This summer, you are cordially invited to Valencia, where gastronomical and cultural delights have long lured admirers to the city. It’s guaranteed to be an extra special visit for you this year, as Valencia has also recently been crowned European Green Capital 2024.
Come and learn about Valencia’s illustrious past, indulge in the best choices of crafts and creations it has to offer, and take part in a sustainable future the city has dreamed up for everyone who traverses across its land.
Valencia’s Arabic legacies
With time, several changes have transpired in Valencia; however, the cultural legacy left behind by centuries of Arab reign remains intricately woven into the cultural tapestry of Valencia, formerly Balansiya.
The Muslim inhabitants first came to Valencia in 714 and started to reside alongside the Goths.
In the 11th century, Arabic culture gifted the region a treasure trove of wealth in various forms. This has been passed down through generations and continues to thrive in the modern vibrant city, even today.
Some of these include new crops like citrus fruits, rice and saffron and improved agricultural and irrigation techniques, which led to the further refinement of Huerta or the Valencian pantry.
The Arabic cultural influences are also obvious in the city’s architecture and art. In the final glory days of Arab Valencian rule, Abd al Aziz, in the 11th century, constructed a walled perimeter to protect Taifa of Balansiya, which was admired all over Al-Andalus. Over time, kingdoms may have fallen, but parts of that wall remain entwined with Valencia’s essence.
You can witness the remnants of the wall and life continuing in the present at some of these places around Valencia:
- Portal de Valldigna
- La Almoina Archaeological Museum
- The Tossal Gallery
- Palace of Fernández de Córdoba, home to the Spanish Language Academy (Caballeros, 36 and 38), preserves an important section of the wall, a tower, and remains of the Bab-Al-Hanax (snake) gate.
- There are also several restaurants that contain portions of the wall, making them an ideal place to try out Valencian cuisine:
- Orio (San Vicente Mártir, 23)
- La Muralla de València (Portal de la Valldigna, 10)
- Alma del Temple (Almirall, 14)
Best of Valencia
Valencia manifests the essence of the Mediterranean in its charming city with tales worth a thousand nights. Stroll through and experience all the magnificent possibilities that make Valencia worth a visit or two and find out why it is becoming a new favorite destination in Spain.
For the art enthusiasts
City of Arts and Sciences Monuments
If there is one place you must visit in Valencia, it is the City of Arts and Sciences Monuments. The brainchild of Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it is a scientific and cultural leisure complex based on the former riverbed of Turia.
Passes are required for entry inside, which can be purchased combined or separately for the buildings within the complex you would most like to visit:
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- Oceanogràfic is Europe’s biggest aquarium, with seven different marine environments. Reserve a day to visit Oceanogràfic and witness over 500 species of marine animals living their best lives, as well as the daily exhibition in the dolphinarium.
- True to its name, the Hemisfèric building resembles a hemisphere. Inside is a digital 3D cinema with a giant 900-metre concave screen showing educational documentary films throughout the day.
- With its unique philosophy “Not touching is prohibited,” the Science Museum offers a tactile experience with its various exhibitions and workshops.
- For music lovers, Palau de les Arts is the place to be within the City of Arts and Sciences Monuments complex. The building almost resembles the inside of a musical organ. Typically, operas, concerts, zarzuela and ballet performances are held there in autumn and early winter.
- Umbracle offers a large open space to enjoy the Mediterranean weather, plants, and contemporary sculptures. During the summer, you can get refreshments from Terraza Mya and enjoy it under the moonlight.
- Regular exhibitions, conferences, and live music performances are held at Ágora /CaixaForum Valencia.
Cathedral of Valencia
Take a moment to bask in the glory of this Gothic-style Cathedral built on the site of an ancient Roman temple and later, a Mosque. The Cathedral of Valencia is home to the Holy Chalice, and the Cathedral Museum houses 90 works of art in varying styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerist. The collection includes pieces by Maella and Goya and panel paintings by Juan de Juanes.
Then, be mystified by Valencia’s most spectacular panoramic view from the Miguelete Tower. A 207-step climb leads to the top of the tower.
