Valencia

Santiago Calatrava's futuristic masterpiece — a sweeping complex of titanium and glass housing an IMAX cinema, Europe's largest aquarium, and a science museum beside a reflecting lake.

Gothic cathedral housing what many believe is the actual Holy Grail — a first-century agate chalice displayed in its own chapel. Climb the Miguelete bell tower for panoramic old-town views.

One of Europe's largest and most beautiful modernist market buildings, packed with over 1,200 stalls selling Valencian produce, jamón, citrus, spices, and fresh seafood under stunning Art Nouveau tile domes.

UNESCO World Heritage gothic masterpiece built in the 15th century as Valencia's silk trading hall. The Hall of Columns with its twisted pillars is one of Spain's finest examples of late Gothic civil architecture.

Valencia's medieval quarter where Roman walls meet street art — a labyrinth of narrow lanes, gothic archways, independent galleries, and bohemian bars that comes alive in the evening.

Europe's longest urban park — 9km of green gardens, cycle paths, and fountains built in the dry riverbed of the diverted Turia river, connecting the old city to the City of Arts & Sciences.

Europe's largest aquarium, located within the City of Arts & Sciences complex — home to sharks, belugas, dolphins, and an underwater tunnel where rays glide overhead.

Valencia's main urban beach — a wide stretch of golden sand backed by a lively promenade of seafood restaurants and paella terraces, just 15 minutes from the historic centre.

Valencia's most iconic paella restaurant, serving authentic Valenciana and seafood paella on the Malvarrosa beachfront since 1898. Hemingway and the King of Spain are among past guests.

Family-run institution near the City of Arts & Sciences serving authentic Valencian rice dishes — paella, arroz al horno, and fideuà — in a warm, no-frills dining room beloved by locals.

Historic wine bodega and tapas bar in the Cabanyal fishermen's neighbourhood, dating to 1836 — order the house vermouth, anchovies in vinegar, and razor clams alongside excellent Valencian wines.

The definitive spot for Valencia's iconic horchata — a sweet, chilled drink made from tiger nuts (chufas) — served with long fartons pastries in a classic tiled café in the old town.

A gorgeous 18th-century tiled café serving horchata, hot chocolate, and churros just steps from the Central Market — the tiled interior alone is worth the visit.

Try Valencia's signature cocktail — agua de Valencia, a mix of cava, OJ, vodka, and gin — at one of the old-town bars that serve it in a shared jug for the table.

A baroque, chandelier-lit cocktail bar in the Barrio del Carmen with velvet seating and baroque decor — famed for its orxata amb cava cocktail and 1920s atmosphere.

A vast freshwater lagoon 10km south of Valencia — home to migratory birds, traditional fishing boats, and the rice paddies where authentic Valencian paella was born. Sunset boat tours are magical.

Valencia's main shopping boulevard lined with international brands and the stunning Mercado de Colón — a restored modernist market building now housing gourmet food stalls and boutique shops.

Valencia's hippest barrio — a grid of colourful streets packed with independent cafés, vintage shops, galleries, and some of Spain's best street art murals, centred around Calle Cuba and Calle Sueca.

A beloved old-school tapas bar near the Central Market serving classic Valencian small plates — croquetas, boquerones, gambas al ajillo, and cold local beers at pavement tables.

A legendary standing-room tapas bar dating to 1917, famous for clóchinas (small Valencian mussels) served in season and cold beers — elbows on the zinc bar is part of the experience.