The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Calatrava, Candela and the old river: the back story
How a flooded river became a nine-kilometre garden, ending in the white buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences.
15 of the best · Valencia, Spain
The Best Things to See and Do in Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences, the UNESCO-listed Lonja, the cathedral and its Holy Chalice, the Mercado Central and the old city gates.
Our 15 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Valencia
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Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Valencia.
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Calatrava and Candela
City of Arts and Sciences
Calatrava’s white buildings at the end of the Turia Garden.
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UNESCO World Heritage
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
The late-Gothic Silk Exchange, with its hall of spiralling columns.
Calle de la Lonja 2, 46001 ValenciaExplore View on map
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Art Nouveau domes
Mercado Central
The great market hall of the old town, under its domes and parrot weathervane.
Plaza del Mercado, 46001 ValenciaExplore View on map
The full list: Sights, A–Z
Show all 15 places on a map
Neighbourhood
City of Arts and Sciences 4
Calatrava and Candela.
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Calatrava and Candela
City of Arts and Sciences
Calatrava’s white buildings at the end of the Turia Garden.
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Roofs by Félix Candela
Oceanogràfic
The aquarium of the City of Arts and Sciences, under Félix Candela’s shell roofs.
The old town 7
Gothic Valencia.
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Baroque frescoes
Church of San Nicolás
A Gothic church whose ceiling is covered in baroque frescoes.
Calle Caballeros 35, 46001 ValenciaExplore View on map
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UNESCO World Heritage
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
The late-Gothic Silk Exchange, with its hall of spiralling columns.
Calle de la Lonja 2, 46001 ValenciaExplore View on map
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Art Nouveau domes
Mercado Central
The great market hall of the old town, under its domes and parrot weathervane.
Plaza del Mercado, 46001 ValenciaExplore View on map
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Thursdays at noon
The Water Court (Tribunal de las Aguas)
The irrigation court that meets every Thursday at noon outside the cathedral.
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15th century
Torres de Quart
The 15th-century gate on the road to Castile.
Calle Guillem de Castro 89, 46003 ValenciaExplore View on map
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14th century
Torres de Serranos
The great 14th-century gate of the medieval walls, above the Turia.
Plaza de los Fueros, 46003 ValenciaExplore View on map
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With El Miguelete
Valencia Cathedral and the Holy Chalice
The cathedral, home of the Holy Chalice, and its bell tower, El Miguelete.
Plaza de la Reina, 46003 ValenciaExplore View on map
More to see 3
Beyond the centre.
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Beside the Estació del Nord
Plaza de Toros de Valencia
The brick bullring beside the Estació del Nord, listed for its architecture.
Explore more of Valencia
17 of the best Restaurants
6 of the best Cafés
8 of the best Bars
20 of the best Hotels10 of the best Art & Culture
8 of the best Parks & Beaches5 of the best Walks
11 of the best Shopping
9 of the best Health6 of the best Real Estate6 of the best Developments5 of the best Motoring7 of the best Getting Around