Finally, if you are lucky enough, every Thursday at 12:00 pm on Plaza de la Virgen, at the Gothic door of the Cathedral, takes place the Water Tribunal, which settles disputes between water users for fields irrigation, is another direct legacy of the Al-Andalus heritage to this day.
District of El Carmen
Promenade through the streets of Barrio del Carmen to feel like you are simultaneously cascading through the pages of a fairytale and a history book. All the palaces—along with their maze-like roads—evoke storybook magic, while a closer inspection will whisper stories that date back to the Medieval Age.
Restaurants and cafes, such as Montaner Bakery, built alongside remnants of old architecture, like the Arab Wall, offer a transcendent experience of Mediterranean cuisine while sitting right beside architecture dating back to the 11th century.
El Carmen district is dotted with souvenir shops, allowing you to take a piece of Valencia home. Visit the Tapestry Market or Mercado de Tapinería to indulge in local crafts and fashion, as well as food stalls. To take local food back home, pay a visit to Mossen Sorell Market. Do not forget to visit the biggest art-nouveau style market still in use in Europe, Valencia’s Central Market.
Later, make your way to The Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The helical columns of its Contract Hall and the gargoyles and figures on its façade will leave you enchanted.
Some of the other sites in the historical city center also deserve a space on your itinerary. To start, Centre de Cultura Contemporània del Carme, Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM), and Modern Art Center Hortensia Herrero are the trio of modern museums that exude grandeur in their presence in this area.
To learn more about the history of Roman Valentia and Islamic Balansiya, do not forget to visit L’Almoina, an archeological museum where you can see the remains of the foundation of the city and untangle its past.
Finally, you can visit the Dos Aguas Marquis Palace or Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. It is a Rococo nobility palace that houses the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics. Even before you step inside the museum, the palace gates will give you a glimpse of why it is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Valencia.
Take your time walking through the museum to marvel at the largest national collection of ceramics dating from the 18th century, including works of art by Picasso. Learn the story behind the artworks along with valuable goods from the Silk Route and their life with one of the most iconic Valencian noble families. Furthermore, the Palace is located on Poeta Querol street, known as the golden mile of Valencia, where some luxury and high end boutiques are located.
For the shopaholics and the foodies
Ensanche and Ruzafa
Ruzafa, once an Islamic palace founded by Abd Allah al-Balansi, is today known as Valencia’s Soho, is nestled in the heart of Valencia. Featuring plenty of independent art shops, vintage clothing stores, theatres, bookshops, and flower shops, Ruzafa curates a bohemian atmosphere ideal to get lost in and make beautiful memories worth leaving up on your Instagram feed.
First up, experience a thrilling wheel of colors and fragrances between the local designer stores and restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine during a visit to the Ruzafa neighborhood.
Make time to visit Mercado Colón or Mercat de Colom (Columbus Market) in the heart of the El Ensanche neighborhood, which presents a fine example of Valencian Art Nouveau architecture. It is a local gastronomy market and is considered a favorite gathering spot.
The market features stores and restaurants where you can avail of local food, Mediterranean cuisine, and international cuisine. Also housed in Mercado is a restaurant named Habitual, where chef Ricard Camarena, who has two Michelin stars and one green star, offers his take on Mediterranean cuisine.
Visit the Utopick Chocolate Makers, an artisanal local chocolate store, to take personalized, delicious sweet treats back home.
Colón Street and Eixample
A walk through Calle Colón and the nearby streets, including a visit to the Colón Market, will give you access to some of the most well-known high-end designer brands stores.
Avenida de Francia
Avenida de Francia, or Avenue of France, is a relatively new shopping district in Valencia that features the newest shopping center and department stores to shop from.
Horchata Museum
Although found all over Spain, Valencian horchata or horchata Valenciana will make you feel refreshed and quench your soul.
Horchata is made from tigernut milk or chufas, which are traditionally grown in Valencia, making both the crop and the beverage a cultural and gastronomic heritage of Valencia.
