Plaza de la Reina
The basics
It would be hard to visit Valencia and not step foot in this flower-filled plaza. Just about every city tour stops here, including walking tours of the Old Town, tours by scooter, and the self-paced hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Tours of this historic part of the city can also be combined with a paella cooking class, guided wine tasting, or a traditional tapas meal and flamenco show. Visitors to the plaza should consider climbing to the top of the cathedral’s Miguelete Bell Tower for spectacular views from its observation deck 167 feet (51 meters) above the plaza.
Things to know before you go
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as much of the plaza lacks shade.
- Plaza de la Reina and its surroundings are best explored on foot so pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- The plaza and cathedral are both accessible to wheelchairs.
How to get there
Plaza de la Reina sits just east of the Old Quarter’s center, making it accessible from pretty much anywhere in this historic part of the city. A stop for many bus lines, the square is also home to a Valencia tourism office, making it an ideal starting point before tackling the rest of town.
Trip ideas
When to get there
While the plaza itself is always open, it’s a good idea to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the Valencia Cathedral opens to visitors.
Horchata in Valencia
Plaza de la Reina is home to two of Valencia’s most famous horchaterias, making it one of the best places in town to sample this traditional beverage. Horchata is a drink that looks like milk but is actually made of tiger nuts grown throughout the province of Valencia. Along with paella, it’s one of the area’s most popular specialties and is a must-try, especially to beat the afternoon heat.
- Valencia Cathedral (Seu)
- Admiral’s Baths (Baños Arabes del Almirante)
- Valencia Old Town
- Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central de Valencia)
- Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
- Valencia Plaza del Mercado
- House of San Vicente Ferrer
- Valencia Cruise Port
- Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
- Quart Towers (Torres de Quart)
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia)
- Barrio del Carmen
- Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros)
- Valencia City of the Arts & Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)