Authentic Valencia Free Tour

What will we visit on this tour?

• Meeting point:

  Pça. de Tetuan, 23, 46003 València, V...

  Pça. de Tetuan, 23, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

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  The meeting point is the Fundación Bancaja (https://www.fundacionbancaja.es/centro/centro-fundacion-bancaja/). It is a large art exhibition building, located at Plaza de Tetuán, 23, Valencia (Valencia). We will meet at the entrance on the northeast corner of the building (see pin on the map).

• 1
  Outside visit

  Fundació Bancaixa

  This is our meeting point. It is also commonly spelled, "Fundación Bancaja". Located at Plaza de Tetuán, 23, Valencia, 46003. We'll meet at the entrance located on the northeast corner. It's a lovely art exhibition space (and building) but we won't be going inside...we have a lot of other things to see!

• 2
  Outside visit

  Puerta del Mar

  A controversial monument in the middle of the city which was commissioned by Franco after the civil war. Here is where I will talk a little bit about the darker history of the city. Don't worry, after this, we will go to the beautifully designed Mercat de Colon, my favourite building in the city!

• 3
  Free admission

  Mercat de Colon

  An absolutely gorgeous building, designed in 1914 by Francisco Mora, a local architect. Although it no longer sells fresh produce, it now contains restaurants, bars and coffee shops (there is a farmers' market, outside, on Tuesdays, with lovely, fresh local produce). We'll talk about the architect and his style and use the restrooms, should anyone need to.

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• 4
  Outside visit

  Bullring of Valencia

  Iconic 19th-century bullring still used for bullfighting (very rarely) but now mostly hosts concerts and other shows. We won't go inside but we'll discuss the building itself and its history.

• 5
  Outside visit

  Plaça de l'Ajuntament

  The main square of the city and recently converted into a pedestrian-only area. The city hall of Valencia is located here, as well as, the main post office (a gorgeous example of turn-of the century ecclectic modernism). Both free to enter. This main square area also has many shops, florists, restaurants and bars, as well as, a film centre, housed in a stunning art deco building.

• 6
  Free admission

  Mercat Central

  The Central Market of Valencia is one of the largest in Europe at 8,000+ square metres (86,000 sq ft), with a predominantly Valencian Art Nouveau style (1914-1928). Unlike the Mercat de Colon, this market has a vast selection of local produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, spices and local fare, as well as, bars and restaurants. Popular with tourists and locals. A breathtaking experience if you love architecture, wine and food!

• 7
  Outside visit

  Silk market

  Named a National Monument in 1931 and a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1996 as a "totally exceptional example of a secular building in the late Gothic style, which splendidly illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great mercantile cities of the Mediterranean". Considered one of the most brilliant examples of 15th century European civil Gothic architecture. We won't be going inside but if you have the time, I highly recommend it. Only 2 euros to enter, per person.

• 8
  Outside visit

  Plaza de la Reina

  A lovely square full of shops and restaurants. Recently renovated and pedestrian only. The Cathedral of Valencia is also located here, which is said to house the Holy Grail.

• 9
  Outside visit

  Plaza de la Virgen

  This is another pedestrian only square that contains the famous Fuente del Turia, or Turia Fountain, that depicts the Turia River surrounded by eight female figures with the distinctive headdresses of Valencian peasant women, who represent the eight main canals that irrigate the Vega de Valencia, the countryside that borders the city, where the Romans introduced new crops, such as cereals and grapevines over 2,000 years ago. There are also a few other nuggets of Roman history here that I will show you...