With its mix of Mediterranean charm, futuristic architecture, and deep historical roots, Valencia tourist attractions make the city one of Spain’s most underrated gems. While often overshadowed by Barcelona or Madrid, this city offers an incredibly diverse travel experience — and for many, it’s love at first stroll.
If you’re planning your itinerary, you’ve landed in the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 Valencia tourist attractions that will make your trip unforgettable — from gothic cathedrals to quirky hidden corners.
1. Plaça de la Reina
📍 Location: Historic Center
☀️ Best time to visit: Early morning or golden hour
Plaça de la Reina is the beating heart of Valencia’s Old Town. This lively square blends Gothic, Baroque, and modern architecture — with cafés lined under orange trees and horse-drawn carriages rolling by. It’s also the perfect starting point to visit the nearby cathedral and iconic bell tower.
Grab a morning café con leche here and watch the city come alive. The square has recently undergone renovations, creating more pedestrian space and shady areas for people to relax.
2. Orxateria de Santa Catalina
📍 Location: Adjacent to Plaça de la Reina
🍹 What to try: Horchata with fartons
A visit to Valencia wouldn’t be complete without tasting horchata — and this historic orxateria (horchata shop) is the best place to try it. The interior alone is worth a stop: think classic tiled walls, vintage counters, and a distinctly old-school charm.
Order a chilled glass of this sweet tiger nut drink and a couple of soft fartons for dipping. It’s a ritual here — and one of those little joys that make Valencia unforgettable.
3. Plaça Redona
📍 Location: Hidden between Calle de la Paz and Plaza Lope de Vega
As the name suggests, this is a perfectly circular square, tucked behind narrow alleyways. Plaça Redona feels like a secret nook, especially in the mornings before the crowds arrive. Local artisans sell lace, ceramics, and collectibles in the ring of shops around the square.
It’s one of those Valencia tourist attractions that surprises you when you least expect it — peaceful, charming, and full of local life.
4. Igreja de Santa Catarina (Church of St. Catherine)
📍 Location: Calle de la Paz
🕍 Style: Gothic with Baroque additions
Easily recognized by its tall, elegant bell tower, this church is a favorite among architecture lovers. Step inside to admire the stunning nave and serene ambiance. If you climb the tower (on select days), you’ll be rewarded with quiet views over the rooftops of Valencia.
The surrounding area is ideal for photos, especially as golden light hits the tower late in the day.
5. Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí
📍 Location: Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas
🎟️ Admission: Around €3 (free on certain days)
Set inside one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia, this museum is often overlooked — but shouldn’t be. The rococo façade of the palace itself is a visual feast: ornate carvings, grand columns, and the famous alabaster “Virgin on a Chariot” entrance sculpture.
Inside, you’ll find centuries of decorative arts, including Valencian tiles, ceramics, fashion, and furniture. It’s an atmospheric journey through Spain’s lavish artistic history.
6. Catedral de València
📍 Location: Plaza de la Reina
🕰️ Don’t miss: The Holy Grail chapel
The centerpiece of religious life in Valencia, the cathedral is a striking blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. It’s most famous for housing a relic that many believe is the Holy Grail. Whether or not you believe the legend, the chapel dedicated to it is incredibly moving.
Don’t forget to explore the cathedral’s cloisters and chapels — and check out the audio guide for deep historical context.
7. El Micalet (Miguelete Tower)
📍 Location: Adjacent to the cathedral
🚶 Climb: 207 spiral stone steps
This 14th-century bell tower is Valencia’s most iconic viewpoint. Once you reach the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the rooftops, plazas, and even out toward the Mediterranean on a clear day.
Go at sunset for golden hour magic — or early in the morning for peace and quiet.
8. Plaça de la Mare de Déu
📍 Location: Between the Cathedral and the Basilica
🎭 Local vibe: Great for people-watching
This atmospheric square is where ancient traditions and daily life intersect. Surrounded by key landmarks like the Cathedral and Basilica, it’s the center of many Valencian festivals — especially Las Fallas. You might even stumble upon a traditional band or folk dancers rehearsing here.
It’s also a great spot to pause between sightseeing stops — many local gelaterías are nearby!
9. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados
📍 Location: Off Plaça de la Mare de Déu
🙏 Fun fact: Dedicated to the city’s patron saint
This basilica is a spiritual and emotional landmark for Valencians. Step inside and look up — the ceiling fresco is stunning, painted in bright blues and golds, with a celestial dome above the altar.
Even if you’re not religious, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm and beauty here.
10. Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana
📍 Location: Carrer dels Cavallers
🏛️ Built: 15th century
Still used today by the regional government, this Gothic palace reflects Valencia’s importance during the Crown of Aragon era. While tours aren’t always available, the façade alone is worth admiring. During major festivals, the balcony is used for ceremonial appearances — so you may catch it lit up or decorated.
11. Mercado Central de Valencia
📍 Location: Plaza Ciudad de Brujas
🛒 Tip: Go hungry and go early
This enormous modernist market is one of the most iconic Valencia tourist attractions — and for good reason. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a full sensory experience. The architecture is stunning, with ironwork and stained glass, while inside, stalls overflow with vibrant fruits, seafood, spices, and local delicacies.
Grab a fresh juice or bocadillo and soak in the buzz of everyday Valencian life.
12. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
📍 Location: Across from the Central Market
🧱 UNESCO World Heritage Site
A true Gothic masterpiece, La Lonja once hosted wealthy merchants from around the world. The main hall — with its twisting columns and star-shaped vaulted ceiling — is like stepping back into the golden age of Valencian trade.
It’s calm, cool, and filled with architectural wonders. Spend time reading the stone inscriptions around the interior — many are surprisingly poetic!
13. El Carmen
📍 Location: Northwest of the historic center
🎨 Vibe: Bohemian, artsy, and eclectic
El Carmen is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Valencia. Known for its colorful street art, indie bars, and ancient ruins (including parts of the old city wall), this area blends the ancient and modern like nowhere else.
Wander the alleyways and you’ll find hip cafés, open-air galleries, and tiny vintage shops tucked between centuries-old buildings. At night, El Carmen transforms into a buzzing nightlife district.
14. Torres de Serranos
📍 Location: Northern edge of the old town
🏰 Built: 14th century
These massive stone towers were once part of the city’s fortified walls, serving as the main northern gate. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the old town and Jardín del Turia — a perspective that makes this site one of the best Valencia tourist attractions. It’s a favorite spot during festivals like Las Fallas, where the towers often become a stage for dramatic light shows or fireworks.
Entrance is usually free on Sundays, making it one of the most budget-friendly Valencia tourist attractions with a view.
15. Torres de Quart
📍 Location: Western edge of the old town
💥 Look for: Cannonball scars from the 1808 Napoleonic siege
Built in the 15th century, these towers mirror Serranos but are less crowded and more dramatic in their battle-worn appearance. You can still see the damage from historical sieges, adding a powerful layer to your visit. A climb to the top offers stunning views and fewer tourists — win-win!
16. Portal de Valldigna
📍 Location: El Carmen
🕰️ Built: 1400
This modest archway once marked the entrance to the Arab quarter. While small, the Portal de Valldigna is an important historical symbol and a cool spot to reflect on the city’s multicultural roots. It’s right in the heart of El Carmen — blink and you might miss it, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander.
17. House of Cats
📍 Location: Calle del Museo
🐱 Fun find: Tiny cat door, water bowl, and tiled home façade
One of Valencia’s quirkiest corners, this little shrine is built into the wall of a building in El Carmen. It’s a tribute to the stray cats that roam the area, complete with miniature archways and tiny murals. It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of spot, but once you find it, it’s sure to make you smile.
18. Jardín del Turia
📍 Location: Stretching 9 km through the city
🌳 What to expect: A massive park full of life
Once a riverbed, now a green oasis — the Jardín del Turia is one of Europe’s longest urban parks. Whether you’re jogging, biking, picnicking, or people-watching, it’s a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle. Expect fountains, sculptures, orange trees, playgrounds, and a strong community vibe.
It also links many of the city’s main attractions — including the iconic City of Arts and Sciences.
19. Mercat de Colón
📍 Location: Calle Jorge Juan
🍷 Try: Local wine or tapas at one of the stylish market bars
This beautifully restored modernist building was once a local market and is now a high-end food and shopping destination. It’s not as “local” as Mercado Central but offers a different vibe: refined, stylish, and architectural. Sit down for a vermut, sample a gourmet tapa, and admire the iron-and-glass design.
Perfect for an afternoon recharge.
20. Plaça de l’Ajuntament
📍 Location: City center
🏛️ Highlight: The City Hall and Central Post Office
This enormous square is often the setting for fireworks shows during Las Fallas. The surrounding buildings — including the ornate town hall and regal post office — offer great photo opportunities. The square is also close to several department stores and restaurants, making it a natural hub for any visit.
21. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences)
📍 Location: East Valencia
🎟️ Admission: Varies by exhibit, exterior always free
A modern marvel and one of the top Valencia tourist attractions, this futuristic complex looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it houses an interactive science museum, an opera house, a planetarium, and the famous Oceanogràfic — Europe’s largest aquarium.
Even if you don’t go inside, just walking the grounds is unforgettable.
22. Edificio del Reloj (Clock Building)
📍 Location: Valencia Port
🕰️ Fun fact: Built in 1916 as a maritime station
This neoclassical gem stands out among the modern marina buildings. It’s currently used for cultural exhibitions, and while it’s not always open to the public, it’s a must-see for architecture lovers. The port area around it is ideal for a seaside walk — or a sunset drink with ocean views.
23. Biblioteca Pública de Valencia Pilar Faus
📍 Location: San Miguel de los Reyes Monastery
📚 Hidden gem: Quiet cloisters and peaceful gardens
Located in a beautifully restored monastery, this public library is more than just a place for books. The architecture is serene and historic, and the peaceful setting makes it a great escape from the city noise. If you’re a digital nomad or book lover, this is your kind of sanctuary.
24. Ruzafa
📍 Location: South of the city center
🌈 Vibe: Trendy, multicultural, vibrant
Ruzafa (or Russafa) is where Valencia gets creative. Packed with art galleries, indie cafés, multicultural restaurants, and artisan markets, it’s Valencia’s answer to Brooklyn or Berlin. Visit on a Saturday for the local market, or stick around after dark for cocktails and live music.
It’s the kind of place where every corner hides something cool.
25. La Finestra
📍 Location: Ruzafa
🎬 What’s special: Unique cinema bar with rotating film nights
La Finestra is a cozy, offbeat cinema-bar known for its film screenings and relaxed atmosphere. You don’t always know what you’ll be watching (it’s often a surprise selection of shorts or indie flicks), but that’s part of the fun. Affordable drinks and retro décor make this a great low-key evening plan.
Why Valencia Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
From gothic towers and futuristic museums to cat tributes and green urban parks, Valencia tourist attractions offer one of the most eclectic and accessible experiences in all of Spain. It’s a city where old and new coexist in perfect harmony — and every neighborhood feels like its own little world.
With mild weather year-round, excellent public transport, and plenty of budget-friendly options, Valencia is ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and digital nomads alike.
🌟 Want more hidden gems or itinerary help? Drop your questions in the comments or see our other blog posts.
