This is most futuristic work of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The colossal structure houses an IMAX cinema (situated in the Hemisfèric), as well as Europe’s largest aquarium – the Oceanogràfic, interactive educational exhibits in the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the avant-garde opera house - Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Furthermore, the impressive l’Assut de l’Or bridge and the Agora – the main venue of the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament – are all a delight for the senses.

Valencia´s beaches and the Marina Real (the harbour) are the best place to cool off, enjoy water sports or rest all around the year. Just a few kilometres from Valencia centre there are sandy beaches and blue waters, easily accessible and with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa del Cabanyal (Las Arenas) are the valencian urban beaches.

The Albufera Nature Park transports you to pure nature where the only sounds you will hear are the birds singing and the sound of the water. Unspoiled by and protected against man, the reserve is located just 10 km out of the city. A visit here shows you the Valencian passion for the environment and help you to discover the origins of our gastronomy.

Other attractive of the city is the Mediterranean culinary tradition, mainly based on the rice, as the worldwide known “paella”.

Twenty-one centuries of history right at the heart of the city, where you will find such historical treasures as Valencia Cathedral, the Micalet, the Basilica of the Virgin and the Almoina. Do not miss the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This ancient district of the city grew between two walls: the Islamic and the Christian city walls. A wander through these labyrinthine cobbled streets, lined with towering mediaeval buildings transport you back in time to another era in history.

One of Europe’s biggest markets, the Mercado Central, situated inside a jewel of pre-modernist architecture, and enter into one of the most iconic examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, the Lonja de la Seda, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. As well as these, make sure you squeeze in the Santos Juanes Church.

Thirty-four museums to choose from, offering art, history, architecture, etc. Museo Nacional de Cerámica (National Ceramics Museum), situated in the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. Museo de Bellas Artes San Pío V (shows pieces of Sorolla, Goya or Zuloaga), Museo Fallero and contemporary museums IVAM and the MUVIM.

In a triangular layout, eclectic architecture, a central fountain, and colourful flower stalls brighten the landscape. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, such as the Plaza de Toros (Bullring), the Estación del Norte, the Ayuntamiento de Valencia (town hall), the Edificio de Correos (post office) and Plaza Redonda, etc.