ATTRACTIONS

Plaza del Carmen
Plaza del Carmen is the heart of Barrio del Carmen which is the most popular neighborhood in the old district of the city.  The area houses the School of Fine Arts as well as the city's important architectural landmark: the Palacio del Intendente Pineda.  Although located in the old district, this plaza is very famous with the young especially at night.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento
This district is a good place to start a walking tour of Valencia with a good reference point of the imposing Town Hall with its bell.  The plaza itself is surrounded by beautiful buildings from the city's golden age whereas the center is dominated by an attractive fountain and flower stalls.  During the "Fallas" festival, the plaza comes alive as spectators gather to watch the setting off of firecrackers every day at two o'clock.    

Plaza de la Reina
A wonderful introduction to the old city, the Plaza de la Reina is situated behind the Cathedral from where you can catch a beautiful view of the "Miquelet", Valencia's famous belfry.  The plaza offers a relaxing spot in the center with a small garden and benches where you can sit down and watch the world goes by.  There are also many inviting outdoor cafés, terraces and restaurants that line the plaza.

Plaza del Mercado
This popular plaza is famous for its economic activities which have been carried on since the old days and well into the present.  In addition, found in this plaza are three of the must-visit buildings in the city: the Lonja de Seda (Silk Market) whose awesome gothic feature has been declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, the beautiful 14th century church Iglesia de Santos Juanes, and the Mercat Central (Central Market) which manifests a living example of the Modernist movement from the turn of the century.   

Plaza Redonda
Easily accesible from San Vincente Mártir street, Plaza Redonda enjoys a special popularity with both visitors and locals alike.  Every Sunday morning it turns into an improvised marketplace where you will find everything from everyday items to the tacky knickknacks.  This is also a perfect hunting ground for good eateries and bars.  

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas
This palace is a magnificent representative of rococo architecture with a spectacular Churrigueresque façade.  The building was renovated during the 18th century, but its origin dates back two centuries earlier.  The famous Ceramics Museum is also housed here.

La Lonja
La Lonja's unique Valencian Gothic architecture which has earned a certification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely worth a visit.  Constructed in the late 15th century under the commission of marine traders to be their headquarters, this ever-bustling market is also referred to as the merchants' house or the silk market by the locals.   

Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral)
The city's cathedral is an imposing structure with various architectural styles encrusted onto the same foundation which used to be the site of a mosque and a Roman temple.  The dome and the renowned Miguelete Tower are Gothic, the main doorway and presbitery are Baroque, some of the chapels are Renaissance, and the Palau doorway is Romanesque.  The Catedralicio Diocesano Museum and the Santo Cáliz Chapel which is said to hold a key to the Holy Grail are also located close to the cathedral.

Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Attached to the cathedral, the basilica is named after Valencia's patron saint Geperudeta and (the little hunchback) and is a popular traditional place for prayer.  The statue itself is an impressive piece of art with the combination of Gothic and Byzantine styles.  The basilica can be accessed from Plaza de la Virgen.      

Baños del Almirante
Also called Abd-al-Malik, the Admiral's Baths was built in the 13th century as an Arab bath house.  There were supposedly 10 such bathhouses before the Catholic conquest of the city by Jaime I, but the Baños del Almirante is the only one remaining to date.  It is an interesting structure where you can study the typical Arabic architecture.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences enjoys a reputation as the first of its kind in Spain with its sterile, futuristic agglomeration of buildings.  There are Arts Center, Science Museum, Planetarium and Ocean Park which make for a great family outing.     

Beaches
Being next to the coast, there are plenty of beaches to head to for sunbathing, swimming, surfing and much more.  Popular beaches not far from Valencia are Playa del Ciment, Playa de Pinedo, Playa de la Malvarrosa-Las Arenas, Playa de El Saler, Playa de la Devesa, Playa de El Recatí, and El Racó.