Mediterranean city that combines the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with a historic center, golden beaches and being the birthplace of paella.
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About Valencia - Culture, History & Character
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I've been there!Explora el fascinante pasado de Valencia y descubre cómo se ha desarrollado a lo largo de los siglos.
Founded as the Roman colony of 'Valentia Edetanorum' in 138 BC, it was an important enclave.After the fall of Rome, it passed through Visigoth hands and flourished greatly under Muslim rule as 'Balansiya', a Taifa capital known for its poetry and gardens.
The 15th century was the Valencian Golden Age. The city became an economic power in the Mediterranean thanks to the silk trade, leaving as a legacy the spectacular Lonja de la Seda, a World Heritage Site, and a rich Gothic heritage.
The great flood of the Turia River in 1957 changed the city forever.The riverbed was diverted and the Turia Garden was created in its old bed, an immense urban park that is the lung of the city.At the end of the 20th century, the construction of the City of Arts and Sciences projected it as an icon of avant-garde architecture.
La cronología histórica muestra los momentos clave que han definido el desarrollo de Valencia a lo largo de los siglos.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
One of the safest large cities in Spain.Incidents are rare and you can walk around in peace.
Very walkable.The historic center can be explored on foot, and the Turia Garden acts as a large pedestrian avenue that connects much of the city.
An efficient metro, tram and bus network.Plus, it's an exceptionally bike-friendly city.
One of the large Spanish cities with the best quality-price ratio.Eating well and cheap is the norm.
A very lively and varied nightlife, with epicenters in the neighborhoods of El Carmen and Ruzafa.
A city with a strong cultural identity, marked by the Fallas, the art of Sorolla and a rich musical tradition.
The world capital of paella and a paradise for lovers of rice and garden products.
Good shopping offering combining large chains, designer boutiques and unique local products.
An almost perfect Mediterranean climate, with very mild winters and long, sunny summers.
Very welcoming city and well prepared for tourism, easy to navigate and with a wide range of services.
Possibly one of the best cities in Europe to visit with children, thanks to its combination of science, nature and beaches.
An open and tolerant city with a welcoming LGTBQ+ scene, mainly in the Ruzafa neighborhood.
Valencians are known for their open, relaxed and friendly character.
An attractive combination of urban beaches, a unique garden that crosses the city and the unique beauty of the Albufera Park.
An architectural journey from Valencian Gothic to Calatrava's futuristic avant-garde.
A city with more than 2000 years of history, which experienced its maximum splendor as one of the commercial capitals of the Mediterranean.
Exceptional.The Turia Garden is a model of urban reconversion and one of the best urban parks in the world.
Generally a very clean and well-kept city, with parks and squares in excellent condition.
A growing and increasingly attractive startup ecosystem, supported by a high-quality, low-cost living environment.
An increasingly popular destination for nomads due to its low cost of living, exceptional climate and good quality of life.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
A complete and vibrant Mediterranean city that perfectly balances avant-garde, history, nature and exceptional gastronomy.
Discover the best times to visit this city and what to expect throughout the year.
An almost perfect Mediterranean climate, with very mild winters and long, sunny summers.
The best moment.Perfect weather and the city explodes with life with Las Fallas.
Hot and humid, ideal for enjoying the beach and nightlife on the terraces.
Very pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and beautiful light to walk around.
Mild and often sunny winters, perfect for exploring the city without stress.
One of the cities with the most hours of sunshine in Europe.
Very pleasant winters that allow you to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
The ideal climate for life on the beach and on the terraces.
The humidity in summer can make the heat quite sticky.
Valencia enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.The summers are hot and humid, and the winters are very mild.
Spring (March-June) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal times to visit.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
Noticeably more affordable than Madrid and Barcelona.Food, drink and transport offer excellent value for money.
