The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

World-famous architect Santiago Calatrava has made his mark on Valencia with the impressive City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències). This beautiful complex consists of a cinema, garden, theater, planetarium, science museum and more!

Other Fun Things to Do

• In addition to the City of Arts and Sciences, Calatrava is also responsible for the Alameda Bridge and Valencia's striking new Opera House.
• Visit the lofty trading hall of the Valencia Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). Founded in 1469, La Lonja has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is currently the seat of the Cultural Academy of Valencia.
• Grab a bite or have a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which also contains Valencia's town hall.

Sporting Adventures

The waters off Valencia are considered some of Europe's best sailing grounds. And you'll have every right to feel like a real pro sailing these seas - they played host to the 2005 America's Cup.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

If you want a taste of all Valencia has to offer - the fresh seafood, mountain herbs, field-grown grains - you've got to try the local paella. Although there are many varieties of this rice dish, the Valencian paella is usually made with only the freshest ingredients in a cast-iron pan over a wood fire. Satisfy your thirst with a taste of horchata, a popular tiger nut drink found at any of the local bars surrounding the cathedrals. Rice dishes are a sought after main course at the Malvarrosa Beach restaurants, particularly La Rosa.

Shopping for Bargains

As with its architecture and culture, Valencia's shopping offers a combination of old and new. Whether you're looking for time-honored crafts or ultrachic fashions, you're sure to find the perfect shop. Be aware that the stores here usually follow the typical hours of a Spanish workday - open from around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Local Currency

As part of the European Union, Spain's official currency is the euro (EUR). Credit cards and travelers checks are also widely accepted.

Weather in Valencia, Spain