In Valencia culture and history blend with modernism and cutting-edge architecture. Here El Cid faced the Moors; paella was born; and, every March, the Fallas Festival brings crowds to the streets as gigantic cardboard structures burn. With city and sea to enjoy, Spain’s third-most populated municipality sits on the banks of Turia, along the Mediterranean Sea.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Valencia Airport, around 5 miles from city center, links to many major Spanish and European cities. Flights from the United States must connect to Valencia via another hub. From the airport, two metro lines to city center run every 15–20 minutes for the 20-minute trip, with tickets starting at €4.80 (about $5.50). Bus line 150 runs to and from the airport every 30 minutes for a 40-minute ride. Taxis cost around €20 ($23). Valencia also offers two railway stations, and its port, one of the most important for commercial ships in the Mediterranean, is becoming popular for cruises. Walkable and bikeable, Valencia also has 60 bus lines,
five metro lines and four tram lines. For the most affordable transportation option, consider the Valencia Tourist Card in 24-, 48- and 72-hour increments. Single bus tickets start at €2 (around $2.30), with service running 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Underground fares depend on number of zones traveled, starting at €1.50 (about $1.75). Metro lines run 4 a.m.– 11:30 p.m. and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

LODGING
Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Situated directly on the Mediterranean, 5-star Las Arenas Balneario Resort, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, boasts a variety of room types, several dining options, a full-service spa, and meeting and event space.
C/d’Eugènia Viñes, 22, 24, Poblados Marítimos, Valencia,
Spain, tel 34 963 12 06 00

Meliá Plaza
From this home away from home in Valencia’s Town Hall Square, all of the city’s popular attractions, such as Colón Market and Museum of Fine Arts, lie within walking distance. Barecito serves traditional tapas.
Pl. de l’Ajuntament, 4, Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain, tel 34
963 5206 12

Parador de El Saler
Paradores are exclusive to Spain, so what better choice for your time in Valencia? Next to a renowned golf course, the modern building’s spacious guestrooms join an outdoor swimming pool, spa, views of nearby Albufera National Park and more.
Aviguda dels Pinars, 151, Pobles del Sud,
Valencia, Spain, tel 34 961 61 11 86

DINING
Mercado Central
The spectacular architecture of the central market, originally constructed in 1910, is just one of the many highlights. Get a taste for Valencian life and eat in or take out — or buy ingredients for your own creation here — from a large number of stalls.
Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain, tel 34 963 82 91 00

La Pepica
Come here for the history (more than 100 years of it!) and for paella. Located on Paseo Marítimo, along the beach, La Pepica Restaurant is currently run by the original founders’ grandchildren. It was also a favorite of Ernest Hemingway.
Passeig de Neptú, 6, Ground Floor, DUP 6-8,
Poblados Marítimos, Valencia, Spain,
tel 34 963 71 03 66

La Salita de Begoña Rodrigo
Located in the Ruzafa neighborhood, La Salita celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Described as “eating with your eyes,” this
restaurant offers a fusion of Begoña Rodrigo’s cuisine and Javier Corso’s photography for a new gastronomic experience.

C/ de Pere III el Gran, 11, L’Eixample, Valencia,
Spain, tel 34 609 33 07 60

ATTRACTIONS
City of Arts and Sciences
A visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is a must. Buildings include Oceanogràfic, Europe’s biggest aquarium; Hemisferic; Science Museum; Palau de les Arts; and more. The complex sits in Turia Gardens, a park created on the former riverbed of the Turia following a devastating flood in 1957.
Quatre Carreres, Valencia, Spain,
tel 34 961 97 46 86

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Regarded as one of the most famous civil Gothic monuments in Europe, Lonja, or the silk exchange, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Tours of the iconic building, located in the heart of the city, are available.
C/ de la Llotja, 2, Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain,
tel 34 962 08 41 53

Paella Cooking Class
When in Valencia, the birthplace of paella, learn how to cook the iconic dish. A number of companies offer paella-making classes, with many including a visit to Mercado Central to shop for ingredients. Sea Saffron and My First Paella School Gastro Experiences