Valencia is among the favorite destinations for tourists who come to Spain each year. In 2019, a year before the coronavirus appeared in our lives, the Valencian Community welcomed more than 1.6 million foreigners . This is not surprising, the ‘terreta’ has a charm that differentiates it from other cities on the national scene. Gastronomic, cultural and geographical treasures make up tourism in the Valencian Community. For this reason, we encourage you to get to know it with this 24-hour proposal of enjoyment and tourism in Valencia.
A morning of tourism in the Valencian Community
Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity
Start your day with a good coffee in the cafeteria of the Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity . Recharge yourself with energy and enjoy the morning air on the MUVIM terrace, located in the garden of the old Valencia hospital. Get to know its exhibitions, such as ‘The Adventure of Thought’ , a tour of 15 rooms that goes from theocentrism to current science.
The Tower of Micalet
After this visit, we recommend that you go to the Torre del Micalet. On the way, you can be dazzled by the views of the city from the Mirador del Ateneo Mercantil , located 50 meters high in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Upon reaching Micalet, the name by which the Cathedral bell tower is known, you will also be able to observe the city from above. This Gothic-style construction has been providing an unbeatable panoramic view since 1429 . When you get to the top and feel Valencia at your feet, you will be grateful for having climbed its 207 steps.
Valencia Cathedral
Once you have finished in the bell tower, take the opportunity to visit the Cathedral. This was built on top of the old mosque of the city, which in turn was built on a Visigoth church. Thus, architectural styles intermingle throughout its history, resulting in a unique construction in the world . In addition, the Cathedral houses some curiosities, such as the Holy Grail or the arm of the city’s patron Saint Vincent Martyr, who was tortured by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. When you’re done, continue walking through Plaza de la Reina , the old nerve center of the city, named after Queen María de las Mercedes de Orleans.
La Lonja de la Seda, an essential part of tourism in the Valencian Community
The next stop is the Lonja de la Seda , a 1990 square meter Gothic construction that has the distinction of UNESCO World Heritage Site . This is distributed in a patio of orange trees and a Community Room divided by some majestic columns that are entangled until they reach the vaults. It is said that it was here that the first known Bill of Exchange was issued in Spain.
If you prefer, you can also take a guided tour of the historic center of the city and thus discover all the curiosities that Terreta hides. In this way, no detail will escape you.
A lunch of champions
To eat we recommend that you go to Palmar , a very characteristic fishing village of the capital of Turia. This is located in the Albufera Natural Park , surrounded by rice fields. Walking through its streets you can enjoy nature and buildings full of history, such as the Barraca del Tío Aranda, a 19th century house made of clay, reeds and wood. In El Palmar you can also visit the Ethnological Museum , where the life of the ancient farmers and fishermen of the area is displayed.
In this area you can taste the best paellas in Valencia, as it houses more than 30 restaurants specializing in rice. Among them is the Bon Aire, whose paella was chosen in 2018 as the best in the world . After eating, you can take a boat ride around the area and relax after a day of sightseeing.
The final touch of a day of tourism in the Valencian Community
To end the day, we recommend that you visit the City of Arts and Sciences , an architectural complex in Calatrava that houses, among other buildings, the Oceanografic , the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe. After this visit, the ideal is to walk along the shore of Malvarrosa beach while watching the sunset and enjoying an authentic horchata. To finish, you can dine in one of the restaurants in the area and savor a fideuá, a tomato coca or a arroz a banda.
Without a doubt, Valencia offers many more cultural and tourist activities than those already mentioned. However, the cultural heritage of this city makes it impossible to get to know each of its corners in a single day. If you have the opportunity, give yourself a few days of vacation to do tourism in the Valencian Community. Are you up for it? Fem foc or fugim?
