Located in the historic center of Valencia, Plaza de la Reina stands as one of the city’s most emblematic and charming spaces. More than just a meeting point for locals and tourists, it is an ideal place to stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens, take a break at one of its sunny terraces, and admire the surrounding architecture. With its lively atmosphere and picturesque views, the square perfectly captures the spirit and vibrancy of Valencia.
A name with History
The square is named ‘Plaza de la Reina’ in honor of Queen María de las Mercedes of Orleans, wife of Alfonso XII (1874–1885), as a tribute to her. Originally, it was a small square located on the opposite side of Valencia’s Cathedral. However, with the intention of turning it into a sort of main square for the city, successive remodelings were carried out to expand its size. Its current layout was established in the 1960s after several blocks were demolished, including the historic Zaragoza Street, one of Valencia’s busiest streets, which offered an unparalleled view of the cathedral’s main entrance, known as the Puerta de los Hierros.
A crossroads of paths and eras
Since its creation in the 19th century, Plaza de la Reina has been one of Valencia’s main hubs. Some of the city’s most important streets start here, such as San Vicente Mártir, La Paz, and del Mar. The square is also connected to Valencia’s two other major squares, Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza del Ayuntamiento, linking the city’s past and present. In its most recent major renovation between 2021 and 2022, it was transformed into a fully pedestrian space, unlike its previous layout where vehicles were still allowed. This redesign gave the square its current appearance, emphasizing sustainability and a greener future.
Its monuments
The imposing Valencia Cathedral and its iconic bell tower, the Miguelete, border the square on its northern side, offering one of the city’s best urban views. On the opposite side, the Monforte building, a notable example of Valencian modernist architecture, and the slender Baroque bell tower of Santa Catalina Church flank the equally impressive southern side, creating a setting of remarkable architectural beauty.
Privileged views
During your visit to Plaza de la Reina, you should not miss the chance to enter Valencia Cathedral, a unique monument that combines a fascinating variety of architectural styles and houses the Holy Grail, which, according to tradition, was used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. To enjoy a panoramic view of the historic city center, you should climb the Miguelete. The cathedral’s bell tower, which with its 207 steps was once the tallest building in the city, offers spectacular views from its highest point.
Its shops
Along the edges of Plaza de la Reina, a wide variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants offer plenty of options to rest and enjoy Valencia. The most iconic is Horchatería Santa Catalina, a historic establishment over 200 years old, which has become a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste one of the best horchatas in the region. Its façade, adorned with traditional Valencian tiles, and its interior decorated with Manises ceramics, reflect the history and tradition of the Valencian region.
On the opposite side, other establishments await that, although more recent, have already made their mark on the square’s history. Chocolatería Valor, present in the city center since the late 20th century, is the perfect place to enjoy chocolate with churros while taking a break from the urban bustle. Meanwhile, the Irish pub Finnegans, opened in 1995, has become a popular meeting spot thanks to its imported beers and live broadcasts of sporting events—a little piece of Ireland in the heart of Valencia.
Its events
On weekends, the square comes alive with all kinds of markets that attract both locals and tourists. From artisanal markets that pop up during the Christmas season to local trade fairs promoting sustainable consumption, the square becomes a hub of themed activities.
Between May and June, the plaza hosts the traditional Escuraeta market, a tradition dating back to the 13th century, when James I reconquered the city. This market is famous for its handcrafted goods, ranging from kitchenware to religious items, with Valencian ceramics and terracotta products taking center stage.
The imposing presence of the Cathedral, whose main entrance opens onto Plaza de la Reina, makes this space a venue for significant religious events. In particular, the Corpus Christi festival in June stands out for its solemn procession, which crosses the square to the rhythm of the bells from the Miguelete and Santa Catalina.
How to get there
Plaza de la Reina is a natural meeting point due to the convergence of numerous important streets, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. By metro, the fastest way is to get off at Xátiva station (lines 3, 5, 9), located opposite the bullring, and walk about 10 minutes. If you prefer the bus, lines 4, 11, 31, 32, and 70 stop at the intersection of San Vicente Mártir and La Paz streets.
