City of Arts and Science
The impressive, futuristic landscape of the City of Arts and
Science covers a vast area, rising out of a man-made lake in what
was formerly the bed of the River Turia. It encompasses various
attractions accessed along a magnificent arched walkway, overhung
with an array of flowering aromatic plants and shrubs. The city
consists of five areas: the Hemisferic, containing the IMAX cinema
and other digital projections; the Umbracle, a landscaped viewing
and parking area; the Principe Felipe Science Museum, dedicated to
interactive science; the Oceanografico, the largest aquarium in
Europe, housing more than 500 marine species; and the Palau de lest
Arts Reina Sofia, which hosts opera, theatre, and music
performances. The cost of exploring the whole 'city' is
considerable but well worth the expense. The exhibitions and
various features are stimulating, educational, and entertaining,
and the beautiful, otherworldly architecture makes you feel as
though you are in a sci-fi movie. It is Valencia's most celebrated
modern tourist attraction and a must-see for visitors. The city
requires a whole day of your attention if you want to experience
everything, and there are some great restaurants to rest and
refuel.
Address: 7 Autopista del Saler
Transport: Metro lines 3 and 5 to Alameda (15 minutes from the
complex); buses 19, 35, 95 and 40 stop at the complex
Opening time: Daily from 10am to 7pm (2 January to 30 June, and 16
September to 30 December); 10am to 9pm (1 July to 15
September)
City of Arts, Valencia
Spanish Tourist Board
El Carmen
The ancient district of El Carmen sits in the heart of
Valencia's old town, with narrow cobbled alleyways, honey-coloured
buildings, and bars and cafes contributing making up a chilled
Bohemian atmosphere. El Carmen also has several interesting
attractions, including the remains of the medieval city walls, and
the Gothic tower gates of Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart,
the latter pocked with cannon-ball marks dating from an assault by
Napoleon. Roman and Moorish influences are clear in the Old Town
and the numerous squares and narrow streets give the area an
authentic medieval feel, despite the invasion of tourists as the
city increases in popularity. Along with several museums, there is
also a convent complex dating back to the 13th century. The
Cathedral of Our Lady is a good starting point for a walking tour
of the Old Town, and climbing the cathedral's tallest tower will
earn travellers fantastic views. Lastly, Mercado Central is one of
the largest indoor markets in Spain is quite an experience.
Barrio del Carmen
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Valencia Cathedral
It is reputedly the resting place of the Holy Grail, but whether
you believe that or not the ornate Valencia Cathedral is worth a
visit just because of its unique history and combination of
architectural styles. Since it started out in 1262, it has shuffled
back and forth from being a mosque to a Christian church, and has
been added to accordingly in a variety of styles from Romanesque to
Gothic, Baroque, and even Moorish. It houses an interesting museum,
treasury, and the Holy Grail chapel. Also look out for paintings by
Goya. Most visitors make a pilgrimage to the cathedral simply to
climb its octagonal medieval tower, which provides a wonderful
panorama of the city if you have the staying power to make it to
the top of the winding staircase. Climbing the tower entails a
small extra fee. The entrance fee to the cathedral includes an
audio guide, in multiple languages, which takes tourists to 21
different points of interest in the cathedral. The square outside
the church is lovely, with numerous cafes and restaurants. Part of
the cathedral is always open for prayer, but tourists are only let
in at certain times. Check the website for opening times.
Valencia Cathedral
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Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)
One of Valencia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the old Silk
Exchange, founded in 1469, copied from a similar structure built in
Palma de Mallorca. The walled tower and flamboyant Gothic trading
hall, once used for the trade of precious items like silk and gold,
is widely regarded as the city's most beautiful building, and is
now a top tourist attraction, often used for hosting art
exhibitions. The immensely high vaulted ceiling tops some unusual
and very attractive pillars, the floors are lovely, and there is
lots of intricate stonework and Gothic detail to admire. There
isn't much information of any kind inside, but informative guided
tours are available in multiple languages for a small extra fee. A
good time to visit is on a Sunday morning, when a popular stamp and
coin collectors market makes for a lively trading buzz. The Silk
Exchange is located opposite Valencia's Central Market, which some
visitors may also want to investigate.
Address: Plaza del Mercado.
