Posted by Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. About one million people live in the city (with an area of almost two million). The city is situated by the sea, although the centre is a few kilometres inland. Valencia, rich in historical buildings, culture and nightlife, is one of the most visited cities in the country by tourists.
Sights of Valencia
The itinerary described here starts at the central station “Estación Valencia del Norte”, where many trains arrive. In the tourist information next to track 1 you can get a lot of information and an excellent free city map.
Opposite the main station, one enters the small pedestrian zone next to the Mcdonalds. One quickly reaches the town hall square (Plaza Ayuntamiento) with the grandiose town hall and the no less worth seeing main post office building of Valencia.
Parking in Valencia: If you are traveling with your own car or rental car, you should definitely reserve a parking space in Valencia online in advance: Click here
Our tip: The largest aquarium in EuropeNot far from the city center of Valencia is the ultra-modern Aquarium Oceanografic. You can see 500 different species of fish and other marine animals such as penguins, sea lions and much more in the huge facility. Another great highlight is an underwater restaurant On this German-language website you can buy tickets online in advance for the aquarium in the city of Valencia. |
There is a good overview of hotels in Valencia on this link
Continuing straight ahead, after a few hundred metres you reach the Cathedral of Valencia (picture below), the most important and most visited building of the city. The construction of the church began in the 13th century and was only finished about 200 years ago. Inside there are pictures of very famous Spanish artists. This is one of the reasons why the cathedral costs admission (4 Euro), which is rather unusual for Spanish churches.
One of the largest and most interesting market halls in Spain is not far away. It sells mainly meat, fish and vegetables. Behind the market there is an excellent street stall where the famous Paella Valencia is sold in the morning – as good and cheap (3 Euro per portion in 2011) as hardly anywhere else.
There are many other buildings worth seeing in Valencia. The train station (Estación del Norte) is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
The huge bullring (Plaza del Toros) with about 17,000 spectator seats is located directly next to the railway station. Unfortunately, the arena cannot be visited from the inside.
All in all, one should take a whole day for the city centre of Valencia. Also, one should absolutely go for a walk in the small alleys of the old town away from the tourist streams. There, one finds many small restaurants where one can have a cheap meal. A 3-course menu including the famous paella of Valencia often costs barely more than 10 euros including drinks.
Also outside the city Valencia has a lot to offer. The district Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias (city of art and science), newly built in the last 10 years, accommodates among other things the biggest aquarium in Europe, a gigantic new opera, a technology museum, a big planetarium, great parks and a very famous 3D cinema. Among the at least 30 museums in Valencia, the Museum of Modern Art (Institut Valencia d Art Modern) and the Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) are world famous.
Bus tours of Valencia
If you have only 1 or 2 days, you can visit Valencia with the bus Hot-On/Hop-Off during a city tour. Many important sights in and around Valencia are visited. You can get off where you like and continue with the next bus. For the sightseeing buses there are tickets for 1 day (24 hours) or 2 days (48 hours). You can book the bus tours here in advance on the Internet.
A romantic carriage ride through the city centre costs much more. Horses and coachmen wait for passengers between the town hall and the cathedral.
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Our tip: The largest aquarium in Europe Not far from the city centre of Valencia is the ultra-modern Aquarium Oceanografic. You can see 500 different species of fish and other marine animals like penguins, sea lions and much more. Another great highlight is an underwater Restaurant.
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Accommodations in Valencia
There are now at least 10 hostels and youth hostels in Valencia. Very popular is the Center Valencia Youth Hostel (youth hostel, Valencia center). There are dormitories as well as double rooms with private bathrooms. The location of the accommodation in the city centre is especially great. The Center Valencia Hostel is a relatively large hostel with over 30 rooms.
As a cheap, central pension in Valencia we recommend the Pension Lotelito. Small double rooms with bath and WC often cost considerably less than 40 Euro out of season. The Lotelito Pension in Valencia is especially praised for its location and the friendly and helpful staff.
A larger hotel with about 80 rooms in the old town is the 3-star Hotel Catalonia Excelsior. In winter a double room can cost less than 60 Euro. Breakfast costs extra.
