Valencian Institute of Modern Art ~ IVAM

Situated in the trendy and fashionable area of Barrio del Carmen in the Old Quarter of Valencia.

This lovely art gallery has two premises – the Centre Julio González which opened in 1989, and the Sala de la Muralla which opened in 1991.

In the Centre Julio Gonzáles there’s a permanent exhibition of the Catalan metal sculptor’s work and the total floor space is occupied by eight galleries.

IVAM focuses on the evolutionary process of art. From the crisis of the classical avant-garde up to the seventies.

The gallery exhibits photography from the beginning to the present day with special emphasis on photomontage.

Getting Here:

The art gallert is very easy to reach if you are already in the old district of Barrio del Carmen as it’s just a few minutes walk from Torres de Serranos.

If you’re coming from the other side of the Turia Gardens you can take the Puente de les Artes which will bring you directly to Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM).  The gallery is located just a few yards from the bridge .

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Address:
(Valencia d’Arte Modern)
C/Guillem de Castro, 118
Tel: 963 863 000
Website

Opening Times:
10.00am – 20.00pm

Price for entry:
2 euros (1 euro for students (at time of writing)… card must be shown)

Publications
IVAM produces many publications and some come with records, videos and facsimiles. Catalogues of Alberto Giaccometti, Santiago Calatrava and Philip Guston are a few examples.

Gift & Bookshop
Tel: 96-3910596
Fax: 96-3153447

Restaurant – La Sucursal Restaurant – Mediterranean Cuisine
Open Mondays to Fridays from 13.30 to 15.30 and 20.30 to 23.30

Bookings: Tel: 96 374 6665
Closed Saturdays Lunchtime and Sundays

Café – New Mediterranean Cuisine
Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 to 22.00
10% discount to Friends of the IVAM
Tel: 96 386 30 00 and 96 374 66 65

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Valencia Tourist Bus

If you are only here for a few days, the best way to get to know Valencia is with the Valencia Tourist Bus. There are 3 routes –  Route A is the Historical Route, Route B is the Maritime Route and Route V is to the Albufera which is 12 kilometers from the center of town.

You don’t have to do it all in one go. You can jump off whenever you feel like it and then resume your journey when you’re ready.

There are quite a few places where you can pick-up the bus and the most central is from Plaza de La Reina (see photo above).

The climate is great (it rarely rains in Valencia) so if you want to take some photos to remind you of your trip,  take them from the open top of this lovely red double-decker bus.

Valencia Tourist Bus Routes

You can buy tickets online (see website for prices and special rates and maps of routes which are only available if you select Spanish language).

With the 24- or 48-hour tickets you can get on and off the bus and change route as many times as you like. (See Valencia Tours)

Route A  Historical

The bus leaves from the Old Quarter of Valencia and transports you around the city and shows you how the city has developed to the present day.

Route B Maritime

The maritime route take s you to the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, the City of Arts and Sciences and the beach.

Route V Albufera

Albufera Tourist Bus takes you to the Albufera Natural Park where you can enjoy a boat trip on the lake.

This tour includes an audio-guide that provides you with minute-by-minute information on where you are and what you see.

Valencia Town Center
Valencia Attractions
Turia Gardens & City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia Restaurants
Valencia Events

Phones in Spain & Mobiles

The phones in Spain are modern and easy to use and if you’re phoning from the UK the code to use is 0034.

When you dial Spain from the UK  omit the first 0 of the number  you are phoning and then add the rest of the number.

The dialling code for Valencia is 96.

The ringing tone is long and if the line is engaged/busy then the tone will be short and much quicker.

The Spanish telephone system is called Telefònica and most public phones display instructions in several languages including English.

Public telephones are called cabinas.

Tips on Saving Money …

• Making international calls is expensive and you can cut down on costs by making calls after midnight until 8.00am in the morning.
• Another way of saving money is to use a pre-paid telephone calling card (tarjeta prepagada) with amounts starting from 5 euros
• These cards can be used in a public pay phone or with a mobile (even a fixed land line) and can be bought at kiosks, call centers and at some supermarkets.

