Situated at the southeast end of the former riverbed of the Turia River, which underwent redirection following a devastating flood in 1957, lies the remarkable City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències). This extraordinary complex stands as the paramount modern tourist attraction in Valencia, earning its place among the esteemed 12 Treasures of Spain.

Incepted by the visionary minds of Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the project commenced its initial construction phases in July 1996 and was ceremoniously inaugurated on April 16, 1998, with the unveiling of the mesmerizing L'Hemisfèric. The culmination of the City of Arts and Sciences arrived with the grand opening of the Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía) on October 9, 2005, coinciding with Valencian Community Day. The most recent addition to this architectural marvel, L'Àgora, welcomed visitors in 2009.

Within the expansive complex, a blend of complimentary attractions awaits, with both free and paid options available. A planetarium, a science museum, an aquarium, and an arts and science exhibition area collectively form the tapestry of this captivating destination. Spanning over seven kilometers, be prepared for a leisurely stroll to fully immerse yourself in the splendor it offers.

The science museum captivates visitors with its interactive exhibits designed to engage audiences of all ages. The tactile nature of the displays encourages hands-on exploration, leaving a lasting impression. Notably, many observers have drawn comparisons between this architectural marvel and the skeletal structure of a fish-an awe-inspiring sight indeed.

Among the cherished highlights of the complex, the awe-inspiring aquarium stands out. Holding the distinction of being Europe's largest of its kind, it houses a staggering array of over 500 species sourced from oceans around the world. A captivating journey into the depths of aquatic life awaits those who venture within its walls.

The City of Arts and Sciences, with its blend of cultural significance and architectural brilliance, stands as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. A visit to this extraordinary complex is sure to leave an indelible impression on all who step foot within its extraordinary confines.

Why You Should Visit:
Fabulous architecture and gardens that you can spend hours exploring without even getting inside any of the buildings.
The sprawling complex consists of 7 structures, seamlessly interwoven with lush greenery, interesting artwork and beautiful shallow pools that you can dip your feet in to cool off.

Tip:
Budget at least 2 days to fully explore and appreciate everything the area has to offer, including the night views and amazing Valencian horchata from the stalls located throughout the complex.
Activities can cost anywhere from 5€ to €30.

Situated on the dry Turia River bed southeast of Valencia's city center, L'Oceanogràfic is a captivating oceanarium that showcases diverse marine habitats. This architectural marvel was collaboratively designed by Félix Candela, an esteemed architect, and structural engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro. It is an integral part of the renowned cultural complex known as the City of Arts and Sciences, and it officially opened its doors on 14 February 2003.

Spanning an impressive 110,000 square meters (1,200,000 square feet), the Oceanographic stands as the largest complex of its kind in Europe. Its massive water capacity, reaching 42,000,000 liters (11,000,000 US gallons), includes a dolphinarium with a volume of 26,000,000 liters (6,900,000 US gallons) and an ocean tank housing sharks, rays, and other fish with a capacity of 7,000,000 liters (1,800,000 US gallons).

Within this vast space, 45,000 animals from 500 different species find their home, encompassing sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, beluga whales, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. These creatures inhabit nine two-tiered underwater towers, each representing a significant ecosystem on Earth. Remarkably, the aquariums utilize seawater pumped from La Malva-Rosa beach.

The park is divided into ten distinct areas, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences. These areas include Mediterranean habitats, the Arctic oceans, islands, the tropics, the temperate seas, the Red Sea, a dolphinarium, an area dedicated to mangrove swamps and marshland, and a splendid garden boasting over 80 different plant species.

The Oceanographic's unique architectural structure features a steel-fiber reinforced concrete thin-shell design. Candela drew inspiration from the iconic hyperbolic parabola (hypars) shape of his earlier creation, the Los Manantiales Restaurant in Mexico City, which he designed back in 1958.

At present, the Oceanographic operates in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, further enhancing its global connection and commitment to marine science and conservation.

