Top Rated Attractions in Valencia

The stunning white avant-garde building is quite a site to see from afar. Designed and engineered by Santiago Calatrava, a Valencia native this building is truly worth a visit even if you do not plan to catch a show or performance. Reminiscent of the Sydney opera house, the building was meant to look like a ship. Here you can see mostly classical music performances and opera, and stupendous performances have been hosted here in the past, involving stalwarts such as Zubin Mehta and Placido Domingo.

An imposing Gothic masterpiece, the Cathedral of Valencia consists of three naves, a polygonal apse and monumental dome. Construction began in 1262 and finished in 1702, though before it was a cathedral, it was the site of a mosque and a Roman temple. The cathedral's three doors reflect the mixture of styles: the Palau (palace) door is archaic Romanesque mixed with primitive Gothic; the Door of the Apostles is pure Gothic, and the Hierros Door is Baroque. Every Thursday at midday, the Door of the Apostles is the site of the oldest tribunal in all of Europe, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), which resolves the conflicts arising over the use of water in the nearby fields. Another outstanding feature is the Gothic bell tower, known as the Miguelete, whose 207-step stairway takes you up to some of the best views over the city. The cathedral also houses the Catedralicio Diocesano Museum and the Santo Cáliz Chapel.

This fascinating museum is housed in a new building by the Sevillian architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, one of the best examples of contemporary architecture in Valencia. Inside, impressive exhibits are dedicated to a decisive period of Valencian history that began in the 18th Century and that helps viewers understand how we have come to see the world and be in it.

The origins of the Church of Saint Nicolas can be traced back to the 13th Century from where begins the long and eventful history of this religious site. The church, as it stands today, is a blend of two distinct architectural styles - the Gothic and the Baroque. From the outside, the church features a simple, understated design that is typical of 15th-century, Gothic architecture. Inside, the church is a visual feast, adorned from floor to ceiling in colorful Baroque frescoes that date back to the 17th Century. The Church of Saint Nicholas is a veritable treasure trove of ecclesiastical art and one of Valencia's most popular attractions. Stop by and enjoy a glimpse into the life of the church's patron saint, chronicled in artistic detail across the walls and ceiling of this historic site.

One of the only two gates to have survived the destruction of the historic city walls in 1865, the Torres de Serranos impress with their sheer enormity and grandeur of scale. Constructed between 1392 and 1398, this massive gateway served as the main entrance to the city and proved to be a fitting choice for ceremonial functions despite the fact that it was originally conceived of as nothing more than an imposing addition to the city's defenses. Designed by Pere Balaguer, the gateway was built upon a remarkable Gothic design, with ornamentations and embellishments that have withstood the test of time. From 1586 to 1887, the Torres de Serranos was re-purposed as a prison for nobility, and has been variously used ever since. Today, the monumental gateway is a popular attraction, is pinnacle affording those who brave the climb fantastic views of the city of Valencia. Composed of a pair of pentagonal towers with a common gallery and architectural nuances galore, the Torres de Serranos is still central to social life in Valencia, and is noted as the host of the opening ceremony of the Fallas each year.

The first of its kind in Spain, this totally white futuristic cityscape made up of enormous modern buildings is the work of famous local architect Santiago Calatrava. You'll find it in the Túria River Bed. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex spreads out over 350,000 square meters (86.4 acres) and consists of four different structures but related sections: the Arts Centre, Science Museum, planetarium and Ocean Park. Each of these are must-visit spots for tourists.