Things to Do in Valencia

Largest aquarium in Europe, part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex

Historic modernist market building with fresh produce and local delicacies

Futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela in former Turia riverbed. Six spectacular buildings featuring stunning white skeletal structures beautifully reflected in shimmering pools. Includes Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium with 45,000 marine creatures, €34 adults), Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (€8 interactive science museum), Hemisfèric (€9 IMAX/planetarium), and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía opera house. Combo tickets for all three main attractions save 14% (approximately €48). Spain's most visited cultural attraction. Free areas include L'Umbracle garden walkway with contemporary sculptures. Allow full day to properly explore multiple venues. Book tickets online in advance during peak season.

Europe's largest urban park stretching 9km through the city in the former Turia riverbed, diverted after devastating 1957 floods. Functions as green bike highway with beautiful gardens, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, sports facilities, and dedicated bike paths. Think mini Central Park running through entire city. Perfect for cycling, running, picnics, and outdoor workouts. Completely free access. Connects historic city center to futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Valenbisi bike-share stations throughout or rentals available ($11/day). Popular morning and evening with joggers, cyclists, and families. Trams 2, 4, 6 offer scenic views at no extra cost.

Main urban beach where locals gather to play volleyball, swim, and sip horchata (traditional Valencian tiger nut drink) at beachfront terrazas. This is the birthplace of authentic paella Valenciana - beachfront restaurants serve the real deal. Casa Carmela highly recommended by locals for traditional wood-fired paella (reserve in advance). Las Arenas adjacent beach equally beautiful. Free access with showers and facilities. Post-work swimming incredibly popular among digital nomads during summer. Accessible by tram Line 4/6, bike (15-20min from center), or scooter. Avoid peak summer weekends when extremely crowded.

Europe's largest fresh produce market with over 1,200 stalls under one spectacular roof. Stunning modernist iron-and-glass architecture from 1928 featuring beautiful tilework and stained glass. Overflowing with fresh Mediterranean seafood, premium jamón ibérico, exotic fruits, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked pastries, and local specialties. Completely free to walk through and explore. Morning visits (8am-2pm) best for freshest produce and fewer crowds. Excellent for weekly groceries, quick tapas lunch at the central bar, or simply experiencing authentic local food culture. One of Valencia's most beautiful and photogenic buildings. Closed Sundays.

Gothic cathedral prominently located on Plaza de la Reina, claimed to house the Holy Grail (Santo Cáliz) in a dedicated chapel. Climb the iconic Miguelete bell tower (207 steep steps) for spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Valencia's rooftops to the sea. Fascinating mix of architectural styles spanning Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque reflecting centuries of construction. Entry includes comprehensive audio guide (€8). Interior features beautiful stained glass windows and Renaissance paintings by local masters. One of city's most photographed landmarks. Dress code enforced (no shorts or bare shoulders).

UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Valencia's most beautiful and important civil Gothic buildings. Late Gothic masterpiece (1482-1548) featuring stunning helical twisted columns in the magnificent Contract Hall. Idyllic Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) provides peaceful escape. Medieval silk trade history brought to life - Valencia was once Europe's silk capital. Free entry on Sundays and holidays. Located directly across from Central Market making for easy combined visit. Relatively quiet compared to crowded attractions allowing peaceful architecture appreciation. Small entry fee (€2) on regular days.