Top 10 Valencia Attractions

Valencia doesn’t shout about itself, though - it’s content to let those in the know come along and unlock it’s not insubstantial supply of charms. Once you start to explore, it’ll be hard to stop. Here are our top 10 attractions to see in Valencia.

A River Ran Through It

If there’s one part of Valencia that really announces itself, it’s the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – or the City of Art and Sciences. The city’s river Turia was prone to flooding, so in the 1960s, it was diverted away from the urban areas, the former riverbed converted into this stunning 350,000 square foot complex. The awe-inspiring and thoroughly modern look is courtesy of Santiago Calatrava, a Valencian architect, and the variety of buildings encompass an aquarium, cinema, science museum, and opera house. It’s a more modern part of Valencia that stands apart from much of the city, but it’s an enchanting place for visitors and easily the most photographed spot you’ll find in Valencia.

The Grail and Goya

Like many Spanish religious buildings, the Catedral de Valencia is built on a site that has done its duty to various denominations over the centuries and through a variety of empires. There was once a Roman temple here, before the Moors erected a mosque. When the Spaniards reclaimed the city, they replaced it with this fine 13th-century edifice. Many of those different influences remain in the architecture, while the spiral staircase inside has a charm all its own. There’s artwork from Goya to be enjoyed, plus what some claim to be the original Holy Grail. Apocryphal or not, it’s still worth seeing.

The Deep Blue

While it forms part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, the Oceanografico – or Oceanographic – is such a vast aquarium that it’s very much a destination on its own. In fact, it’s the largest of its kind in Europe, boasting hundreds of marine species in one of the best-designed environments to experience them in. There’s a variety of habitats, a superb dolphinarium, and a shark tunnel. You can even arrange in advance to sleep in the shark tunnel – a unique experience that’s topped only by the opportunity to actually swim with them.

Set Out Your Stall

Built in 1928, the Central Market – or Mercato Centrale – is huge and splendid to look at, both from the outside and once you’re on the inside. It’s a piece of brilliant Spanish modernism that jostles with life on a daily basis, replete with colorful stalls packed with fresh food. If you’re self-catering in Valencia, or just after some bits and pieces for a picnic, this is the place to stock up. The stalls overflow with fish, meat and cheese, while there are also a couple of places to watch the world go by as you enjoy some tapas.

The Triangular Square

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is Valencia’s beating heart and the focal point of much of the city’s life, where you’ll find the town hall and other notable architecture. Fireworks and festivals both start in this triangular square, including March’s spectacular Las Fallas fiesta, while the stunning post office is a sight in itself. All visitors should make a pilgrimage here, whether to people-watch, capture some unforgettable photos, or just throw themselves into the endless bustle of everyday life.

The Paella Park

The Albufera National Park is a freshwater lagoon close to the city, but it feels like a different planet entirely. Step away from normality and wander untouched dunes, find Spain’s largest lake, take in the scents of a pine forest, and watch migratory birds come and go. Rice is grown in the water here, and it’s claimed as the spiritual home of that classic Valencian dish, paella. El Palmar, a local village, is one of the finest places to try it, as well as other local specialties. You can sleep off your post-meal tiredness on a boat in the heart of the lake.

Out of Africa

Zoos have to change with the times, and Valencia’s Bioparc certainly feels like one of Europe’s most modern. It has only been here since 2008 but has won admirers for its unusual approach to fencing and landscapes. The animals are all African, and the gorillas, leopards, lions and elephants – as well as a Madagascan landscape with lemurs – almost seem to be running free next to the visitors. They’re not, of course, but the illusion makes this a truly refreshing experience.

Dune Your Own Thing

There are three wonderful Blue Flag beaches – awarded the status for their immaculate cleanliness – that can be found mere minutes from the heart of Valencia. Whether you head to El Cabanal, Las Arenas, or Malvarrosa, you’ll find soft sand with natural vegetation, locals out in force, watersports, and plenty of sunshine. You can hire a pedal boat or swim in the mild sea, while restaurants, clubs, bars, and cafes line the beachfront. Sometimes there’s little better in the world than an urban beach, and Valencia can claim three gorgeous examples.

River Bank Bliss

The Jardines del Turia – the Turia Gardens – are another masterpiece of urban planning in Valencia. They follow the path the Turia river once took before its diversion and make up more than five miles of gardens, playgrounds, fields, lawns, and paths for both cycling and walking. While teenagers use the skate park, kids clamber over the giant figure of Gulliver, and adults cycle to and fro – there really is something for everyone here.

The Silk Site

La Lonja is Valencia’s old silk exchange – a drop-dead gorgeous building that was built between 1482 and 1533. It tells a tale of the city’s 15th-century prosperity and fine Gothic architecture. The preservation is remarkable, and it’s only a couple of euros to tour the interior. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and is a joy to wander between the main hall, the side wing, the central tower, and the orange garden.

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