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives and with many mobiles you just top up before you go and pay as you talk.

Be sure to read the guide that comes with your mobile (or check online) as this will tell you if your phone is compatible with the local network of the country you’re visiting.

Using Mobiles in Valencia

• Just switch on your phone and it will search for the local network.
• If all is OK you’ll get a welcoming sign saying something like… ‘Welcome to Movie Star’.

We found that using a mobile in Valencia is very expensive so the best thing to do is either use the local pay phones,  which are everywhere,  or a Spanish SIM card.

Spanish SIM Card

If your phone is unlocked you can use one of the local SIM cards which offer cheap tariffs.

Cards can be bought from internet cafes, mobile shops and the post office.

Most hotels now have free wifi but if not there are many cafes which offer free wifi.

You can always phone for free with SKYPE.com but only to other skype users

A final point worth noting is that when answering the phone in Spain you usually say “digame” which translates to “say to me”,  “tell me”,  “talk to me” or  “speak to me” in Spanish.

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Things to do in Valencia

Take the Valencia Tram to the Beach …

Valencia Tram (Line 4 ) is an overhead tram (not a train) and part of Valencia’s metro system.

The nearest stop for the tram in the city of Valencia  is at Pont de Fusta (which is the name of the area and also the name of the bridge).

Pont de Fusta bridge is opposite Torres de Serranos which is the gateway to  Barrio del Carmen in the old town.   On the tram side of the bridge there  are cafes, bars and a large apartment block overlooking the Turia Gardens. The tram stop is directly behind the Police Station.

The  tram is a great alternative to taking the bus or car to Valencia beach as it only takes  15 minutes from the  town center  to the beach.

Valencia Tram Tickets

A single journey costs approximately €1.50 euros and a carnet of ten tickets (Bono-Metro) costs €8.00.

Check the fares are up-to-date at the EMT VALENCIA website.

You can buy the tickets from the station so be sure to have change for the ticket machine.

The journey is great fun and kids will love the way the high-speed tram bounces along. It travels alongside the many universities and colleges of Valencia and takes about fifteen minutes.

There are no traffic jams so it’s a stress free way of reaching Valencia beach and you’ll have more time to relax, swim and enjoy the sun.

The tram stops at Eugenia Vines and Las Arenas and terminates here so it’s easy to locate when you want to leave the beach and return to the Old Quarter or you can always take the No 19 bus.

Valencia Metro
Valencia Travel Cards

Valencia Walking Tours …

There are many Valencia walking tours in the city of Valencia  or you can  buy a map and discover the city walks at your leisure.

Valencia Walking Tours

A good place to start your walk from is from Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square).  Depending on how fast you walk it’s  just  a 10 or 15 minute walk from the Old Town.

Easy to explore on foot, the area is alive with people enjoying  tapas and paella in outdoor cafes and restaurants in the sun.

The famous Cathedral of Valencia , in Plaza de la Reina, has the oldest museum in the city and contains the Holy Grail.

The adjoining El Micalet bell-tower offers great views of the city, you just have to climb the 207 steps to get to the top.

The recently renovated Central Market (Mercat Central) was built in 1928  and is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.  Covered with ceramics and colorful stained windows,  this  is the oldest indoor market in Europe.

Opposite the market,  is the glorious 15th century indoor gothic La Lonja, where silk merchants met to exchange their goods.

Just a few yards away in Plaza de la Virgin (Plaça de la Verge),  is the Basilica of the Virgin de los Desamparados.

This is a great place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the surrounding cafes and bars, it’s also very close to the trendy and fashionable area of Barrio del Carmen.

Something not to be missed is the lovely Turia Gardens where many events are held.  It also leads to the stunning City of Arts and Sciences.

Best Flamenco in Valencia City

Flamenco in Valencia 

Valencia Flamenco Show with Dinner La Buleria – Book Now!