Housed in one of Valencia’s most extravagant landmarks, the National Museum of Ceramics finds its home in the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas-an 18th-century Baroque marvel wrapped in layers of ornate fantasy. The entrance alone stops visitors in their tracks: carved from alabaster, it’s part religious homage, part architectural wordplay. Above the door, a depiction of the Virgin Mary gives way to symbolic imagery drawn from the marquis’ title, “Dos Aguas” or “Two Waters.” Flanking the doorway, semi-nude male figures recline as water pours from urns, representing the Turia and Júcar rivers, surrounded by swirling vines and lavish vegetation.

Step beyond that theatrical façade, and the interior more than lives up to expectations. Even if ceramics aren’t your passion, there’s plenty here to captivate. The palace rooms themselves are a sensory feast-columns twisted with golden grapevines, cherubs, and pink cornices set the tone. One of the highlights is the Carriage of the Nymphs, a real-life Cinderella coach, dripping in ornamental excess. The collection doesn’t stop there-it sprawls into canopied beds, antique furniture, rare bookplates, vintage posters, photographs, sketches, jewellery, and memorabilia tied to famed Valencians.

As for the ceramics themselves, the museum holds around 5,000 pieces. The timeline spans from prehistoric and Roman fragments to Eastern imports and striking works by Picasso. Among the finest are medieval pieces from nearby ceramic-making towns, known for their vivid greens, blues, and metallic glazes. Perhaps the most beloved exhibit is a fully reconstructed 19th-century Valencian kitchen, richly tiled and brimming with scenes of daily life-complete with images of food and animals.

As the centrepiece of Valencia’s old town, the Cathedral is quite modest on the outside, but full of surprises within. Built after the 13th-century Christian reconquest atop a mosque, it blends styles from several eras. The main body is Gothic, while the side chapels reflect an 18th-century renovation with neoclassical Corinthian columns. Brick walls and bare capitals give the nave an understated, austere quality. But at the center of the building, where the transept crosses the nave, things become more visually arresting. Instead of a traditional dome, an octagonal tower rises, pierced with alabaster windows and ringed by two tiers of pointed arches-remarkable works of 14th- and 15th-century stonecraft.

Above the high altar, recently uncovered Renaissance frescoes show musical angels in a deep-blue, star-filled sky. Elsewhere, the richly carved walnut choir stalls and the painted altarpiece display vivid biblical scenes. Don’t miss the alabaster statue of the Virgin known as “Our Lady of the Choir”. She is especially revered by expectant mothers, who circle the cathedral nine times in hopes of a safe and healthy delivery.

But the most famous artifact of all lies tucked away in a star-vaulted side chamber: what many believe to be the Holy Grail. Displayed behind an elaborate Gothic screen, the relic is a simple agate cup, dating to the 1st century BCE. It’s been fitted with medieval handles and has passed through royal and religious hands over the centuries.

The cathedral also houses a museum, where Roman foundations and medieval remains can be viewed in the basement. Upstairs, you’ll find an impressive collection of religious art-including pieces by Vicente Macip and his son, Juan de Juanes-showing just how dramatically artistic styles shifted from one generation to the next. Among the highlights are 14th-century carved apostles, early versions of the figures that now adorn the cathedral’s main entrance.

Visitors tend to find their way back to this charming square, drawn in by the constant buzz of activity. Many come to admire the Cathedral or to honour Our Lady of the Forsaken at the pink basilica that bears her name. Once the Roman forum of ancient Valencia, the plaza now centres around an elegant fountain-perfect for sitting nearby and taking in the rhythm of daily life.

At the heart of the fountain sits Neptune, reclining and watchful, symbolising the Turia River. Surrounding him, eight maidens pour water from their jars, representing the region’s ancient irrigation canals. Come Thursday at noon, a centuries-old tradition unfolds as the Water Court gathers at the Apostles’ Gate to settle agricultural water disputes-a ritual so deeply rooted in local life, it’s been recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible heritage.

Each March, during the Fallas festival, the plaza bursts into colour for the so-called “Offering of Flowers”. Locals arrive in traditional dress, laying floral offerings at the Virgin’s feet, transforming the space into a sea of colour and devotion.. And for those lingering a bit longer, nearby terraces serve up local treats-perhaps a chilled horchata paired with sweet fartons.

