Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos, Valencia

Attraction and Historic Building in Valencia

Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos
Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo

The Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos (Valencia's historic main post office) sits right on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, one of the city's busiest, most walkable hubs. Even if you're not mailing anything, it's worth pausing here for the architecture: a stately early-20th-century façade and a bright, domed interior that feels more like a civic monument than a service counter.

It's an easy add-on to a self-guided walking tour of central Valencia: pair it with the plaza viewpoints, the shopping streets around Calle de las Barcas and Calle de la Paz, and a stroll toward the old town. Many travelers simply admire it from outside, but if you time it right, stepping into the main hall is a quick, memorable “local life” moment.

History and Significance of the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

The building opened in the early 1920s as Valencia's central hub for post and telegraph services, designed to project modernity and civic pride at a time when communications were transforming daily life. Its prominent position on Plaza del Ayuntamiento made it a symbolic gateway between official Valencia and the everyday rhythm of the city.

Architecturally, it’s celebrated for its monumental, symmetrical exterior and its showpiece interior: a large central space crowned by a glass-and-iron dome. That dome and the decorative details inside reflect the era’s ambition to make public buildings feel grand, optimistic, and forward-looking.

Today, it remains a working post office, which is part of the appeal: you’re not just visiting a pretty building, you’re stepping into a living piece of Valencia’s civic infrastructure.

Things to See and Do in the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

Start outside. The best views are from the open space of Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where you can frame the full façade and capture the building's scale. If you're doing a walking loop, this is also a natural “reset point” before heading toward Estació del Nord or into the old town.

If the doors are open, pop into the main hall to look up at the dome and take in the airy, light-filled interior. Even a short visit can be rewarding, especially if you enjoy architectural details, public spaces, and the small rituals of local life (stamps, parcels, and counters in constant motion).

If you actually need services, this is a practical stop for shipping, postcards, and travel logistics. Just note that service speed can vary by time of day, and English may be limited—though visitors often report friendly, patient staff.

How to Get to the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

The nearest airports are Valencia Airport (VLC) for the city and, for some international itineraries, Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) as a secondary option. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

Valencia is well connected by rail, and arriving at Estació del Nord (València Nord) or Joaquín Sorolla station puts you within an easy walk or short transit ride of Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a paid parking garage near the city center and continue on foot, as the plaza area is busy and driving/parking right next to it can be stressful. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

  • Official website: https://www.correos.es
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30–20:30. Saturday: 09:30–13:00. Sunday: Closed.
  • Best time to visit: Go mid-morning on a weekday for a calmer interior and better light for photos on the plaza. If you only want exterior shots, early morning is best before the square gets crowded.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes for photos and a quick look inside; 30–45 minutes if you need postal services or want to linger under the dome.
  • Accessibility: The building is in a flat, central area with step-free routes around the plaza; interior access may depend on which entrance is open and how service areas are arranged.
  • Facilities: As a working post office, expect service counters and basic public-building amenities; for cafés and restrooms, you’ll have more options immediately around the plaza.

Where to Stay Close to the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

Base yourself in the city center (around Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the old town edge) for the easiest walking access to major sights, restaurants, and transit.

Only YOU Hotel Valencia A stylish, central pick with a polished feel—ideal if you want to step out straight into the heart of Valencia and walk everywhere.

Melia Plaza Valencia Right on the main square, it’s hard to beat for location; great for travelers who prioritize convenience and classic city-hotel comfort.

Vincci Lys A reliable mid-range option close to shopping streets and the plaza, with an easy walk to both the post office building and the train station.

Catalonia Excelsior A practical, well-located base that suits short stays and busy itineraries, especially if you want a straightforward central hotel.

Hotel Sorolla Centro A budget-friendly central choice—good value for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring on foot.

Is the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially as a quick, high-impact stop in central Valencia. The building delivers strong “wow” value for architecture lovers and photographers, and because it's right on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, it fits naturally into almost any itinerary without detours.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and don’t care about architecture, you can skip going inside and simply admire the exterior as you pass through the plaza. Also, if you need extensive English-language assistance for postal services, be prepared for some friction—though staff are often described as helpful.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (690)

Reviews are largely positive, with travelers highlighting the building’s central location, impressive architecture, and how photogenic it is from the plaza. Visitors who used postal services often mention efficient processing and notably friendly, patient staff, even when language barriers made communication harder. A common minor drawback is that some people only admire it from outside or find English support limited, so it can feel more like a quick stop than a full “attraction” unless you go inside or need services.

CJ
4 months ago
"Very central, big and beautiful main post office of Valencia. Everything went fast, no lines. Although English was a struggle, the person at the deskwas extremely friendly...."
Kevin Brown
3 months ago
"We didnt go inside but love the looks of this place. They built it pretty nice. 4 star"
William M
3 months ago
"I went to purchase a prepaid Mastercard and had a very good experience. I was helped by Mari Carmen , who took her time in explaining all the detailsabout the card. She also helped me set up the app and take care of all the necessary steps. All the perso el are helpful and very professional and willing to help out!!..."

