Valencia Things To See

Welcome to Valencia, one of Spain’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the largest on the Mediterranean coast. The city is known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and unique cuisine. It’s also home to some of Spain’s best beaches, making it a perfect destination for a beach getaway. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history or its modern attractions, Valencia has something for everyone.

History of Valencia

Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. The city quickly grew in importance as a port city and trading post on the Mediterranean. From the 5th to the 15th century, Valencia was the capital of the independent Kingdom of Valencia, and in 1238 it was the first city in Europe to be declared a free city by King James I of Aragon. In the 16th century, Valencia was home to a thriving silk industry, and in the 19th century, it was modernized with the introduction of railways and other industrial developments.

Today, Valencia is a thriving city that is renowned for its culture, architecture, and gastronomy. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and its vibrant festivals, such as Las Fallas, a celebration of fire and festivities that takes place each March.

Facts About Valencia

Valencia is home to over 800,000 people, making it the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It is located on the east coast of Spain, just south of Barcelona and north of Alicante. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The currency used in Valencia is the Euro.

Valencia is also known for its unique cuisine. The city is known for its paella, a combination of rice, vegetables, seafood, and spices that is usually cooked over an open fire. It’s also known for its tapas bars and its wide selection of wines.

Popular Sights in Valencia

Valencia has plenty of attractions that will keep you busy during your visit. Here are some of the most popular sights in the city:

The City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural complex that includes several museums, an opera house, an IMAX theater, and an aquarium. This futuristic complex was designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and features stunning curved architecture and impressive displays of science and technology. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits at the museum or take in a show at the opera house.

Catedral de Valencia

The Catedral de Valencia is one of Valencia’s most impressive sights. This Gothic cathedral was constructed in 1262 and features stunning murals and stained glass windows. The cathedral is also home to the Holy Chalice, believed by some to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper.

Valencia Beach

Valencia Beach is one of the city’s best-known attractions. This two-mile stretch of beach is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great spot to sunbathe or take a stroll along the promenade. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as kite surfing, sailing, and windsurfing.

Bioparc Valencia

Bioparc Valencia is a unique zoo located in the heart of the city. This zoo is home to over 200 species of animals from around the world and features an impressive aquarium, terrariums, and aviaries. Visitors can observe animals in their natural habitats or take part in educational activities such as animal-feeding tours and animal encounters.

Popular Tours in Valencia

Valencia offers plenty of guided tours that will help you explore the city’s sights in depth. Here are two popular tours that are worth considering:

Valencia Guided Tour

This guided tour takes visitors on a walking tour through some of Valencia’s most iconic sights including La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, L’Hemisferic, Catedral de Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda, La Plaza de la Reina and Jardines del Turia. During this 3-hour tour you will learn about the history and culture of the city as well as its unique attractions such as La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Tickets for this tour can be purchased here.

Valencia Tapas Tour

This 3-hour tour takes visitors on a gastronomic journey through Valencia’s best tapas bars. On this tour you will visit some of Valencia’s best tapas bars and taste some of the city’s best dishes including paella, tortilla española and patatas bravas. You will also learn about the history of Spanish cuisine from your knowledgeable guide and sample some local wines along the way. Tickets for this tour can be purchased here.

Conclusion

Valencia is an incredible destination with plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to explore its history or enjoy its modern attractions, Valencia has something for everyone. From its stunning architecture to its unique cuisine, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. We hope this guide has been helpful in exploring some of Valencia’s top attractions and popular activities.