City of arts and Sciences
If you are going on holiday to Valencia, then you might be interested in more information about the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Tours Valencia offers information about the different buildings, but also about opening hours, ticket prices and more. Definitely one of Valencia’s major highlights and really worth visiting.
General information
The “Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias”, or City of Arts and Sciences was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. The City of Arts and Sciences is a complex which exists of 6 artistic buildings/projects, namely: L’Umbracle, Palau de les Arts, L’Oceanogràfic, L’Hemisfèric, Museo de las Ciencias and Agora.
The building of this complex started in 1989 and in November 2009 was the inauguration of the last building, Agora, during the Valencia Open 500 ATP.
L’Umbracle
The L’Umbracle is a garden with palm trees, plants and flowers and an open metal cupola is covering the beautiful garden. During the summer months, a part of the L’Umbracle is often used for parties. If you want to know more about this stylish open air disco/lounge, have a look at L’Umbracle.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
In the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, there are often different types of performances as: opera and zarzuela. The building consists of a great acoustic.
Price
Depends on the performance. For more information about the actual events and performances see Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.
L’Oceanogràfic
In the Oceanogràfic, you can find many different kinds of species. It is the largest aquarium in Europe and if you like to see among others: a large variety of fishes, crabs, seals, sharks, you probably want to visit this beautiful park. Furthermore there is a daily dolphin show.
L’Hemisfèric
In the L’Hemisfèric you can see various interesting movies with the newest technology. This IMAX 3D cinema has the shape of an eye. Before the movie starts, you will receive earphones and then you are able to choose a language. (English, French, Spanish or Valenciano) For more information you can have a look at L’Hemisfèric.
Price
Adults:€ 7,50
Reduced: € 5,80
Museo de las Ciencias
In this museum you can experiment with technology. In an interactive way you will learn a lot about Science and technology. For more information see Museo de las Ciencias.
Agora
In 2009, the Agora building was inaugurated during a well known tennis tournament. Maximum 6000 people can sit in this innovative building.
Tips
- Are you planning to visit every part of the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias complex or various parts? Then you might want to buy a combined ticket. This ticket is normally cheaper than to buy separate tickets. For the actual prices, have a look at Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias.
- Keep in mind that in various parts of the complex it is also possible to have a guided tour.
- You can discover typical Spanish tapas bars and restaurants during our tapas tour. Check tapas tour in Valencia for more information and reservations
Cathedral
Are you planning to visit Valencia and are you going to visit the Cathedral of Valencia? Tours Valencia offers an extensive description of this interesting building and helpful information related to the entrance price, opening hours and more.
One of the highlights of Valencia is the Cathedral. On the place of the Cathedral, used to be (many years ago) a Roman forum, later a Mosque and from 1238 the current Cathedral.
The Cathedral consists of 3 entrances, namely the Palace door in Roman Style (the oldest entrance), the metal door in Baroc style and the apostel door in Gotic style. The apostel door is the entreance of the water tribunal. Every Thursday at 12.00 o’clock they come together to have a meeting related to the watering of the field. The clock tower, el Micalet, has been built in 1381 and it is possible to climb to the top. You will have a spectaculair view over the city Valencia.
Address
Plaza de la Reina
Price
General: € 3,-
Groups and students: € 2,-
Clock Tower, “el Micalet”: € 2,-
Clock Tower, “el Micalet” for children under 14 years: € 1,-
Openinghours
20 March – 31 October
Monday – Saturday, 10.00 – 18.30 hour
Sundays and celebration days, 14.00 – 18.30
1 November – 19 March
Monday – Saturday, 10.00 – 17.30 hour
Sundays and celebration days, closed from 14.00 – 17.00
Website
The website of the Cathedral of Valencia is available in various languages: English, Spanish and Valenciano. For more information see Cathedral Valencia.
Beach
Are you looking for a city where you can find everything? Valencia offers: a great climate, a large variety of shops, many sightseeing posibilities, delicious food, interesting wines, beautiful parks and gardens and a fantastic clean and broad beach.
Lovely beach
Valencia is a city in Spain that is located next to the coastline and consists of different beaches, among others, Malvarossa beach. This beach is very clean, broad and has got fine sand. There is a large variety of restaurants and bars that serve: paella’s (rice dish with fish/vegetables/meat), Mariscos (fish), but also tapas and other delicacies. If the sun is shining, it is definately worth visiting the beach a day during your holiday in Valencia.
