Valencia worth visiting in Spain?
Valencia is more practical and modern than it is dreamy and romantic. Valencia is home to a bullfighting arena in the middle of the city and beautiful old buildings and squares. However, its streets lack the same charm and character as other Spanish cities.
What should I experience in Valencia?
Top 8 experiences to enjoy in Valencia – Eating paella at Toni Montoliu’s Barraca; Join the Las Fallas and Corpus festivities; Definitely check out Las Arenas beach; Drink an Agua de Valencia at the Café de las Horas; Visit the typical food shop; Be amazed in front of the beauty of the North Station.
How many days is enough for Valencia?
You can truly enjoy the city in 4 to 5 days. Spend a few days relaxing on Valencia’s inviting beaches after seeing all the sights.