Entertainment
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia, Spain
A futuristic complex of white buildings and pools, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
City · Spain · Valencian Community
Valencia
A sunny coastal city that mixes a medieval centre, futuristic architecture, beaches and the home of paella.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Valencia matters
Valencia is Spain's relaxed third city and it has a lot to offer. There is a medieval old town with a famous silk exchange, a market full of fresh produce, and a riverbed turned into a green park that cuts right through town. Out by the coast stand the white futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. And of course there is paella, which was born in the rice fields nearby.
Talking points
- Paella comes from Valencia, and the traditional version uses rabbit, chicken and beans rather than seafood.
- The old river Turia was diverted after a flood and the dry bed is now a long park.
- Every March the city celebrates the Fallas festival with huge sculptures, fireworks and fire.
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What to see in Valencia
Festival or event
Fallas Festival
Valencia, Spain
Valencia's March festival of giant satirical sculptures, fireworks and a final night of fire.
Historic site · UNESCO
La Lonja de la Seda
Valencia, Spain
A late-Gothic silk exchange with twisting columns, one of the finest civil buildings in Spain.
Market
Mercado Central Valencia
Valencia, Spain
A huge modernista market hall piled with fruit, seafood, ham and local produce.
Lake
Albufera Natural Park
Valencia, Spain
A freshwater lagoon near Valencia, surrounded by rice fields and the birthplace of paella.
Festival or event
La Tomatina
Valencia, Spain
A giant tomato fight held in the town of Bunol every late summer.
Church, mosque or temple
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia, Spain
A cathedral of many styles with a climbable bell tower, and a chalice claimed to be the Holy Grail.
Beach
Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia, Spain
Valencia's wide, sandy city beach with seafront restaurants serving paella.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.