Valencia Attractions 2025: Complete Guide to Top Sights Near Plaza del Ayuntamiento

In the Square

At the apex of the triangle which is the square there sands a statue of Francesc de Vinatea (also Francisco de Vinatea or Guillermo de Vinatea), a hero of historic Valencia and now a symbol of the city.  Erected in 1993 it is a Bronze sculpture and stone pedestal Sponsor by The City of Valencia and made by the artist Manuel Rodríguez Vázquez.    De Vinatea was a knight of the kingdom of Valencia, as it was then in the 14th Century, and had been elected to a senior judicial position or jurat in cap (first jury) the capital city of the kingdom.  His is famed for standing up to the authority of the king, possibly Peter or Alfonso IV of Aragon in demanding the rights of citizens.  It is a place in history for the Spanish similar to the signing of the Magna Carta for the English and so he is honored to this day.

City Hall - the source of the name of the square but also an imposing and interesting building holding government offices, and in the lower part, a museum of the city. 

Post Office - The city main postoffice and telegraph office, is more formally El Palacio de Comunicaciones, and was completed in 1922 by the architecte Miguel Ángel Navarro (also known for this Joaquin Costa School, Zaragoza), after 7 years of work. 

Flower Stalls - there are wonderful flower stalls all around the Plaza.  Flower have been for sale since 1924, and for some of the time were in an underground market when the square was made into a raised platform.  Today however the stalls are again at ground level and host a beautiful display of blooms all year around. 

The Fountain - today there is a simple circular fountain, though in the past a more elaborate one was here which has now been moved, but the current one provides a little careful area of rest among the busy city traffic.  Surrounded by a small circular garden area, is virtually embedded in the chaotic traffic of the city. It was inaugurated in March 1962 and built by Charles Buigues.

Teatro Rialto, Institut Valenciá de l'Audiovisual i de la Cinematografia - the headquarters of the institute and an active theater presenting contemporary performances and cultural events throughout the year.

World-Class Attractions Within Walking Distance

Valencia Cathedral and Holy Grail

Just minutes from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia Cathedral stands as one of Europe's most remarkable religious sites. This architectural marvel blends Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles, housing what many believe to be the Holy Grail - the actual cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The cathedral offers free entry during prayer times (Monday-Saturday 7:30-10 AM & 6:30-8:30 PM), while the full museum experience costs €9. Don't miss climbing the Miguelete Tower's 207 steps for spectacular 360-degree views of Valencia.

La Lonja - UNESCO World Heritage Silk Exchange

This stunning Gothic masterpiece from 1482-1533 represents Valencia's golden age of silk trading. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, La Lonja features the breathtaking Hall of Columns with its twisted pillars supporting magnificent vaulted ceilings. Entry costs just €2 (free Sundays 10 AM-1:30 PM), making it one of Europe's most accessible world heritage sites.

Central Market - Culinary Paradise

Europe's largest fresh produce market awaits in a spectacular modernist building with over 250 stalls. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 AM-3 PM, this sensory feast offers everything from Valencia's famous oranges to traditional jamón ibérico. While browsing is free, don't miss trying affordable bocadillos (€2.50) or fresh fruit juices that showcase the Mediterranean's bounty.

Historic Gates and Defensive Towers

Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart stand as Valencia's medieval guardians. The Serranos Towers (1392) offer panoramic city views for just €2, while serving as the ceremonial starting point for Las Fallas festival. The Quart Towers still bear cannonball scars from Napoleon's 1808 siege, testament to Valencia's resilient history.

The Magnificent City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia's crown jewel stretches 1.5 kilometers along the former Turia riverbed. Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex attracts over 4 million visitors annually and includes:

• Oceanogràfic - Europe's largest aquarium with 45,000 marine animals (€38.30)
• Hemisfèric - Immersive 3D IMAX cinema (€8.90)
• Science Museum - Interactive exhibits where "not touching is prohibited" (€9.40)
• Umbracle - Free Mediterranean garden with 17,000m² of palms and sculptures

A complete complex ticket (€46.40) provides access to the major paid attractions, while the exterior architecture and Umbracle garden remain free to explore.

Green Spaces and Gardens

Turia Gardens transforms Valencia's former riverbed into an 8.5-kilometer green corridor connecting the historic center to the sea. This linear park features 18 beautiful bridges, each telling Valencia's architectural story through different eras. Perfect for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing under orange and palm trees.

Jardins del Real (Vivers) offers another peaceful escape in former royal palace gardens, featuring landscaped pathways, reflective ponds, and the Natural Science Museum.

Vibrant Neighborhoods to Explore

Barrio del Carmen captivates visitors with its maze-like cobbled streets between ancient Muslim and Christian walls. This historic quarter pulses with street art, trendy bars, and medieval palaces, offering authentic Valencia atmosphere day and night.

Ruzafa represents modern Valencia with colorful buildings, the bustling Mercado de Ruzafa, and contemporary dining scene that attracts locals and international visitors alike.

Valencia's Beautiful Beaches

The Mediterranean beckons just minutes from the city center. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas offer urban beach experiences with restaurants and watersports, while Playa de la Devesa provides a more natural setting in a protected nature reserve.

Traditional Culture and Events

Experience the Tribunal de las Aguas every Thursday at noon outside the cathedral - a 1000-year-old UNESCO-recognized tradition where farmers resolve irrigation disputes in Valencian dialect. This living piece of history costs nothing to witness and connects visitors to Valencia's agricultural heritage.

March brings Las Fallas, Valencia's most spectacular celebration, when enormous artistic sculptures fill the streets before being ceremoniously burned in a magnificent finale.

Museum Quarter and Cultural Sites

Museum of Fine Arts houses Spain's second-largest picture gallery with works by Goya, Velázquez, and local master Sorolla - completely free to visit. The contemporary Centro del Carme showcases cutting-edge art in a beautifully restored 13th-century convent, also with free admission.

Practical Visiting Tips

Transportation: Buses 13, 19, 23, 24, 25, 40, 94, 95 connect major attractions. The Valencia Tourist Card provides unlimited public transport and attraction discounts.

Budget-Friendly: Many attractions offer free entry on Sundays. Walking between historic sites costs nothing and reveals Valencia's charming streetscapes.

Best Times: Spring and fall offer ideal weather for sightseeing. Summer brings vibrant beach culture but more crowds.

Valencia successfully balances historic preservation with modern innovation, creating attractions that satisfy cultural enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers. From medieval towers to futuristic architecture, ancient traditions to contemporary art, Valencia offers one of Europe's richest and most accessible cultural experiences.

Nearby

Plaza de Toros de Valencia

Estacion del Norte Valencia

Plaza Redonda Valencia

Catedral de Santa María de Valencia

Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados de Valencia

Inside the Parque de la Cultura are to be found:

Public Library of Valencia (in the historic General Hospital building) and the The Valencia Museum of the Enlightment and Modernity (Museo de la Ilustración) aka MuVIM in a wonderulf exmle of modern architecture

Former silk exchange, the Lonja de la Seda