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.
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.
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.
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.