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Best areas for shopping
2 areas • Recommended Areas
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2 areas • Recommended Areas
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3 areas • Recommended Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
Santiago Calatrava's iconic futuristic architectural complex.It includes the Oceanogràfic, the Hemisfèric and the Science Museum.
The largest aquarium in Europe, located in the City of Arts.It represents the main marine ecosystems of the planet.
A masterpiece of modernism and one of the largest and most vibrant fresh produce markets in Europe.
A jewel of Valencian civil Gothic and a World Heritage Site.Symbol of the commercial power of the city in the Golden Age.
An immense 9 km garden that crosses the city along the old bed of the Turia River.Ideal for walking, running or cycling.
Gothic style cathedral that, according to tradition, guards the Holy Grail.Climb its bell tower, the Miguelete, for views of the center.
The heart of the old town.A labyrinth of medieval streets full of palaces, bars, shops and urban art.
One of the imposing gates of the old medieval wall.You can climb to get views of the Turia and the historic center.
An innovative 'immersion' zoo where barriers are invisible, faithfully recreating African habitats.
The main urban beach of Valencia.A wide strip of golden sand with a lively promenade.
Located in the spectacular Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, with an impressive baroque façade.
Valencia's main train station, a jewel of Valencian modernist architecture.
Another spectacular modernist building, converted into a gastronomic space with trendy cafes and restaurants.
The most fashionable neighborhood in Valencia. Full of art galleries, design boutiques, specialty cafes and bars.
An immense freshwater lagoon next to the sea, surrounded by rice fields. Essential for boat rides and watching sunsets.
The other large medieval door that is preserved, with visible impacts from the cannon shots of the War of Independence.
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar las mejores actividades y entradas, o usa "Planificar" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
dayTrips.dayTripsDescription
An oasis 10 km from the city. Take a ride on a traditional boat ('albuferenc'), watch birds and eat an authentic paella in the town of El Palmar.
Nature, gastronomía, atardeceres
A city with more than 2000 years of history. Explore its imposing castle, overlooking the sea, and its well-preserved Roman theater.
Historia romana, castillos, vistas
Home of the Borja (Borgia) family. Its main attraction is its spectacular castle of Iberian and Roman origin, which dominates the city from a double summit.
Castillos, History, Hiking
The main wine region of Valencia. Visit one of their wineries for a tasting, especially of the local Bobal grape.
Vino, gastronomía, enoturismo
Although a little further away, it is worth it for its spectacular 'Papa Luna Castle', a Templar fortress that juts out into the sea.
Beaches, castillos, Landscapes
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar excursiones organizadas, o usa "Plan" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
Historic, bohemian and labyrinthine heart, full of nightlife.
The hipster neighborhood. Modern, multicultural and full of cafes, galleries and restaurants.
Elegant and stately, with modernist architecture and brand name stores.
Old fishing neighborhood by the sea, with unique popular architecture.
A 'town' within the city, with a student atmosphere and its own character.
Avant-garde and monumental, dominated by Calatrava's architecture.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
The festival par excellence of Valencia, Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Monumental satirical sculptures ('ninots') fill the streets, there are daily pyrotechnic shows ('mascletàs') and it all culminates in the 'Cremà', the burning of the monuments.
The city's big summer festival. It includes concerts in the Viveros Gardens, pyrotechnic shows and culminates with the famous 'Battle of Flowers', a parade of floats decorated with flowers.
The famous tomato battle that takes place in the nearby town of Buñol. Thousands of people from all over the world participate in this chaotic and fun party. Buses are organized from Valencia.
Discover the most important events and festivals celebrated throughout the year
The most important festival, where the city is filled with monuments made of papier-mâché, gunpowder, music and fire.
The celebration of Holy Week in the maritime neighborhoods, with their own identity and tradition and closely linked to the sea.
The big month of summer, with concerts, fireworks and the Battle of Flowers as the culmination.
Day of the Valencian Community, with civic processions and the traditional 'mocadorà', where men give marzipan to women.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
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