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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Must-see attractions
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
L'Eixample & Southern Valencia
This aesthetically stunning complex occupies a massive 350,000-sq-metre swath of the old Turia riverbed. It’s occupied by a series of spectacular…
Valencia
Valencia’s cathedral was built over a mosque after the 1238 reconquest. Its low, wide, brick-vaulted triple nave is mostly Gothic, with neoclassical side…
Valencia
Recently reopened to the public after a magnificent restoration, this single-naved church down a passageway is a striking sight. Over the original Gothic…
Valencia
This seminary was founded in the late 16th century by San Juan de Ribera, a towering Counter-Reformation figure who wielded enormous spiritual and…
Valencia
This splendid building, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was originally Valencia’s silk and commodity exchange, built in the late 15th century when the city…
Western Valencia
This zoo devoted solely to African animals has an educational and conservationist remit and an unusual approach. Though, as always, the confinement of…
Valencia
Bright and spacious, this gallery ranks among Spain’s best. Highlights include a collection of magnificent late-medieval altarpieces, and works by several…
Valencia
Valencia’s vast Modernista covered market, constructed in 1928, is a swirl of smells, movement and colour. Spectacular seafood counters display…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Valencia
This splendid building, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was originally Valencia’s silk and commodity exchange, built in the late 15th century when the city…
Valencia
Horchata is a sweet, opaque, very Valencian drink made from pressed chufas (tiger nuts), into which you dip large finger-shaped buns called fartóns…
Valencia
Stretching the length of Río Turia’s former course, this 9km-long lung of green is a fabulous mix of playing fields, cycling, jogging and walking paths,…
Valencia
It's worth heading to this unusual spot for quality portions of pasta, rices or other creations that employ succulent sauces and ingredients with genuine…
Valencia
Valencia's most highly rated current chef showcases the range of his abilities here, in a new location in the Bombas Gens factory-turned-art-centre. A…
Valencia
Bright and spacious, this gallery ranks among Spain’s best. Highlights include a collection of magnificent late-medieval altarpieces, and works by several…
Valencia
A very worthwhile eating option in Benimaclet is this little tapas place. It packs out – get there early – and no wonder, for the creations coming out of…
Valencia
Valencia’s cathedral was built over a mosque after the 1238 reconquest. Its low, wide, brick-vaulted triple nave is mostly Gothic, with neoclassical side…
Valencia
Turn left as you enter the main portal of the cathedral for the climb up to El Miguelete, the emblematic octagonal tower. It's apparently 51m high,…
Valencia
Valencia’s vast Modernista covered market, constructed in 1928, is a swirl of smells, movement and colour. Spectacular seafood counters display…
Valencia
Valencia’s vast Modernista covered market, constructed in 1928, is a swirl of smells, movement and colour. Spectacular seafood counters display…
Valencia
Stretching the length of Río Turia’s former course, this 9km-long lung of green is a fabulous mix of playing fields, cycling, jogging and walking paths,…
Valencia
Bright and spacious, this gallery ranks among Spain’s best. Highlights include a collection of magnificent late-medieval altarpieces, and works by several…
Valencia
This conversion of a handsome art deco factory that once made hydraulic pumps has created an intriguing space for modern art. There's a particularly good…
Valencia
This splendid building, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was originally Valencia’s silk and commodity exchange, built in the late 15th century when the city…
Valencia
The diverted Río Turia’s former riverbed is a great playground year-round. Of its formal playgrounds, the giant Gulliver, in the Jardines del Turia, just…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
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…
Read articleDay Trips
Valencia’s best beaches offer water sports, warm seas, paella, secret spots and sand dunes, all within easy reach of the city center.
Read articleTransportation
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…
Read articleFree 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…
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Valencia
Festivals & Events
Spain’s La Tomatina 2024: the fullest guide to the messiest festivalMay 3, 2024 • 6 min read
- Historic SiteValencia's secret history: executions and bullfights in Plaza del Mercado
Jan 9, 2024 • 7 min read
Destination PracticalitiesThe best neighborhoods in Valencia: where centuries-old heritage embraces innovationOct 29, 2021 • 6 min read
- Destination PracticalitiesThe best time to visit Valencia for sun, sightseeing and more
Oct 29, 2021 • 6 min read
Destination PracticalitiesGetting around in Valencia: how to navigate the Spanish cityOct 28, 2021 • 6 min read
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