Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. While its two bigger sisters steal much of the tourism limelight, Valencia has quietly risen through the ranks and is now a worthy contender. The city has much going for it; a stunning medieval core, a multitude of architectural styles, urban savvy, colorful festivals, a vibrant nightlife, and gastronomic scene, and a laid-back beach vibe make Valencia an attractive destination for all sorts of visitors. What I particularly like about Valencia is the fact that many attractions in the city center are within walking distance whilst the City of Arts & Sciences, beaches, and marina is easily accessible via the city’s efficient public transportation network. The Valencia Tourist Card makes it even easier for visitors to get around cheaply.
Here are a few things to do and see in this wonderful city:
Visit El Catedral: This gorgeous cathedral is set in the center of the ancient Roman quarter of valencia. Like many ancient buildings in coastal Spain, elements of Moorish, Baroque, and renaissance styles are present from conquerors of different religious backgrounds that have controlled the city throughout its history. Many additions to and subtractions from the cathedral were made during the 1600s, 1700s and early 1800s and the present-day building is a beautiful collision of stylistic influences. The famous chalice known as the Santo Caliz sits in the cathedral, said by some to be the fabled Holy Grail.
Stretch your mind at La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: Images of the iconic center for Arts and Sciences can be seen on almost every website and pamphlet aboutValencia. The center houses a museum, an IMAX theater, an aquarium, a planetarium, a laser dome, and an opera house. Visitors young and old are encouraged to exercise their brains while touching and interacting with exhibits.
Picnic at El Parque Natural de la Albufera: Centered around a gorgeous lagoon, this nature reserve south of valencia are a great spot for the tired traveler to retire for some peace and quiet outside of the hustle of the city proper. Over 250 species of migratory birds frequent the area during the summer months. Visitors can also gaze at the myriad flora and fauna within the park. Three separate canals connect the wetlands and lagoon to the Balearic sea (part of the Mediterranean.
See, smell and taste El Mercado Central: This 8000 square meter space market is one of the oldest runnings in Europe. The building surrounding the market was designed in 1914 by architects Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler. Vendors sell meat, vegetables, fruit fish, and more in over 1,000 stands. Come for the sights, smells, and tastes in the early morning, and then grab breakfast or lunch at one of the many restaurants and tapas bars surrounding the market.
Watch Valencia FC Play: You can’t visit Spain (or Europe for that matter) without attending a soccer match. Founded in 1919, Valencia FC is one of the top clubs in Spain. The club plays in La Liga against powerhouses like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, the current Liga and European champs. A brand new 75,000-seat stadium opened in valencia in 2011.
Spend a day exploring El Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno: The Valencia Museum of Modern Art is made up of a modern building and a 13th-century building that was formerly a convent. The museum features paintings, sculptures, photography, drawings, concerts, and more from modern artists in Spain and around the world. It is open Monday and Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm and Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. Entry is only 2 Euros per person.
People watch on el Calle Caballero: This chic street full of shopping, cafes, and bars is the best spot in the city to enjoy a coffee, read a book, or gaze at passers-by. Calle Caballero is part of Barrio del Carmen in the old town of Valencia and is frequented by valencia’s young and beautiful citizens.
El Mercado Central: This 8000 square meter space market is one of the oldest runnings in Europe. The building surrounding the market was designed in 1914 by architects Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler. Vendors sell meat, vegetables, fruit fish, and more in over 1,000 stands. Come for the sights, smells, and tastes in the early morning, and then grab breakfast or lunch at one of the many restaurants and tapas bars surrounding the market.
Stretch your mind at La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: Images of the iconic center for Arts and Sciences can be seen on almost every website and pamphlet about Valencia. The center houses a museum, an IMAX theater, an aquarium, a planetarium, a laser dome, and an opera house. Visitors young and old are encouraged to exercise their brains while touching and interacting with exhibits.
Picnic at El Parque Natural de la Albufera: Centered around a gorgeous lagoon, this nature reserve south of Valencia are a great spot for the tired traveler to retire for some peace and quiet outside of the hustle of the city proper. Over 250 species of migratory birds frequent the area during the summer months. Visitors can also gaze at the myriad flora and fauna within the park. Three separate canals connect the wetlands and lagoon to the Balearic Sea (part of the Mediterranean)
Visit El Catedral: This gorgeous cathedral is set in the center of the ancient Roman quarter of Valencia. Like many ancient buildings in coastal Spain, elements of Moorish, Baroque and renaissance styles are present from conquerors of different religious backgrounds that have controlled the city throughout its history. Many additions to and subtractions from the cathedral were made during the 1600s, 1700s and early 1800s and the present-day building is a beautiful collision of stylistic influences. The famous chalice known as the Santo Caliz sits in the cathedral, said by some to be the fabled Holy Grail.