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One of the last standing pieces of Valencia鈥檚 medieval walls, the gateway known today as the Serranos Towers dates back to the 14th century. Its design was inspired by a monastery in Catalonia, blending solid defensive features with an unmistakable decorative flair. The twin towers, crowned with battlements, seem poised for battle, yet the ornate Gothic stonework above the arch suggests something far more ceremonial. And in fact, it wasn鈥檛 just a fortification, but served as a grand entrance for royalty and visiting dignitaries.

Interestingly, the rear of the structure was intentionally left open. The idea was simple: to prevent the towers from being turned against the city鈥檚 own people in case of revolt. From the square behind, you can spot the chambers that once held noble prisoners between the 16th and 19th centuries. Four stone gargoyles jut from the rear wall, watching over the scene with silent, stony faces.

During the Spanish Civil War, the towers were repurposed as a secure vault, protecting priceless artworks from the Prado Museum in Madrid. Despite the turmoil, they emerged relatively unscathed and remain one of Valencia鈥檚 iconic monuments.

You can climb the winding staircases up to the terraces, where wide views stretch across the old town, the Turia Garden, and beyond. Occasionally, there are exhibitions or small historical displays inside, but the real pleasure is simply moving through the spaces, taking in the craftsmanship and the cityscape beyond the walls.

Well preserved and open to the public, the Serranos Towers have a quiet, welcoming presence, like an old guardian who still takes pride in watching over the city.

Cats are familiar with urban environments, especially in warm climates, and the felines of Valencia are no different. Stray cats wander the streets in search of a spot to rest before being chased away. The cat house provides them with a place of refuge.

Located on Museum Street (Carrer del Museu), a blue wall stands as the backdrop for a small house that catches the attention of passersby. Although the house is only a few feet tall, it showcases the traditional Valencian architectural style. Adorned with a Spanish tiled roof, a small fountain, and a "garden" on the side (consisting of a single potted plant), it exudes charm.

The entrance to the house appears dark and mysterious, seemingly not leading to the other side of the wall. However, this may be a clever tactic to deter unwanted human intruders. Legend has it that the previous owner of the house, an old woman, deliberately left it for the feral cats of Valencia to claim as their own. Whether this tale holds truth and whether there are indeed cats dwelling behind the wall will remain a mystery, at least to the inhabitants of Valencia.

The El Carmen district in Valencia's historic center is the city's most famous neighborhood. Named after the church and convent of Carmen Calzado, it is a paradise for Mediterranean cuisine and leisure. With its rich history, medieval architecture, artistic heritage, and local legends, El Carmen is a perfect blend of history and leisure.

In the 11th century, the area beyond the Arab wall became an active agricultural hub. Houses emerged alongside existing farms. El Carmen, located outside the wall, now displays visible remnants of the Islamic fortification. The neighborhood integrated these remnants into its buildings, such as the wall section near Angel and Los Navarros squares, Calle de la Cruz, and even the Montaner bakery.

This neighborhood is home to top museums and architectural treasures. One gem is the Portal de la Valldigna, an ancient entrance to the Moorish quarter. The Church of San Nicol谩s de Bari and San Pedro M谩rtir is a must-see attraction with stunning mural paintings likened to Valencia's Sistine Chapel.

The Convento del Carmen is now the Centre del Carme Cultura Contempor脿nia, a modern museum. The renowned IVAM is also a leading art institution. La Beneficencia houses impressive collections of artifacts. It's ironic that this ancient district is now Valencia's hub of modern art.

Another point of interest is the Central Market, a grand temple of local produce adorned with modernist decorations. It is widely regarded as the premier showcase for fresh food in Europe.

El Carmen is also home to the only two surviving access gates to the medieval city: Serranos and Quart. These gates used to close when the bells announced the onset of nightfall, and those who lost track of time had no choice but to sleep "under the Valencia moon."

With a millennium of history, there's much to explore. Grab souvenirs and then enjoy the neighborhood's diverse shops, like the Mercado de Tapiner铆a. Hungry? Head to Mossen Sorell Market for local delicacies and a refreshing vermouth.

Often referred to as Valencia鈥檚 own 鈥淪istine Chapel,鈥� this church may seem unassuming from the outside with its Gothic fa莽ade鈥攂ut step inside, and you're instantly surrounded by a breathtaking world of Baroque splendor. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricate frescoes, rich in color and detail, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a grand canvas than a place of worship.

Founded in the mid-13th century after the Christian reconquest of the city, the church was built on the site of a former mosque and dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari by the Dominicans. Later on, Saint Peter Martyr was added as co-patron, further deepening its symbolic importance.

Between 1690 and 1700, the interior was completely transformed. Nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes were painted across the vaults and upper walls鈥攕cenes from the lives of both saints woven together with allegories of Christian virtues. The result is a powerful visual narrative that draws the eye and holds your attention from every angle.

