City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex of white buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava, set in the drained Turia riverbed. The exterior and the surrounding pools are free to enjoy and photograph.
City in Spain
Valencia
9 things to see
Valencia is the birthplace of paella and one of Spain’s best-value big cities, with a futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a converted riverbed park (the Turia Gardens) that is free to walk or cycle for kilometers, and a beach within walking distance of the old town. The cathedral square, the central market building, and the old town lanes all cost nothing to wander. Alicante down the coast offers another affordable Mediterranean option, and Barcelona is a cheap fast-train ride north.
What to see
Things to do in Valencia
What each one costs, where the cost is known.
Lonja de la Seda
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Gothic civil buildings in Europe. Built as a silk exchange in the 15th century, the soaring twisted columns of the main trading hall are the highlight.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento Valencia
Valencia's grandest square, surrounded by the ornate City Hall and the main post office building. Free to cross at any time, the triangular plaza features a large fountain and is the epicenter of Las Fallas celebrations in March.
Plaza de la Virgen Valencia
Valencia's most beautiful square, flanked by the cathedral, the Basilica de la Virgen, and the Palau de la Generalitat. Free to enjoy, the Neptune fountain anchors the center, and the square sits directly above Roman-era foundations.
Plaza Redonda
A perfectly circular enclosed plaza hidden in the old town, accessible only through narrow archways. Free to enter, the small round space is lined with traditional ceramics and lace shops.
Serrano Towers
Two imposing 14th-century Gothic towers that formed the main ceremonial entrance to medieval Valencia. Free to enter on Sundays and holidays (small fee otherwise), the top offers views over the old town and the Turia Gardens.
Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens are a 9-kilometer park running through the center of Valencia in the bed of the diverted Turia River. Free.
Valencia Cathedral
A cathedral blending Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles that claims to house the Holy Grail. Entry costs a modest fee.
Valencia Central Market
The Mercado Central is one of the largest fresh food markets in Europe, housed in a stunning Modernist building with stained glass, ceramic tiles, and an iron dome. Free to enter.
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