Top 10 Things to See and Do in Valencia's Historic Centre
The easily walkable historic centre of Valencia is without a doubt the most charming part of the city and holds most of its main tourist attractions. Made up of five neighbourhoods in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), formerly a walled city from Roman times, it’s perfect for wandering the cobbled streets and soaking up Valencia’s lively atmosphere. Discover the best the city has to offer with these unmissable things to see and do.
The cathedral
Cathedral, Building
Plaza de la Reina
Building
The Quart and Serranos towers
These two sets of landmark city gate towers are remnants of the ancient walled city of Valencia. They were two of many parts of the walls fortifications, protecting the city from intruders. The towers have stood alone since the walls and other gates were demolished at the end of the 19th century to make way for the city’s rapid expansion. Today you can walk up and explore both towers, and enjoy the great views from the top.
La Rotonda
Building
The Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace
One of the great things about visiting Valencia is how you can be walking casually down a seemingly average city street, and then unexpectedly come across a breathtakingly grand palace. This one in particular, built in 1740 by an aristocratic family, is famous for its stunning façade. The palace has been home to the Ceramics Museum since 1954, where you can see an impressive ceramics collection donated by Manuel González Martí.
Colón market
Bazaar, Market
Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)
Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)
Probably Valencia’s most popular museum. When the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern, also known as the IVAM, opened in 1989 it was Spain’s first museum dedicated to modern art. The temporay exhibitions never disappoint but the real draw is its permanent collection. There’s a focus on Catalan sculptor Julio González, with almost 400 of his wrought-iron works collected here. You’ll also see around 100 of the impressionist paintings of local artist Ignacio Pinazo. The IVAM also boasts hundreds of other works from world-famous 20th-century artists, in various mediums. Smaller than museums in Madrid and Barcelona, it feels more easily accessible, has fewer crowds and is definitely not lagging behind in quality.
Valencia Institute of Modern Art, Calle de Guillem de Castro 118, Valencia, Spain
Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip
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