One of Valencia's World Heritage Sites is the old Silk Exchange, founded in 1469, copied from a similar structure built in Palma de Mallorca. The crenellated tower and flamboyant Gothic trading hall, regarded as the city's most beautiful building, is now a top tourist attraction, often used for hosting exhibitions. The immensely high vaulted ceiling tops off some rather risqué etchings. A good time to visit is on a Sunday morning, when a popular stamp and coin collectors market makes for a lively trading buzz.

Address: Plaza del Mercado

Telephone: +34 96 352 5478

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm; Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 3pm