Established in 1802 this was Spain’s first botanic garden. With mature trees and plants, an extensive cactus garden and a wary colony of feral cats, this walled garden run by the University of Valencia is a shady, tranquil place to relax. Check the website for evening jazz concerts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Torres de Quart

0.13 MILES

Spain's most magnificent city gate is quite a sight from the new town. You can clamber to the top of the 15th-century structure, which faces towards…

2. Jardín de las Hespérides

0.17 MILES

Abutting the botanical gardens, this modern creation could not be more distinct in style. Shorter on green space, it has the formality of a classic French…

3. Museo de Etnología

0.24 MILES

This ethnographic display is very sleek and modern, a welcome relief after the overly didactic archaeological museum that shares the halls in the…

4. La Beneficència

0.25 MILES

This complex has cultural events and also contains two contiguous museums: the Museo de Prehistoria and the Museo de Etnología, entered on a single ticket.

5. Museo de Prehistoria

0.26 MILES

Surely due a modish revamp soon, this overly comprehensive museum of archaeology has some excellent pieces and loads of interesting information, but pick…

6. Institut Valencià d’Art Modern

0.33 MILES

This impressive gallery hosts excellent temporary exhibitions and owns a small but impressive collection of 20th-century Spanish art. The most reliably…

7. Iglesia de San Nicolás

0.41 MILES

Recently reopened to the public after a magnificent restoration, this single-naved church down a passageway is a striking sight. Over the original Gothic…

8. Mercado Central

0.43 MILES

Valencia’s vast Modernista covered market, constructed in 1928, is a swirl of smells, movement and colour. Spectacular seafood counters display…