Transport
You could go to the beach by bike, metro, taxi or bus. For more information related to the public transport in Valencia see metro, taxi or bus.
Facilities
There are many small kiosks on the beach where you can buy drinks, ice cream and small snacks. Furthermore you can rent beachchairs and parasols.
Price
Beachchair € 3,70
Parasol € 4,-
Tips
- Are you planning to go more often to the beach in Valencia during your vacation? Then keep in mind that you need to keep the tickets of the beachchairs and parasols, because with every 10 beachchair or 10 parasol tickets you will get 1 beachchair or 1 parasol for free.
- In case you are planning to go by car to the beach, then you might keep in mind that it sometimes can be hard to find a parking place in Valencia.
Markets
Are you going on holiday to Valencia and are you planning to visit one of Valencia’s markets? Tours Valencia made a selection and offers a short description of various markets in the city Valencia.
Mercado Central
The Mercado Central, or central market, was built in 1920 and is one of the largest markets of Europe. This lovely market is established in a building with a modernistic architecture. You can buy various great local products on this market as: oranges, olives, shrimps, but also hams, cheeses and many more delicacies. It is really worth visiting this well known market in Valencia.
Address
Plaza del Mercado
Opening hours
Every day of the week, except Sundays, from 07.30 – 14.30 hour.
Mercado Ruzafa
Mercado Ruzafa is an indoor market and the products (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish) are very comparable to the products at the Mercado Central. The big difference is that the building of the Mercado Central is much more impressive than the building of the Mercado Ruzafa.
Address
Mercado Ruzafa, 24
Opening hours
Every day of the week, except Sundays, from 07.30 – 14.30 hour.
Market Ruzafa (street)
Every Monday morning there is a street market around the Mercado Ruzafa. The market starts in the morning and is usually finished around 14.00 o’clock. On this market, you can find among others: shoes, clothes, kitchen equipment and many more products.
If you are planning to visit the street market in the district Ruzafa, you might want to try a churros breakfast at churrería El Contraste.
Market at the boulevard next to Malvarossa beach
During the summer months there is a daily market on the boulevard besides the Malvarossa beach. The market starts close to hotel Las Arenas. On this market you can buy: sunglasses, clothes, jewelry and much more.
Market next to the Mestalla stadium
Every Sunday morning, you can find a market next to the Mestalla football stadium. On this market you can buy many second hand products as mobile phones, bags, games, paintings and decoration products.
Market around Plaza Redonda and the Mercado Central
Every Sunday morning there is a market around Plaza Redonda and Mercado Central. You will find here products as: Valencian ceramic, Paella pans, sunglasses, souvenirs, jewelry and much more. Most market stands start tiding up around 13.30 hour.
Squares
Valencia City has got various beautiful squares, which are really worth visiting. Tours Valencia listed the most interesting, special and well known squares to visit.
Plaza Redonda
Plaza Redonda, or Round square, was build in the year 1836 by Salvador Escrig. The Valencian people call this wonderful square also “clot”, which means “hole”. Every Sunday morning there is a market around Plaza Redonda and the Mercado Central. You can buy here for example Valencian ceramic, paella pans, souvenirs, sunglasses, bags, belts and much more. The most market stands start tiding up around 13.30/14.00 hour.
Plaza de la Virgin
In the heart of Valencia, you will find Plaza de la Virgen, a lovely square. Around this well known square there are various special buildings, among others the “Basílica de la Virgen” and the Cathedral of Valencia. In the middle of the square there is a large fountain, made by the sculptor “Manuel Silvestre Montesinos and exposed in 1976. There are many terraces on Plaza de la Virgen where you can sit in the sun or shadow meanwhile you enjoy a drink and a bite.
Plaza de Toros
The Plaza the Toros in Valencia was built between 1850 and 1860. Plaza the Toros, or bull arena/square, was built in neoclassical style and is designed by Sebastián Monleón Estelles. The majority of the bull fights take place during celebrations. For example in March during Fallas and the celebrations during the month of July. Furthermore, Plaza the Toros is used as location for various other activities as: circus, theatre, markets and much more. If you would like to have a look inside Plaza de Toros, then this is possible at the Taurino Museum.
Parks and Gardens
If you are visiting the city Valencia and you are planning to go sightseeing, then you could have a look around in some of Valencia’s impressive parks and/or gardens. Valencia has got a few beautiful landscaped parks and gardens, among others the “Jardin del Turia” and the “Jardín Botánico”.