Architecturally, the interior design features a single nave lined with six side chapels, each containing remarkable works of art by noted Spanish painters. A major restoration effort, completed in 2016, brought the frescoes back to life: layers of grime were carefully removed, revealing the original vibrancy and fine detail. Visitors today can admire the seamless blend of Gothic structure and Baroque artistry鈥攁 rare pairing that gives the church its unique identity.

Just across from the Central Market is one of the city鈥檚 most beloved landmarks鈥攁 true cathedral of commerce. Known as the Silk Exchange, this grand structure was originally built for the silk trade and later used for broader commercial exchanges. A symbol of Valencia鈥檚 golden age in the late 15th century, it鈥檚 also one Europe鈥檚 finest examples of secular Gothic architecture.

The facade alone is a marvel of craftsmanship鈥攅laborate stone carvings, delicate tracery, and distinctive windows line the walls. You鈥檒l also notice a parade of gargoyles on the balustrades鈥�28 in total, in the shape of winged creatures, beasts, and bats.

A central tower divides the structure into three main sections. Inside the tower, there鈥檚 a small chapel and a former debtor鈥檚 prison鈥攗sed to hold merchants who failed to pay what they owed. To the left of the tower were two key institutions: one overseeing maritime trade, the other an early banking body that helped fund the construction. It鈥檚 well worth venturing inside to admire the ceilings鈥攅specially the Golden Hall upstairs, where a richly painted and gilded wooden ceiling dazzles with scenes of music, prophets, and mythological creatures.

But the soul of the building lies in the Transactions Hall, just to the right of the tower. Here, eight soaring spiral columns support a vaulted ceiling in a room divided into three aisles. Along the walls, a carved inscription proclaims: 鈥淚 am a famous house which took fifteen years to build. See how fine a thing commerce can be when its words are not deceitful, when it keeps its oaths and does not practise usury. The merchant who lives in such a way will have riches and enjoy eternal life.鈥�

When you鈥檙e done exploring, take a moment to relax under the orange trees in the peaceful courtyard鈥攁n ideal spot to catch your breath before moving on with your walking tour.

Europe鈥檚 largest covered market鈥攁nd arguably one of its most striking鈥擵alencia鈥檚 Central Market is housed in a remarkable Modernista structure right in the heart of the Historic Center. While it may sit in a highly visited area, this market remains firmly rooted in everyday life, buzzing with locals who come here to stock up on hams, cheeses, vegetables, and fresh Mediterranean seafood. You鈥檒l not only get a taste of authentic local life, but also the chance to discover regional specialties, and maybe even pick up a few souvenirs.

Though built for practical commerce, the building is anything but ordinary. Decorative flourishes in ceramic, brick, and stained glass come together in celebration of early 20th-century design. Look up, and you鈥檒l even spot the red and yellow stripes of the Valencian flag worked into the architecture.

When it opened in 1928, the market hosted over 1,000 stalls. That number has since consolidated to around 700, still offering more than enough variety for a curious shopper or hungry traveler. For the full atmosphere, aim to visit around mid-morning, when the place comes alive with the rhythm of daily trade: voices calling out orders in Valencian, and baskets brimming with fresh produce. If you鈥檙e not heading out to the countryside to buy oranges, this is the place to grab some.

Many stalls sell herbs, spices, dried fruit, and nuts, while others surprise with items like ostrich meat or giant eggs. A separate section is devoted entirely to fish and seafood, and more adventurous food lovers might seek out snails, sweetbreads, or tripe.

The Bulls Square (Plaza de Toros) is a bullring located in Val猫ncia. Constructed between 1850 and 1859, this magnificent structure showcases the neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from iconic Roman architecture like the Colosseum in Rome and the Arena of N卯mes in France. The talented Valencian architect, Sebasti谩n Monle贸n Estell茅s, designed the bullring, featuring a 48-sided polygonal shape with 384 external arches, following the esteemed Neo-Mud茅jar style.

Originally situated outside the city walls near the Ruzafa Gate, this bullfighting arena was meticulously crafted by the architect, standing at an impressive height of 17.50 meters with its 48 sides. Initially, the bullring possessed a 52-meter inside diameter, which was later reduced. Notably, this structure stands as an early example of utilizing cast iron columns, providing exceptional transparency in the seating areas.

The Bulls Square, encompassing an outer diameter of 108 meters, is renowned for its captivating aesthetics, making it one of Spain's most exquisite bullrings. It can accommodate up to 16,851 seated spectators, although the seating capacity was later reduced to 12,884. This makes it one of the largest bullrings in the country, as recognized by the media during its inauguration on June 20, 1859.

El Corte Ingl茅s, located on Carrer del Pintor Maella in Valencia, is the largest department store in the city and one of the most prominent shopping destinations. As part of the renowned El Corte Ingl茅s chain, it upholds the reputation of being the best-known and most popular department store in Spain. With a rich history and exceptional service, El Corte Ingl茅s has established itself as a household name in the retail industry.

As one of the hundred most powerful family businesses globally, El Corte Ingl茅s holds a prominent position in the Spanish business landscape, second only to Banco Santander. The company's success can be attributed to its extensive range of products and its strategic placement in prime locations within cities across Spain, including Valencia.

