Valencia

What to visit in Valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences

The work of Valencia’s own Santiago Calatrava, this is an example of architecture at its most futuristic.

The work of Valencia’s own Santiago Calatrava, this is an example of architecture at its most futuristic. The colossal structure houses an IMAX cinema (situated in the Hemisfèric), as well as Europe’s largest aquarium – the Oceanogràfic, interactive educational exhibits in the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the avant-garde opera house – Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Furthermore, the impressive l’Assut de l’Or bridge and the Agora – the main venue of the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament – are all a delight for the senses.

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Barrio del Carmen and its mansion houses

This ancient district of the city grew between two walls; the Islamic and the Christian city walls.

This ancient district of the city grew between two walls; the Islamic and the Christian city walls. A wander through these labyrinthine cobbled streets, lined with towering mediaeval buildings will transport you back in time to another era in history. Enter the mansion houses, cross the mediaeval gates of the Serrano and Quart towers, and meander into every corner – don’t miss it!

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Plaza de la Virgen and the cathedral quarter

Twenty-one centuries of history right at the heart of the city, where you’ll find such historical treasures

Twenty-one centuries of history right at the heart of the city, where you’ll find such historical treasures as Valencia Cathedral, the Micalet, the Basilica of the Virgin and the Almoina. Don’t miss the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (noon on Thursdays).

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Interactive Map of Valencia

interactiveMap

The most visual and entertaining way to get to know Valencia, with videos, images and information on each site.

Interactive Map of Valencia

Practical Information

LANGUAGE

There are two official languages in Valencia: “Valenciano”, used in the Valencian Community, and Spanish, Spain’s official language.

There are centres that offer specialised classes, practical training and cultural activities; in addition, they can help students with finding housing. The Association of Spanish Schools in the Valencian Region (AMEELE) brings together Spanish schools in the city of Valencia which are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.

WWW.AMEELE.NET

POSTAL SERVICES

The Central Post and Telegraph Office (Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 24) is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Telephone: 96 310 27 30. Stamps are also available in all tobacconists.

TIME ZONE

People generally eat later than in other European countries: breakfast (7:30 and 10:00 a.m.) is similar to the continental style. Restaurants serve lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Now you can go shopping in Valencia any day of the year. Although normal shop opening hours are from 10 am to 8.30 pm, you will find malls and shops in tourist areas that are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays (except 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 25 December). The areas where shops are open every day of the week are:

– Jardín del Turia: from Nou d’Octubre bridge to Astilleros bridge.

– Valencia city centre: Ciutat Vella and Ensanche areas.

– Els Orriols: around Ciudad de Valencia stadium.

TIPPING

Tips are included in all prices and bills, so tipping is not considered obligatory. However, if the service received is considered satisfactory, especially in bars and restaurants, a tip is often left.

WEATHER

Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. There is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring.

BANKS

Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Only a few branches open on Saturday mornings. There are 24-hour automatic tellers around the city, and most (Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services.

CREDIT CARDS

Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Valencia accept the main credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Mastercard, 4B, Access y Diners Club.

ELECTRICITY

Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz. A transformer and an adapter are necessary to use North American electrical appliances whose plugs have two square pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.