Top 10 Things to See and Do in Western Valencia

Climb El Miguelete

When visiting the cathedral, make sure to brave the 206 steps to the top of its octagonal bell tower, El Miguelete, to get a bird’s eye view over the city. Originally built separately from the cathedral, the tower looks like it’s missing part of the top – because it is. Construction was halted and never finished, but the tower’s distinctive shape is now a famous symbol of the city.

El Miguelete, Plaça de l’Almoina, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 91 81 27

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Visit Plaza de la Reina

This lively square is filled with busy pavement cafés and bars, fast-food joints and souvenir shops. This is one of the main squares in the city, and it’s the centre of a lot of tourism activity, so can expect crowds often throughout the year. As well as being an interesting stop itself, all the main sights in the Old City are easily reachable from here.

Plaza de la Reina, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 52 54 78

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Shop at the Central Market

A trip to Valencia’s huge Central Market is a must for any foodie and one of the top food experiences in the city. Said to be one of Europe’s oldest continuously running food markets, it boasts around 1,000 stalls piled high with fresh local produce, charcuterie, Spanish wines and incredible seafood. The tradition of shopping here is still strong in Valencia, where shoppers know they’ll find the best quality and flavour. Join the locals doing their weekly shop, and grab ingredients for a picnic or a great bottle of wine to take home.

Central Market, Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 82 91 00

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Have coffee at Colón Market

Colón used to be one of plenty of fresh produce markets Valencia has to offer. Today, the renovated space inside this modernist national monument, just south of the Old Town, contains several chic cafés and an upscale restaurant. There are also craft and flower stalls and a space for alternating photo exhibitions and events. Check out the carefully restored exterior decorated with colourful tiles.

Colón Market, Carrer de Jorge Juan 19, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 37 11 01

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Have cocktails at Café de Las Horas

For evening cocktails after a walk around the Old City, there’s no better place to go. With its lush baroque-style interior, Valencian mosaic tiles and candlelight, Café de Las Horas is really unlike anywhere else. Service can be a bit brusque, but the drinks and décor more than make up for it. Try one of the many gin and tonic varieties or the local specialty, Agua de Valencia. During the day, there’s fresh coffee and a selection of homemade cakes.

Café de Las Horas, Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar 1, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 91 73 36

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Eat paella at Yuso

There are countless paella restaurants to choose from in the city’s historic centre, but Yuso gets our vote (and that of many locals.) Enjoy well-matched Spanish wines and fresh seafood tapas while waiting for the perfect paella to cook. The experience is made even better by the friendly service and quiet outdoor seating area, complete with a splash of some of the area’s famous street art. Indoors is just as nice with exposed wooden beams and traditional Valencian ceramic tiles. Make sure to book ahead.

Yuso, Carrer de la Creu 4, Valencia, Spain, +34 670 08 55 49

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip

Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)

IVAM, Calle de Guillem de Castro 118, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 17 66 00

Jaser Cervantes / © Culture Trip