Things to see in Valencia
Attractions
Turia Gardens
Stretching out over 9km (5.5 miles), this former riverbed is now a green space lined with trees and brimming with ponds, fountains and lush parkland. The area includes Valencia's botanical gardens, which date back to 1802 and were the first of their kind in Spain. Throughout the year, Turia Gardens is a hotspot for walking, cycling and relaxation.
Address: , Avenida Manuel de Falla, Valencia,Telephone: +34 963 599 967.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun, 1000-2000.
Website: http://www.culturia.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Valencia Bioparc
This sprawling 21st-century zoo is home to an impressive 4,000 animals including lions, giraffes, gorillas, elephants and meerkats. Its 10-hectare (25-acre) site is designed to reflect the lush natural habitats of the animals it cares for, drawing inspiration from African ecosystems such as savannahs, rainforests and wetlands.
Address: , Avenida Pio Baroja, 3, Valencia, 46015Telephone: +34 902 250 340.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800 (2 Jan-12 Mar), daily 1000-1900 (13 Mar-26 Mar), daily 1000-2000 (27 Mar-25 Jun), daily 1000-2100 (26 Jun-25 Aug), daily 1000-2000 (26 Aug-3 Sep), daily 1000-1900 (4 Sep-15 Oct), daily 1000-1800 (16 Oct-30 Dec).
Website: http://www.bioparcvalencia.esAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)
This expansive entertainment, culture and architectural complex was designed by famed neofuturistic architect Santiago Calatrava and comprises an IMAX cinema, planetarium, science museum, opera house and more. Its marine park, L'Oceanogràfic, is Europe's largest aquarium with more than 45,000 species of animal including fish, wetland birds, penguins and sea lions.
Address: , Avenida del Professor López Piñero, 7, Valencia, 46013Telephone: +34 902 100 031.
Opening times:
Mon-Thu 1000-1800, Fri-Sat 1000-1900 (7 Jan-26 Mar), Daily 1000-1900 (27 Mar-30 Jun), Daily 1000-2100 (1 Jul-6 Sept), Daily 1000-1900 (7 Sep-11 Oct), Mon-Thu 1000-1800, Fri-Sat 1000-1900 (12 Oct-17 Dec), Daily 1000-1900 (18 Dec-30 Dec).
Website: http://www.cac.esAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia (Valencia’s Silk Exchange)
Constructed between 1482 and 1548, this Gothic-style silk exchange is one of Valencia’s most beautiful and recognisable monuments. The building is an emblem of the city, paying homage to Valencia’s vibrant past as a Mediterranean merchant city. Intricate stone carvings and palm tree-shaped columns are among its magnificent features.
Address: , Carrer de la Llotja, 2, Valencia, 46001Telephone: +34 926 084 153.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0930-1900, Sun 0930-1500.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes (free on Sun).
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Valencia Cathedral
Constructed between 1262 and 1426, this atmospheric cathedral is said to hold the Cup of the Holy Grail among other treasures. It also offers excellent views of Valencia from its bell tower, the Torre del Miguelet (‘El Micalet'). Mostly Gothic in design, it some Romanesque and baroque styles too.
Address: , Plaça de l'Almoina, Valencia, 46003Telephone: +34 963 918 127.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1730 (Nov-Mar); Mon-Sat 1000-1830, 1400-1830 (Sun; to 1730 in Apr, May, Sep).
Website: http://www.catedraldevalencia.esAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
IVAM (Valencia Institute of Modern Art)
Set in a 13th-century convent, the IVAM was the first modern art museum to open in Spain and has maintained its reputation as one of the country's finest institutions of art. The museum is divided into two sections, the permanent the Centre Julio González exhibition, and the basement-level Sala de la Muralla, which hosts temporary exhibitions.
Address: , Calle de Guillem de Castro 118, Valencia, 46003Telephone: +34 963 176 600.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1100-1930 (to 2100 Fri).
Website: http://www.ivam.esAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia (Fine Arts Museum)
The largest arts museum in Spain after Madrid’s 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 exhibited, including el Greco, Velázquez, Murillo and Goya. The museum also has an impressive collection of sculptures and archaeological pieces.
Address: , Carrer de Sant Pius V, 9, Valencia, 46010Telephone: +34 963 870 300.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-2000.
Website: http://www.museobellasartesvalencia.gva.esAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Albufera Natural Park
Located to the south of Valencia, Albufera Natural Park is a wetland area that features the largest lake in Spain. The Dehesa del Saler pine forest surrounds the lagoon, attracting migratory birds at several points throughout the year. Onsite restaurants serve a range of traditional seafood dishes using fresh produce from the area.
Address: , Carrer del Pintor Martí Girbés, 23, Valencia, 46012Telephone: +34 61 961 0021.
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://albufera.valencia.esAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Torres de Serranos (Serrano Towers)
Regarded as the main entrance to Valencia, the Serrano Towers are the city's ancient gate and a fascinating slice of Spanish history. Climb its imposing Gothic towers for views over the river and rooftops, or simply gaze up at this impressive structure from ground level. The other remaining gate, Torres de Quart, is to the west of the city.
Address: , Plaça dels Furs, Valencia, 46003Telephone: +34 963 919 070.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1900, Sun 1000-1400.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Mercado Central (Central Market)
Breathe in the vivacity of one of Europe's longest running markets. Mercado Central de Valencia houses over 1,000 stalls selling all types of food products including fruit and vegetables, seafood, spices, cured meats and olive oil. Today's bustling market building dates back to the 1920s and features modernist architectural design.
Address: , Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, Valencia, 46001Telephone: +34 963 829 100.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0700-1500.
Website: http://www.mercadocentralvalencia.esAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
TurisValencia
Address: , Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia, 46002Telephone: +34 963 524 908.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 1000-1400.
Website: http://www.visitvalencia.com/en/homeServices provided by the tourist offices in Valencia include tourism brochures and last-minute hotel bookings, as well as Valencia-themed souvenirs, entry tickets for attractions, and a range of tours and tourist cards. Staff are multilingual, and information is available in various languages. There are several other locations across the city including at the Airport, Plante de Llegadas, (tel: +34 961 530 229); Paseo de Neptuno 3 (tel: +34 628 789 837); and Estación Valencia Joaquín Sorolla, San Vicente 171 (tel: +34 963 803 623).
Tourist passes
The Valencia Tourist Card (www.valenciatouristcard.com) includes city transport (unlimited use of buses, trams and the metro), entry to public museums and buildings, and discounts of up to 50% on 130 other attractions, including restaurants and entertainment, plus a guidebook, a tourist map and a tapas with a beer or soft drink. It’s available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and there’s a 7-day version available without transport. Cards can be bought online, at tourist offices or using a vending machine at the airport.