These are just a few examples of recommended accommodation in downtown Valencia. A large overview with over 500 accommodations can be found on Booking.com including holiday homes and apartments.Also check out the many vacation rentals at Cofman.
Our tips: Prepare good websites for holidays in Spain for the 2024 season |
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Arrival and getting around Valencia
Many visitors arrive in Valencia by train. If you arrive by car, you should consider if you prefer to leave your car outside and take the suburban train or subway to the city centre. Traffic in Valencia is still chaotic. Even in the city centre there are still too many busy streets, which annoys many tourists. Those who visit Valencia from the Costa Blanca can already leave their car in Gandia. From here, one gets quickly and cheaply (2011 4,40 Euro simply) by train to the centre.
The subway of Valencia (Metro Valencia) has been extended with enormous speed in recent years. Currently (2015) there are nine lines. The connection to the airport has been in operation since 2007. The S-Bahn from Valencia travels further afield (up to 80 km outside). Of course, there are also a large number of city buses. Tourists come with the modern and cheap metro to many sights of Valencia.
Parking in Valencia and reserve a parking space
If you are travelling in Spain by car or rental car, you know the problem. Parking spaces are hard to find in big cities and expensive. Parking garages and public parking lots are often full. On this great website you can reserve parking in Valencia
Valencia: top 10 attractions
The third largest city in Spain, Valencia is a beautiful mix of old world charm and modern architecture. Located on the east coast of Spain, the city is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. Here are the top 10 things to do in Valencia.
Parking in Valencia: If you are traveling with your own car or rental car, you should definitely reserve a parking space in Valencia online in advance: Click here
City of Arts and Sciences :
The City of Arts and Sciences is a huge complex of futuristic buildings designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Planetariums, opera houses, science museums, IMAX theaters, aquariums and more. This magnificent complex is one of Valencia’s most popular attractions and it’s easy to see why.
Central Market :
The Central Market is a foodie’s paradise and a must-visit for anyone interested in local cuisine. This beautiful Art Nouveau building is home to over 1,000 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and meat to fruit, vegetables and spices. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect place to take some souvenirs home.
Valencia Cathedral :
Valencia Cathedral, also known as the Valencia Cathedral, is a beautiful Gothic building in the center of the city. The Chapel of the Holy Grail is famous for storing the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The cathedral also has a beautiful bell tower known as the Micalet, which offers stunning views of the city.
La Lonja de la Seda :
The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the center of Valencia’s silk trade, this beautiful Gothic building is now a museum where visitors can learn about the city’s rich history.
Mercado de Colon :
The Mercado de Colon is another must-see market in Valencia and an ideal place to eat and shop. This impressive modernist building was built in 1914 and houses a variety of stalls, shops and cafes.
Turia Gardens :
Turia Gardens is a beautiful park that stretches nine kilometers around the city. The park was created on the former bed of the Turia River, which was diverted after a devastating flood in the 1960s. The park is an ideal place for walking, jogging, and biking, and features several fountains, sculptures, and playgrounds.
Albufera Natural Park :
The Albufera Natural Park is a beautiful wetland area in the south of Valencia. It is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, and is an ideal spot for boating and hiking. The park is also known for its rice paddies where paella, the famous Valencian dish, is grown.
Torres de Serrano :
The Serrano Towers are a series of medieval gates that once served to protect the city from invaders. The gate was built in the 14th century and is now one of the most famous monuments in Valencia. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.
Virgen Square :
Plaza Virgen is a beautiful square in the historic center of Valencia. Some of the impressive buildings include the Cathedral of Valencia and the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados. The square is an ideal place to relax and people-watch, and is often the site of cultural events and festivals.
Biopark Valencia :
Biopark Valencia is a must for animal lovers. The zoo is home to more than 4000 animals from over 250 different species, all living in habitats that replicate their natural surroundings. The zoo is committed to conservation and education, and allows visitors to learn more about the animals and their habitats through a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences.
These are just a few of the many sights and attractions that Valencia has to offer. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, parks and beaches, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all interests. With its rich history, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture, Valencia is definitely worth a visit.