FAQs Valencia

Valencia invites you to discover the dialogue between its historical heritage and contemporary architecture. Start at the Lonja de la Seda, a gem of civil Gothic, and visit the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero, which brings together contemporary works in a restored historic palace. Continue to the Museo de Bellas Artes, with a prominent pictorial collection featuring Joaquín Sorolla. Then reserve time to explore the City of Arts and Sciences, where Santiago Calatrava's forms define the urban landscape. If you are interested in design, also explore the beautiful Baroque building of the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas and its National Museum of Ceramics.

The City of Arts and Sciences concentrates several plans for family sharing. The Museu de les Ciències offers interactive exhibitions that bring science closer to the little ones, while the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, allows you to discover marine ecosystems from different parts of the world. To enjoy the outdoors, the Gulliver Park, in the old riverbed of the Jardines del Turia, turns a huge figure inspired by the literary character into a play area with slides and ramps. Another option is to visit the Bioparc, where habitats of African fauna are recreated. If you prefer a cultural activity, the Museo Fallero showcases the ninots that have been part of the Fallas. The markets of Valencia (Central, Ruzafa…) combine architectural interest with sweets like fartons and other local products.

Valencia offers plans to enjoy its architecture, gardens, and natural landscapes as a couple. Start with a walk through the Turia gardens until you reach the surroundings of the City of Arts and Sciences, where the reflections of the buildings on the water create a unique perspective. In the historic center, stroll through the squares of the Virgen and the Reina and discover the streets surrounding the Cathedral. If you have a free afternoon, head to the Natural Park of l'039;Albufera, on the outskirts of the city, and contemplate the landscape of the lagoon in a traditional boat. The sunset light transforms this environment of rice fields and wetlands. The nearby and extensive Malvarrosa Beach brings you closer to the sea, while if you are bored, cooking classes for couples (Food & Fun, Valencia Club Cocina) and even axe throwing (Urban Safari Valencia).

You can organize your visit to Valencia in three routes that allow you to know its different facets. The historical route begins at the Plaza de la Virgen and continues through the Cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda, and the Central Market, before delving into the streets of the Carmen neighborhood. The modernist itinerary runs through the Ensanche from the Estación del Norte to the Mercado de Colón, with its ornate facades and early 20th-century buildings. To discover contemporary Valencia, follow the Turia Garden towards the City of Arts and Sciences. It is filled with places to stop, such as play areas and Gulliver Park, waterfalls, 18 bridges, sports equipment… and paths for walking or running.

Valencia offers different ways to explore its urban and natural spaces. Rent a bicycle to follow the Turia Garden, the green corridor that crosses the city and connects parks, bridges, and cultural spaces. If you are interested in the sea, you can practice paddle surfing, sailing, or join a nautical activity in the Valencia Marina or simply swim at Malvarrosa Beach. Another proposal is to take a guided tour focused on the modernist architecture of the Ensanche or discover the vast historical heritage with a specialized guide. Outside the center, the Natural Park of l'039;Albufera allows for boat rides and paths through wetlands, pine forests, and rice fields.

Ciutat Vella concentrates Valencia's historical heritage, with the Cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda, and the medieval streets of Carmen. The Ensanche stands out for its modernist architecture, its stately buildings, and the Mercado de Colón. Just a few steps away, Ruzafa combines galleries, independent shops, and cultural spaces in a contemporary urban environment. If you are looking for avant-garde architecture, the area of the City of Arts and Sciences brings together iconic buildings and wide pedestrian areas. Towards the sea, Cabanyal preserves its maritime past in the tiled facades and traditional houses, while Malvarrosa offers an extensive promenade along the beach.

Rice occupies a central place in Valencian gastronomy. Traditional Valencian paella is prepared with rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó, while baked rice and rice a banda offer other interpretations of local cuisine. To try a paella by the Mediterranean, you can book at Casa Carmela, near Malvarrosa Beach. If you prefer a traditional setting among orchards and rice fields, L'039;Alqueria del Pou offers Valencian rice dishes in an old farmhouse. Complete the experience with horchata accompanied by fartons, especially in the specialized establishments of the city, or try all i pebre, a traditional eel stew associated with l'039;Albufera.

Valencia combines big brands, independent boutiques, and shops specializing in design. Colón Street and its surroundings form the main commercial axis of the city, with fashion brands and department stores. If you are looking for an experience more linked to architecture, visit the Mercado de Colón, a modernist building that houses establishments and commercial spaces. Ruzafa is a good area to discover independent shops, galleries, and proposals from local designers. In the historic center, you will find artisan shops and stores of traditional products, while the Central Market and the Ruzafa Market allow you to know the richness of Valencian orchard products. The Plaza Redonda, besides being curious, has some charming places. And if you are looking for century-old shops, visit the Antique Bookstore Rafael Solaz, the Hat Shop Albero, the Iron Pot Store, Bodegas Baviera, or the Basketry El Globo.

Valencia's cultural agenda includes opera, classical music, theater, and concerts. The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, in the City of Arts and Sciences, programs opera and other musical productions in a building of contemporary architecture. In the center, the Teatre Principal offers a performing arts program that varies throughout the year, while the Palau de la Música hosts concerts and performances of different genres. If you are interested in sports, check the calendar of Valencia CF at Mestalla or Valencia Basket. During the Fallas, in March, the city adds mascletàs, fallero monuments, fireworks shows, and traditional events that transform its streets. And if you are into concerts, check the agenda of Loco Club, 16 Toneladas, Black Note Club, and Sala Moon.