One of the last standing pieces of Valencia’s medieval walls, the gateway known today as the Serranos Towers dates back to the 14th century. Its design was inspired by a monastery in Catalonia, blending solid defensive features with an unmistakable decorative flair. The twin towers, crowned with battlements, seem poised for battle, yet the ornate Gothic stonework above the arch suggests something far more ceremonial. And in fact, it wasn’t just a fortification, but served as a grand entrance for royalty and visiting dignitaries.

Interestingly, the rear of the structure was intentionally left open. The idea was simple: to prevent the towers from being turned against the city’s own people in case of revolt. From the square behind, you can spot the chambers that once held noble prisoners between the 16th and 19th centuries. Four stone gargoyles jut from the rear wall, watching over the scene with silent, stony faces.

During the Spanish Civil War, the towers were repurposed as a secure vault, protecting priceless artworks from the Prado Museum in Madrid. Despite the turmoil, they emerged relatively unscathed and remain one of Valencia’s iconic monuments.

You can climb the winding staircases up to the terraces, where wide views stretch across the old town, the Turia Garden, and beyond. Occasionally, there are exhibitions or small historical displays inside, but the real pleasure is simply moving through the spaces, taking in the craftsmanship and the cityscape beyond the walls.

Well preserved and open to the public, the Serranos Towers have a quiet, welcoming presence, like an old guardian who still takes pride in watching over the city.

Often referred to as Valencia’s own “Sistine Chapel,” this church may seem unassuming from the outside with its Gothic façade-but step inside, and you're instantly surrounded by a breathtaking world of Baroque splendor. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricate frescoes, rich in color and detail, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a grand canvas than a place of worship.

Founded in the mid-13th century after the Christian reconquest of the city, the church was built on the site of a former mosque and dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari by the Dominicans. Later on, Saint Peter Martyr was added as co-patron, further deepening its symbolic importance.

Between 1690 and 1700, the interior was completely transformed. Nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes were painted across the vaults and upper walls-scenes from the lives of both saints woven together with allegories of Christian virtues. The result is a powerful visual narrative that draws the eye and holds your attention from every angle.

Architecturally, the interior design features a single nave lined with six side chapels, each containing remarkable works of art by noted Spanish painters. A major restoration effort, completed in 2016, brought the frescoes back to life: layers of grime were carefully removed, revealing the original vibrancy and fine detail. Visitors today can admire the seamless blend of Gothic structure and Baroque artistry-a rare pairing that gives the church its unique identity.

Just across from the Central Market is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks-a true cathedral of commerce. Known as the Silk Exchange, this grand structure was originally built for the silk trade and later used for broader commercial exchanges. A symbol of Valencia’s golden age in the late 15th century, it’s also one Europe’s finest examples of secular Gothic architecture.

The facade alone is a marvel of craftsmanship-elaborate stone carvings, delicate tracery, and distinctive windows line the walls. You’ll also notice a parade of gargoyles on the balustrades-28 in total, in the shape of winged creatures, beasts, and bats.

A central tower divides the structure into three main sections. Inside the tower, there’s a small chapel and a former debtor’s prison-used to hold merchants who failed to pay what they owed. To the left of the tower were two key institutions: one overseeing maritime trade, the other an early banking body that helped fund the construction. It’s well worth venturing inside to admire the ceilings-especially the Golden Hall upstairs, where a richly painted and gilded wooden ceiling dazzles with scenes of music, prophets, and mythological creatures.

But the soul of the building lies in the Transactions Hall, just to the right of the tower. Here, eight soaring spiral columns support a vaulted ceiling in a room divided into three aisles. Along the walls, a carved inscription proclaims: “I am a famous house which took fifteen years to build. See how fine a thing commerce can be when its words are not deceitful, when it keeps its oaths and does not practise usury. The merchant who lives in such a way will have riches and enjoy eternal life.”

When you’re done exploring, take a moment to relax under the orange trees in the peaceful courtyard-an ideal spot to catch your breath before moving on with your walking tour.

