Valencia, spain
Attractions Guide

The city of Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the country's eastern coast, along the Mediterranean Sea. Just south of Valencia is the Port of Gandia, from which you can take a car ferry to the islands of Ibiza or Mallorca if you like. Along with Barcelona, Valencia offers the shortest and least expensive flights to Ibiza and Mallorca.

Valencia's most iconic sight is the City of Arts & Sciences, a large complex of ultra-contemporary structures surrounded by light blue pools of water. The complex is incredibly beautiful and contains a science museum, Imax theater, opera house, and convention center. The pools surrounding the structures are so large that you can rent a kayak to explore them.

The City of Arts & Sciences is bordered by a long park on one side, and a large palm tree garden covered in a similar contemporary structure on the other side. At the very eastern end of the complex is the massive Oceanografic Aquarium. The aquarium is the largest of its kind in Europe, and is divided into different areas to represent all of the major marine ecosystems on Earth.

On the northern side of the Old Town is the city's most iconic historic gate, the Torres de Serranos. This gate forms part of the walls which once encircled the Old Town. You can climb the stairs to the top of the gate for great views of the area.

At the western edge of the Old Town is another impressive city gate, the Torres de Quart. You can also climb the stairs to the top of this medieval gate for outstanding views.

Within Valencia's Ciutat Vella Old Town is the grand Plaza de la Virgen, which features a brilliant fountain in the center.

Sitting on the plaza is the stunning 13th century Valencia Cathedral, with its unique Colosseum-like arcade arches. Within the church's lavish interior you'll find two paintings by Goya, as well as an ancient relic which is claimed to be the actual Holy Grail. The church also features the octagonal Torre del Micalet tower, which you can climb for spectacular views over the Old Town.

Just southwest of the Plaza de la Virgen is perhaps the city's most impressive medieval structure, La Lonja de la Seda. This UNESCO listed building showcases exceptional gothic architectural elements, and is among the city's top attractions.

Central Market of Valencia

Nearby La Lonja de la Seda is the vast Central Market of Valencia, which is one of the largest public markets in Europe. This beautiful art-nouveau structure houses countless food vendors and other products.

Near the Plaza de la Virgen is Valencia's most popular must-see museum, the Museo Nacional de Ceramica, or Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts. This large museum is housed within a lavish 18th century palace and contains many interesting exhibits and intricately decorated historic treasures.

Outside of the Old Town across the riverbed from the Torres de Serranos is the city's fine art museum, the Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia. The museum houses a sizable collection of Spanish and European works from the 14th-17th centuries.

On the southern end of Valencia's Old Town is the city's main square, the Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia. This plaza is surrounded by lovely and historic modernisme-style buildings, as well as the majestic City Hall building. The City Hall hosts a small city history museum, as well as an observation deck that you can access for views over the plaza.

Mercat de Colon Covered Market

East of the City Hall Plaza is another large covered public market, the Mercat de Colon. This attraction's biggest draw is the building itself, which is a stunning art nouveau structure.

Located on the western outskirts of the city is one of the top-rated zoos in Europe, the Valencia Bioparc. This zoo is known for its amazing-looking exhibits which aim to immerse the visitors in the animals' natural habitats, which is partially achieved by using natural barriers instead of metal fences and cages. The Bioparc primarily houses a large collection of African animals.

Located between Valencia and Barcelona along the Mediterranean Coast is the stunning beachside city of Peñiscola.

In this city you'll find a large medieval castle built by the Knights Templar, the Castillo de Peñiscola. This castle sits atop a rocky hill on a tiny peninsula that sticks out from the coast. Inside the castle you'll find many exhibits and pathways for you to explore. From the top of the Peñiscola Castle you can enjoy gorgeous panoramic views over the coast. Below the castle are beautiful seaside gardens you can enjoy.