A lively Spanish city with Gothic buildings and modern architecture. Home to long beaches, vibrant street art, and the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Famous for paella and horchata.
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the medieval Old Town, and golden sandy beaches. You'll find the birthplace of paella here, and if you visit in March, you can experience the lively Las Fallas festival. Located on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Valencia offers a mix of modern and historic experiences.
Exploring the City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a modern complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. It includes several buildings housing museums, an aquarium, and a planetarium. At the Hemisfèric, shaped like a giant eye, you can watch IMAX films and digital projections. The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum has hands-on exhibits about technology and science. The Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium, houses over 500 marine species in different ecosystems.
Wandering Through the Old Town
Valencia's historic center, El Carmen, has narrow streets and medieval buildings. You'll see important landmarks like the Torres de Serranos, part of the old city walls, which offer panoramic views of Valencia. The Gothic Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) has detailed stone carvings and twisted columns. Its grand trading hall reflects Valencia's history as a major Mediterranean port.
Valencia Cathedral and Holy Grail
Valencia Cathedral combines Roman, Gothic, and Baroque architectural elements. Inside, you'll find a chalice claimed to be the Holy Grail. You can climb the octagonal Miguelete bell tower for city views. The cathedral's museum displays religious artworks, including paintings by Goya and other Spanish masters.
Enjoying Valencia's Beaches
Valencia's coastline has several kilometers of sandy beaches. At Playa de la Malvarrosa, the main city beach, you'll find a wide stretch of golden sand and calm waters. Restaurants on the beach promenade serve fresh seafood and paella. For a calmer experience, visit El Saler beach in Albufera Natural Park, about 10 km south of the city.
Tasting Authentic Paella
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, Spain's famous rice dish. Traditional Valencian paella contains chicken, rabbit, snails, and vegetables. Many locals consider seafood paella a variation for tourists. Try the dish at a beachside restaurant in the Malvarrosa area or at a traditional eatery in the rice-growing region of Albufera. La Pepica has served paella since 1898, and Casa Carmela near the beach is another popular spot.
Experiencing Las Fallas Festival
Las Fallas, from March 15-19, is Valencia's biggest festival. Neighborhoods build large satirical sculptures called "ninots," which parade through the streets and burn on the final night. The festival includes daily fireworks, costume parades, and flower offerings to the Virgin Mary. Outside of Las Fallas, you can see preserved ninots from previous years at the Fallas Museum.
Strolling Through Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens, a 9-kilometer green space, replaced the Turia River after it was diverted following a flood in 1957. The former riverbed now has sports facilities, playgrounds, and cycle paths. The park connects many of Valencia's main sights, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by bike.
Shopping at Central Market
Valencia's Central Market is in a modernist building from 1928 and is one of Europe's largest fresh produce markets. Over 1,000 stalls sell local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and seafood. You can try local specialties like horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts) and fartons (elongated pastries). Visit in the morning when the market is busiest and all stalls are open.
Exploring Albufera Natural Park
Albufera Natural Park, a large freshwater lagoon and estuary, is 10 km south of Valencia. In the park's wetlands, you can see numerous bird species surrounded by rice fields. You can take a boat trip on the lagoon, especially at sunset. In the nearby village of El Palmar, restaurants serve traditional paella made with locally grown rice.
Getting Around Valencia
Valencia has buses, trams, and a metro. You can take the metro from the airport to the city center. For shorter trips, use Valencia's bike-sharing system, Valenbisi. The city has over 150 km of bike lanes. You can walk to many of Valencia's main sights in the compact city center.
