Things to See in Valencia That Surprised Me Most

A Glimpse into Valencia’s Long History

Let’s start with the city’s past—it’s everywhere, and it shapes everything you’ll see. Valencia wears its history well, not just in its grand monuments, but in quiet corners and lived-in landmarks.

The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked into the old town. I remember standing beneath its twisted columns and vaulted ceilings, imagining merchants from centuries ago negotiating over bolts of silk. It’s one of those places where the silence speaks volumes.

Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart

These two medieval gates once protected the city. I climbed the steep stairs of the Torres de Quart and caught a golden view of Valencia’s rooftops, warm from the morning sun.

Ancient City Walls

Parts of Valencia’s old city walls still remain from the Roman era and the Islamic period, quietly woven into modern streets. I tried to follow the outline on foot one morning, wanting to trace where the city once ended.

I was somewhat disappointed because the remnants of the ancient walls were difficult to see or access due to extensive rebuilding in many parts of Old Town.

The Bullfighting Ring (Plaza de Toros de Valencia)

Right beside Estació del Nord, this neoclassical arena stands as a symbol of an old tradition. I didn’t go inside for a show, but I did take time to walk around it, noticing the symmetry and weight it holds in the city’s cultural identity—past and present.

Modern Meets Futuristic – Valencia’s Architecture

Valencia wears both its past and future with equal pride. Just when you think you’ve stepped back in time, a turn of the corner reveals sweeping lines of white concrete and glass, reflecting sky and imagination in equal measure.

City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)

It’s impossible to ignore. Even if modern architecture isn’t usually your thing, this place might surprise you.

I spent a full morning here—not just snapping photos, but walking slowly, pausing often, and admiring the scale and creativity poured into each structure.

The complex includes several distinct buildings:

• The Hemisfèric, shaped like a giant eye, hosts IMAX films and light shows.
• The Science Museum (Museo de las Ciencias) is hands-on and playful, perfect if you’re travelling with children—or just curious at heart.
• The Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, brings together marine life from every ecosystem imaginable.
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the opera house, my favourite, is as sculptural as it is functional.

I didn’t go inside any of them—and I don’t regret it. For me, the joy was simply in walking the grounds, sitting by the shallow pools, and letting the architecture speak for itself.

Tip: Slow travel means following your own interests—not ticking off every highlight because someone else said you should. It’s okay to admire from the outside if that’s what resonates with you.

Mercado de Colón

This restored market blends turn-of-the-century architecture with modern-day cafes. I stopped here one late morning as I was out for a ride on a rented bike. I was drawn in by the ironwork and stained glass. I stayed for hours, sipping on my freshly squeezed Valencia orange juice and people-watching from a quiet corner as the city moved gently around me.

It felt less like sightseeing and more like belonging.

It’s far less busy than the popular Central Market (Mercado Central). It, too, has incredible architecture. The dome, the natural light, the tile mosaics… it all felt more like a cathedral to daily life than a grocery market.

Sacred and Spiritual Spaces

I don’t go into every church I pass, but I did pop into a few, because something about them made me pause—an open door, a shaft of light, the sound of a bell.

Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete Tower

Valencia’s most popular attraction, as it’s said, the Holy Grail is kept here—tucked in a small chapel, behind glass.

But what I remember most is the climb up El Miguelete. Two hundred and seven steps of worn stone. At the top, I found a wide view of the old city: terra cotta rooftops, church domes, and the faint outline of the sea. It was worth every step.

Iglesia de San Nicolás

Often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia—and yes, the ceiling frescoes are extraordinary.

But what struck me was the stillness. I sat in one of the wooden pews, letting the cool air and filtered light wrap around me. For a moment, I forgot the time, the weather, even the day. It’s that kind of place.

Beaches, Public Spaces and Gardens That Invite You to Slow Down

One of the joys of slow travel is leaving time for moments that aren’t planned—pausing in a shaded square, sitting on a bench without checking the time, or simply watching the day unfold around you. Valencia offers so many of these places, and they quickly became the heart of my days in the city.

Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria)

This dry riverbed turned urban park stretches across the city like a green ribbon. I walked here every morning—sometimes with a plan for the day, other times with no direction at all. Locals jog, children play, and life moves gently along.

I recommend you rent a bike and ride from one end of the city to the other without ever leaving the path, like I did.

Don’t miss Gulliver Park, where a giant playground sculpture of Gulliver from Gulliver’s Travels invites climbing, sliding, and wide-eyed wonder for children.

