Location: Valencia
Top Things to do in Valencia
- 1. Central Market (Mercado Central)
- 2. City of the Arts and Sciences
- 3. Oceanografic Valencia
- 4. Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari y San Pedro Martir
- 5. Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia
- 6. The Fallas
- 7. Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas
- 8. Lladro Factory
- 9. Jardines de Monforte
- 10. Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
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What to do and see in Valencia, Spain: The Best Places and Tips
You’ll find plenty of orange trees here, but the fruit known as the "Valencia orange" was actually developed in California. Travelers interested in local food should focus on paella instead. While the city contains many monuments, Valencia’s modern crown jewel is the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, theaters, and more.
Restaurants in Valencia
1. Central Market (Mercado Central)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Tom M - San Diego
As many have commented, this is a fascinating place to visit to see the seafood, the meats, vegetables and more that locals buy. We bought some great chocolate bars and a delicious touron with orange. Riquíssimo!
2. City of the Arts and Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
DISCOVER THE CIUTAT DE LES ARTS I LES CIÈNCIES. Science, nature and art in a complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination in Europe, placed in Valencia. The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is a unique complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination which is made up of five main elements: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative centre of interactive science), the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (which takes care of the operatic programme). The Ágora gives the complex a multifunctional space.
Reviewed By Charlotte F
Myself and partner decided to have a stroll around Valencia
I really wanted to go to the city of the arts and sciences as I heard it was fantastic to have a walk around.... I was not disappointed
The City of the Arts and Sciences is stunning modern architecture
There is loads to see whilst strolling
When we visited the half Marathon was on therefore there was a great atmosphere, a DJ playing and loads of local people around
There was a group of people water zorbing which was great to see
The garden on the bridge is gorgeous
I would certainly recommend a visit, make sure you plan a couple of hours so you can really take in your surroundings
3. Oceanografic Valencia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Oceanogràfic of Valencia is the biggest aquarium in Europe. It is located in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. This place faithfully reproduces the most important marine ecosystems.
Reviewed By Claire E - London, United Kingdom
My husband and I went to Oceanographic today and I'm not convinced that I'd go again. It was really expensive for the two of us, £56. We were there less than 3 hours. What we saw was great... but the queues for the sharks and the dolphins were just too long and clearly the system didn't work. You had to queue for about 1.5hours to see these attractions so we opted not too. We also tried two bars to get a coffee. Waited 15 minutes at each and gave up. I'm glad we went as the complex and architecture is something to behold, but not sure we'd have bothered with the aquarium again.
4. Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari y San Pedro Martir
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Shelley D - London, United Kingdom
For a small entrance fee we were given an audio guide which was very informative (although we couldn't always make out what we were supposed to be looking at). The church is small and very beautiful. The ceiling is almost as lovely as the Sistine Chapel. Well worth a visit, but check opening times.
5. Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By sparx12 - Derby, United Kingdom
I spent the day walking the length of this park with my dog. It is fantastic. It is broken into many parts that are quite different. Whether it’s an orange grove you’re walking through or a pine forest or walking by football pitches and children’s play areas, or stop to excercise at one of the gym areas. Brilliant and interesting.
Although the dog needs to be kept on a lead, every so often there are enclosed areas to let the dog have a run. There are also lots of bins around!
There are a few cafes around but using the loo can be tricky if you’re by yourself with a dog. There are only two cafes which have toilets outside which you can take the dog in with you! The cafes have terraces si eating and drinking with your pet is fine.
All in all this is an incredible space and well worth a visit- it has something for everyone.
6. The Fallas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
The vibrant beach city of Valencia celebrates Spring with the incredibly loud and eccentric Fallas Fiesta. For a few days in March giant comical statues as high as the nearby apartment blocks and offices are put up in the streets. These larger-than-life statues, which can cost more than €100,000 to build, poke fun at celebrities and politicians or make wry political statements about the world in general. On St Joseph’s Day the statues are burnt in the streets from about midnight onwards. The Fallas Fiesta also involves ear-shattering firework displays known as 'mascletas,' which can reach decibels of 140 or more, firecrackers, music, bands, parades with women in traditional costumes and hair-pieces (looking very similar to Princess Leia’s in Star Wars!), fireworks, flower offerings to the Virgin, food, and plenty to drink. The streets are packed with hundreds of thousands of spectators and the incredible noise of the firecrackers makes this a unique way to herald the new season!
Reviewed By jsy444 - Jersey, United Kingdom
Didn't know quite what to expect but were mesmerised by the whole experience. Went to everything, offerings, fireworks, procession of fire, burnings. Enjoyed the random other bits too, band serenading the local restaurant where the owner and waitress danced. 8am wake up band and fireworks. Highly recommended to everyone unless you are frightened of fireworks or care about health and safety!
7. Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ES1211 - Reading, United Kingdom
The first wow factor comes with the exterior of the building with its rococo and modernista features. There are some beautiful rooms, especially the ball room and Chinese hall. On the upper two floors you have the ceramics museum. There are pieces that are well worth seeing, I especially liked the early ceramics. Another of the highlights was reconstruction of an old Valencian kitchen made with original materials. We went on a Sunday which happened to be a free day, but even so it was not too crowded.
8. Lladro Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By shorexcursions
Lladro porcelain ornaments are world famous and the designs and quality are unsurpassed. I am not a collector of Lladro but I visit Valencia frequently and could not miss the opportunity to visit the Lladro factory and see how these beautiful works of art are made. It was amazing to see how each piece is handmade and hand painted. True original craftsmanship in a world full of knock offs and fakes. After the factory tour we had a tour of the large showroom of finished Lladro ornaments. I had no idea that the range of Lladro ornaments was so varied and that they could create so many colours. Among the pieces on display is the most complex and ambitious work they have ever done. It's called "Carnival In Venice" and it took 35 artists a total of 22,000 hours to complete. It is just amazing. I loved this visit, and I bought some Lladro. There is something special about buying Lladro directly from the Lladro factory.
9. Jardines de Monforte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By bachus_10 - London, United Kingdom
It's a much smaller space than it's nearby neighbour Jardins del Reial but I found it more interesting. Three different styles with their own distinctive appearance, lots of statues and a beautiful pond, the whole place could be done in 30 minutes but it is very peaceful and serene. Entry is free and wheelchair accessible. I can imagine on a hot day it would be a nice break from the heat.
10. Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 886 reviews
Reviewed By bsandrs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Arriving at the Plaza de la Virgen early for a guided tour, we entered the adjacent Basilica and were privileged to enjoy the atmosphere and superb decor just before a service was due to start. Later our guide explained some of the architectural highlights included the ornamental doors. The is one building and experience not to be missed.
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