The City of Arts and Sciences is widely recommended as a must-see for any first first-time visitor to the city. This entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex is an ensemble of six areas, and it is an impressive example of modern architecture.

Take a stroll through the historic Central Market, built between 1915 and 1928. This great modernist building provides city dwellers and tourists with some of the freshest and finest food. While exploring the market, venture through parts of the historic old town. It is home to the most authentic and avant-garde elements of Valencia - packed with shops, restaurants and bars, here and the neighbouring El Carmen quarter is full of life and culture.

Don’t miss one of the cities’ most controversial claims to fame, the Holy Grail. Legend has it that the actual cup that Jesus drank from at the last supper is in the Valencia Cathedral, a lovely old place and well worth visiting.

The best shops can be found in and around the historic center or in modern shopping centers on the city’s outskirts. Serious shoppers will enjoy browsing around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and along the streets of Don Juan de Austria, Colón, Sorní, and Cirilo Amorós. Spain’s ubiquitous El Corte Inglés department store is a good bet for one-stop shopping because these stores stock local handicrafts along with more general merchandise. In addition, each barrio or area, has its own weekly street market.

A fishing city and the birthplace of paella, Valencia is a dream destination for food lovers. The Paella is a national institution, and the wetland areas of Albufera is where you will find the most authentic version, cooked, so they say, with water from the Albufera lakes, or straight from the River Turia, in a very large pan, always al fresco, and over a large wood fire.

A variety of seafood comes straight from the boats to the local kitchens, and bomba (a special short-grain rice used in paella) is cultivated in the city's own Albufera Park. These factors create a rich culinary focus, where foodies can have their pick of high-class restaurants or homey eateries, traditional or creative cuisine, and regional or international dishes. .

The old town, known as Barrio del Carmen, is very lively at night, particularly around Calle Caballeros (also called Cavallers). For a less touristy scene, check out the smart bars around Plaza Cánovas. In summer, there are lots of outdoor bars and clubs along the promenade flanking Las Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches.