Things to do in  Valencia Province

Located about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Barcelona is Montserrat Mountain, the “Serrated Mountain.” This unique rock formation, sawed and sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain, is most famously home to a Benedictine monastery, an important Catholic pilgrimage spot thanks to its 12th-century wooden statue of La Moreneta (The Black Madonna), Catalonia’s patron saint. Aside from its religious and cultural importance, the mountain also boasts unbeatable views from its peaks.

One of Valencia’s best-known landmarks, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries as a hub for the city’s silk and commodities traders, the exchange is a marvel of Gothic architecture.

A highlight of Valencia’s Old Town, the Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central, or Mercat Central in Valencian) is also one of the city’s quintessential culinary destinations. Built in 1928 and celebrated for its Art Nouveau architecture, the covered market is one of the largest in Europe, housing hundreds of fragrant food stalls.

The Plaza de la Reina, dating from 1878, marks the center of Valencia and is home to cafes, terrazas (outdoor seating areas, and one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Horchatería Santa Catalina. Towering over the plaza is the Valencia Cathedral, a gothic structure believed by some to be the home of the Holy Grail.

Located in the Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is the oldest and most charming neighborhood of Valencia, where medieval towers and historic landmarks stand next to vibrant street art. Hip and trendy, El Carmen offers an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a popular destination with locals and visitors.

One of the largest urban parks in Spain, the Turia Riverbed Gardens (Jardí del Túria) stretches 6 miles (9 kilometers) across central Valencia. Built on the former Túria riverbed, diverted to prevent flooding, this green lung now boasts miles of cycling and walking trails, lush gardens, fountains, and other scenic features.

The twin stone Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos), built in the 14th century as Valencia’s main exit toward Barcelona and Northern Spain, are one of only two remaining portions of the original city walls. What once served as prison cells and a triumphal arch are now thought to be the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe.

Situated along Valencia’s old Turia riverbed, the visually striking City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias) was the work of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The spectacular architecture is just part of the appeal of this futuristic complex though, which is also home to a science museum, planetarium, and more—all popular with families.

Valencia Cathedral is famous the world over for its holy chalice, which many believe to be the Holy Grail of Christian legend. It’s also a fantastic place for fans of architecture, integrating Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance elements into its construction.

One of the two remaining gates of the old Valencia city wall, the Quart Towers (Torres de Quart) represent a tangible piece of Valancia’s rich history. Visitors can admire the imposing Gothic-style 15th-century Quart Towers from ground level or climb to the top for sweeping city views.

The Valencia Institute of Modern Art, known as IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno) showcases the work of both Spanish and international contemporary artists. The building also houses remnants of the city’s medieval defensive wall.

The center of Valencia’s civic activity, the Town Hall Square welcomes many festivals throughout the year, from the spectacular bonfires of Las Fallas in March to an ice skating rink in December.

Albufera, south of Valencia, is home to Spain’s largest lake and some of the country’s most scenic wetlands and lagoons. The park’s natural biodiversity features hundreds of native plants and 340 bird species, including rare and endangered ones. Locally grown rice is featured in many regional dishes, such as paella.

Regardless of your stance on bullfighting, a visit to the Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros offers insight into an important part of Spain’s cultural heritage. The 19th-century structure features quintessential Spanish bullring characteristics such as a multi-leveled exterior, brick arches, and a sand-filled arena.

For a taste of the great Spanish painters, head to the Valencia Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Spanish art in the country—including several local Valencian artists.