The old city is where the past of Valencia has been preserved. Wander down narrow alleys and discover charming squares for a romantic atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Valencia by visiting the Cathedral, one of the most representative landmarks of the city that holds masterpieces of Baroque paintings. It is in a pedestrianized area so enjoy cafés, restaurants, and shopping. End your day with a visit to the Central Market which is an impressive example of a 20th-century art nouveau style. Enjoy its colors, flavors, and smells.
The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is a unique architectural complex by the architect Santiago Calatrava. Here is where you can find the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, with sharks, dolphins, penguins, and lots of other incredible sea creatures all housed in a series of high-tech buildings. You cannot miss out on the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe which is a hands-on futuristic museum where you learn the basics of science by doing them for yourself. End your day by indulging in a meal at the Casa Montaña Restaurant. It’s known for outstanding do-it-yourself Basque tapas, and natural wine.
To get around Valencia, I recommend renting a bike, which is a simple and eco-friendly way to travel through the city, and allows you to experience the famous Valencia bike culture. A taxi could be useful for longer journeys, especially during the warmer months. The cost of single tickets for public transport services is €1,50, while a 24-hour pass costs €8,00.
With more time, visit El Carmen neighborhood which is the perfect place to wander down picturesque streets and admire the colorful street art; venture to Albufera National Park, a vast freshwater lagoon, also known for its delicious Paella; or just relax on the beach. With less time, you can always skip the Central Market or prioritize what to visit at the City of Arts & Sciences.
The city is served by the Valencia Airport (VLC), located 8 km west of Valencia's city center. It operates with a few airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling, and Turkish Airlines, to European destinations such as London, Paris, and Istanbul, with a focus on domestic flights to Madrid and Barcelona. The fastest way to get to the city centre is by metro or taxi, taking around 20 minutes.