
1. City of the Arts and Sciences
The City of the Arts and Sciences in its entirety has been designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.
Moreover, the City of the Arts and Sciences has a varied restaurant offer as well as thematic shops in the different areas. During your visit to L’Oceanogràfic, one of the highlights is the underwater restaurant with its magnificent walls that consist of a large aquarium.
2. Old City Center
Explore the rich traditions of Valencia, including the esteemed Water Tribunal. The Lonja de Seda, known as the Silk Market, is an absolute must-visit. Furthermore, the ancient town, with its majestic cathedral, and its remarkable towers are all worth exploring. Additionally, don’t miss out on experiencing the exquisite blend of modernism showcased in Valencia’s Central Market or the North Station.
3. Turia Garden
The space has evolved into a significant landmark for residents and stands as one of the city’s largest green spaces. Each day, joggers, cyclists, and families gather here to revel in the various amenities it offers.
4. Beaches
Valencia owns a thriving, contemporary port that splits its seafront into two distinct zones. Towards the north, visitors are greeted by a mesmerizing promenade with its famous and lively urban beaches lining the path: Malvarrosa, Cabañal, and Las Arenas. On the other side, towards the southern coast, one can explore the tranquil retreats of Pinedo, El Saler, and Devesa.
5. Gastronomy Paradise
One cannot talk about Valencia’s gastronomy without mentioning its most famous dish, paella. Originating from this region, paella is a flavorful rice dish cooked with a combination of fresh seafood, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The Valencian paella, in particular, is made with rabbit, chicken, and snails, giving it a unique and hearty flavor that is distinct to the area.
Apart from paella, Valencia offers a wide variety of rice-based dishes known as “arroces.” From “arroz al horno” (oven-baked rice with meat and sausages) to “arroz negro” (black rice, tinted with squid ink), the options are endless. Valencia’s fertile lands and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea ensure that the ingredients used in these dishes are of the highest quality.
Seafood lovers will also find Valencia to be a true paradise. The city’s coastal location means that the freshest catches from the Mediterranean are readily available. Marinated anchovies, grilled sardines, and delicious shrimp are just a few examples of the delectable seafood offerings found in Valencia’s restaurants and markets.
Valencia is also famous for its vast selection of fresh produce. The Central Market, one of Europe’s largest covered markets, is a food lover’s dream. Here, you can find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats that are not only delicious but also locally sourced.
To accompany these delicious dishes, Valencia boasts an extensive selection of wines. The region is known for its robust red wines, such as the full-bodied and fruity Valencia DO wines. Meanwhile, the nearby Utiel-Requena region produces some excellent white wines and cava (Spanish sparkling wine), offering something for every palate.
6. Museums
Valencia offers a great variety of museums:
- The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia: Housed in a grand Baroque-style building, this museum showcases an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Gothic period to the present day. Visitors can admire works by renowned artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco Goya.
- The Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM): Dedicated to contemporary and modern art, this museum exhibits a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, and installations. IVAM has an impressive collection of Spanish artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, along with rotating temporary exhibitions.
- The National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts González Martí: Housed in a beautiful palace, this museum is well-known for its stunning collection of decorative ceramics, furnishings, textiles, and sculptures. It provides insight into the traditional craftsmanship and artistic style of Valencia’s past.
- The Museum of Prehistory of Valencia: Nestled within the delightful Túria Gardens, this museum offers a journey through time to explore the archaeological treasures of the Valencian region. It showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Iberians, Romans, and Visigoths.
- The Fallas Museum: A unique celebration and tradition in Valencia, the Fallas festival involves the creation and burning of enormous sculptures made of papier-mâché. This museum displays a selection of these impressive statues. Consequently, allowing visitors to learn about the history and significance of this colorful festival.
7. Albufera National Park
Embed within the park is Spain’s largest lake, renowned as one of the most significant wetland regions in the entire Iberian Peninsula. It is a place of great ecological interest with rare species of wading birds and a rich variety of wildlife.
8. Sports
An ideal place to enjoy major sporting events: the Formula 1 European Grand Prix, the Global Champions Tour, Moto GP, and the Valencia Open. Valencia offers in general a variety of sports such as motorcycling, cycling, tennis, show-jumping, athletics, golf. Of course, it also offers two first-division football clubs: Football Valencia Club and Levante.
9. Huerta de Valencia
The Huerta of Valencia (Vegetable Garden) covers an area of around 23,000 hectares, forming a green agricultural landscape. A cycle track runs from Valencia through the Huerta on the Xurra Green Route over an old railway line where you can discover huge vegetable fields, orange trees, huts, and tiger nut crops.
10. Las Fallas
Valencia city celebrates each year the final days of the winter and the arrival of spring with spectacular burnt monuments and pyrotechnics. From March 15 to 19 (commemorating Saint Joseph), Valencia comes alive, transformed into an extravagant celebration of bonfires, fiesta, fireworks, and a healthy dose of satire known as Las Fallas.