You can visit the Horchata Museum in Alquería El Magistre, in the nearby city of Alboraya, where the city of Valencia has its pantry, known as “Huerta” to learn about the history of tigernut cultivation while indulging in a tall glass of cold horchata. You can also enjoy horchata at most of the main attractions in Valencia being sold in Mon Orxata trolleys or in traditional cafés or horchata shops “horchaterías”.
European Green Capital for 2024
Valencia has been awarded the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. The distinction highlights Valencia’s environmentally-friendly initiatives and numerous green spaces across the city that aim to enrich the experiences of its citizens and visitors.
One of the most sustainable ways to visit the city is by using the public transport. You can benefit of unlimited trips in all areas of Valencia and near surroundings with metro, bus and tramway booking the Valencia Tourist Card. Plus, you will have access to all the museums managed by the city for free and great discounts in main tourist attractions.
To celebrate with the city, find your way to these green spaces and events this summer.
Visit Jardín del Turia/Turia Garden Park
El Jardin de Turia, or Turia Park or Garden in Valencia, is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. The garden, built on the former riverbed of the river Turia, is a display of Valencia’s endurance and how after every storm, there is a rainbow.
The Turia Garden stretches from the Cabecera Park and the Bioparc (an open air zoo recreating the African savannah) to the City of Arts and Sciences. Between them are more than 9 km of gardens, with 18 bridges constructed at different times throughout history, each displaying the architectural style of its era and flanked by historical significance on both sides.
If you are a sports enthusiast, there are water walking balls and canoes you can also hire in Cabecera Park during the summer. Many runners will train in the morning or late evening as well, so you’ll be in good company. There are bike lanes covering all the Turia Garden and you can even cycle all the way to the Albufera park.
In case you’re thirsty, don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle which you can refill from the many fountains along the way. Some cafés and terraces are also available around with various beverage and dining options to refresh yourself.
Sights and events at L’Albufera Natural Park/Albufera Natural Park
Just 10 kilometers outside Valencia’s main city lies an urban oasis surrounded by paddy fields and woods.
Explore the ecosystems in one of Spain’s largest freshwater lagoons, which provides shelter to over 300 species of birds. The Albufera National Park has been designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a Special Protection Area (ZEPA) for the past 3 decades. There are birdwatching observatories and observation towers at the Racó de l’Olla Interpretation Centre, offering picturesque panoramic views of the area.
The lagoons, marshes, and paddy fields change color according to the seasons. In summer, witness them in all their green glory, which turns a shade of blue when the fields are overflooded in winter or brown when barren.
For some leisurely or competitive fun, we recommend registering for the bike-and-boat tour through Albufera National Park.
Find your way to The Easy Way bike rental shop on Avenida de Francia 10 to start your tour, which is followed by a ride on a traditional boat called albuferenc to Gola de Pujol—a scenic canal that connects the Albufera lagoon with the Mediterranean Sea. The tour ends with a cycle back to The City of Arts and Sciences complex. Adults and young children are welcome to partake in this tour that will highlight spectacular sights and spots of the park.
Those looking for an authentic Valencian experience with less exertion should try the fun combo of boat ride and eating paella. At the fisherman village of El Palmar you will find many traditional restaurants that offer this delicious dish and boat rides like Nou Racó.
You’ll then be whisked on a group boat ride to enjoy a tour of the lagoon and get up close and personal with its surrounding biodiversity. Tour ends with a complete meal featuring appetizers, drinks, and the highly-anticipated paella.
Seaside neighborhoods, marina, and beaches
You can’t truly discover the essence of Valencia without going to the seaside.
If you want to feel the Mediterranean breeze and relax, the best way is to take a walk along the Cabanyal and Malvarrosa beaches.
Walk along the promenade and up the side streets, discover the wonderful seafaring neighborhoods, stop for some tapas at one of the popular bars, then keep walking until you reach the Marina. You can even take a catamaran ride to get closer and witness the sunset.
We can’t imagine a better way to end your getaway.
All images courtesy of Visit Valencia
