Valencia scavenger hunt: The Secret Code of the Silk City
From a medieval city gate to the Gothic Silk Exchange and one of Europe's biggest fresh-food markets. Without paying a single entrance fee along the way — or walk the route freely as a self-guided tour.
The city that grew rich on silk
In the fifteenth century Valencia was one of the richest trading cities of the Mediterranean, and silk paid so well that the city could afford an exchange that looks like a palace. Around that golden age the medieval city gates, the Gothic cathedral and squares where daily life has never stopped are all still standing. A scavenger hunt is the best way to learn to see those layers: at every stop you look closely, count and compare.
You begin at the Serranos towers, the mighty gate by the old riverbed, and pass the Plaza de la Virgen on your way to the cathedral with its octagonal bell tower, the Micalet. Then you walk by the round Plaza Redonda, the huge Central Market and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You finish at the Quart towers, still scarred by cannonballs from 1808, and on the grand town-hall square.
Playing without any entrance fee. The route is deliberately built from places you can see from the public street — you never need to go inside. If you do want to see the cathedral, the Silk Exchange or a tower from within, you can do so separately with a ticket.
Good to know: the content of the Valencia route has been carefully fact-checked, with sources at every stop. An occasional mistake can never be fully ruled out — if you spot something that's off, report it in the app.
Prefer to just look around? You can also walk this route freely — no questions, with the story, background and sources at each stop. That makes it just as much a free city walk.
- ±1.5 hrs3 km, your own pace
- Freeno entrance fees en route
- NL / ES / ENpick your language
- In the browsernothing to download
What you'll come across
The Serranos towers
One of the best-preserved city gates in Europe, once the proud northern entrance to the city — and later a prison for noblemen.
The Silk Exchange
A trading palace from 1483, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a hall of twisting columns and a doorway full of masks and mythical beasts.
The Central Market
One of Europe's largest fresh-food markets under a roof of glass, iron and ceramics — with a weathervane that gave the market its nickname.
The cathedral and the Micalet
Three façades from three eras and an octagonal bell tower whose shape almost no one notices.
Frequently asked questions about the Valencia hunt
Can I walk the Valencia route without the puzzles?
Yes. Besides the puzzle hunt, you can also walk the Valencia route freely: you follow the same route without questions and read the story, background and sources at each stop. That makes it a free self-guided walking tour of Valencia, at your own pace and without an account.
Do I have to pay any entrance fees?
No. The whole route is built from places you can see from the public street: gates, squares and façades. You never need to go inside. If you'd like to see the cathedral, the Silk Exchange or a tower from within, you can do that separately with a ticket.
Where does the Valencia scavenger hunt go?
You start at the Serranos towers, the medieval city gate by the old riverbed, and pass the Plaza de la Virgen on your way to the cathedral and the Micalet bell tower. Then you walk by the round Plaza Redonda, the huge Central Market and the Gothic Silk Exchange, and finish at the Quart towers and the grand town-hall square.
How long does the Valencia hunt take?
About an hour and a half, at your own pace. The route is 3 kilometres long and runs through the historic centre; you decide where to pause.
Is the route suitable for children?
Yes, for all ages together with an adult. There is counting, looking and comparing — no prior knowledge needed. The route is flat and runs entirely through the pedestrian-friendly old centre.
What does the Valencia hunt cost?
During the launch it is free. Afterwards you can leave a small voluntary donation if you like.
Ready to crack the silk city?
Pick the route, head out and open the treasure chest. Completely free.
Start in Valencia →