Rooftops in Valencia: bell towers, the Turia and the City of Arts seen from above
A sunny city that looks to the sky
Capital of the Valencian Community and Spain's third-largest city, after Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia has more than 840,000 inhabitants. With nearly 2,700 hours of sunshine a year, its terraces are busy almost all year round, and many hotels have opened their roofs to the public.
Seen from above, the historic centre, Ciutat Vella, reveals a forest of bell towers and blue-glazed domes. The Micalet, the Cathedral's 51-metre octagonal bell tower, remains its most visible landmark. To the north, the Torres de Serranos, a former fortified gate, guard the entrance to the old town, whose Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
From the Turia riverbed to the City of Arts and Sciences
After the great flood of 1957, the Turia was diverted to the south of the metropolitan area. Its former bed became a 110-hectare park, opened in 1986, which crosses the city from west to east. At its eastern end, Santiago Calatrava's City of Arts and Sciences, inaugurated in 1998, has become the city's new emblem. Further on, the Marina and the beaches of El Cabanyal and La Malva-Rosa open Valencia up to the sea.
Where to get a view from above in Valencia
Plaza del Ayuntamiento: the heart of the city at its feet
Two rooftops overlook the great central square. On the 8th floor of the Ateneo Mercantil, Atenea Sky spreads out a vast 360-degree terrace, with Valencian cuisine, cocktails and DJs. On the 7th floor of the former Telefónica building, now the Grand Hotel Centenari, The Rooftop Soul of 1927 looks out over the City Hall and the Post Office building.
Ciutat Vella: facing the monuments
In the old town, three hotel roofs face the city's heritage. Atop the Marqués House, the Café Madrid Rooftop, a small white terrace, looks out at the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas. On Plaça de Manises, the Palacio Vallier Rooftop overlooks Plaza de la Virgen and the domes of the Cathedral. To the north, on the 5th floor of the Puerta Serranos hotel, the Luna de Valencia Rooftop stands directly opposite the Torres de Serranos and the Turia Gardens.
Campanar and the Turia
To the west, in the Campanar district, near the old bed of the Turia, the Sky Bar at the Novotel Valencia Lavant offers a 360-degree view over the city's roofs.
City of Arts and Sciences: Calatrava's architecture down below
For the most spectacular view of Calatrava's complex, head up to the 10th floor of the Barceló Valencia hotel: the Terraza 270º, open mainly in summer, overlooks the entire site, from the Palace of the Arts to the Hemisfèric.
Gastronomy and cocktails up high
From Agua de València to produce-driven tables
On the rooftops, the local cocktail reigns supreme: Agua de València, a mix of cava, orange juice, vodka and gin, features on most menus. Expect to pay €11 to €15 for a cocktail at most rooftops, and up to €18 for some creations. Croquettes, Iberian ham and tapas to share dominate, but some venues, such as Atenea Sky, offer a proper meal.
A rooftop for every occasion
As a couple or with friends
For a drink for two, the intimate terraces of the Café Madrid Rooftop or the Palacio Vallier Rooftop are ideal. With friends, the DJs at Atenea Sky and The Rooftop Soul of 1927 liven up the weekends.
Getting around easily
The historic centre is easily explored on foot. The Colón and Xàtiva metro stations serve Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Alameda station the banks of the Turia, and Túria station the Campanar district. For the City of Arts and Sciences, tram line 10 stops at Ciutat Arts i Ciències - Justícia and Oceanogràfic.
Tips for making the most of Valencia's rooftops
Choosing your time
Sunset is the most sought-after moment: arrive early, especially at weekends. Atenea Sky and The Rooftop Soul of 1927 charge an entry fee or require a minimum spend, and some terraces only open in summer. Opening hours vary with the season: check them before you go.
Photo : Derek Rankine / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0