For Different Travelers

This is a flexible, low-commitment sight: you can treat it as a photo stop, a quick interior peek, or a genuinely useful service stop during a longer city day.

Families with Kids

Kids may enjoy the sense of scale inside, especially the bright dome and the echo of a grand public hall. Keep it short and pair it with a nearby treat stop on the plaza so it feels like part of a fun city walk.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, the surrounding area is easy to navigate, but interior access can depend on which doors are open and how busy the counters are. Aim for quieter hours to avoid queues.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, it’s a classic “city-center architecture moment” that looks great in photos, especially in soft morning or sunset light. Combine it with a slow walk through the old town streets nearby for a relaxed, romantic loop.

Stepping inside for a quick look under the dome is a nice shared micro-experience—short, atmospheric, and very Valencia—without needing tickets or a long time commitment.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the easiest central stops to enjoy without spending money: the exterior is free to admire, and the interior is often a quick in-and-out. It’s also a practical place to handle travel logistics like shipping or postcards.

Because it’s in the middle of town, you can build a full budget-friendly day around walking: plaza sights, old town lanes, and nearby markets and parks—no paid transport required.

History Buffs

History-minded travelers will appreciate how the building reflects the early-20th-century push for modern communications and civic grandeur. It’s a tangible reminder of how cities once showcased progress through monumental public infrastructure.

Look for the design choices that elevate a functional service into a symbol: the prominent siting on the main square, the formal exterior, and the dramatic interior dome meant to impress.

FAQs for Visiting Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy city-center walk from Estació del Nord. If you’re arriving with luggage, a short taxi or bus ride can save effort.
Xàtiva is a convenient nearby stop for reaching Plaza del Ayuntamiento on foot. From there, follow the flow of pedestrians toward the square.
Yes, many city bus routes pass through or near the plaza area. Check your route for the closest stop around Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is typically needed because it’s a working public building. Access can depend on operating hours and which areas are open.
Not usually—most people enter through the main doors used by customers. If an entrance is closed, walk around the frontage to find the open access point.
Not as a standard daily offering. If special openings or events happen, they’re usually announced separately.

Visiting Experience

The central hall and the dome are the highlights. Even a brief look upward gives you the full impact of the interior.
Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed. If you have a complex request, having key phrases written in Spanish can help.
It can be busy at peak service times. If you want a calmer look inside, try mid-morning on a weekday.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s perfectly placed for a central walking loop that includes the plaza, shopping streets, and the old town edge. Treat it as a short stop rather than a standalone destination.
Pair it with Estació del Nord and Mercado Central for a well-rounded architecture-and-city-life route. You can also continue toward the Cathedral area afterward.
Yes, because it’s right in the center and takes little time. Even a quick exterior photo stop adds variety to a one-day itinerary.

Photography

Step back into Plaza del Ayuntamiento to capture the full façade. Morning light often gives cleaner contrast and fewer crowds.
Generally, casual photos are fine, but be respectful of people using services. Avoid photographing staff or customers closely.
Use a wide-angle lens (or your phone’s wide setting) and expose for the bright dome. A quick pause to steady your shot helps in the lower light.

Accessibility & Facilities

The plaza and surrounding streets are largely flat and pedestrian-friendly. Interior access may vary depending on doors and crowding.
Don’t count on public restrooms as a visitor; plan to use nearby cafés or restaurants around the plaza. The area has plenty of options.
Yes, the plaza area and nearby cafés provide places to take a break. If you need a longer rest, choose a café with outdoor seating.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, you’re surrounded by cafés and bakeries in the city center. It’s easy to turn this stop into a coffee break.
It’s a good lunch anchor because you can choose from many nearby restaurants. Consider walking a few minutes off the square for better-value menus.
Yes, central convenience shops and bakeries are nearby. Grab something portable if you’re continuing your walking tour.

Safety & Timing

It’s a busy central zone that’s generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowds. Keep valuables secure, especially during events.
If you dislike crowds, avoid peak midday periods and major festival moments in the plaza. Early morning is the calmest.
It depends on whether you only want exterior views (always possible) or need services/indoor access (often limited). Plan Sunday as a photo stop rather than an errand stop.

Nearby Attractions to the Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos

  • Plaza del Ayuntamiento: Valencia's central square, great for people-watching and city-scale architecture.
  • Estació del Nord: A beautiful modernist train station with standout tilework and historic details.
  • Mercado Central: One of Europe's great food markets, ideal for a quick snack crawl and local produce browsing.
  • La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO-listed Gothic landmark showcasing Valencia's mercantile history.
  • Valencia Cathedral (and El Micalet): A classic old-town visit with a climbable bell tower for panoramic views.

The Edificio de Correos y Telegrafos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 08:30-20:30.

Saturday: 09:30-13:00.

Sunday: Closed.

Price:

Free.

Address: Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 24, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 3 km
Telephone: +34 963 51 23 70
Official Website

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