Enjoy the best flamenco experience in Valencia. See all the magic of Spain in one unique show with the best artists, accompanied by the most…

Duration: 3.5 hours
From
£50.67

La Bulería is at the forefront of Tablao Flamenco in the city and presents a very dramatic flamenco show.  Journey through the world of flamenco performed by a collection of great artists and enjoy a meal and show just 500 meters from the City of Arts and Sciences.

Flamenco in Valencia 

Valencia: Tapas Dinner and Flamenco Show at Café del Duende – Book Now!

Experience the essence of Spain with this amazing tapas dinner and flamenco show package in Valencia.

Sample a variety of snacks typical of Spain, and then lose yourself in the passion of flamenco music and dance.

Duration : 2.15 hours
From : £73.70 per person

Flamenco in Valencia

Palau de La Musica

The Festival Flamenco de Valencia is held at Palau de la Música in the Turia Gardens.

Top flamenco stars have appeared at this event such as Estrella Morente and Manolete. They are amongst the most famouse Spanish flamenco singers and dancers in Spain.

Throughout the summer months there are open air events and festivals in the Turia gardens.

Flamenco in Valencia

Radio City VLC

Radio City at 19 Santa Teresa has two bars, pool table, darts and live music with flamenco on Tuesday and disco at weekends.

When : Tuesday flamenco show
Time : 23 hours

Address : 19 Santa Teresa
46001 Valencia
Tel : +34 963 914 151

 Valencia Tours

Take a Valencia Walking Tour or see the sights from on top of a Valencia Tourist Bus.

If you have time take a  day trip or enjoy a Valencia Tour.

BEST Tapas Valencia Spain

There are many places to eat in the city of Valencia and the Barrio del Carmen is a popular place to go.

Overflowing with tapas bars and restaurants and bars so great for sampling the cuisine of Spain

 Tapas Valencia Spain

3-Hour Tapas Tour in Valencia

On this tour you will visit 3 restaurants in Valencia on a guided tapas tour of the city.

Over the course of 3 hours, stop off in various spots to share tapas and drinks. Along the way, learn more about the food you are tasting, and see monuments as you walk through the city.

Find out more  ~  3-Hour Tapas Tour in Valencia  >>

More Tapas Valencia …

 Bar Pilar

There are many tapas bars in Valencia and the following are just a sample of what’s on offer.

Calle Moro Zeit, 13
Tel: 963 910 497

This is one of the most popular places to eat in the Barrio del Carmen and famous as the mussel-eaters cathedral.

Also has a great variety of tapas.

Tapas Valencia

Vintara

Plaza de la Reina, 19
Tel: (+34) 96 392 4185

Vintara’s has the best of both worlds. It’s a really great place to eat with a terrific atmosphere and a good menu. A traditional Spanish tapas bar where you can enjoy excellent rice dishes (paellas), “broken eggs”, meats, tapas and wines – website

The seafood paella is great and you can enjoy it in a relaxed and very chilled atmosphere. There’s a tapas bar at the front of the restaurant and a very cosy candle-lit restaurant at the back.

Tapas Valencia

La Taberna Reina

Plaza de la Reina, 1
Tel: 963 152 214

Take your pick of mouth-watering tapas in a cozy café/bar ideally located on Plaza de la Reina.

Dont’ throw the cocktail sticks away as you will need them when you finish your meal.  The cashier counts how many sticks you have and this is the price you pay.

Tapas Valencia Spain

Cerveceria 100 Montaditos

Tapas bar in Plaza de la Reina  with a huge board above the bar listing the various tapas.

They all come with mountains of crisps which are great washed down with your favorite drink.

This is a great place to come for a quick snack and it won’t break the bank and there is a unique way of ordering.

Just tick off what you want on a pad (on each table) and the waiter/waitress will tear off your order. If you’re inside they call you when it’s ready or bring your order to you outside.

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Tapas and Paella

Your favorite tapas bar in Valencia?

Fill out the form below,  with the name and address of the tapas bar you think is the best in Valencia and we will add it to this page.

Agua de Valencia ~ Drink of Valencia!

Agua de Valencia is one of the most popular drinks which is drank all over Valencia in bars, clubs and restaurants.

