As a complement to the IEEE SENSORS 2014 social program, the Valencia tourism office offers a variety of activities that can be booked online.
Popular attractions include:
The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural entertainment centre with stunning architecture and great capacity to entertain, teach and excite by promoting public participation. Situated along almost two kilometres of what was formerly the bed of the River Turia, with a surface area of 350,000 square metres, the City of Arts and Sciences is a huge open space. Offering cultural and intellectual leisure, it has given Valencia the best centre of this type in Europe.
The outstanding role of its architecture was made possible thanks to the work of two Spanish architects of international renown, who have contributed the very best of their work to this area: the Valencian Santiago Calatrava, who designed the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the Hemisfèric, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Umbracle, and the Ágora (under construction), and Félix Candela, designer of the unique roofing of the main Oceanográfico buildings. An architectural collection of exceptional beauty, harmonising the outer structure with the content.
The new Bioparc Valencia opened its doors on 28 February 2008. This innovative zoo, in which the barriers are practically invisible and the animals feel right at home, covers some 100,000 square metres and is located in the Parque de Cabecera within the former Turia Riverbed. Contrary to traditional zoos, this park has the unique feature of bringing the visitor totally into the habitat of the animals. This is known as zoo immersion. Bioparc’s main objective is to promote respect for animals and make the general public aware of importance of protecting the environment through a commitment to education and the preservation of the animals.
Leopards, lemurs, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, porcupines, ostriches, elephants, otters… all coexist in this zoological world, which offers moving experiences at every bend in the park at every minute of the day.
During its time in Valencia the musical, Les Miserables, had a record number of more than 40,000 spectators. The most acclaimed and legendary musical returns to the musical phenomenon city . There will be shows November 4-15, with only 15 functions.
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía space will again be chosen to host one of the most interesting productions and recognition, which marked a milestone in the history of the genre in our country and has 28 years in poster making history.
Since its premiere at the Barbican Theatre in London 28 years ago, Les Miserables has become a benchmark as far as music is concerned. Winner of over 100 international awards, is one of the longest titles in the lineup , has been seen by over 65 million viewers worldwide , translated into 22 languages and performed in over 42 countries.
Valencia was founded in the year 138 B.C by the Romans, who established their Forum in the Plaza de la Almoina, under which lies today a museum of Roman ruins. After the Romans, the Visigoths arrived in Valencia but in 714, the Muslims established control of the city, a situation that lasted until 1238 when King Jaime I of Valencia ousted them. The Arabs left a profound legacy with their irrigation systems, recipes and artistic influences that are relevant and noticeable right up to the present day.
Discover Valencia on our Valencia Tourist Bus with its two routes:
- the historical route, where you can learn about the city’s development from its foundation up to the present day,
- the maritime route, which will take you to the Juan Carlos I Royal Marina, the City of Arts and Sciences and the beaches.
What’s more, with the 24- or 48-hour tickets, you can get on and off the bus and change route as many times as you like. Visit the Albufera Natural Park with the Albufera Bus Turístic and enjoy a boat trip on the lake. This tour includes an audio-guide that provides you with minute-by-minute information on where you are and what you are seeing.
The park is home to the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a place of great ecological interest with rare species of wading birds and a rich variety of wildlife. Its waters have been traditionally worked by fishermen and rice growers, supplying ingredients and inspiration for many of the regions most succulent dishes. To sample the best of the local gastronomy, go to the village of El Palmar, a setting for many of the works of Blasco Ibáñez. It is an excellent place to try classic dishes such as Paella, Arroz a Banda, or All i Pebre made with eels freshly caught from the lake. After the meal, there is nothing more relaxing than a boat trip on the Albufera lake contemplating the red and amber tones of the setting sun dancing across the water.
A day in the market garden of Valencia. Includes activities and a typical Valencian lunch
Guided tour and lunch:
1. Collect vegetables from the fields that will later be cooked for lunch (30-60 minutes)
2. Take a tour around the vegetable gardens in a horse-drawn cart, visit a Barraca museum (the typical houses of the region) and an exhibition of carts and agricultural tools from the 19th and 20th centuries (60-90 minutes)
3. Donkey ride for children
4. Take part in the process of preparing an authentic Valencian paella
5. Lunch – a genuine Valencian meal cooked with local products. Starters: a choice of three traditional Valencian starters – Salted Tuna and Cheese, Esgarrat (roasted red pepper and salt cod salad), Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes), All i Pebre (potato and eel stew) or a seasonal Tapa.
Enjoy a three hour guided bike tour and cruise by attractions including the Gardens of Turia, Torres de Serranos, Pza. de la Virgen, Palacio Marques de Dos Aguas, Pza. del Patriarca, Jardines de la Glorieta, and the City of Arts and Sciences.
Forevertour Mestalla is a tour through the history of Valencia CF that will make you feel like a professional footballer. Visit the trophy room, the VIP gallery, the press room and the dressing room. Feel the excitement as you walk down the tunnel before treading on Mestalla's turf and sitting down on the bench to take in the panoramic view of Spain's oldest stadium with more than 90 years of history.
The Bullfighting Museum offers visitors the chance to understand the great cultural value of Valencia's Plaza de Toros (bullring) and its bullfighting tradition.It includes an interesting permanent collection that narrates the history of Valencia's most important matadors: from Manuel Granero to the Montoliu family and modern bullfighters such as Enrique Ponce and El Soro.
11. Flamenco Classes
The flamenco company who will treat us to an exciting show during the conference dinner is also offering flamenco classes, for attendees or companions, at low prices. Click here for more information.