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Auditorium of Santiago Calatrava, Valencia

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Things to see in Valencia

Tourist information: 

TurisValencia
Plaza de la Reina 19, Valencia
Tel: 96 315 3931.
Website: www.turisvalencia.es
Opening times: Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 1000-1400.

There are other tourist offices in the Town Hall at Poeta Querol (Bajos Teatro Principal) and Valencia Nord railway station along Calle Játiva. There are also offices at the airport and beach.

Passes: 

The Valencia Tourist Card (www.valenciatouristcard.com) offers unlimited free transport and discounts on entry to major tourist attractions, various restaurants and leisure facilities including the Bus Turistico, Bioparc and L’Oceanogràfic. Choose from the one-day, two-day or three-day pass. The pass is available online and from the airport, tourist offices, hotels and various tourist attractions.

Bioparc Valencia

The Bioparc is Valencia’s newest zoo and is home to over 4,000 animals representing some 250 species from Africa, South East Asia and the tropics. Sprawling more than 100,000 sq m (1,076,391 sq ft) in the Parque de Cabecera, the Bioparc provides lush natural habitats for animals. This is an ideal entertainment facility for families.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800/2000; see website for details.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Avenida Pío Baroja 3, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 902 250 340.
Website: http://www.bioparcvalencia.es
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)

Valencia’s biggest tourist attraction is the City of Arts and Sciences, a massive one-stop entertainment and architectural complex. Designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the cluster of futuristic buildings was finished only in 1998. The complex is made up of several museums, among which key attractions include L’Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest marine park; L'Hemisfèric, which functions as an Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium; and El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the city’s most important opera house and performing arts centre.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-2100 (Jul-mid-Sep); daily 1000-1900 (mid-Sep-Jun).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 902 100 031.
Website: http://www.cac.es
IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art)

As the first modern arts museum to open in Spain, the IVAM has maintained its status as one of the major arts institution in the country. The 20th-century arts museum has over 400 artworks that include sculptures and paintings. The museum is divided into two sections: the Centre Julio González and the Sala de la Muralla (a gallery in the basement that houses temporary exhibitions).

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-2000.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Calle Guillém de Castro 118, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 96 386 3000.
Website: http://www.ivam.es
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

This glorious Gothic 15th-century silk exchange building is one of Valencia's most beautiful ancient buildings. Featuring a sandy-brown exterior, the ancient edifice has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building was constructed between 1482 and 1548 and still stands tall in Valencia’s historical centre. For history buffs, be sure to take time to visit this gem.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: Yes
Address: Calle de la Lonja 6, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 96 392 3697.
Website: http://www.lonjadevalencia.com
La Seu/Catedral (Valencia's Cathedral)

Constructed between 1262 and 1426, this atmospheric building is said to hold the Cup of the Holy Grail among other treasures and offers excellent views of Valencia from its bell tower, the Torre del Miguelet (‘El Micalet'). The architectural style of the cathedral is predominantly Gothic although it contains bits of Romanesque and baroque styles too. If you’re here on a Sunday, join in the mass and experience the cathedral from a local’s perspective.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Plaza de la Reina 1, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 96 392 2844.
Mercado Central (Central Market)

Known as one of the most important markets in Spain, the Mercado Central de Valencia houses over 1,000 stalls selling all types of food products, from seafood and meat to cured meat and fruits. Featuring modernist architectural style, this splendid brick-and-iron monument was built in the 1920s and now stands next to the Lonja de la Seda.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 0730-1430.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Plaza del Mercado, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 96 382 9100.
Website: http://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es
Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia (Fine Arts Museum)

The largest arts museum in Spain after the Museo del Prado, Valencia’s Fine Arts Museum is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern galleries showcasing works by many of Spain's greatest painters. Primitive Valencian painters are often featured here, including el Greco, Velázquez, Murillo and Goya. Besides exhibiting paintings, the museum also has an impressive collection of sculptures and archaeological pieces.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-2000.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Calle San Pío V, Valencia, Spain
Telephone: 96 387 0300.
Website: http://museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es
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