From paella to palaces, Spain’s third-largest city is liveable and lively, offering great museums, a beautiful beach and an enticing old quarter.
A graceful blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Modernist influences, the coastal city of Valencia in eastern Spain embraces its rich history, while keeping one foot firmly in the 21st century. Cultural heritage and contemporary innovation go hand in hand, from the old quarter to the hipster enclave of Russafa. Visit Valencia for an impressive dining scene, architectural legacy, wide beaches and unique traditions, from its dialect to its wild five-day festival, Las Fallas.
Things to do in Valencia
Feel the pulse of Valencia at the Central Market, or Mercado Central, a vibrant hub celebrating local bounty. Not just a market, the sensory experience is a whirlwind of colours, aromas and flavours embracing Valencia’s deep-rooted culinary history. The Modernist covered market was constructed in 1928 and boasts spectacular seafood displays, produce grown in Valencia’s market gardens and irresistible tapas. In the Eixample neighbourhood, one of the city’s main shopping districts, visit the Mercat Colón, another thriving market with fresh produce, cured meats and various stalls where you can enjoy dishes prepared on the spot.
Wander along the upscale Calle Colón, from the Plaza de la Puerta del Mar to the Plaza de Toros de Valencia, admiring the 19th-century Valencian Modernist architecture and shopping for clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. Feel history come to life at the bustling Plaza de la Reina in the old city, with its markets, a century-old café and cathedral views.
Explore Rassafa, embodying Valencia’s bohemian, artistic vibe. The gentrified neighbourhood is home to a legendary market, art galleries, design studios and enticing café-bookshops. The emerging dining scene boasts restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs.
Valencia’s history and culture
The magnificent Valencia Cathedral is at the heart of the city’s old town or Ciutat Vella, an exquisite example of Gothic architecture that has witnessed centuries of artistic and religious devotion. Take time to admire its intricately designed façade and soaring nave.
Move on to the 15th-century, Gothic-style Silk Exchange, or Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflective of the city’s flourishing silk and commodity history. Opulent and ornate, the Exchange is emblematic of Valencia’s Golden Age. The Sala de Contratación cathedral and Consulado del Mar, where the maritime tribunal once sat, flank the courtyard.
Spend a few hours at the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, an aesthetically stunning complex that occupies an expanse of the old Turia riverbed. Within the space, find the majestic Palau de les Arts opera house, a science museum, the Hemisfèric 3D cinema and an aquarium.
Art lovers can’t miss the Valencia Institute of Modern Art, one of the first museums of art in Spain and where rooms permanently exhibit different studies on the work of Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo. Among the eight galleries is the Sala de la Muralla, which showcases the foundations of the 14th-century medieval wall.
Dining and nightlife in Valencia
As rich a tapestry as the city’s artistic heritage and storied history, Valencia’s flavours go beyond its iconic paella, which deserves to be savoured in its own right. Sign up for a cooking class to master the art of paella preparation at home. On a hot Mediterranean day, try a glass of refreshing horchata, a cool almond- and tiger nut-based beverage.
When the sun sets, Valenicia’s personality-packed neighbourhoods come to life, offering Michelin-starred dining, street food markets and farm-to-table cuisine. Check out the options in Ciutat Vella, Eixample, Russafa, the Marina, the beaches, the seaside districts and more.
For those seeking musical nightlife, attend events at the Palaus de la Música or the Sala Repvblicca, where you’ll find everything from symphonies to traditional Spanish music to flamenco shows.
Getting around Valenica
Fly into the Valenica Airport, then use the excellent public transport network to get around the city. Most neighbourhoods are connected, including major tourist areas, by the underground, tram or bus. Commuter trains connect to the airport, the beach, local towns, l’Albufera and other points of interest.