At the far end of Turia Gardens is Bioparc, a zoo designed to immerse you in natural habitats without visible fences or barriers. I’m not one for zoos, but I heard this one was different. The spaces are wide, the layout thoughtful, and the animals looked genuinely well cared for. It might not be for everyone—but if you’re curious, it offers a slow and thoughtful visit.

La Malvarrosa Beach and Playa de las Arenas

Yes, it’s popular—but mornings are different. The sun is low, the light golden, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. I liked walking the boardwalk early, watching the sand stretch toward the sea.

This is also where you’ll find some of the best paella in Valencia. The beachfront restaurants lining the strip cater to hungry patrons all day long—this is where it originated, after all. I always say: if you’re going to try paella anywhere, let it be here.

Tip: I recommend skipping the marina. It’s functional, not especially charming, and there are better places nearby to linger and take in the view.

Valencia’s Botanical Garden (Jardí Botànic)

I stayed much longer than I planned. Tucked behind old stone walls, it’s filled with palm trees, desert plants, and winding paths that invite wandering. There were few people when I visited, just the sound of birds and leaves in the breeze. It felt like the city’s secret garden, and I loved every minute of it.

Plaza de la Virgen

One of my favourite spots to sit and do absolutely nothing. Fountains gurgle, footsteps echo, and the scent of orange blossoms floats by in spring. The surrounding buildings—Valencia Cathedral, the Basilica, and old government halls—stand quietly, watching it all.

Other Squares Worth Lingering In

Valencia’s plazas are perfect for wandering between or simply staying put.

• Plaza del Ayuntamiento is more formal, framed by grand buildings and a central fountain. I passed through often, usually on my way to something else, but always found myself slowing down.
• Plaza de la Reina is lively and full of cafes. It’s where I’d stop for a late afternoon drink, surrounded by a mix of visitors and locals.
• Plaza Redonda is a hidden little circle tucked behind narrow streets, with shops and stalls curving around you. It’s charming, and a bit surprising when you find it. I found this after a long, delicious lunch at Lattee & Farina.

Art, Culture and the Unexpected

Sometimes it’s not the well-known attractions that stay with you—it’s the things you find without meaning to. Valencia surprised me with how often I turned a corner and found myself face-to-face with creativity, whether on a museum wall or tucked into a side street.

It does help if you are not rushed or pressed for a certain number of days in Valencia.

IVAM – Institut Valencià d’Art Modern

For modern art lovers, this museum is a must. Inside, I wandered through a temporary exhibit that contrasted traditional Spanish portraiture with street art. The building itself is minimalist and quiet, a good contrast to the bold art it houses.

National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts

Even if you don’t step inside, walk past this one. The exterior façade is elaborate, almost theatrical—with swirling marble sculptures and ornate carvings that make it feel more like a palace than a museum.

If you’re drawn to interiors and historical craftsmanship, the inside is just as grand, filled with porcelain, period furniture, and decorative pieces that tell stories of taste and tradition through the centuries.

Street Art in El Carmen

Wandering the backstreets of El Carmen felt like stepping into an open-air gallery. The walls speak—sometimes loud and colourful, sometimes subtle and thought-provoking. I turned corners just to see what was next: a mural of a woman’s face the size of a building, a poem scrawled on a wall, a sudden splash of colour against crumbling brick.

Walk along Guillem de Castro Street, and you’ll see why it’s one of the city’s most dynamic areas for street art. Among the creative displays, I spotted a small mosaic image of a cat, carefully placed but easy to miss. It made me smile—one of those tiny, perfect discoveries.

And tucked away on a quiet stretch in this same area is one of the most unusual things to see in Valencia: the House of Cats (Casa de los Gatos). A miniature home, built at ground level into the wall, complete with windows, a tiny water dish, and decorative tiles.

It’s said to be a tribute to the neighbourhood’s stray cats, and I loved how whimsical and human it felt—like a city with a soft spot for the unnoticed.

North Train Station (Estació del Nord)

You don’t expect beauty when you’re buying a train ticket—but Valencia has a way of surprising you. The North Station (not the station I arrived by), designed by Demetrio Ribes with influence from Gustave Eiffel, is a tribute to early 20th-century design. Art Nouveau lines meet intricate tile work, floral patterns, and a grand clock that watches over the comings and goings.

Final Thoughts

Valencia is full of beauty, but sometimes a change of scenery brings new perspective—and Peñíscola, with its seaside charm and medieval old town, was just that for me.

If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend visiting Peñíscola as a scenic day trip from Valencia.