Jardín del Turia
In the year 1957 started the construction of the “Jardín del Turia”, or Turia garden. The Turia garden used to be a river, but due to the fact that the river in 1957 flooded, the government decided to move the river and to make a park on the river-bed. This beautiful garden/park has a length of approximately 7 kilometer and everywhere there are people enjoying the Turia Park. People are walking, running, bicycling, picnicking and kids are playing. The park has got different themes and for everybody there is something to do. There is a skate park, many terraces, various fountains, football fields, midget golf and a playground “Gulliver”. Furthermore you can listen on Sunday mornings to classical music next to Palau de la Musica while enjoying the big fountain. Next to the flower bridge (“Puente de las flores”) there are often events and festivals, like a tapas and wine tasting event, an andalusian festival and an international festival. If you are visiting Valencia City and if there is a festival, then it is really worth visiting.
The Turia garden is always open, during day and night.
Jardín Botánico
The “Jardín Botánico” or the Botanic garden, is a wonderful quite place to enjoy the diversity of plants, trees and flowers. You can find here a large variety of cactuses, palm trees, carnivore plants and much more. Furthermore there are many cats walking around or sleeping in the shadow under a tree. So don’t be scared if you hear some strange noises, probably it is a cat sleeping or playing between the plants. These cats have enough to eat and to drink, because the employees of the Botanic garden give them food and water on a daily base.
Address
Calle Quart, 80
Price
General: € 2,06
Groups (organized): € 1,37
Valencia Tourist Card: € 0,90
Kids (0-6 year), Students and Senior Valencians: Free
There is also an audio tour available in various languages: € 3,-
Opening hours
Open on Tuesday – Sunday. Only closed on Monday, the 25th December, the 1st of January and on rainy and windy days.
November – February, from 10.00 – 18.00 hour
March and October, from 10.00 – 19.00 hour
April and September, from 10.00 – 20.00 hour
May – August, from 10.00 – 21.00 hour
Website
The website of the Jardín Botánico is available in various languages: English, Spanish and Valenciano. For more information see Jardín Botánico.
Jardines del Real
The “Jardines de Viveros”, or “Jardines del Real”, in other words the Royal gardens are beautiful landscaped gardens. These gardens already existed in the 15th century, but in the year 1903 it was donated to the local government. During the centuries the “Jardines del Real” have changed a lot, from orange and lemon trees to fountains, statues, wonderful flowers and trees, small lakes, swans and ducks and much more. There are also some places to have a drink or to eat something.
Address
San Pío V
Price
Free entrance.
Opening hours
Every day of the week from 08.00 – sunset.
Tips
• “Jardín del Turia” is an impressive park in Valencia and really worth visiting. Furthermore “Jardín del Turia” is a great place to have a wonderful Picnic. Tours Valencia offers a delicious Picnic package. You can choose for a luxurious Picnic or for a Picnic package especially for kids. On Picnic package you can find more information.
Nightlife
Valencia has got a very dynamic party and nightlife. In this beautiful city you can choose for luxurious mega disco’s, but also for small and cozy places to have a drink or hang around. From stylish lounging with the stars above you in an exotic garden till dancing late at night on Latin beats and drinking cocktails, its all possible in Valencia.
Bagoas
Bagoas is a trendy decorated café/bar with different places to sit. You can choose for the bar, but there are also some tables with comfortable chairs or you could choose for a seat on the big terrace. Due to the lights behind the bottles, the bars look very stylish. Bagoas is opened many hours a day. In the morning you can have breakfast, but you can also have a coffee in the afternoon, a wine in the evening or a cocktail at night. They offer a large variety of cocktails, among others: Daiquiriá and Caipirinha’s. For the people who like white wine, a bottle of Verdejo at the end of the afternoon is recommendable.
Address:
Calle Conde Altea, 20
46005 Valencia
Website: Bagoas
Black Note Club
If you like different types of life music, then you might want to visit Black Note Club. Many days a week you can enjoy various types of life music as: Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk, Latin, Tango and Flamenco. In Black note club you will find a smoky blues/jazz atmosphere with many portraits on the wall of several famous people. This place is for young and old, you will find, people from 25-60 year. You can have a look at their website for the program and the concert agenda. Black note club opens from Monday till Saturday from 22.00 – 03.30 hour.
