10 Top Tourist Attractions in Valencia

 Valencia, Spain's third biggest city, is located on the Iberian Peninsula's eastern coast, along the Mediterranean. While the bigger Spanish cities have a very metropolitan, high-energy vibe, this port community has a more relaxed vibe and a dedication to highlighting its natural features. Here, old meets new, as remains of a 100BC Roman settlement coexist with ultra-modern structures.

Valencia holds the Fallas Festival in March, during which each neighborhood exhibits papier-mâché sculptures of all sizes and colors for a whole week. The "fallas" are ceremoniously burnt at the conclusion of the week, and the villages celebrate into the night. March, on the other hand, is not the only time to party in Valencia. Each night, the city comes alive with vibrant pubs and nightclubs in each district. Additionally, it is the birthplace of the world-famous Spanish paella, exquisite ceramics, and many internationally recognized music institutions. Here are a few of Valencia's must-see attractions:

10. Bioparc Zoo

The Bioparc, founded in 2008, is owned by Valencia but administered by a for-profit zoological business. It runs parallel to the Turia gardens and is based on the contemporary idea of designating habitats for animals that are frequented by humans, rather than the other way around. Rather of using fences and cages to keep animals and humans apart, they utilize natural features such as big boulders, ditches, and rivers. While the African species are the focus of the zoo, there are also many representatives of other global ecosystems.

9. National Ceramic Museum

The National Ceramic Museum (Museo Nacional de Ceramica Gonzalez Marti) is located in a 15th-century rococo-style castle. The front entry is topped with a figure of the Virgin Mary, her hands outstretched, spilling twin fountains. The museum, named for the collector who founded it, contains ceramics from a variety of periods, including Greek, Roman, Arab, and ancient eras. On exhibit are traditional Spanish works from areas such as Manises, Paterna, and Alcora, as well as a few modern pieces. Among them are a few paintings by Picasso.

8. Malvarrosa Beach

Malvarrosa, Valencia's principal city beach, is a broad and open stretch of excellent sand along the Mediterranean Sea. The Paseo Martimo, located next to the beach, is a beautiful seafront promenade where tourists may enjoy strolling, roller skating, or running, or stop for a great paella and a glass of wine. Vicente Blasco-home Ibáez's on Malvarrosa Beach has been turned into a museum including an exhibition of his personal items and literary works.

7. Turia Gardens

These gardens, the biggest in Spain, were constructed as a result of the Turia river being diverted around the city. The remnants of the ancient riverbed have been transformed into the Turia garden, which has a bike route that runs across the city as well as numerous attractions. Not only are the gardens beautifully manicured, they also include a variety of entertaining activities for visitors, including sports courts and fields, huge chess boards, skateboard parks, and fountains. It's an excellent method to go about the city of arts and sciences, the Serranos towers, and Bioparc, among other attractions.

6. Plaza de Ayuntamiento

The city's core urban square (really a triangle) is surrounded by a number of the city's most significant structures. These include the City Hall and the central post office, as well as the Cinemographic Institute and the Rialto Theatre. A circular fountain, a wall of flower stands, and a monument of Valencia's hero, Francesc de Vinatea, adorn the plaza. The Falles festival has a number of major activities on the plaza, making it a must-see site in the Spring. There are tours offered of the many historical events that occurred here, as well as visits of some of the major structures.

5. Valencia Cathedral

This magnificent, hexagonal cathedral is the city's biggest church, dating all the way back to the thirteenth century, but construction took almost two centuries. It is a synthesis of various architectural forms, and the inside is adorned with several paintings from the fourteenth century. A chalice in this cathedral's collection has been championed by many as the real holy grail. Whether genuine or not, the chalice has established itself as the official papal chalice, most recently under the leadership of Pope Benedict. The goblet from the first century was a gift from the Spanish king in 1438.

4. L'Oceanografic Aquarium

This city of arts and sciences' crown jewel pays homage to the magnificent Mediterranean marine life off Valencia's coast. It is Europe's biggest of its type, with approximately 11 million gallons of water and 45, 000 individuals representing 500 distinct species. This features a large dolphin habitat, a shark and ray tank, and much more, all contained inside nine enormous underwater towers. The aquarium is split into 10 parts per geographic location, ranging from the arctic to the equator, with a particular emphasis on the local Mediterranean marine life.

3. La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja de la Seda, built between 1482 and 1533, was once used for silk trade (hence its name, the Silk Exchange). Today, Valencia's three-part Gothic structure and adjacent orange grove remain a significant tourist attraction. Sala de Contratacion, the central structure, was used for contract signing and is lavishly decorated with spiral columns. The merchant tribunal was held in one of the side wings, which also includes a ceiling painting that was a popular tourist destination for royals. The second side wing houses the detention cells for tribunal-sentenced debtors.

2. Valencia's Central Market (Mercado Central)

This public market is regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating marketplaces in Europe. Six days a week, it is open; Sundays are closed. The market is housed in a modernist roofed structure constructed in 1914. It has a number of magnificent stained-glass windows and space for approximately 400 vendors. Shoppers may purchase presents, souvenirs, and food products at this location. The fish and offal annexes are particularly noteworthy. For visitors looking to just soak in the atmosphere, a huge tapas bar stands in the market's middle, visible from many of the stores.

1. City of Arts and Sciences

This contemporary architectural marvel is located near the mouth of the Turia river, which has been redirected. Along the water's edge, a variety of futuristic and one-of-a-kind structures, including the world-famous Oceanografic Aquarium, are located. Additionally, they feature L'hemisferic, which resembles a gigantic eye that can open and shut and is equipped with a planetarium and an IMAX cinema. The museum of primary sciences is a natural history museum intended to resemble the skeleton of a whale. The Agora is a high-rise covered sports arena, while the Palau Opera house has four theaters, an opening roof, and moving platforms that link the various levels. The city is linked by a manicured walkway lined with natural Valencian plants and a lovely suspension bridge.