Visit Valencia
Valencia’s colors, light, and coastal warmth make an instant impression. The city combines ancient streets with bold modern architecture. The Mediterranean breeze moves through plazas lined with orange trees. The smell of paella comes from small kitchens near the old town.
Start in the historic center. Valencia Cathedral rises above a maze of narrow streets. Markets spill onto the squares with fresh seafood and bright produce. Locals gather at small bars for horchata and fartons. Street art covers hidden alleys in El Carmen.
Then the city shifts. The Turia River was once a flood threat, now it is a long green park that cuts through the city. Cyclists glide past palm trees. Runners move toward the City of Arts and Sciences. The white buildings curve like ships and shells. They look almost unreal against the blue sky.
Head east and the Mediterranean takes over. La Malvarrosa Beach stretches beside cafés and paella restaurants. Waves roll onto soft sand. Boardwalks fill with locals at sunset. Every neighbourhood has its own energy. Every street has something inviting. The city feels easy to explore yet full of surprises for anyone arriving by road.
Top sights to visit
- City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) This is Valencia's definitive modern icon. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this complex includes the spectacular Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), the interactive Science Museum and the curved eye-shaped Hemisfèric. The surrounding reflective pools make for incredible photographs.
- La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Valencian Gothic civil architecture. Its main hall, the Sala de Contratación, is stunning, featuring twisted spiral columns that look like palm trees, reflecting Valencia's "Golden Age" of trade.
- Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete Tower The Cathedral is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. It is famous for housing the Holy Chalice, believed by many to be the authentic Holy Grail. For the best 360-degree view of the city, climb the 207 steps of the bell tower, El Miguelete.
- Mercado Central One of the largest and oldest operating covered markets in Europe. Housed in a gorgeous Modernist building, it's a sensory delight where you can find the best local produce, seafood and spices. It's the perfect place to grab local snacks and feel the city's pulse.
- Jardí del Túria This is a 9-kilometer-long linear park created in the former riverbed of the Turia River, which was diverted after a flood. It is a lush green space perfect for walking, biking, or relaxing, connecting many of the city's main attractions.
- Barrio del Carmen and its Street Art The oldest and most atmospheric district of Valencia, characterized by narrow streets that conceal Moorish and medieval history. It's a great place to hunt for hidden street art and murals. Especially the signature work of local artist David de Limón (the small ninja-like characters).
- Torres de Serranos These massive Gothic towers once formed the main gateway into the medieval city walls. You can climb to the top for free (or for a small fee) and get excellent views looking back over the historic Old Town and the Turia Garden.
- Parque Natural de la Albufera Located just south of the city, this freshwater lagoon and estuary is the largest lake in Spain and the protected natural habitat where paella was originally invented. Take a traditional boat ride at sunset to witness the golden light reflecting on the rice fields and water.
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History of Valencia
Valencia was founded as a Roman colony. It was called Valentia Edetanorum. In the early Middle Ages, the Visigoths ruled the city. In 711, Muslim forces took Valencia. They introduced irrigation systems, gardens and architecture that shaped the region. Valencia became a centre of agriculture and trade under Muslim rule.
The city returned to Christian control in 1238 under King James I of Aragon. The Silk Exchange, or La Lonja de la Seda, was completed in the 15th century and became a hub for international trade. It still stands as a World Heritage site.
The 16th and 17th centuries were about wealth and culture. Valencian merchants traded silk, oranges and ceramics across Europe. Festivals and civic projects transformed the streets. Despite wars and floods, the city retained its status as a Mediterranean hub.
In the 19th century, Valencia modernized. Factories and port expansions increased trade. The Turia River caused major floods, leading to the creation of the dry riverbed park in the 20th century.
Valencia brings together Roman, Islamic, Gothic and modern architecture. Historic plazas sit beside futuristic buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences. For road trippers like you, you'll discover that every monument tells the story of a city built by multiple empires and religions.