According to Proexchangerates, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. With a total of just under two million inhabitants in the entire conurbation, Valencia is a busy city. Valencia is best known as the birthplace of the typical Spanish fish dish paella. There is no place in the world where you can eat better paella than in the streets of Valencia. Since the arrival of cheaper airline tickets, tourist interest in Valencia has increased enormously. Valencia therefore offers enough interesting places and buildings to spend a weekend here.
Top 10 sights of Valencia
#1. Plaza del Ayuntamiento
This square is the most important and central square of Valencia. Plaza del Ayuntamiento means town hall square. This square has had several names in history. The old prestigious buildings on this beautiful square in combination with the beautiful fountain give it a lot of prestige. The inhabitants of Valencia like to spend the evening in and around this beautifully lit square.
#2. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
This cultural and scientific center is a feast for the eyes. The famous architect Santiago Calatrava is responsible for this piece of modern art in the riverbed of the Turia River. The special design immediately attracts your attention. In the complex you will find the opera house ‘El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía’, a cinema, planetarium, the science museum ‘El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe’ and an Oceanium. A long promenade takes you past all the museums and a botanical garden with palm trees.
#3. Eixample
A fairly well-kept secret is the Eixample district. This is the neighborhood where you will find the authentic Valencia. The old streets and alleys take you back to the time of Art Nouveau. In addition to a number of very chic shops and boutiques, you will also find the large chains interspersed with cozy shops. What is definitely an attraction in this district is the train station ‘Valencia Estació del Norte’. The inside is beautifully decorated with lots of mosaic and ceramics. The Valencia Estació del Norte is located near Plaza de Toros and the Town Hall.
#4. Cathedral of Valencia
The beautiful cathedral of Valencia was built between 1262 and 1356. Different styles have given the cathedral an impressive appearance. Like the Baroque style, the Gothic and Romanesque influences are also clearly visible. Valencia Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although the cathedral is not a museum, there are many objects from antiquity. Think of the Holy Grail.
#5. Beaches
Valencia has a city beach with many amenities. This beach called Playa Malvarossa is right next to the port of Valencia and there is plenty to do. Various catering establishments offer the most delicious dishes and have atmospheric terraces. Of course there are more beaches near Valencia. Playa de El Saler beach is just outside the town. Playa La Devesa is located at the Parque Natural de la Albufera, which is about 8 km from Valencia.
#6. L’Oceanogràfic
This Oceanium of the city of Valencia is located in the cultural and scientific center ‘Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències’. The aquarium, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava, consists of nine water towers containing partial copies of different Oceans and everything that belongs to them. There are seals, dolphins, waterfowl, penguins, pelicans, walruses, and several species of sharks.More info about the Oceanografic
#7. La Lonja de la Seda
At the Plaza del Mercado is the 15th century silk exchange. The name silk exchange comes from the time when plenty of silk was traded here. The part where the square tower is located served as a prison, among other things. The building is considered one of the most beautiful in European civil Gothic architecture
#8. Plaza de Toros
Between 1850 and 1860 Plaza de Toros ‘square of the bulls’ was built. For many years, the bullfights, which are very popular among the Spanish, have been held in this very large “arena”. Anyone who has ever been to Rome will probably see the similarity with the Colosseum in this. Although bullfights are still held there, it is increasingly used for concerts and other festivities.
#9. Parque Natural de la Albufera
About 11 kilometers from the city of Valencia, lies the very beautiful natural park ‘Parque Natural de la Albufera’. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna in the park. The park is located on a lagoon and covers an area of approximately 20,000 hectares. Those who want to find peace after the hustle and bustle of the city of Valencia can find it here. There are several trips to be made, including by boat.
#10. Football
stadium The current football stadium of Valencia is Estadio Mestalla. More than 52,000 people can take place here to attend a match. Because the stadium is fairly dated, a lot of work is now being done on a new home for the Valencia CF club. This will be the imposing stadium ‘Nou Mestalla’. They started construction in 2007. Unfortunately, this construction was halted in 2009 due to financial problems. When the futuristic stadium is finished it will be able to accommodate about 75,000 guests.