Valencia holidays

For an architectural contrast, head to the striking City of Arts and Sciences buildings, some of which were designed by Santiago Calatrava. On the former Turia riverbed, you could easily spend a day here; it houses a science museum, IMAX cinema, an opera house, a planetarium and the largest aquarium in Europe.

No trip to Valencia would be complete without trying its famous paella. One of Spain’s most famous meals, the paella is said to have originated here, and you can expect more authentic versions, different to tweaked dishes you may have eaten elsewhere. The dish typically consists of locally grown rice, three different types of beans and traditional meats such as chicken or rabbit.

If price is a priority, avoid travelling in mid-March, though, as Las Fallas, a festival of fire, takes place. The main action takes place from March 15-19 when there are daily firework displays called mascletàs and a ceremonious burning of papier-mâché sculptures on March 19. Expect a party atmosphere and higher hotel rates.

Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, Valencia’s Gothic cathedral is in the old quarter. It’s claimed that the original Holy Grail is inside, which Jesus used at the Last Supper. Look out for Renaissance frescoes over the main altar plus other artworks in the cathedral’s museum.

For a knockout view over the city, it’s worth paying the small extra fee to climb the 207 steps to the top of the Miguelete Bell Tower.

The Silk Exchange

Valencia’s Silk Exchange, La Lonja, was built between 1482 and 1533 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building is a fabulous example of civic Gothic architecture and shows the city’s trading strength and power in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Wander around its interior admiring its towering, twisted columns. Its upper floors were originally used as a prison for those who couldn’t pay back their debts.

City of Arts and Sciences

You can’t miss the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences, which you’ll recognise all over the city’s postcards.

Its Hemisfèric building, designed by Calatrava, is said to represent a huge human eye. Inside is an IMAX cinema and planetarium. Oceanographic is another striking building with wave-like roofs designed by Felix Candela and has Europe’s largest aquarium inside.

Other attractions include a science museum and an opera house, which you can see on a guided tour.

Central Market

Valencia’s Mercado Central offers a sensory overload with seafood, meat, fruit and veg all piled high on its hundreds of stalls. The vast covered market was opened in 1928 and has elaborate art nouveau architecture with domes, iron pillars and mosaics. Much of the colourful fruit and veg is grown locally. Stop at its Central Bar to take in the scene over tapas and a glass of wine, or while tucking into a bocadillo (sandwich).

Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)

Visit this gallery to see an impressive collection of modern art. Permanent exhibitions include works by Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo, which are complemented by constantly changing temporary exhibitions.

In addition to the art, there’s an underground room, the Sala de la Muralla, where you can see the foundations of the city’s medieval wall. The gallery is free to visit during certain hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and all day on Sunday.

Alternatively, choose a spot near Turia Gardens where all of the family can let off steam cycling, walking or navigating a huge structure of Gulliver in Gulliver Park. At the southeastern tip of the gardens is the City of Arts and Sciences, which is bursting with attractions for youngsters, from the interactive exhibits in its Science Museum to films in its IMAX cinema.

For travellers on a budget

Luckily for those looking to keep costs down, there are usually plenty of cheap holiday deals available all over the city. You could choose to stay within walking distance of all of the main sights in a neighbourhood in the old quarter, where you can find hostels, budget hotels, apartments and boutique bargains.

Or, try the up-and-coming Patraix neighbourhood, around a 20-minute walk from the centre near the Joaquin Sorolla station. It’s a residential area with good value bars and places to eat.

Mestalla, home to Valencia FC’s stadium and Avenida de Aragon, also has a great range of affordable restaurants.

For food and drink

If you’d like to try Valencia’s most famous dish, paella, cooked authentically, consider staying in the old town area of El Carmen and look for a traditional meat version featuring rabbit, chicken or even snails. You’ll also be in walking distance from the fabulous Central Market.

Just south of the old town, another option is the hip area of Russafa. There’s a traditional food market to wander around, creative tapas bars, a number of craft beer bars and numerous quirky bars and restaurants.

For nightlife

Whether you’re a cocktail fan, craft beer aficionado or want to dance until dawn, you’ll have a good time if you base yourself in Russafa. The trendy neighbourhood has a number of alternative options for a drink or two – you have to try at least one Agua de Valencia cocktail – as well as clubs open until the small hours.

Central El Carmen is another lively area after dark, particularly on and around Calle Caballeros. People-watch while drinking al-fresco or seek out an energetic music venue for anything from flamenco and jazz to hip-hop.

For culture

El Carmen, in Valencia’s old quarter, will place you within striking distance of many of the city’s cultural big-hitters, including Valencia Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange and San Nicolas Church. Or, if you plan to spend a day at the City of Arts and Sciences, consider staying nearby and enjoy having Turia Gardens on your doorstep, too.

If you’d like to be central but in a quieter spot than popular El Carmen, look for a hotel or apartment in La Xerea, east of Valencia Cathedral. You’ll be within walking distance of the central big sights as well as being close to designer boutiques and top-quality restaurants.