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What to see and do in Valencia

Valencia, with its perfect combination of culture and leisure, offers plans for all tastes.

In the city, you'll find activities for everyone: strolling through the old town among historic buildings, boating on l'Albufera at sunset, climbing the Miguelete to see Valencia from above, or discovering the marine life at L’Oceanogràfic. Here are the essential places you shouldn't miss in Valencia. 

La Lonja de la Seda

lonja-valencia

The Lonja de Mercaderes, located in the city center (across from the Central Market and the Temple of Santos Juanes), is one of the most important Gothic civil architecture monuments in Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it is the best example of the Valencian Golden Age (15th century), when the city was the center of the global silk trade. Its Contract Hall (or Column Hall) stands out, supported by twenty-four elegant helical columns. 

Stroll through the Carmen district

El Carmen district

The Carmen district, situated at the northwest end of the historic center, is a true paradise for lovers of Mediterranean gastronomy and leisure. Here, you'll find restaurants for all tastes, as well as charming shops where you can buy unique souvenirs from the city. The area also preserves several of the best museums and some architectural gems, such as the Portal de la Valldigna, the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir, whose vault is considered the Valencian Sistine Chapel, the Cathedral, or the Lonja de la Seda. 

Windsurf or paddle surf classes

One of Valencia's great advantages is the ability to combine a city visit with a day at the beach to practice outdoor sports. Over thirty companies offer all kinds of nautical activities, from catamaran rides to windsurfing, paddle surfing, or jet ski rentals. Additionally, the modern Valencia Marina has become a great place to enjoy tapas or drinks at sunset, listen to live music, or dance until dawn. 

windsurf

L’Oceanogràfic de Valencia

oceanografico-valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences is a must-visit if you come to Valencia. Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic complex is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific leisure and culture. It currently occupies 350,000 square meters at the eastern end of the Turia Garden. 

L’Oceanogràfic, dedicated to the world's most important marine ecosystems, is a perfect plan to enjoy with family or friends. You can see about 45,000 specimens of 500 different species, such as dolphins, belugas, sea lions, seals, penguins, or sharks. On the other hand, the Palace of Congresses, Les Arts, offers a wide cultural offer that includes opera, zarzuela, jazz, dance, or flamenco. 

Cathedral, Miguelete, and Holy Grail

La Catedral of Valencia stands out for many reasons. Built on a Roman temple that was later a mosque, its architecture shows a mix of styles including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. Additionally, the building houses a historical treasure of incalculable value: the Holy Grail used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It is an agate cup of oriental origin, now displayed in the Chapel of the Holy Grail. Lastly, its bell tower, the Miguelete, besides being a Valencia icon, offers one of the best views of the city.

Valencia cathedral

Visit to the Albufera Natural Park

Just ten kilometers from Valencia, you'll find one of the most important wetlands in Europe: the Albufera Natural Park. The tour offers different routes to walk or cycle while exploring its various ecosystems, from marshes and rice paddies bordering the lake to natural dune beaches and Mediterranean forests. The sunset light there is perfect for enjoying a pleasant boat ride on the lake. You can get there by two urban bus lines, 24 and 25, as well as the Tourist Bus. 

parque natural lalbufera

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Valencia, SPAIN

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