Valencia - Highlights
Two millennia of history and culture blend seamlessly in Valencia, from the narrow streets of the medieval centre to the city's 21st-century icons.
The city walls, segments of which date back to the 14th century, contain the historic centre, home to the fervent trading of Mercado Central (Central Market), crammed with butchers, fishmongers and all manner of produce. This area is where you'll also find the crenellated walls of the gothic Silk Exchange and baroque Valencia Cathedral. Cross the dried river bed of the Turia to find the Museum of Fine Arts, where Valencian masters such as Ribalta and Ribera share wall space with world-famous names like Goya and El Greco.
The curvaceous techno park of the City of Arts and Sciences looms over the dried river bed of the Turia. Gain hands-on experience at the Science Museum, awaken your senses at the Hemisfèric IMAX cinema, and explore the secrets of the deep at the gargantuan Oceanogràfic aquarium. Down by the marina, the America's Cup Complex dominates the waterfront.
Consider buying a Valencia Tourist Card, which offers discounts at museums and attractions for one, two or three days plus free public transport in the city centre. Most museums are closed on Monday, and for a couple of hours for siesta, but then stay open until around 8pm.