Europe’s largest covered market-and arguably one of its most striking-Valencia’s Central Market is housed in a remarkable Modernista structure right in the heart of the Historic Center. While it may sit in a highly visited area, this market remains firmly rooted in everyday life, buzzing with locals who come here to stock up on hams, cheeses, vegetables, and fresh Mediterranean seafood. You’ll not only get a taste of authentic local life, but also the chance to discover regional specialties, and maybe even pick up a few souvenirs.

Though built for practical commerce, the building is anything but ordinary. Decorative flourishes in ceramic, brick, and stained glass come together in celebration of early 20th-century design. Look up, and you’ll even spot the red and yellow stripes of the Valencian flag worked into the architecture.

When it opened in 1928, the market hosted over 1,000 stalls. That number has since consolidated to around 700, still offering more than enough variety for a curious shopper or hungry traveler. For the full atmosphere, aim to visit around mid-morning, when the place comes alive with the rhythm of daily trade: voices calling out orders in Valencian, and baskets brimming with fresh produce. If you’re not heading out to the countryside to buy oranges, this is the place to grab some.

Many stalls sell herbs, spices, dried fruit, and nuts, while others surprise with items like ostrich meat or giant eggs. A separate section is devoted entirely to fish and seafood, and more adventurous food lovers might seek out snails, sweetbreads, or tripe.

At the heart of Valencia’s southern Historic Center lies Town Hall Plaza-a lively space that blends elegance with everyday city life. It’s flanked on two sides by two of the city's most impressive Neo-Classical buildings: the Town Hall and the Central Post Office, each offering its own visual delights.

In front of the Town Hall, a statue just beneath the clock tower features the city’s coat of arms held by two nude female figures and topped by a bat. While that may seem an odd choice of mascot, the bat has been a symbol of Valencia since the 13th century. Legend has it that during the Christian reconquest in 1238, a bat landed on the helmet of King Jaime I of Aragón as he prepared to take the city from Moorish control. The event was seen as a sign of good luck, and the bat has remained an emblem of the city ever since. Nearby, four statues representing Prudence, Fortitude, Justice, and Temperance embody the civic virtues that guided the city’s leaders.

On the opposite side of the plaza, the Central Post Office commands attention with its refined 20th-century design. The cast-iron telegraph tower makes it easy to spot, while the façade dazzles with symbolic sculptures. Five figures represent the continents-Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania-flanked by angels delivering messages by train and ship. Down at street level, bronze lion heads serve as dramatic letterboxes, roaring silently as they guard the mail. Inside, a spectacular stained-glass dome brings color and light to the central hall, decorated with the shields of all 48 Spanish provinces.

The square’s centerpiece is a large circular fountain, surrounded by flower stalls that have been a tradition for over a century. More recent updates have turned the area into a more walkable and welcoming space, with broad pathways, shaded benches, and a large “VALÈNCIA” sign perfect for snapping a souvenir photo.

Valencia’s North Railway Station isn’t just a hub for travelers-it’s a destination in its own right. As the city’s main train terminal, it offers daily connections to Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as routes reaching the French border. But even if you’re not boarding a train, stepping inside is well worth your time.

Completed in the early 20th century, the building is a shining example of Modernista architecture-Spain’s answer to Art Nouveau. With its clean symmetry and regional flair, it blends function and elegance. The façade features vibrant mosaics and decorative elements that reflect the spirit and color of the Valencian region. Meanwhile, the interior is awash with natural light and playful design, from stained-glass windows to tiled murals.

Look for the original wooden ticket counters-now a rare sight-as well as ornamental light fixtures and stained-glass windows that filter soft, golden light across the floor. The entire first level is open to the public, while the mezzanine above is used for offices. For practical needs, you'll find a tourist information desk, a luggage storage facility, a small café-bar tucked away near platform 6, and a handful of shops for last-minute essentials or souvenirs.

It might seem a little unusual to include a railway station on your sightseeing list, but in Valencia, it makes perfect sense-especially with the historic bullring just next door. The two form a unique architectural pairing, contrasting early 20th-century elegance with neoclassical flair. And if you are catching a train, consider arriving early to give yourself time to wander and appreciate the artistic detail. The journey doesn’t always begin when the train departs-sometimes, it starts in the station.