In Valencia, the spectrum of sights is very broad and ranges from Gothic cathedrals and cobblestone squares to futuristic building complexes. The different parts of the city, but especially the old town, can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Interesting and entertaining events take place throughout the year, such as impressive street performances, fireworks and traditional costume parades that you can enjoy when you have bought a property for sale in Valencia.
In the 15th century, Valencia was a thriving trading port. Today, the city is a popular holiday destination in Spain. Not far from the city centre is a lively seafront promenade with many restaurants, bars and cafés with outdoor terraces overlooking the sea. If you are looking to buy a property for sale with the intention of generating an income with tourists, then there is no better place in Spain.
Barrio del Carmen a lovely part of town
Wonderful murals in the Barrio del Carmen
Foto Jorge Franganillo
Valencia’s old town or Ciutat Vella is rich in Gothic-style buildings, dreamy alleys and picturesque squares. Take a stroll and discover impressive buildings such as the Art Nouveau train station, the Bullfighting Museum, the 15th-century Silk Exchange and the Roman cathedral, which, according to legend, houses the Holy Grail.
In the Barrio del Carmen, bars and cafés invite you to linger in the sun. The popular district also offers modern murals and urban art, for example on Carrer de Salvador Giner. Seeing these wonderful projects is one of the great advantages of buying a property for sale in the area.
Location: Old Town (Ciutat Vella), Valencia, Spain
A must-see: Valencia Cathedral
Can you find the Holy Grail?
Foto Francesco Crippa
Valencia Cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic building located in the old town in the Plaza de la Reina. Over the years, Romanesque and Baroque elements have been added to the building, and today it offers numerous beautiful photo opportunities. A real visitor magnet is the Santo Caliz Chapel with the Holy Grail, recognised by the Vatican. A museum displays Renaissance paintings and sculptures by Goya and Jacomart. For about 2 euros you can climb the bell tower (Miguelete), from where you have a magnificent view of the old town. Imagine yourself seeing all this on your afternoon stroll through town, before returning to your Valencian home.
Location: Plaza de la Reina, 46003 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours:
November to March: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30.
April to October: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:30, Sunday from 14:00 to 18:30.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Bustling square with boutiques and antique shops
Foto Jeffrey Beall
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most visited squares in Valencia. Here you will find numerous Art Deco buildings, fashion chains and luxury boutiques, department stores, antique shops and florists. Just five minutes from the Estació del Nord train station, this is the place to celebrate festivals such as the Fallas and Valencia Region Day. In winter, scenes from the Christmas story are re-enacted here. Popular sights include the neoclassical town hall, the main post office and the large fountain in the centre of the square. You will need to visit the plaza and the Ayuntamiento when you go to register for your Empadron in the city.
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento 1, 46002 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to midnight
Drinks and tapas at the Mercado Central market hall
Buy wine, cheese, sausage and ham in this modernist-style market hall, that is one of the great privileges of owning property in this region.
When you have found your property for sale in Valencia, this market hall is where you will do some shopping, more than 1000 market stalls offer a wide variety of Spanish delicacies as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. The Art Nouveau structure, built in 1910, features beautiful leaded glass windows, colourful mosaics and a roof with a large dome and metal pillars. The building not only looks good, but is still used as a market hall. Locals buy their fresh vegetables here as well as fruit, meat, wine and cheese. In the surrounding bistros and restaurants, you can enjoy good Spanish specialities such as Ibérico ham, paella, churros and sangria. Accommodation near the market hall is also of good quality.
Location: Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 07:00 to 15:00, closed on Sundays.
Telephone: +34 963 829 100
Relaxing break in the Jardín del Turia Park
A special attraction is the playground in the shape of a giant.
Foto Dorieo
When looking for property for sale in Valencia, you might have childrend to concider. The Jardín del Turia park in the centre of Valencia is a beautiful complex with green spaces, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities and avenues. The Park can be easily explored on foot or bike. A unique attraction is the Gulliver Park with a giant figure of Gulliver, the hero of the novel "Gulliver’s Travels". Children will find slides, stairs and obstacle courses here. If you want to spend some time in a pleasant location, we recommend looking at the area near Jardín del Turia.
Location: Antiguo Cauce del Turia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours: September to June: daily from 10:00 to 20:00. July to August: From 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00
A must-see: La Lonja de la Seda
15th century silk exchange with free entry on Sunday
Foto Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA
The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) in the centre of Valencia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building dates back to the 15th century, when Valencia was one of the most important trading ports in Europe. Today, the well-preserved Gothic building charms with its pointed window and archways, stone gargoyles, domed ceilings and 40 Renaissance medallions of Roman statesmen. One of the most famous features of the Silk Exchange is its stone spiral staircase, built without a central axis.
Location: La Lonja de la Seda, Carrer de la Llotja 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 09:30 to 19:00, Sundays from 09:30 to 15:00.
City of Arts and Sciences
Plunge into the shark tank
Diego Delso, delso.photo, Licencia CC-BY-SA
When having found your property for sale in Valencia, you can start exploring Valencia’s "City of Arts and Sciences". It is located around three kilometres south of the Ciutat Vella. The imposing complex, dedicated to themes of science and culture, includes a digital 3D cinema, a science museum, an opera house, an aquarium and an events centre. The interactive science museum "Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe" offers informative programmes and workshops throughout the year. The Oceanogràfic with over 500 marine species is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and from the spacious terrace of the open-air garden "L’Umbracle" there is a beautiful view of the entire complex.
Entrance fees vary depending on the building (from €6.00). The combined ticket for the aquarium, cinema and science museum is available for around €29.00.
Location: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Av. del Professor López Piñero 7, 46013 Valencia, Spain.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 24:00 (opening hours vary seasonally).
Enjoy the sun on Malvarrosa beach
Enjoy the sight at the annual kite festival in April
Foto Manuel Martín Vicente
Playa de la Malvarrosa is a spacious beach about eight kilometres east of Valencia’s city centre. Why not look for a property for sale there? In warm weather, this is the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming and beach games. There are numerous cafés, restaurants, beach kiosks and souvenir shops along the 1980s beach promenade. At the southern end is the Port of Valencia, one of Spain’s most important seaports. Events such as Valencia’s International Wind Festival in mid-April also take place at Playa de la Malvarrosa. At this time, accommodation near Playa de la Malvarrosa is naturally particularly popular.
Location: Playa de la Malvarrosa, Valencia, Spain
Paella for gourmets
The historic restaurant "La Pepica" serves the real Paella Valenciana.
Originally from Valencia, paella is now one of the most famous classics of Spanish cuisine. The traditional version of paella consists of short-grain rice, chicken, rabbit and regional beans, cooked with olive oil, saffron, peppers and tomatoes. Today, many restaurants offer their own version of this dish, with ingredients such as artichokes, pork, prawns, mussels and snails. Paella is usually prepared outdoors in a huge pan over a wood fire and eaten together. One of the best and most popular paella restaurants is "La Pepica", which has existed since the end of the 19th century.
Location: Paseo de Neptuno 6, 46011 Valencia.
Opening hours: From 13:00 to 15:30 and from 20:30 to 22:30.
Telephone: +34 963 710 366
Where ever in the Valencia region you choose to buy property, your local restaurant will offer you the "best" Paella in the area….. and it is probably true.