The drink is not as the names suggests as it is definitely not the ‘water of valencia’ but a very potent drink.

It  is a year round drink but especially good for warm summer evenings served in a jug or tall glases.

The main ingredients are cava, vodka, gin and organge juice and definitely a must to try when you are in Valencia.

After a couple of  these, you will be set for an evening of fun in this great city.

History of  Agua de Valencia

The  ‘water of valencia’ as first made in the Café Madrid  in Valencia in 1959 by Constante Gil and it became very popular during the 1970s. It  is now accepted as the most popular drink in Valencia.

This is true but there is also another popular non-alcoholic drink in Valencia called Horchata which  is made from tiger nuts and served ice cold.  You can find it in all the cafes and supermarkets in the city of Valencia and all over the region of Valencia which includes cities and towns such as Alicante and Benidorm and in Valencia hotels and those on the Costa Blanca.

To make a truly authentic drink you must of course use fresh orange juice which the region of Valencia is famous for.

Everyone has their own favorite recipe for making agua de valencia which includes  fresh orange juice, gin, vodka, cava (or champagne if you can’t get Spanish Cava) and sugar to taste.  First you mix the sugar and orange juice together, then add the cava and then the gin and vodka. Salud!

Enjoy 🙂

Valencia Bridges & Turia Gardens

Valencia Bridges

The bridges in Valencia enable you to cross over the Turia Gardens from the Old Quarter and other districts of Valencia.

Puente de las Artes Bridge (Bridge of the Arts)

The bridge links Guillem de Castro with the road leading to Burjassot. After you’ve crossed the bridge, IVAM is on the right and you are in the trendy and popular Barrio del Carmen.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente de San José

A very beautiful old bridge which used to be the gateway from Portal Nou (which no longer exists) to the north.  The bridge of San Jose is said to have been built in the late 1400s. It was originally decorated with the two Ponzanelli sculptures which are now on Trinidad Bridge.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente de los Serranos

The bridge of Serranos was constructed in the 16th century and links Torres de Serranos to Barrio del Carmen in the Old Town.

On the other side of the bridge  is Calle Sagunto which once linked the city to the Roman fortress of Saguntum.

Valencia Bridges ~ Pont de Fusta

The old wooden bridge was replaced by a temporary  walkway which links the old town (just south of Torres de Serranos) to the district of La Zaidia and the tram station at  Pont de Fusta.

This part of the Turia Gardens has two football fields and children playgrounds.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente de la Trinidad

This is the oldest of all the Valencia bridges and known as The Trinity.

Puerta de la Trinidad was the way to reach the north and also to go to the monastery on the other side of the Turia river.

Valencia Bridges ~ Alameda Bridge (Calatrava Bridge)

This is an ultra modern bridge also known as the Calatrava Bridge as it was designed by Valenciano Santiago Calatrava.

Built in the 1990s to replace the old Exposición Bridge which was built in 1909, it is often called  La Peineta  (Spanish for large decorative Spanish comb usually worn under a mantilla or lace).

To access Alameda metro station take the steps at the beginning of the bridge into the Turia Gardens where the entrance is located.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente del Real (Royal Bridge)

This beautiful bridge dates back to the 16th century.

At each end of the bridge are statues of the two patron saints of Valencia.

San Vicente Martir and the Virgin de los Desamparados.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente 9 de Octubre

This is one of the Valencia bridges designed and built by local architect Santiago Calatrava in the 1980s. It was built to commemorate the events of 9 October when Jaume I entered and conquered the city in 1238  – (see National Day of Valencia).

On each side of the bridge are sculptures of eagles with outspread wings. The bridge joins Avenida Tres Cruces with a huge Shopping Centre in the northern part of the city.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente de los Flores

As it’s name suggests the romantic Puente de los Flores is lined with flowers. It connects the Paseo de la Alameda with the Old Town.

There is a path for cycling, a wooden walkway and benches where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful view.

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente del Mar

The Puente del Mar  is a pedestrianized bridge linking Plaza de America with the Alameda.

