Valencia Spain Attractions

Valencia is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to booking a city break in Spain. Most people immediately think of Madrid and Barcelona when it comes to city breaks but Valencia being the third biggest city in Spain has a lot to offer in the way of Valencia tourism. When it comes to accommodation Valencia Hotels are far cheaper than their Madrid and Barcelona counterparts. Valencia tourist information can be found at the Valencia tourism office is located at the Joaquin Sorolla Station and here one can get free maps and brochures a Valencia Tourist Card, Tickets to the City of Arts and Science, Guided Tours of the City and a lot more information about the various Valencia Tourist Attractions.

Valencia is famous for its boat races and also hosting the Americas Cup around the World Boat Race. Valencia is on the grand prix circuit, the Valencia Grand Prix was held on the 24^th to the 26^th of June in 2011. The Valencia Open 500 is held every year as the second last tournament being played on the ATP Tennis Tour and this year the tournament will be held from the 30^th of October until the 6^th of November in 2011. Andy Murray, Robin Soderling, Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, Nikolay Davydenko, Gael Monfils, Gilles Simonand Marcel Granollers have made appearances in the past. David Ferrer won in 2010 and Andy Murray won in 2009. Valencia CF Is always one of the top football teams of La Liga which is the Spanish premier league. On the sporting front Valencia has a lot to offer.

Culturally Valencia also has a lot to offer sightseers. Things to do in Valencia include The Plaza del Mercado is home to three interesting buildings which are the Lonja de la Seda, which is of Gothic architecture, and is the silk market. The Iglesia de los Santos Juanes is a Baroque architectural styled church while the Mercado Central is the central market and a fine example of a modernist styled building.

The Cathedral of Valencia is located on the Plaza de la Reina and apart from the cathedral itself it is the three gates that are of interest because of their different architectural styles dating from different eras. The Irons Gate comes from the Baroque period, the Apostles Gate of the Cathedral of Valencia is from the Gothic period and the Palace Gate is from the Romantic Period. The El Miguele Bell Tower is also located on the Plaza de la Reina and from here one can admire the most fantastic views of Valencia. The Plaza del Virgen sits on the site that was once the Roman forum of Valencia. Surrounding the Plaza del Virgen is the Nuestra Señora de los Desamparadores on the western side of the square. On the eastern side of the Plaza is the Gothic Palau de la Generalitat which is the seat of the government for the province of Valencia. In the centre of the square is a fountain and the square is full of restaurants and cafes ideal for sitting outside watching the world go by.

The Torres de Serrano or Serrano Towers are located on the Plaza de los Fueres. The Serrano towers are thought to be the largest Gothic City Gateway in Europe and were constructed in the 14^th century as a fortress to the city and at one point housed prisoners as well. There are some fabulous views as well on the Serrano Towers of Valencia and the Turia River.

The Iglesia de San Juan de Hospital is located on Trinquete de Caballeros and is one of the oldest churches in Valencia. The church as built in 1261 along with a hospital, a convent and a cemetery.

The Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V is located on San Pio V and is a building from the Baroque Era which houses works of the artists El Greco, Velazquez, Murillo and Goya. The fine arts museum exhibits sculptures from Mariano Benlliure. This museum offers free admission to all members of the public.

The Museo Nacional de Ceramico Gonzales Marti is located on the Poeta Querol and is a former palace daring from the 15^th Century and refurbished in the 17^th Century following the architecture of the Baroque era. Admission is €2.40 and one can expect to see 18^th century carriages, 19^th century rooms, medieval ceramics and a collection of tiles coming from the Royal Ceramics Factory in Alcora.

The Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes is located on the Avenida Constitucion and today houses the Biblioteca Valenciana and dates back from the 16^th Century. The Moasterrio de san Miguel de los Reyes served different purposes during the ages. Starting out as a Muslim farmhouse in the 11^th century to a Cistercian Monastery in the 14^th century and then to a Hieronyte Monastery in the 16^th century and a prison in the 19^th century.

La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is located just off the Autopista and this complex houses the Palau de las Artes, L´Hemisferic, Museo de los Ciencias and the L’Oceangrafic. The Palau de Las Artes is the Valencia Opera House. The L’Hemisferic is a Laserium, Planetarium and IMAX Cinema. The Museo de los Ciencias Principe Felipe is a science museum where everyone is encouraged to touch and experiment. The Oceanografic Valencia is the world’s largest aquarium with marine life from all parts of the globe and dolphin shows.

El Puerto de Valencia has more than 500 000 passengers departing for the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands and Italy. Valencia is one of the most important harbours for cargo shipping in Europe. The harbour of Valencia also houses the maritime Museum in the Royal Dockyards, the Reales Atarazanes, The Golondrians provide daily tours around the harbour and these can be found near the Edificio Tinglados at the harbour. The Clock Tower or Edificio del reloj is also a fine example of modernist architecture.

Valencia beaches nearest the city centre are the Las Arenas, La Malvarossa and Alboraya. The Botanical Gardens are located on the Calle Quart and was founded in 1567 to study plants for medicinal purposes.

The easiest way to get around Valencia is to use the Valencia Metro. Valencia traffic can be daunting at the best of times and parking a nightmare so for people living on the Costa Blanca and Costa Azahar can just hop onto a train and enjoy themselves while people coming from abroad can fly directly into Valencia Airport. Valencia weather is warm all year round and it is always a good time to visit Valencia.