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Valencia

Spain

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Forecourt of Museo de Bellas Artes(National Museum of Beautiful Arts), Central.

Overview

Spain’s third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts and converted the former riverbed into a glorious green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava. Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista buildings, great museums, a long stretch of beach and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by its huerta, a fertile zone of market gardens, is famous as the home of rice dishes such as paella, but its buzzy dining scene offers plenty more besides; it's a superb spot for eating.

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

This exciting Spanish city promises memorable flavors, lush parks, a cool art scene and much more.

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Best Time to Visit

Time your visit to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, just right with this seasonal guide.

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Transportation

Read on for a full report on the best ways to get around this Spanish vibrant city.

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Free Things to Do

Visiting Valencia on a budget? These 8 free things to do will help you enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

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Best Neighborhoods

Whether you’re after Modernista edifices, terrific museums, Spain’s best rice dishes or medieval cathedrals, our neighborhood guide highlights the best that…

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Day Trips

From the hot springs at Montanejos to the seafood in Dénia, here are the best day trips from Valencia.

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