Forecourt of Museo de Bellas Artes(National Museum of Beautiful Arts), Central.

Valencia

Spain’s third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts and converted the former riverbed into a glorious green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava. Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista buildings, great museums, a long stretch of beach and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by its huerta, a fertile zone of market gardens, is famous as the home of rice dishes such as paella, but its buzzy dining scene offers plenty more besides; it's a superb spot for eating.

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Best Neighborhoods

Whether you’re after Modernista edifices, terrific museums, Spain’s best rice dishes or medieval cathedrals, our neighborhood guide highlights the best that…

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Day Trips

Valencia’s best beaches offer water sports, warm seas, paella, secret spots and sand dunes, all within easy reach of the city center.

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Transportation

Valencia may be Spain’s third-largest city, but it’s essentially very compact and walkable, and a lot easier to explore on foot than Madrid. Here's how to find…

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Free Things to Do

Valencia is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Eating out, accommodation and transportation costs are significantly lower than they are in Barcelona and…

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Historic Site

Valencia's secret history: executions and bullfights in Plaza del Mercado

Jan 9, 2024 • 7 min read

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