Valencia is the capital city of the autonomous region of Valencia. Spain's third-largest city, Valencia has a population of around 800,000. The city's history dates back to its founding as a Roman colony in 138 BC, and its rich cultural heritage is exemplified by its many architectural delights spanning the ages. If you are an Erasmus student planning to take your studies to this fine Mediterranean city, you'll no doubt be wondering which the best places to visit in Valencia are. This guide takes a look at some of the most important attractions.
Barrio del Carmen
The Barrio del Carme neighborhood is the old city center, and it is by far the most important place to visit during your studies in Valencia. This district is home to many buildings dating from the Roman and Arabic periods. It is also a fashionable district home to many excellent restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife venues, and as an Erasmus student in Valencia, you'll likely spend much of your time here. With its many ancient winding streets and picturesque buildings, Barrio del Carme is a delightful place to explore on foot. It is also home to many important landmarks, including the Convent of Carmen and Valencia Cathedral.
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral is one of the city's primary landmarks, and it should be one of your top priorities in your list of places to visit in Valencia. Though the building is mostly Gothic, it has many elements from other distinct architectural periods including Baroque, Renaissance and Neo-Classical. The original Gothic parts of the cathedral were built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries.
City of Arts and Science
The City of Arts and Science is a large modern entertainment and cultural complex and one of the most important of such venues in Spain. Though only opened in 1998, the complex is home to a fascinating range of things to do and see, including a science museum, arts museum, planetarium, aquarium and an IMAX cinema. You can also get a guided walking tour of the venue.
The Silk Exchange
The Silk Exchange is a splendid public building exemplifying the late Valencian Gothic style of architecture. As the name suggests, the building was an important trading hall during the ancient silk trade. Protected by UNESCO, the Silk Exchange is often touted as being Spain's best preserved late Gothic/Renaissance secular building.
The Central Market
The Central Market is one of Valencia's top shopping venues as well as one of the most important places to visit in Valencia. Designed in 1914, the Central Market is a perfect example of modernist architecture in its own right. Inside, you will find over one-thousand stalls and shops selling just about everything you can imagine. It is open every day except Sunday from 07:30 to 15:30.
The Turia River and Valencia Bioparc
The Turia River runs from the mountain ranges of Montes Universales, discharging into the Mediterranean not far from the city of Valencia. The river used to run right through the city centre, but it was redirected after devastating floods in 1957. The old riverbed is now home to the 25-acre Valencia Bioparc. This beautiful park is home many exotic animals which are kept in a far more natural habitat than a zoo. With our discount student card, you will be able to get generous discounts for visiting the Valencia Bioparc and various other attractions.
We really suggest you, to visit this amazing city, and we promise, you will enjoy it as much as we do.
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