Valencia
Overview
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.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
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…
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…
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
Inside a striking palace, this ceramics museum celebrates an important local industry. Downstairs (which also features a decadent hand-painted 1753…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
This exciting Spanish city promises memorable flavors, lush parks, a cool art scene and much more.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
Time your visit to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, just right with this seasonal guide.
Read articleTransportation
Read on for a full report on the best ways to get around this Spanish vibrant city.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Visiting Valencia on a budget? These 8 free things to do will help you enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Read articleBest 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
From the hot springs at Montanejos to the seafood in Dénia, here are the best day trips from Valencia.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Valencia
Destination PracticalitiesHow to navigate Valencia by foot, bike, metro and moreOct 21, 2024 • 5 min read
Historic SiteValencia's secret history: executions and bullfights in Plaza del MercadoJan 9, 2024 • 7 min read
Destination PracticalitiesThe best neighborhoods in Valencia: where centuries-old heritage embraces innovationOct 29, 2021 • 6 min read
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