Valencia 3-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

   This ultra-modern architectural complex on the former Turia riverbed was designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela. If you don't want to pay the steep admission charges to the individual sights, you can wander around the complex and appreciate the architecture from outside for free.

2. Stop 2

   El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe

   A science museum designed to resemble a whale skeleton, it has interactive exhibits on three floors.

3. Stop 3 · 6 min walk

   L’Oceanogràfic

   The largest oceanarium in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, has seven sections devoted to different ecological zones. The building was designed by Félix Candela to resemble a water lily. Highlights include a dolphinarium, a walk-through shark tunnel, a shark tank (open for public diving), and spherical bird aviary. There are several restaurants on-site, and with so many attractions it’s easy to make this into an all-day affair.

4. Stop 4 · 8 min walk

   L’Umbracle

   A botanic garden landscaped with plants native to Valencia. The park also has the Jardí d'Astronomia (Jardín de la Astronomía / Astronomy Garden) and the Passeig de l'Art (Paseo del Arte / Art Promenade), which has permanent and temporary exhibits of large-scale contemporary art, mostly sculpture.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min walk

   L'Àgora

   A multi-use covered plaza, designed for sporting events, concerts, and special exhibits.

6. Stop 6 · 4 min walk

   Pont de l'Assut de l'Or

   The striking cable-stayed bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2008, crosses the dry Túria riverbed. At 125 m high, the bridge tower is the highest point in Valencia.

Eat · Paella: There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: paella valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), paella de marisco, with fish or seafood, or even paella mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular among locals.

1. Stop 1

   Museu de Belles Arts de València

   This 17th-century former palace houses over 2,000 pieces of art, with a primary focus on art of the 14th to 17th centuries. Highlights include an excellent collection of medieval altarpieces, a collection of engravings by the Italian artist Piranesi, and a handful of minor works by Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. Photography permitted, no flash.

2. Stop 2 · 14 min walk

   Institut Valencià d'Art Modern

   This museum focuses on Spanish and international modern art and photography, and hosts regular special exhibits, workshops, and lectures. A library, gift shop, and café are onsite. Photography permitted, no flash.

3. Stop 3 · 15 min walk

   Museo del Patriarca

   Managed by the Seminary of Corpus Christi, this museum has a small collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, with special highlights including works by Juan de Juanes, El Greco, and early Flemish masters. The collection can only be viewed with a tour, offered in a number of European languages; to be sure there is a tour in your language it is best to reserve ahead, either by phone or online.

4. Stop 4 · 10 min walk

   MuVIM

   The museum is devoted to civics and culture, with special exhibits focused on such topics as graphic design, photography, and cinema. The building and garden were designed by Valencian architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra.

5. Stop 5 · 24 min walk

   Bombas Gens Centre d'Art

   This former factory from the 1930s has been transformed into an exhibition space for Spanish contemporary art, with a special focus on photography. The building has an interesting history, as it was used to make industrial pumps, and later during the Spanish Civil War was used by the Republicans as an air raid shelter and to assemble armaments.

6. Stop 6 · 10 min walk

   Casa-Museu Benlliure

   This was once home to two generations of the Benlliure family, headed by prominent Valencian artist José Benlliure. The early 20th-century residence has been maintained in three distinct sections, including the primary house with original furnishings and artworks, a lovely courtyard and garden, and a second building with a private study and more artworks.

Eat · Arròs a banda: A side dish of rice cooked in fish stock, usually served with alioli.

1. Stop 1

   Centre Arqueològic de l'Almoina

   This extensive site was uncovered in 1985 during preparations for new construction, which was then cancelled. Excavations revealed archeological remains dating from the Moorish, Visigothic, and Roman periods. After completing excavations, the city of Valencia converted the site into an underground museum. Highlights include Roman baths, a Moorish courtyard, and various artifacts.

2. Stop 2 · 5 min walk

   Museu Nacional de Ceràmica

   This very ornate Baroque palace once served as the residence of the Marqués de Dos Aigües, and is now a museum. The ground and first floors showcase a collection of stagecoaches and period furniture, while the upper two floors house an extensive ceramics collection with a focus on historic Valencian pieces. Of particular note are Moorish ceramic tiles from the main mosque which was on the site now occupied by the cathedral, and six plates designed by Picasso. Photography permitted, no flash.

3. Stop 3 · 38 min walk

   Museu d'Història de València

   Housed in a former reservoir, this well-designed museum is dedicated to the developmental history of the city, from the Roman era until the present. Although labels are in Valencian and Spanish, booklets with English translations are available at the front desk. Constructed in 1850, the building is interesting in its own right as an excellent example of 19th century industrial architecture.

4. Stop 4 · 30 min walk

   Centre Cultural la Beneficència

   This 19th-century former hospice was completely refurbished in 1995, and now in addition to hosting two museums it also functions as a cultural centre and venue for special exhibits.

5. Stop 5

   Museu de Prehistòria de València

   This museum is devoted early regional history, with collections from the Paleolithic to the Visigothic periods. A special highlight is the Guerrer de Moixent (Warrior of Moixent), an early Iberian bronze sculpture from the 5th or 4th century BCE.

6. Stop 6

   Museu Valencià d'Etnologia

   The focus of this museum is on cultural traditions in the Valencian Autonomous Community, with three permanent exhibits focusing on life in the country, in the mountains, and in urban areas. Rotating temporary exhibits examine historic and sociological issues.

Eat · Arròs negre: Also cooked in fish stock, this rice dish is black because it contains squid ink, as well as squid or cuttlefish, peppers, and paprika.