Ready to see a different side of Valencia? Explore the city’s lesser-known attractions with our guide to the twelve interesting things to see in Valencia, off the beaten path.
Valencia is full of secret places that most people don’t know about. Even though Valencia isn’t a huge city, there are still a lot of places that you might not have noticed or visited. The list is very long, but let’s start with 12 things to see in Valencia the you will probably not find in tourist guides,
Casa Judia
One of the first places we’ll visit is the Casa Judía, a beautiful building that dates from 1930. Built in the Art Deco style it shows strong influences from Arabia and India. It’s not a special building, nor can you enter it – it’s just a normal house where people live. But it’s super colourful and it would be cool to live there, right? You’ll find it at Carrer de Castellò, 20.
Jardin de las Hesperides
Next on the list of things to see in Valencia is Jardín de las Hespérides, ocated behind the Botánical Gardens. It’s owned by the Valencia City Council and you can visit any day of the week from 10am to 6pm in the winter (until 8pm in the summer). The best part? It’s totally free to get in. It is a beautiful garden, inaugurated in 2000 with an area of about 5,000 square metres.
Finca Roja
Another interesting place on our list of things to see in Valencia is Finca Roja, a residential building that dates from 1933 and has been home to Valencians ever since. It gets its name from the reddish brick that it’s made of, and it’s one of the most unique buildings in Valencia. The architecture is influenced by Dutch Expressionism and you should also take a look at the green ceramic tiles that cover the towers and lookout points. You’ll find it at Carrer de Jesús.
Casa de los Gatos
If you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, you might want to visit the Casa de los Gatos, located at 9 Carrer del Museo. It’s not a normal house, it’s actually a cat house! But, a proper one, with a door, a balcony, even a garden, a fountain, and a commemorative plaque. It’s like a mini house that has everything.
Museo del Silencio
If you’re into history, you might want to visit the Museo del Silencio, located in the Valencia cemetery. It might seem strange to have a museum with such a weird name, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you know where it is. The Rutas del Silencio (Silence Routes) offer tours of graves and tombs of famous figures from Valencia’s history, and you can choose from four different tours. You’ll find it at Carrer de Sant Doménec de Guzmán, 27.
Old Campanar
Another historical area worth checking out is the old Campanar barrio, located between the Avenidas Maestro Rodrigo and Pío XII. The streets here still have some of the most picturesque houses in Valencia, and the iconic plaza de la iglesia (church square) is definitely worth a visit. It’s just a couple of blocks away from the intense pace of the city, so it’s a great place to get a feel for what Valencia was like in another era. Definitely one of the things to see in Valencia.
The Byzantine chapel of La Beneficencia
The Centro Cultural de la Beneficencia (Cultural Center of La Beneficencia) is home to one of the most beautiful treasures in the city of Valencia. It is its neo-Byzantine chapel, known today as the “Alfons El Magnànim” room. This small chapel was built in the early 20th century and is decorated with Byzantine-style frescoes and mosaics. Rightfully on our list of things to see in Valecia, It is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. It’s a little piece of history and art that is definitely worth a visit.
Portal de la Valldigna
A part of the old Arab wall, the Portal de la Valldigna (Valldigna Gate) is an arch that separated the Christian city from the Moors after 1400. It’s a historical site that has a lot of significance for Valencia, and it’s definitely worth including in our list of things to see in Valencia. And to make this place even more interesting, the first printing press in Spain was located right next to this gate. You’ll find it at Carrer del Portal de Valldigna.
Jardines de Parcent
The Jardines de Parcent (Parcent Gardens) are what remains of the former Palacio de Parcent (Parcent Palace). They are located near the church of Santos Juanes and are a hidden gem in Valencia that is not very well known to locals or tourists. The gardens are a peaceful and serene place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Baños del Almirante
The Baños del Almirante (Admiral’s Baths) are a unique and off-the-beaten-path attraction in Valencia. They were built in 1313 by Pere de Vilarasa during the reign of James II, and they were designed to recreate the original Arab steam baths (Hammam). The baths are built in the Mudéjar style and are a fascinating piece of history to visit. The entrance is free, so it’s a budget-friendly activity as well. You’ll find the Baños del Almirante at Calle de los Baños del Almirante, 3-5.
Trinquet de Pelayo
The Trinquet de Pelayo is a historic sports venue that was opened in 1868. It’s a hidden gem in Valencia that is now home to a trendy restaurant called Oído, which is headed by chef Pablo Margós. The Trinquet de Pelayo is considered the oldest active covered sports venue in Europe, and it has a rich history that is definitely worth exploring. You’ll find it at Carrer Pelayo, 6.
Jardines de Monforte
The Jardines de Monforte (Monforte Gardens) are a small and hidden corner in the city that offers a peaceful escape from the noise and bustle of the city. With over 12,000 m2, these gardens are one of the most significant works of 19th century engineering in Valencia. They feature statues, fountains, and well-groomed hedges, and they are home to the old lions of the Congress of Deputies. It’s a beautiful and serene place to visit, and you’ll find it at Carrer de Montfort.
© Things To See In Valencia : Off The Beaten Path In 2023 – Valencian.es
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