Valencia walking tour & city guide

The old town

Valencia's Ciutat Vella is full of treasures. The cathedral, which claims to hold the Holy Grail, is topped by the Miguelete bell tower with views across the rooftops. Nearby, the Lonja de la Seda, the 15th-century silk exchange with its twisting columns, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Opposite the Lonja, the Mercado Central is one of the largest and most beautiful food markets in Europe, a modernist building of iron, glass and colorful tiles. The Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, medieval city gates, still guard the old town.

Turia Gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences

After a devastating flood in 1957, the Turia River was diverted, and its old bed became the Jardín del Turia, a green ribbon of parks, sports fields and paths that curves around the old town. It is perfect for walking or cycling.

At its eastern end lies the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of white, sculptural buildings designed largely by Santiago Calatrava, including an opera house, a science museum, an IMAX cinema and the Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium.

Beaches and festivals

The Malvarrosa and Patacona beaches stretch north of the port, lined with restaurants serving paella. In March, the Fallas festival fills the city with giant satirical sculptures, fireworks and parades, before the sculptures are burned on the final night. Valencia has a mild, sunny climate year-round.