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4.30pm to
8.30pm; Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 3pm
Lonja de la Seda
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Crypt of Saint Vicente
The Crypt of San Vicente is an ancient part of Valencia and
exploring the space takes visitors on an intriguing archaeological
journey through the history of the city. The crypt has existed in
many different incarnations: it was once part of a Visigoth chapel;
was converted into palace baths during Muslim rule; and was
incorporated into a Christian chapel dedicated to the martyr San
Vicente (although it is unclear whether the saint was ever actually
imprisoned here as some historians claim). There is even evidence
of Roman architecture in the crypt, which is located in a district
once occupied by Roman nobles. It is possible to wander in and see
the ruins, but without explanation it is not that interesting.
History lovers are encouraged to book the audiovisual tour with
images projected on the walls and a voice over detailing every
different era in the building's past. Tours should be booked at the
City Museum opposite the crypt.
Address: Plaza del Arzobispo
Opening time: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 2pm and
5.30pm to 8pm, Sunday from 9.30am to 2pm. Closed on
Mondays.
Church of Saint Vincente
CRLS
Plaza de la Virgen
The Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia's loveliest squares.
Once the site of an ancient Roman forum, a fountain sits in the
centre and is surrounded by plenty of open-air cafes. On one side
of the square is the impressive Gothic façade of the Palau de la
Generalitat, seat of government for the Valencia region, and
opposite is the Baroque Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los
Desamparados, a grand church dating from the 17th century
containing fascinating frescoes. The Plaza de la Virgen is an
entertainment hub during the famous Fallas Festival in Valencia,
which sees the community building big, creative sculptures in the
square and later burning them. Street performers come into the
square during the evening and those sitting at cafes are treated to
flame-throwers, jugglers, and the like. Even when there is no
entertainment, the square is ideal for people-watching and
photography. It is one of the best known landmarks and gathering
places in Valencia.
Plaza de la Virgen
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Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers
and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 62°F (17°C).
The peak summer months, between June and August, are hot and dry,
with average temperatures in August, the hottest month, ranging
between 70°F (21°C) and 85°F (29°C).
Summers in Valencia are sometimes said to last from
April to November. Winters, between December and February, are mild
by European standards, with the average temperatures in January,
the coldest month, ranging between 44°F (7°C) and 61°F (16°C).
It can rain in any season in Valencia but the peak
summer months tend to stay dry. Most of the rainy days occur during
autumn and early spring, with October the wettest month. Summers
can be baking hot, and humidity tends to be high.
The most popular time for a Valencia holiday is
during the hot summer months, when the streets buzz with visitors
and activities of all sorts. With its warm climate, however, it is
possible to travel to Valencia at any time of year and be assured
of some sunshine, and some people prefer to enjoy the city out of
season when it is quieter, although never dull. March, during the
famed Fallas Festival, is a good time for party-animals to
visit.
Valencia Airport
Location: Valencia Airport is just six miles (9km) from the city
centre.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and
October).
Getting to the city:
Two Underground lines link the airport with the city centre and
the port. Valencia Metro line 3 runs between the airport and the
city centre, the port and the main locations in the metropolitan
area; trains leave approximately every hour between 5:30am and
10:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 9:10pm on Sundays and public
holidays. Metro line 5 runs directly from the airport to the port
of Valencia and the town of Torrent; trains leave approximately
every hour between 6:20am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 7:30am
to 10:15pm on Sundays and public holidays. The station is on the
ground floor of the regional flights terminal; one-way tickets
start from €1.50. City bus route 150 (Metrobus) runs between the
airport and Valencia city centre, with intermediate stops at
Mislata, Quart de Poblet and Manises; the bus runs Monday to
Saturday 5:30am to 10pm, roughly every 25-35 minutes. A single fare
is €1.45.
Car Rental:
A number of car rental agencies operate at Valencia Airport,
including Avis, Hertz, EuropCar, and Enterprise. However, a local
drivers license is needed when renting a car.
Airport Taxis:
Metered taxis are available outside the arrivals area.
Fascilities:
Airport facilities include gift shops, newsstands, and duty-free
shopping, a pharmacy, restaurant, ice cream shop, and Burger King.
A VIP lounge is available, with an entrance fee of €21.07 for
non-members.
Parking
Both long and short-term parking is available relatively close
to the terminal. Lot P1 is the best option for stays of less than
four days, while the long-stay car park is ideal for longer
trips.
