Old Town
While passing Valencia's Old Town, you’ll be amazed by the outstanding mix of cultures. Starting from the ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen, you’ll see buildings dating from Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, is primarily Gothic but contains elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture, as well. Beside the cathedral, there’s the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th Century Serrano and Quart towers are part of the wall surrounding the city. Nearby, you can admire the Late Gothic Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), which is on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Don't miss the Modernist Central Market (Mercado Central), one of the largest in Europe, where you can buy all of the Valencian specialties. Valencia Cathedral
The Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, is a great example of the Gothic style with elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Originally called Iglesia Mayor, then Seo (from the Latin sedes, to see), is situated in the centre of the ancient Roman city at the site of the temple of Diana. The famous Spanish knight El Cid dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin after he re-conquered the city. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the tower, called Miguelete because it was blessed on St. Michael's Day in 1418. The tower is about 166 feet high and offers a splendid view over the entire city. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
While visiting Valencia, it's a must to see Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. A great marvel of modern architecture, the City of Arts and Sciences consists of five areas set in the dry riverbed of the River Turia. Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, construction began in 1996. You can start from El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, which is an opera house and performing arts centre. Then, you’ll see L'Hemisfèric Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium. There’s also a science museum and open-air oceanographic park. The area is surrounded by pleasant streams and pools, making it ideal for an afternoon walk, and in the evening you can have a good time at the open-air bar outside El Museu de les Ciències, where many interesting events and performances take place. A great atmosphere and impressive modern architecture gives this place its unique spirit, which you’ll surely enjoy. Town Hall
At the very heart of the largest square in Valencia, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, is the town hall, called Ajuntament. Also, there’s a cinema which shows classic movies (La Filmoteca) and many restaurants and bars. This is the centre of all the performances and events in this thriving city, where you can admire the fireworks of the mascletà prepared for Las Fallas. This is a Valencian tradition celebrating Saint Joseph's Day (March 19th). At this special feast, you can try the famous specialty paella and see the colourful parade with fallas, self-made effigies which are eventually burned.