Sightseeing in Valencia, Spain

Valencia is among the best destinations in Spain. The city offers many options for places of interest, sightseeing and entertainment. For that reason it is one of the most preferred destinations in Spain and millions of tourists come here annually. Here is a list with the top attractions in Valencia that are really worth visiting.

1.     City of Arts and Science

The impressive, futuristic landscape of the City of Arts and Science covers a vast area, rising out of a man-made lake, and encompasses various attractions, accessed along a magnificent arched walkway overhung with an array of flowering, aromatic plants and shrubs. The complex includes an Imax cinema, planetarium, and Europe's biggest aquarium. The 'wow' factor is topped off with the fascinating Prince Felipe Museum of Sciences.

2.     El Carmen

The picturesque old town of Valencia is the city's favorite 'chill out' zone with its narrow alleyways, honey-colored buildings, Bohemian atmosphere and nooks and crannies packed with bars and cafes. Apart from being the ideal spot for people-watching, El Carmen also has several interesting attractions, including the remains of the medieval city walls, the gothic towered gates of Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart, the latter pocked with cannon-ball marks dating from an assault by Napoleon. Also in El Carmen is a convent complex dating from the 13th century, and several museums.

3.     Valencia Cathedral

It is reputedly the resting place of the Holy Grail, but whether you believe that or not the ornate Valencia Cathedral is worth a visit just because of its unique history and combination of architectural styles. Since it started out in 1262, it has shuffled back and forth from being a mosque to a Christian church, and has been added to accordingly in a variety of styles from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque and even Moorish. It houses an interesting museum, treasury and the Holy Grail chapel. Most visitors, though, make a pilgrimage to the cathedral simply to climb its octagonal medieval tower, which provides a wonderful panorama of the city if you have the staying power to make it to the top of the winding staircase.

4.     Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)

Valencia's World Heritage Site is the old Silk Exchange, founded in 1469, copied from a similar structure built in Palma de Mallorca. The crenellated tower and flamboyant Gothic trading hall, regarded as the city's most beautiful building, is now a top tourist attraction, often used for hosting exhibitions. The immensely high vaulted ceiling tops off some rather risqué etchings. A good time to visit is on a Sunday morning when a popular stamp and coin collectors market makes for a lively trading buzz.

5.     Plaza de Virgen

One of Valencia's loveliest squares, the Plaza de la Virgen is a great place to sit and soak up the atmosphere among the flapping pigeons. On one side of the square is the impressive Gothic façade of the Palau de la Generalitat, seat of government for the Valencia region, and opposite is the Baroque Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados, a grand name for a grand church dating from the 17th century and containing fascinating frescoes.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great variety of attractions in Valencia. If you are still hesitating where the best place for your next holiday is, Valencia is the answer! There are also lots of beautiful hotels in Valencia. You can choose from cheap or luxurious hotels in Valencia. They all offer excellent quality of the service that will meet your expectations!