Stroll through Valencia’s historic streets and enjoy Spanish architecture, interesting museums and outdoor cafés in lively squares.
Explore the maze of Valencia’s Old Town to find bustling plazas and important attractions in the city’s historic centre. This lively area has food markets, significant museums and distinctive buildings that preserve architecture from as far back as Roman times.
One of the Old Town’s best features is its mix of architectural styles. Visit the Plaza de la Reina and admire the Valencia Cathedral, which combines baroque, Gothic and Roman features in its design. Inside, you can see the chalice that is said to be the Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. Enjoy an unbeatable view of the city from the cathedral’s bell tower.
The nearby Plaza de la Virgen features the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, one of the earliest baroque buildings in Spain. Return here in the evenings to watch as buskers entertain passers-by.
Stop at the Central Market. Here, you can sample some of Valencia’s finest cheeses and cured meats and then grab a meal at some of its outside food stalls. These stands are known for their paella. Wander to the nearby La Lonja, an expansive Gothic-Renaissance complex that is a great introduction to Valencia’s silk trade history.
Browse the shops along Colón and Pintor Sorolla streets. Department stores and independent boutiques sell high fashion and affordable labels. Art and history lovers will relish a visit to the Palacio de Dos Aguas, a 15th-century palace that is now home to a ceramic museum. Nearby, the Valencia Institute of Modern Art showcases some of the area’s best contemporary photography and paintings.
For dinner, head to the El Carmen district to sample tapas and paella in bars and restaurants.
When entering or exiting the Old Town, admire the Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. These city gates once made up the old medieval wall and today mark the boundaries of the neighbourhood.
Explore the compact Old Town on foot.