The stone alcoves and statues of saints make this a very beautiful bridge which is very popular with Valencianos and tourists.

Read More >>

Valencia Bridges ~ Puente del Reino

This very impressive bridge has 4 gargoyles guarding it – two at each end of the bridge.

The bridge towers over the Turia Gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences is clearly visible from the bridge.

Puente del Reino links the city center to Avenida de Francia,  Avenida Reino de Valencia and onto the Port area of Valencia.

Parks in Valencia
Things to do in Valencia
Getting Around
Valencia Accommodation

Parks in Valencia Spain

Visit the many lovely gardens and parks in Valencia

Just a short distance from the narrow winding streets of the historical quarter of Barrio del Carmen or ‘el Carme ‘ as it’s locally known is Torres de Serranos (Serrranos Towers).

The building marks the entrance to where the old city wall used to be and from here it’s a very short walk to the Jardins de Turia (Turia Gardens) which is one of the most important parks in Valencia.

Parks in Valencia Spain 

Royal Gardens / Viveros Gardens

Calle San Pio V
Metro: Alameda

These beautiful gardens were once the gardens of the Royal Palace which no longer exists and they are one of the most popular places to go and chill out in.

Locally known as the Jardines de Viveros they are great for taking a stroll, having a picnic or just enjoying the flowers and greenery of the city of Valencia.

For the kids there are playgrounds and a little train in the shape of a reindeer which your kids can take a ride in. An added benefit of coming to Jardines de Viveros is that the Museu de Cièncias Natural (Museum of Natural Sciences) is also here.

The gardens are situated close to the Turia Gardens and can be reached from Alameda metro station. They are not far from the  City of Arts and Sciences and the Museu de Belles Arts  –  museums in Valencia.

Parks in Valencia Spain 

Jardins de Turia ~ Turia Gardens

Often referred to as the lung of Valencia and once the riverbed of the old Turia river.

The beautiful Turia Gardens wind their way through the length of this magical city from the Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Passing fountains and flowers, you’ll find tennis courts and people jogging and cycling on specially made pathways.  This is one of the longest of the parks in Valencia Spain, so if you feel like taking it easy, take a ride on the park train or try a bicycle carriage made for two.

There are cafés and also a special little park for children. The Gulliver Park contains a huge flat figure of Gulliver which kids love to climb and crawl over.

The final destination of this lovely walk is the jaw-dropping, futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences).

This is the icing on the cake and the reason why this is one of the most popular parks in Valencia Spain.

There are many bridges connecting the Old Quarter to the new city and the gardens and parks in Valencia Spain.

Explore the many parks in Valencia Spain and especially the Jardins del Reial (Royal Gardens) which is one of the most lovely parks in Valencia.

 Parks in Valencia Spain

Botanical Gardens (El Jardì Botànic de la Universitat de València)

The Botanical Gardens of Valencia are situated on the other side of Barrio del Carmen with Torres de Cuart marking the other entrance to the old walled city of Valencia (Torres de Serranos being the other).

Here I am walking next to the majestic Torres de Cuart which, as you can see,  are quite big.

There is a very modern entrance at the Botanicaal gardens where you will find a lovely old tree which is literally bursting through the roof.

The gardens date back to the 16th century but have only been on the current site since 1802.

• The university researches the medicinal properties of plants as this is invaluable for the understanding of crops and the agriculture of this very fertile region of Spain.
• There are over 4,500 different plant species and there’s also a tropical greenhouse (Umbracle) containing sub tropical plants.

The University of Valencia has a website on the Botanical Gardens where you’ll find an excellent short video clip (bottom of the nav bar on the left), in Valenciano, Spanish and English.

For more information check out the Botanical Gardens.

Parks in Valencia Spain 

Parque de Cabecera

Parque de Cabecera is where you will find the new Bioparc Zoo at the top of the Turia Gardens.

The park is huge and you will find not only the zoo but also a fun-fair and lake on which you can take boat rides.

The zoo is open 7 days a week and has free parking, two restaurants and a shop.

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Things To Do In Valencia