At El Corte Ingl茅s in Valencia, shoppers can find an extensive array of merchandise. Whatever you may be seeking, from clothing, shoes, and jewelry to electronics such as TV sets and computers, El Corte Ingl茅s offers a comprehensive selection. Additionally, the store caters to various other needs, including food, toys, and souvenirs, ensuring that customers can find almost anything they desire under one roof.

Aside from its diverse shopping options, El Corte Ingl茅s in Valencia also provides a range of dining experiences. With several restaurants and coffee bars, visitors can take a well-deserved break from their shopping excursions and indulge in delicious meals or enjoy a refreshing beverage.

Strategically located near the post office Oficina de Correos and the Primus Valencia hotel, El Corte Ingl茅s in Valencia benefits from a prime position that is easily accessible to locals and tourists alike.

Originally built by Salvador Escrig Melchor in 1840, Round Square (Plaza Redonda) stands out as one of Valencia's most distinctive tourist attractions, owed to its unique architecture. After undergoing restoration in 2012, this space has emerged as a captivating destination within the city. The plaza is encircled by traditional craft shops and tapas bars at street level, while small stalls offering lace, embroidery, fabrics, and Valencian souvenirs create an inviting atmosphere.

Accessible from four converging streets, the square exudes warmth and radiance. Positioned by the central fountain, visitors can relish a breathtaking sight of the Late Baroque bell tower of Santa Catalina, majestically overseeing the three stories of the circular edifice. Additionally, the ground of the plaza bears a quote by Valencian writer Vicente Blasco Ib谩帽ez, immortalizing this remarkable place mentioned in his novel Arroz y Tartana.

Why You Should Visit:
Even though this round square has recently been remodeled, it still keeps the charm of the old days where traditional wool & fabric and animal markets were settled.
The majority of the little shops & kiosks are old-fashioned haberdashery - everything for needlework, knitting, lace making and embroidery.

Tip:
Most of the shops are closed in the evening and therefore, it is best to go during the day (but not at lunchtime break).

As the centrepiece of Valencia鈥檚 old town, the Cathedral is quite modest on the outside, but full of surprises within. Built after the 13th-century Christian reconquest atop a mosque, it blends styles from several eras. The main body is Gothic, while the side chapels reflect an 18th-century renovation with neoclassical Corinthian columns. Brick walls and bare capitals give the nave an understated, austere quality. But at the center of the building, where the transept crosses the nave, things become more visually arresting. Instead of a traditional dome, an octagonal tower rises, pierced with alabaster windows and ringed by two tiers of pointed arches鈥攔emarkable works of 14th- and 15th-century stonecraft.

Above the high altar, recently uncovered Renaissance frescoes show musical angels in a deep-blue, star-filled sky. Elsewhere, the richly carved walnut choir stalls and the painted altarpiece display vivid biblical scenes. Don鈥檛 miss the alabaster statue of the Virgin known as 鈥淥ur Lady of the Choir鈥�. She is especially revered by expectant mothers, who circle the cathedral nine times in hopes of a safe and healthy delivery.

But the most famous artifact of all lies tucked away in a star-vaulted side chamber: what many believe to be the Holy Grail. Displayed behind an elaborate Gothic screen, the relic is a simple agate cup, dating to the 1st century BCE. It鈥檚 been fitted with medieval handles and has passed through royal and religious hands over the centuries.

The cathedral also houses a museum, where Roman foundations and medieval remains can be viewed in the basement. Upstairs, you鈥檒l find an impressive collection of religious art鈥攊ncluding pieces by Vicente Macip and his son, Juan de Juanes鈥攕howing just how dramatically artistic styles shifted from one generation to the next. Among the highlights are 14th-century carved apostles, early versions of the figures that now adorn the cathedral鈥檚 main entrance.

Visitors tend to find their way back to this charming square, drawn in by the constant buzz of activity. Many come to admire the Cathedral or to honour Our Lady of the Forsaken at the pink basilica that bears her name. Once the Roman forum of ancient Valencia, the plaza now centres around an elegant fountain鈥攑erfect for sitting nearby and taking in the rhythm of daily life.

At the heart of the fountain sits Neptune, reclining and watchful, symbolising the Turia River. Surrounding him, eight maidens pour water from their jars, representing the region鈥檚 ancient irrigation canals. Come Thursday at noon, a centuries-old tradition unfolds as the Water Court gathers at the Apostles鈥� Gate to settle agricultural water disputes鈥攁 ritual so deeply rooted in local life, it鈥檚 been recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity鈥檚 intangible heritage.

Each March, during the Fallas festival, the plaza bursts into colour for the so-called 鈥淥ffering of Flowers鈥�. Locals arrive in traditional dress, laying floral offerings at the Virgin鈥檚 feet, transforming the space into a sea of colour and devotion.. And for those lingering a bit longer, nearby terraces serve up local treats鈥攑erhaps a chilled horchata paired with sweet fartons.