Things to do in Valencia
If we had to classify touristic cities some of them are cities where “to see” things (monuments, museums, art venues, etc) and cities “to do” thigs (shopping, to participate in events, going out, sports, beach/sea, etc). Valencia offers an excellent balance of things to see and things to do.
The two most popular sites to be seen in Valencia are the gorgeous Old Town (also knows as “Ciutat Vella or Centro Histórico”) and the City of Arts and Sciences (CAC).
Valencia Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, with almost 1,7 Km² At the Old Town you will see some magnificient examples of human genius and a compendium of 200o years of history and it shows the influence of four main civilizacions or cultures: romans, visigoths, arabs and christians.
Some of the most relevant monuments are the Plaza Almoina Roman Ruins, the Cathedral of Valencia and its notorius tower “El Miguelete”, the Basilica of Valencia, the Quart and Serranos Towers, the Palau de la Generalitat, the Centre del Carmen, the numerous churches with its outstanding baroc decoration, the Lonja, also known as Silk Exchange, the Central Market, the Marques de Dos Aguas Palace, the Town Hall, the Modernist Norte Railway Station, the Bullring, and the Colon Market.
To explore the old town and its laberintic streets and alleys is an absolute pleasure. You will find secluded squares, plenty of bars and terraces, art galleries, shops, offices and local people because the old town of Valencia is one of the most vidid and energetic parts of our city.
The best way to get to know the old town is to join a guided tour so you will get to know the most well known sites but also the less known but equally beautiful and interesting places, and you will learn about its history and the stories behind it.
The City of Arts and Sciences (CAC):
We owe to this magnificent futuristic compound designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela the fact that Valencia has become a popular touristic destination. Since the complex opened the first attraction in 1998, Valencia was placed on the international map and airline companies and cruise operator included our city in their plans.
The CAC is one of largest and most spectacular scientific and cultural compounds in Europe. The three main buildins are the Palacio Reina Sofia (Opera House), Museo Principe Felipe ( Museum of Sciences), the Hemisferic (Planetarium and cinema) and the Oceanografic (Aquarium).