What to do
Hemisferic
Explore Valencia’s history by visiting the Plaza de la Almoina, a square smack dab in the center of the old town. There you will see the ruins of the city’s ancient civilizations.
Let the City of the Arts and Sciences take your breath away with the beauty of its modern architecture. This large complex, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava in collaboration with Felix Candela, is a sight to behold (and photograph). Get close to the fish at L’Oceanografic, which displays the marine ecosystems of all five continents. Watch the dolphin show at the Dolphinarium, walk through the 30-m long underwater tunnel and enjoy the sights of the third largest aquarium in the world.
Bioparc. Contrary to traditional zoos, this park has the unique feature of bringing the visitor totally into the habitat of the animals. This is known as zoo immersion.
Oceanográfico
Bioparc’s main objective is to promote respect for animals and make the general public aware of importance of protecting the environment through a commitment to education and the preservation of the animals.
Go on a tour of two very different markets. Shop at the Central Market (Mercado Central), which is home to fresh local produce (including strawberries almost as big as your fist). This market, which opened in 1928, has over 1000 stalls and is considered one of the largest food markets in Europe.
beach Malvarrisa
When you’re done shopping, imagine the bustling activity in the now quiet Lonja de la Seda, a Unesco World Heritage Site. This beautiful hall with helicoidal columns used to be a center for silk exchange.
Ride a bike along the River Turia, which is now dry. Its water has been diverted outside the city since the terrible flood of 1957. The riverbed is now an area for sports, leisure and culture. Visit its bridges, gardens and the museums along the banks.
Go to the beach (Playa Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas are just a 10 to 15-minute tram ride from the center of the town) and be surprised by the sight of topless sunbathers even in cold weather.City of Arts and Science (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), phone: +34 90 210-0031, [http://www.cac.es/]. 10AM-9PM. Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, in a near future, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava
The Barri del Carme neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents, to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers but please respect the neighbors who live there.
The Seu – a curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. A trip up the Miguelete tower (formerly Moorish but now “Christianized”) provides a pleasing view of the city.
The Llotja – This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty.
See the Torres de Quart at the end of Calle Quart. This pock-marked medieval tower was part of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city. Another set of nearby towers called the Torres de Serrano were also part of ancient wall. The Serrano towers have been massively renovated and somewhat modernized but they are still interesting and are located across the street from the park.
References: services.inquirer.ne / turisvalencia.es / tripedia.org
