The 17 best things to do in Valencia

What is it? Valencia-native Santiago Calatrava designed this blazing white complex for the arts and sciences, an artful arrangement of giant sculptural shapes that house, among other attractions, an aquarium that looks like a wave, an opera house in the form of a ship, and a giant eye-cum-planetarium.

Why go? Go to watch the beluga whales wheel around the giant aquarium, have fun at the interactive science museum, or simply admire the daring contemporary architecture of what Spaniards voted one of the ‘12 Treasures of Spain’.

What is it? Valencia’s vast Gothic cathedral has a florid Baroque façade slapped on top, but inside is atmospherically dark and shadowy. It’s home to what some believe is the Holy Grail, but its crowning glory is the Micalet belltower – the city’s symbol. 

Why go? Visit the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where the jewelled cup (one of at least a dozen Holy Grail contenders) is theatrically displayed in an alabaster altarpiece. Puff your way up all 207 steps to the top of the Micalet for glorious views – and perhaps some deafening bells.

What is it? One of the largest fresh produce markets in Europe, Valencia’s Mercat Central has over 8,000 square metres packed with food stalls. 

Why go? The Mercat Central is a temple for foodies and one of the best places to acquaint yourself with and shop for local produce, from plump olives to the local Valencian bomba rice – used for paellas. There are even stalls here where you can sample paellas too. But what’s more is that the market is an impressive sight. Built in the pre-Modernist style, it’s a magnificent construction of iron, ceramic tiles and glass.

What is it? This huge park runs 9km through the city from Bioparc to the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s located in the city’s old dried-up riverbed. The river itself was diverted in the 1950s after a devastating flood. 

Why go? Today the Turia Gardens are one of the greenest spots in the city, filled with grassy meadows, flower gardens, ponds, streams and play areas. Hire a bike to cycle along the pathways, go for a picnic or practice a range of sports. If you have kids, make sure to visit the Gulliver Park, a large play area built around a giant Gulliver (from the book Gulliver’s Travels) lying on the ground. 

What is it? Valencia’s quaint old fisherman’s district and its adjacent beach lined with paella restaurants. 

Why go? Once a run-down area, in the last 10 years or so, El Cabanayal has become one of the city’s most attractive and charming neighbourhoods with a slightly bohemian feel. It’s still home to old fishing huts and delightful buildings with colourfully tiled façades. Visit the Lonja de Pescadores fish market or some of the best spots for a paella in the city such as Casa Carmela and Casa Montaña. When you’re done exploring, head for Las Arenas Beach stretching for 1,200 metres. Take a dip in the sea or simply relax on its fine golden sand. 

What is it? Paella, as everyone will tell you, was born in Valencia. And this is the best place in town for a slap-up paella lunch right on the seafront – just be sure to book early for a table on the terrace.

Why go? Hemingway loved La Pépica when it was just a beach shack, and the dining room is now covered in photos of celebrity visitors. But this cheerful, traditional restaurant hasn’t rested on its laurels, and the authentic paellas and other Mediterranean rice dishes are delicious.

What is it? A huge and very carefully planned-out zoo specialising in a truly immersive experience for visitors (and animals).

Why go? The focus here isn’t just on the animals. Bioparc Valencia has created accurate and aesthetically pleasing habitats for its wildlife, including many different types of African flora perfectly suited to the big and small beasts that reside here. In a nice twist on a regular zoo, they’ve also opted for small rivers or glass screens in place of railings. Personal favourites? The lovely lemurs in the Madagascar zone and the hippos in the wetlands.

What is it? A glittering market of glass and iron, the Mercado Colón was virtually in ruins before it was spectacularly transformed through an award-winning renovation. Now it’s a gourmet hub, packed with shiny new restaurants and cafés.

Why go? Come to meander between the gourmet stalls, try some horchata (the refreshing Valencian tiger-nut drink), and a few tapas and marvel at its interior, originally designed by Francisco Mora Berenguer at the beginning of the 20th century. Try some of its excellent Asian restaurants downstairs or book a table at Habitual by Ricard Camarena, one of the city’s most famous Michelin-starred chefs. 

What is it? One of the finest civil Gothic buildings in existence, the fifteenth-century Silk Exchange was built at the height of Valencia’s Golden Age. Silk and other commodities came flooding into the city, then one of the most powerful on the Mediterranean coast.

Why go? This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, an ingenious construction that pleased its creators so much that they erected a monument to themselves. Check out the doorways and capitals inside and around the cloister for some saucy depictions of various sins – find the woman and her bellows, that’s all we’ll say.

What is it? Valencia’s showcase museum of contemporary art, this gallery presents a fascinating overview of Spanish art over the last century, with challenging exhibits – paintings, sculptures, video installations.

Why go? This was Spain’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1986 and is still one of the most prestigious. A superb collection of iron sculptures by Julio González, a friend and contemporary of Picasso’s, forms the core of the collection, but don’t miss the usually excellent temporary exhibitions.