City, Beach, Coastal
Valencia
Valencia
The birthplace of paella, where a futuristic arts complex, a sandy beach and a lively old town sit beside a long park in a dried-up riverbed.
Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, on the Mediterranean coast south of Barcelona. It is best known as the home of paella, and as a relaxed, liveable city that mixes old and new. A historic old town of squares and markets sits beside the strikingly modern City of Arts and Sciences, and a former river course has been turned into a long green park that runs right through the middle. With a beach on its doorstep and warm weather, Valencia is easy to enjoy.
What Valencia is known for
Valencia is where paella was born, and food is central to its identity. The original version is made with rice, rabbit, chicken and beans rather than seafood, and locals are proud of getting it right. The bustling Central Market, one of the largest in Europe, shows off the fresh produce behind the city's cooking. The city is also known for its contrast of old and new. The old town holds a cathedral, a silk exchange called La Lonja that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lively plazas. A short way south, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with its white, sail-like buildings, science museum and opera house, is the city's modern landmark. Running between them is the Turia, a long green park laid out in a former riverbed that lets you walk or cycle across the whole city. Add a wide sandy beach, the wild Fallas festival each March and a calm, unhurried feel, and Valencia offers a lot without the crowds of the bigger cities.
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Experiences and things to do in Valencia
For something memorable, explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with its science museum and sail-like architecture. If you like history, wander the old town, climb the cathedral tower and step inside the UNESCO-listed silk exchange, La Lonja. Cyclists and walkers should follow the green Turia park along the old riverbed. Food lovers must try an authentic paella and browse the huge Central Market. When the sun is out, head to the city beach for a swim and a long lunch. Whichever way you want to play, Valencia has it.
Where to stay in Valencia
Where you stay sets the tone. Ciutat Vella, the old town, keeps you close to the markets, cathedral and nightlife. El Carmen is the most atmospheric quarter, full of bars and history. Ruzafa is the trendy, foodie district, while the beachfront areas like Las Arenas suit anyone who wants sand and seafood on the doorstep.
Food and drink in Valencia
Valencia is all about rice. The star is paella valenciana, the original made with rabbit, chicken and beans, best eaten at lunch. Try other rice dishes too, like arroz a banda by the sea. The local drink is horchata, a sweet, milky tiger-nut drink served cold with long pastries called fartons. The Central Market is the place to see it all.
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Best time to visit Valencia
The best times to visit Valencia are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October), with warm, pleasant weather and a swimmable sea. Summer is hot and humid but good for the beach. Winter is mild and quiet. If you want a spectacle, time your trip for the Fallas festival in March, when the city fills with huge sculptures, fireworks and bonfires.
Getting to Valencia and around
Valencia Airport (VLC) is just west of the city and connects to the centre by metro in around 25 minutes. Valencia is also on Spain's high-speed AVE rail network, with fast trains to Madrid in under two hours. Once there, the city is flat and easy to get around by metro, bus, bike or on foot, and the green Turia park makes cycling especially pleasant.
Nearest Airport to Valencia
Nearest Sea Port to Valencia
Travel tips for visiting Valencia
Eat paella at lunch, not dinner, as locals consider it a midday meal. Rent a bike to ride the green Turia park, the easiest way to cross the city. Visit the Central Market in the morning when it is busiest and freshest. Take the high-speed AVE train for a fast trip to and from Madrid. If you visit in March, plan around the Fallas festival, which is loud, busy and unforgettable. Try cold horchata with fartons on a warm afternoon.
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