On the banks of the river Turia, Valencia perfectly combines its historical heritage with the country’s most futuristic buildings, such as Santiago Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences. Have you got a trip planned to Valencia and don’t know what to do? Here are Vincci’s three recommendations.

The Silk Exchange, a gothic treasure in Valencia

The Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda in Spanish) is one of Europe’s most important secular gothic buildings. Considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it’s in the heart of Valencia, in front of the Mercado Central and the Santos Juanes church.

The Exchange was built, in the main, between 1482 and 1492 by master architect Pere Compte and is notable for its similarity to medieval castles thanks to its fortress-like aspect. On Sundays it hosts an exhibition of stamps and coins.

* Silk Exchange, Valencia.

Evening cocktails in the Hemisfèric

Looking up at the Universe, discovering the planetarium and relaxing with a drink. You can enjoy this experience in the Hemisfèric, the home of the stars at the City of Arts and Sciences, until 30 September.

Every Tuesday you can contemplate the enormity of space from 9pm to 11.30pm in one of the city’s most avant-garde buildings, where leisure and science come together.

*Nights at the Hemisfèric. / Photo: cac.es

The humour of Leo Harlem and Sinacio in the Teatro Olympia, Valencia

If you’re in the city from 16 to 19 of October, go and listen to the stand-up comedy of Leo Harlem and Sinacio, you won’t stop laughing [show in Spanish]. An hour and a half of laughs at Valencia’s Teatro Olympia. With the curious name of #TrendingTronching [Tronching coming from the Spanish verb tronchar, to chop down or cut up], the two comedians take a look at the trends of the day in their own particular manner. Tickets are already on sale [link in Spanish]. If you want to have a good time in Valencia, don’t think twice.

*#TrendingTronching, Leo Harlem and Sinacio. / Photo: Kedin.es.

Where to stay during your time in Valencia

If you don’t have long and want to make the most of everything the city has to offer, the best plan is to stay right in the centre. Vincci would recommend their two hotels in the heart of Valencia, both of which exude elegance and comfort.

Vincci Lys 4* is located right by the station and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Its elegant decor is present throughout, from the rooms to the lobby and the Mikalet bar – the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink or a coffee.

* Room at the hotel Vincci Lys 4* Valencia.

Meanwhile the Vincci Palace 4* is to be found on Calle de La Paz, one of the most exclusive parts of the city centre. The hotel’s façade maintains the traditional style of many of city’s mansions, in contrast to the modernity of the reformed interior. Every detail receives meticulous attention, from the rooms to the lounge bar and the solarium.

*Hotel Vincci Palace 4* Valencia.

Valencia’s tourism app

Now you can have all the information you need about the city, right on your phone or tablet. The Valencia Tourism Foundation has launched a new app [app available in English] that offers geo-positioning, tours and information. It’s your indispensable travel companion if you want to discover the secrets of what the Romans called Valentia Edetanorum: museums, restaurants, landmarks…

It’s a free application available for Android and iPhone. You’ve nothing to lose!