Old Town & Mercado Central
Valencia's Old Town (Ciutat Vella) is a fascinating labyrinth of Gothic palaces, Baroque churches, narrow alleys, and lively squares. It is one of the largest historic city centers in Europe and is surprisingly untouched by mass tourism — unlike the old towns of Barcelona or Seville, here you often have entire alleys to yourself.
The main districts: El Carmen (the trendy district with street art, boutiques, and bars), La Seu (around the cathedral), and El Mercat (around the central market). Everything is within walking distance.
Mercado Central★★★
★★★ Mercado Central
One of Europe's largest and most beautiful food markets. The Art Nouveau hall (1928) made of iron, glass, and colorful ceramic tiles houses over 1,200 stalls on 8,000 m². Here beats the culinary heart of Valencia: pyramid-shaped stacks of tomatoes, shiny mackerels on ice, mountains of olives, freshly squeezed orange juice (1.50€), Jamón Ibérico, 50 types of cheese.
At the Central Bar (in the market, concept by star chef Ricard Camarena), you can get excellent tapas from market products — oysters (3€/piece), sardines, croquetas. Ideal for a late breakfast or a tapas lunch.
Mon–Sat 7:30 AM–3 PM. Closed on Sundays. Most lively on Saturdays around 11 AM.
💡 Tipp
Mercado Central is at its best from 10 AM when the stalls are fully stocked. Around 2 PM, the vendors start packing up. Be sure to try: freshly squeezed orange juice (1.50€), Horchata de Chufa (2€, Valencia's specialty), and a Ración Jamón Ibérico (from 8€).
Cathedral, Lonja & Torres de Serranos
★★ Cathedral of Valencia & Holy Grail
Valencia's Cathedral (13th–15th centuries) combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The special feature: In the Capilla del Santo Cáliz, an agate chalice from the 1st century is kept, recognized by the Catholic Church as the real Holy Grail (Pope Benedict XVI drank from it during a mass in 2006). Whether you believe it or not — the chalice is fascinating.
Climb the Miguelete (bell tower, 51 m): 207 steps, no ramps, but the best view over Valencia.
Cathedral: 9€ (including audio guide and Miguelete). Mon–Sat 10 AM–6:30 PM, Sun 2 PM–6:30 PM.
★★★ La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
Valencia's UNESCO World Heritage Site (1996) and one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in Europe. The Sala de Contratación (Contract Hall) with its eight spiral columns that unfold 17 m high like palm trees is breathtaking. Here, silk was traded in the 15th century when Valencia was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean.
Free (Sundays and holidays), otherwise 2€. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–2 PM. Closed on Mondays.
★★ Torres de Serranos
One of the two preserved city gates of the medieval city wall (1398). The most powerful Gothic gate towers in Europe — from above, a magnificent view over the old town and Turia Park. Every year on the last Wednesday in February, the Fallas Festival (Valencia's biggest festival) is opened here.
2€, free on Sundays. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–2 PM.
El Carmen: The Trendy District
★★ Barrio del Carmen
Valencia's most vibrant district stretches between the Torres de Serranos and the Torres de Quart. During the day, you can wander through narrow streets with street art (Valencia is one of the best street art cities in Europe), independent boutiques, and small galleries. The IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, 6€) features changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
In the evening, El Carmen transforms into the nightlife and bar district. The Plaza del Tossal and Calle Caballeros are the centers of nightlife. Cocktail bars, craft beer pubs, and flamenco bars alternate. On weekends, the streets are lively until 3 AM.
Some bars and restaurants in Carmen:
- Café de las Horas — Baroque decor, famous for Agua de Valencia (cocktail of Cava, orange juice, and vodka, from 8€)
- La Pilareta — Since 1917, the best bar for Clóchinas (small Valencian mussels, 4€/plate) and vermouth
- Bodega Casa Montaña — Since 1836, one of Spain's oldest bodegas, excellent tapas and wines
💡 Tipp
Agua de Valencia — the city's signature drink — is deceptively sweet and surprisingly strong (Cava + orange juice + vodka + gin). A maximum of two glasses is recommended. Order it at "Café de las Horas" for the full experience.