Things to do in Valencia
A holiday in Valencia offers attractions to suit all tastes, from beautiful beaches right on the doorstep to a host of museums, art galleries, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, a full calendar of exciting festivals, and historic sites.
There are some wonderful beaches near Valencia, such as El Saler, El Puig, and Sagunto, which are all less than an hour out of the city. The beaches within the city are less glorious but still good for a swim and a suntan. Valencia has some lovely green lungs as well, including the Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia park, and the Bioparc Valencia, which is a great zoo.
Historical attractions in Valencia include the ancient Crypt of Saint Vincente, which contains evidence of the city's Visigoth, Roman, and Muslim heritage; the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), founded in 1469; the Valencia Cathedral, which is said to be the final resting place of the Holy Grail; and the beautiful Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas. A wander through the atmospheric El Carmen district is a must, as is a lazy meal or drink in the Plaza de la Virgen.
With a comprehensive bus and metro system, it's easy to get around Valencia while sightseeing. The metro system is not extensive, consisting of four lines, but covers the major points in the city, including a tramway to the beach. Buses, on the other hand, will get visitors to just about anywhere. More active visitors can opt to hire a bicycle, and enjoy Valencia's great network of cycle paths. Much of the city can also be explored on foot.
City of Arts and Science
The impressive, futuristic landscape of the City of Arts and Science covers a vast area, and rises out of a man-made lake in what was formerly the bed of the River Turia. It encomp…
El Carmen
The ancient district of El Carmen sits in the heart of Valencia's old town, where there are narrow cobbled alleyways, honey-coloured buildings, and bars and cafes that make up a la…
Valencia Cathedral
It is reputedly the resting place of the Holy Grail but, whether visitors believe that or not, the ornate Valencia Cathedral is worth a visit just because of its unique history and…
Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)
One of Valencia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the old Silk Exchange, which was founded in 1469, and copied from a similar structure built in Palma de Mallorca. The walled tower …
Crypt of Saint Vicente
The Crypt of San Vicente is an ancient part of Valencia and exploring the space takes visitors on an intriguing archaeological journey through the history of the city. The crypt ha…
Plaza de la Virgen
The Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia's loveliest squares. Once the site of an ancient Roman forum, a fountain sits in the centre and is surrounded by plenty of open-air cafes.…