La Tomatina
Billed as 'the world's craziest festival' and 'the world's
biggest tomato fight', visitors should be prepared to be soaked in
tomato juice when this quirky festival gets going. Almost 50,000
visitors descend annually on the tiny village of Bunol, just 25
miles (40km) outside of Valencia, to throw tomatoes at one another
in the world's biggest food fight. Begun in 1945, allegedly as a
result of a restaurant food fight, it has become a highlight on the
summer festival calendar for party-animals, with thousands of
people flocking to decimate the loads of tomatoes brought into town
on lorries. The street party is worth enjoying even if you don't
get clobbered with a ripe juicy fruit. The actual tomato fight only
lasts about an hour. Since 2013 the event has been regulated with
ticket sales to limit the numbers as the town can only hold so many
and the event grows in popularity every year. The tomato fight
takes place in the old town, centred on the Plaza del Pueblo.
Safety goggles are a good idea to protect your eyes and generally
participants choose to be very scantily clad due to the mess. The
week-long festival also features live music, parades, fireworks,
street parties and cooking contests.
Venue: Bunol
Tomatoes in mid air
Aaron Corey
Fallas
Valencia's spring festival, celebrated since 1871, is the
highlight of the year in the city. Close to a hundred enormous wood
and cardboard satirical papier-mâché figures are created and
erected along the streets by different communities and these
creative and comical figures are eventually burnt on the final
night of the festival, amid much celebration and jollity in the
streets. These huge works of art, called Las Fallas, are invariably
beautifully crafted and a lot of effort and thought goes into the
theme and execution, with crowds of artists working on each
structure. Hundreds of events are organised over a period of
several days following the official opening, including flower
offerings, music concerts, astonishing fireworks displays, street
parties, parades, and bull fights. The five days and nights of the
festival are a continuous party, with each day beginning with the
lively 8am wake-up call which sees brass bands and merry-makers
marching down the streets playing music and throwing fireworks.
Many locals wear traditional folk costumes or dress up as
historical figures, but anything goes. The festival is in honour of
Saint Joseph, whose saint's day is celebrated at this time
throughout Spain.
Venue: Various, throughout the central city area
Fallas
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The Metro Valencia has five lines that run to major
points within the city, including a tramway to the beach. The
system runs from 5.30am to midnight. The city bus system has fairly
comprehensive service within Valencia, running from 4.30am to
10.30pm, with additional night buses from 10.30pm to 2am (3.30am on
Fridays).
The Valencia Tourist Card offers unlimited use of the
bus and metro for one to three days, and can be purchased at hotels
and tourist offices. Many people find that most of the city centre
can be explored on foot, unless they plan to go to the beach. Taxis
are the most convenient way to get around at night; they can be
hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or phoned. Fares are
metered, and rates should be clearly displayed.
A holiday in Valencia offers attractions to suit all
tastes, from beautiful beaches right on the doorstep, to a host of
museums, art galleries, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, a full
calendar of exciting festivals, and historic attractions.
There are some wonderful beaches near Valencia, with
favourites like El Saler, El Puig, and Sagunto all less than an
hour out of the city; the beaches within the city are less glorious
but still good for a swim and a suntan. Valencia has some lovely
green lungs as well, including the Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia
park, and the Bioparc Valencia, which is a great zoo.
Historical attractions in Valencia include the
ancient Crypt of Saint Vincente, which contains evidence of the
city's Visigoth, Roman, and Muslim heritage; the UNESCO-listed Silk
Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), founded in 1469; the Valencia
Cathedral, which is said to be the final resting place of the Holy
Grail; and the beautiful Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas. A wander
through the atmospheric El Carmen district is a must, as is a lazy
meal or drink in the Plaza de la Virgen.
With a comprehensive bus and metro system, it is easy
to get around Valencia while sightseeing. The metro system is not
extensive, consisting of four lines, but covers the major points in
the city, including a tramway to the beach. Buses, on the other
hand, will get you to just about anywhere. More active visitors can
opt to hire a bicycle, and enjoy Valencia's great network of cycle
paths. Much of the city can also be explored on foot.
City of Arts, Valencia
Spanish Tourist Board
Barrio del Carmen
Traveling Lao
Valencia Cathedral
Felivet
Lonja de la Seda
Felivet
Church of Saint Vincente
CRLS
Plaza de la Virgen
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