Address:
Calle de Polo I Peyrolon, 15
46021 Valencia
Disco City
If you like Oldschool, Pop and R&B music, you might go to Disco City. The decoration is trendy. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 00.00 – 07.00 you can go to Disco City.
Address:
Calle Pinto Zariñena, 16
46008 Valencia
Johnny Maracas
A great place for Latin music is Johnny Maracas. Besides the Latin beats and the nice atmosphere, you can enjoy various cocktails while dancing till late at night. Especially the mojito is worth trying at Johnny Maracas.
Address:
Calle Caballeros, 39
46001 Valencia
L’Umbracle
L’Umbracle is part of the “Ciudad the las Artes y Ciencias”, or City of Arts and Sciences. Umbracle isn’t only a beautiful place to visit for its beautiful palm trees, flowers and large variety of other plants, but during the summer months you can enjoy great parties. This beautiful spot is during the summer months the place for a glamorous evening. L’Umbracle will be decorated with subtle colored lights a purple carpet and a very stylish bar. Beside a chill-out you can dance till late at night and enjoy open-air the Valencian nights.
Address:
Calle Avenida del Saler, 5
46013 Valencia
Website: Umbracle
NSSB
NSSB is a trendy bar with dance floor. If you like happy, international and well known music, then this is the place to be. The public is in general above 25 year and the entrance is often for free. For a beer (a bottle) you pay € 3,-.
Address:
Calle Conde Altea, 54
46005 Valencia
Radio City
Radio City offers a large variety of performances. Radio City offers music, theatre, dance, expositions and much more. In the weekend, there usually is a DJ that plays different styles, from ’70 till electro. In general you will find here a more alternative public (not very alternative) than in an average club and the average age is among 25 year. Every Tuesday there are spectacular Flamenco performances. For this performance the price is € 7,-, but a drink is included. Radio City is open from 22.30 hour, every day of the week, except Tuesdays due to the Flamenco performance.
Address:
Calle Santa Teresa, 19
46001 Valencia
Website: Radio City
Smooth Jazz Club
Smooth Jazz Club is a trendy Jazz club, where often life Jazz concerts take place. The atmosphere is quit relaxing.
Address:
Calle Salamanca, 17
46005 Valencia
Bars
Are you planning a citytrip to Valencia? Then you might be interested in the large variety of bars, pubs, cafés and tapasbars Valencia has to offer. On Tours Valencia you will find more information and some interesting places in different districts.
Russafa
Café Teatro
Café Teatro is located in the district Russafa. Almost every day, you can see a performance at this theater café. This can be Cabaret, but there are also music performances and movies. This café has a “Moulin Rouge” theme and many nice details, for example there are coming a pair of legs of a dancer out of the wall. If you prefer to sit outside, café Teatro has got a big terrace.
Address:
Calle Cadiz, 44
46006 Valencia
Ubik Café
In Ubik café you are surrounded by many books, that you are allowed to read or to buy for a cheap price. Once a month there are theme evenings, for example: Noche de Nutella (Nutella (chocolate pasta evening), Chicas y Monstros (Girls and Monsters) and Tapa del Libro. During the event “Tapa del Libro” you will get, for 3 euros, a good glass of wine, a tapa (a small bite) and a book. Besides the large number of Spanish books, there are also some English books available .
Address:
Calle Literato Azorín, 13
46006 Valencia
Website: Facebook Ubik Cafe
El Rojo
This bar is called “El Rojo”, Rojo means red and you can already see from the totally red outside that it is “El Rojo”. You will find many Valencian artists and musicians in “El Rojo” enjoying a beer and a tapa for only 1 euro. You can also eat some montaditos (small piece of bread with a topping) at this bar. Beside the terrace on the street side, there is also a terrace in the garden.
Address:
Calle Literato Azorín, 10
46006 Valencia
Slaughterhouse
This bar, called “Slaughterhouse” is comparable with the Ubik café. They offer also a large variety of books. Furthermore there are often expositions. On their website you can get an impression of the atmosphere.
Address:
Calle Denía, 22
46006 Valencia
Website: http://www.slaughterhouse.es/
El Carmen
Negrito
Bar Negrito is a small and cosy bar located at Plaza Negrito. This bar consist of a big terrace, where you can have a coffee during the daytime or a beer/copa (mixed drink) during the evening. Furthermore there are some more bars in this area, where you can have a drink or dance till late.
Address:
Plaza del Negrito, 1
46001 Valencia