Suggestions: Visit, Eat & Drink in Valencia
The city offers so many things that, many times, the complicated thing is not finding plans, but choosing where to start. Mediterranean beaches, amazing architecture, charming neighborhoods, culture, gastronomy and an atmosphere that can be enjoyed at any time of the day make the options seem endless. That's why we have prepared this selection with some of the places and experiences that we believe are a must. A guide to help you get the most out of your visit and discover the best of Valencia without wasting time among too many alternatives. See you in Valencia!
Visit
Silk Exchange
If you visit La Lonja de la Seda, it is really worth a visit. It is one of the most impressive buildings in the historic center and an almost obligatory stop if you want to understand the history of the city. Built at the end of the 15th century, it was the place where merchants closed their deals during the time when Valencia was one of the great commercial centers of the Mediterranean. What is most surprising upon entering is its Sala de Contratación, with huge stone columns that seem to twist towards the ceiling and create a truly spectacular space. The building is so well preserved that it is easy to imagine how people traded here more than 500 years ago. Plus, it's right in the heart of the old town, very close to Valencia's Central Market, so it's a perfect plan to combine both places in the same visit. If you're touring the city, I'd say don't leave it off the itinerary: it's one of those places that make Valencia have so much character.
City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanographic Park
Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences is one of those plans that I always recommend when someone goes to Valencia. It is an impressive futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, with buildings of very striking shapes surrounded by water and large open spaces that invite you to stroll calmly. Even if you are just going to walk around the outside of the area, the place is worth it because of how spectacular it is. Inside the complex is the Oceanogràfic of Valencia, the largest aquarium in Europe and one of the most fascinating places in the city. Here you can visit different marine ecosystems of the world, see sharks, beluga whales, jellyfish or go through underwater tunnels where fish swim over your head. If you were to ask me for a recommendation, I would tell you to set aside a few hours to enjoy it at your leisure. It is a perfect place whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends or family, and one of those experiences that make a visit to Valencia even more special.
Serrano Towers
If you are strolling through the old town, it is worth approaching the Serranos Towers. They are one of the ancient gates of the medieval wall of Valencia and, in addition to their historical importance, have become one of the most recognizable monuments of the city. Built at the end of the 14th century, for centuries they were the main entrance to Valencia for those arriving from the north. The best thing is that you can climb to the top of the towers and enjoy beautiful views of the historic center and the old Turia riverbed. If you are touring the city on foot, it is a quick but very interesting stop, perfect to understand a little better the history of Valencia and see the city from another perspective.
Valencia Cathedral
If you are touring the historic center, an essential stop is the Cathedral of Valencia. This impressive temple combines different architectural styles, since its construction began in the thirteenth century and was expanded over the centuries. Therefore, when you visit it you can find Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance elements in the same building. One of the main attractions is to climb the Miguelete, the bell tower of the cathedral. After climbing its stairs, the views of the historic center of Valencia are completely worth it. In addition, the famous Holy Chalice, which according to tradition is related to the Holy Grail, is kept inside. It is one of those places that I recommend visiting calmly, as it is not only a religious symbol, but also a fundamental part of the history and heritage of the city.
St. Nicholas Church
If you like to discover special places, I would recommend you to enter the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir. From the outside it may look like just another church in the historic center, but when you enter you realize why many call it the "Valencian Sistine Chapel". The interior is covered with impressive baroque frescoes that run virtually the entire ceiling and walls, creating a spectacular visual effect. The mixture of Gothic architecture with such detailed decoration makes it one of the most striking temples in the city. If you are exploring the old town of Valencia, it is a very worthwhile visit. It is not as well known as other monuments, but precisely for that reason it usually surprises those who discover it.
Eat
LALOLA Restaurant
If you are looking for a charming place to eat in the center, I would recommend you to stop by La Lola Restaurant. It is a restaurant with a cozy and modern atmosphere where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch. The menu combines traditional dishes with more creative proposals, always with quality ingredients and a very careful presentation. It is a perfect place for a quiet lunch or for a special dinner after walking through the center of Valencia. In addition, its location in the historic center makes it a very convenient stop if you are exploring the city and want to take a break to enjoy the local gastronomy.
Drink
My Cub
If you are visiting the Mercado de Colón and you feel like stopping for a drink, one of the most popular places is Mi Cub. It is a well-known bar inside the market where people usually gather to enjoy a vermouth, a glass of wine or some tapas in a lively atmosphere. Its location in the center of the market makes it a perfect place to take a break while walking around the area. In addition, the atmosphere is usually very pleasant both during the day and in the evening, so it is a highly recommended stop if you want to enjoy the gastronomic atmosphere of the Mercado de Colón.
Negrito Coffee
If you are walking through the neighborhood of Carmen and you arrive at the Plaza del Negrito, one of the best known places to have a drink is Café Negrito. It is a very popular bar in the area, especially for its terrace in the middle of the square, where there is always a good atmosphere. Many Valencians and visitors gather here to have a beer, a cocktail or just enjoy the atmosphere of the neighborhood. In the afternoon and evening the square gets quite crowded, so it is a perfect place to stop while walking through the historic center of Valencia.
Ultramarine Fine Red
If you pass by the Plaza del Doctor Collado and you feel like having a drink, one of the best known places is Bar & Kitchen Tinto Fino Ultramarino. It is a very popular bar in the square where people usually gather to enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or some tapas in a pleasant atmosphere. Its terrace on the square makes it a perfect place to sit quietly and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic center. It is a highly recommended stop if you are touring the old town of Valencia and want to take a break while you discover the city.
Discover
Horchatería de Santa Catalina
If you feel like trying something really typical of the city, I would recommend you to stop by the Horchatería de Santa Catalina. It is one of the most traditional places in Valencia and a perfect place to enjoy an authentic horchata with fartons, one of the most emblematic combinations of Valencian gastronomy. The place maintains a very special atmosphere, with traditional tiles and a classic decoration reminiscent of the old Valencian cafeterias. It is in the historic center, very close to the cathedral, so it is usually an ideal stop during a stroll through the city. It is one of those places that many Valencians and visitors recommend to try the traditional horchata and take a sweet break while walking around Valencia.