I had always thought that Valencia did not much to offer if we compare it with other major cities in Spain, specially Barcelona which can be similar in terms of location. But after visiting few times in the last years and hearing from friends who live there, I have realized how special this city is. I think a good way to see it is that you will find multiple attractions similar to bigger cities and at the same time you will be able to enjoy in a more relaxed, less busy and more affordable way than in a capital. There is in this article some information for the most popular monuments and traditional places to visit however I suggest to keep an eye for cultural events or festivities when visiting, as it becoming a trendy city, we could say, and it is in constant change.
WHAT TO VISIT IN VALENCIA
La Lonja de la Seda
It is one of most popular Gothic monuments in European civil architecture, declared World Heritage site in 1996. Located in front of the central market, it was built during 15th century and is made up of three bodies and a garden called Patio de los naranjos. On Sundays, there is a street market next to La Lonja with old goods like stamps. coins…
Mercado Central
This is the largest markets with fresh products in Europe and has more than 300 stalls in a space of 8000 square meters. It is a modernist building with a structure made of iron columns, tiles and stained glass. So it is a great place to visit not only for the beauty of the building but for the delicious food you can find there. Central Bar is located as well inside the market and it offers tapas and bocadillos.
Cuitat de les Arts i les Ciències
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, is definitely a very singular complex of buildings with an avant-garde style from 21st century. It is divided in different areas:
-El Hemisfèric. It gives access to a Planetarium and offers a laser show.
-El Museu de les Ciències. This is a large and spectacular building that hosts different exhibitions.
-El Oceanogràfic. The largest aquarium in Europa, contains representatives of the world’s main marine ecosystems.
-Palau de les Arts. Opera, concerts and other shows take place inside this giant building.
-Caixa Forum Valencia. A space created for multiple type of events.
Catedral de Valencia
A Gothic cathedral built over an old roman temple that was a mosque during Muslim period. Inside this building is kept the Holy grail, believed by experts to be the one Jesus used in the Last Dinner. Other pieces of great value are the Renaissance frescos at the main altar, rediscovered only few years ago (this art was covered during Baroque). There is as well a museum that includes paintings of Goya. On the top of the bell tower, El Migalete, you can enjoy a great view of the city.
Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir
It was built in Gothic style during 15th century and covered with baroque art in the interior including some paintings describing the lives of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir, whose quality of the works have been compared to the Sixtine Chapel.
Some of the most popular areas in Valencia are Barrio del Carmen with a big contrast between the old buildings and the modern shops, restaurants and urban art; El Cabanyal where there are beautiful houses of two floors with colourful tiles in the facade that bring memory to the marine spirit of the neighborhood. Finally the area of Ruzafa, that has gained interest in the last years, with many new bars and restaurants, art galleries and creative venues. There is also a market, el Mercado de Ruzafa with more than 600 stalls and a great variety of products (meats, vegetables, cheeses and spices).
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Check this website from Spanish government, for more general information and useful tips.