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.


Attractions

Must-see attractions

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…

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Day Trips

You can have an epic day taking in verdant vineyards, Moorish cities, relaxing coastlines and picturesque villages that are just under two hours away.

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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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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Valencia

Valencia, Spain - April 9, 2024: Placa de la Reina square in central part of Valencia city, Spain. Beautiful Queen's Square with Cathedral and other historic buildings; Shutterstock ID 2482486867; purchase_order: 65050; job: Lonely Planet Online Editorial; client: best things to do in Valencia; other: Brian Healy
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Placa de la Reina square in central part of Valencia city, Spain. Beautiful Queen's Square with Cathedral and other historic buildings

Activities

8 top things you can only do in Valencia

Oct 5, 2024 • 6 min read

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