Top 10 things to do in Valencia

Looking for a beach getaway in Europe? A city that represents both modern and traditional architecture. Take a trip to Spain’s beloved third biggest city, Valencia. Here is some inspiration on what to do in Valencia. From beautiful beaches to exploring wonderful hidden gems.

Top 10 things to do in Valencia

Valencia Cathedral
The Central Market of Valencia
The Silk Exchange
Turia Fountain
Serranos Towers
Turia Gardens
The City of Arts and Science
Regal Ceramics Museum
Queen’s Square
Church of San Nicolás

1. Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral is a Gothic-Style Catholic Church sat right in between Virgin Square and Queen Square. The interior architecture is absolutely stunning here, with stain-glass windows and a collection of treasures.

Interestingly, through the Cathedral, you can go to the Cathedral museum by following a few signs.

2. The Central Market of Valencia

Visit Valencia’s famous grand Central Market which holds up to over 200 stalls! Stalls which sell goods from the Spain speciality Iberica Ham (which is amazing) to fresh fruit smoothies and even seafood.

The market opens from Monday to Saturday between 7:30 am to 03:00 pm.

I think the market is a great place to visit, but there are not as many eat-in options as I thought. Plus, unfortunately, there is a seating area for us to enjoy our food!

3. The Silk Exchange

The Silk Exchange otherwise known as La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO world heritage site and I can see why!

The site is split into a couple of parts, 1) The orange garden (the courtyard) 2) The main trading hall and 3) A Upper and Lower floor.

The main trading hall is where all the transactions and contract agreements took place which looks like a masterpiece with large twisted columns.

4. Turia Fountain (Fuente del Túria)

Sat in the heart of Virgin Square sits the Turia Fountains which are surrounded by valencia’s historic buildings and outdoor cafes. This is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy some Spanish snacks and the view.

5. Serranos Towers

Serranos Towers are tower gates that use to form part of the ancient wall that surrounded the city. Follows the stunning gothic-style buildings in Valencia.

6. Turia Garden

The Turia Garden is by far one of the longest parks/gardens I have ever been to. The park runs along 9km of the city and is perfect for anyone. As you walk through the park you can cross a whooping 18 bridges!

What is great about the park and Valencia, in general, is that there are paths dedicated to bikes and e-scooters so you can avoid accidentally bumping into people. So a great place to explore by bike.

7. The City of Art and Science

The City of Art and Science is an area/complex based in the southeastern area of Valencia. It is considered one of the 12 treasures of Spain and you’ll see why! The complex holds a number of different buildings and structures including;

L’Hemisfèric – An IMAX cinema
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe – An interactive science museum
L’Umbracle – A open air garden structure
L’Oceanogràfic – A oceanographic park, read my review of the park here.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía – An Opera House
L’Àgora – A concert and event hall

8. Regal Ceramics Museum

The Regal Ceramics Museum is a beautifully restored palace-converted museum dedicated to ceramics-type art. Whilst we were in Valencia there was a beautiful exhibition on fans. With designers from all over the whole designing and creating fans.

9. Queen’s Square

The Queen’s square which translates to Plaze de la Reina is the main central plaza in Valencia. The Square is surrounded by Valencian historic buildings, outdoor cafes and shops. If you’re around this area check out chocolate Valor which do great ice cream and churros!

10. Church of San Nicolás

The Church of San Nicolás is a stunning gothic-style Catholic church in Valencia. The interior of the church is so unique with Gothic rib vaults which tell a story of Saint Nicholas’s and Saint Peter Martyr’s life.

Hope you enjoyed my summary of the top 10 things to do in Valencia. I absolutely fell in love with Valencia, there is so much more to do there than I expected and definitely more beautiful.