As a native Valencian and expert tourist guide in the area, here are 5 of my go-to places that you must visit when in Valencia to make the most out of it. The best part of all is that they are all free.
Valencia has many great free options. Some of these places will only be free until 2023, so you better take advantage now.
In this article we recommend you visit these 5 free places and the Church of San Nicolás (you must pay for entry) that are worth seeing.
1. La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is the jewel of the civil gothic architecture of Valencia, and a World Heritage site. Without doubt, this 15th century building built thanks to the splendor of silk will not leave indifferent. La Lonja began to be built in 1483 and finished in only 15 years according to the project of the master Pere Compte.
Until February 2023 is free, rumor is it will cost 2 euros again soon. So go as soon as possible.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
- Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Sunday and holidays, 10:00am – 2:00pm
2. Get lost in the Central Market
The Central Market of Valencia is the biggest one in all Europe. It is worth visiting and sipping on natural orange juice, eating some fresh cut fruit on the go, and buying a great variety of cheeses and ham.
The hours of operations are from Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 3:00pm. However, we recommend not to visit on Mondays since the seafood area (more than 1000m2) remains closed given that fishermen do not work on Sundays.
The path to access the market has recently become a pedestrian street, which makes the experience more pleasant.
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Saturday, 7:30am – 3:00pm
I recommend getting some breakfast or lunch at the market bar, the Central Bar of Ricard Camarena.
And if you would like to discover all its secrets, reserve a gastronomic visit for a wine tasting.
3. La Almonia Archeological Museum
Would you like to get lost in the ancient Roman ruins of Valencia? Visit La Amonio Museum in which you’ll learn all about Valencia and its evolution. You will walk among the ruins and get to know how Valentia was, the Roman Valencia and Balansiya, the muslim one. If you are interested in the history of Valencia, we offer historical tours of the city
It is free on Sunday mornings.
HORARIO:
- Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Sunday and holidays, 10:00am – 2:00pm
4. CCCC: Carme Contemporary Culture Centre
This is my favorite museum and the one I visit the most after work given that it always has something different to offer. It was an ancient convent that was restored to accommodate a great variety of artistics practices.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS: Tuesdays – Sundays, 11:00am – 9:00pm
5. Go up to the Torres de Serranos
Although going up the Miguelete (the Cathedral tower) is what always comes to mind, going up the towers of Serranos is free and it allows you to know more about them. In addition, the view from up there is breathtaking as you can see the whole city and the Turia river.
It is free like la Lonja, we don’t know until when.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
- Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00am – 2:00pm and 3:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday and holidays, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Church of San Nicolás de Bari
Lastly, you cannot miss visiting this amazing church, also considered the Valencian Sistine Chapel. On Mondays it is closed because it is only open for prayer. However, you could go any other day during the week. Without a doubt, it is worth visiting. The church is so impressive as it has majestic frescoes designed by Anotnio Palomino and executed by Dionis Vidal.
If you are an art lover, I recommend this combination of Urban Art and the Church of San Nicolás.
The prices are 6€, or 3.5€ with an official tourist guide.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS:
WINTER (October – June)
- Monday: not open for tourism
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:30am – 7:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 6:30pm
- Sundays: 1:00pm – 7:00pm
VERANO (July – September)
- Monday: not open for tourism
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:30am – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 7:30pm
- Sundays: 1:00pm – 8:30pm
Last ticket is sold 20 minutes before closing time.
I hope you enjoy your stay in Valencia, and remember that the city is always better seen with an official tourist guide. Please take a look at our guided tours. Like Valencian Street art and Valencian Sixtine Chapelle.
