VALENCIA 2026
On this May 4th, 2026, I set off for Valencia, a discovery trip to the heart of Spain’s third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona.
A Mediterranean city of contrasts blending futurism and tradition, Valencia, still spared from mass tourism, offers many assets just waiting to be explored.
Arriving in the early afternoon, I settle in quietly.
Since my accommodation is located not far from the City of Arts and Sciences, it is naturally this iconic site that I choose to discover first.
1-CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
It is an avant‑garde cultural and architectural complex of worldwide renown, located in the former riverbed of the Turia.
Designed mainly by architect Santiago Calatrava, this 2‑kilometer site is one of Valencia’s must‑see attractions.
The complex includes:
The Hemisfèric: an IMAX cinema and planetarium shaped like an eye, the first building to open in 1998.
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The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum: an interactive museum dedicated to science and technology.
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The Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts: an opera house devoted to the performing arts.
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The Ágora: an event space inaugurated in 2009.
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The Umbracle: a landscaped promenade planted with species typical of the region, a peaceful place with benches for taking a break.
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The Oceanogràfic: the largest aquarium in Europe.
Not everything can be visited, but walking through the complex is very pleasant and will lead you to the Turia Gardens, and even further.
Having visited the one in Barcelona beforehand, I found Valencia’s science museum a bit less impressive in terms of interactivity.
Nothing dramatic, but the comparison inevitably comes to mind.
Despite its striking exterior, the building felt somewhat underused inside.
2- THE OCEANOGRAPHIC
Located within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, it is the largest aquarium in Europe and the most beautiful one I have visited so far.
Designed by architect Félix Candela, it is home to more than 45,000 animals from 500 different species: sharks, turtles, spider crabs, dolphins, belugas (the only ones in Europe), all distributed across marine ecosystems covering 110,000 m² : the Mediterranean, tropical seas, temperate seas, the Red Sea, the Arctic, and the Antarctic.
It features the longest underwater tunnel in Europe, and if you are as lucky as I was, you may even see divers at work inside the tanks.
There is also a small dolphin show accompanied by a quiz for the audience, held three times a day.
Outside, you can observe seabirds such as pelicans, egrets, and others.
Visitors are well taken care of too: the park includes restaurants and rest areas with benches.
The visit usually takes between 4 and 6 hours, but it is easy to spend the entire day there.
For me, it is a must‑do when staying in Valencia.
3-FALLAS MUSEUM
The origins of the Fallas come from a tradition among carpenters who, in the Middle Ages, would accumulate wood scraps throughout the winter and burn them with the arrival of spring, coinciding with Saint Joseph’s Day, the patron saint of their profession.
Over time, this tradition evolved into the creation of satirical and humorous scenes about social issues and public figures, known as Fallas.
This traditional festival, held from March 1st to 19th, has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016.
The museum displays more than 80 characters that were saved from the flames, some of the oldest dating back to the 1930s and coming from the annual parades.
Each scene or character comes with an explanatory panel in several languages.
If you cannot visit Valencia during the Fallas festivities, a visit to this museum is an excellent alternative.
When you purchase your ticket, you are given a detailed explanatory booklet.
4-BOTANIC GARDEN
The Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia, founded in 1567 by Juan Plaza, professor of botany, and located near the Torres de Quart, is a living scientific museum home to more than 4,500 plant species.
It features historic greenhouses, a shade house, and a varied collection ranging from Mediterranean plants to exotic species, all dedicated to research and conservation.
There are more than twenty themed areas, including cacti, palm trees, bamboo, flowers, aquatic plants, monumental trees, and even beehives.
Bees are the garden’s friends.
A visit well worth it for a modest price.
5-CERAMICS MUSEUM
Located in the magnificent baroque palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas since 1954, the National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts González Martí houses the largest collection of ceramics in Spain.
It features pieces ranging from the medieval period to the 20th century.
Take the time to admire the sumptuous baroque façade. It is truly exceptional.
The museum displays ceramics from Manises, Paterna, and L’Alcora; lustreware; as well as prehistoric, Roman, Greek, and Arab pieces.
One of the highlights of the visit is the fully reconstructed traditional Valencian kitchen.
You can also admire the decorated aristocratic apartments, a collection of carriages on the ground floor, and the beautiful square inner courtyard.
The museum is located in the very heart of the old town and also preserves works by Pablo Picasso.
6-MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Housed in the 17th‑century Colegio Seminario de San Pío V, it is the second largest art gallery in Spain.
It contains a vast collection of Valencian art ranging from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
You will find 15th‑ and 16th‑century altarpieces, as well as masterpieces by Sorolla, Goya, Van Dyck, Velázquez, El Greco, and Murillo, among others.
Great importance is given to local artists, with rooms dedicated for example to the works of Juan de Joanes.
You can also admire sculptures, engravings, and archaeological pieces.
A very beautiful museum with free entry every day, which is definitely a must.
When leaving the museum, cross the bridge on your left, which will take you directly to the Torres de Serranos.
7-JARDINS DEL REAL
I discovered this place by chance while visiting the Museum of Fine Arts.
It wasn’t even part of my itinerary, and yet… what a surprise.
Rarely mentioned on tourist websites, it is truly a visit worth making.
The Palau Reial was one of the largest palaces of the Crown of Aragon.
Originally a Muslim residence from the 11th century, it was expanded over the centuries to the point of being nicknamed “the palace of 300 keys”. Destroyed in 1810 during the war against Napoleon, only ruins remain today, now integrated into the gardens.
Today, the gardens have been completely redesigned: you will find numerous fountains in different styles, a rose garden, statues, wide paths lined with gigantic fir trees, as well as shaded areas, in short, a wonderfully peaceful place for a relaxing stroll.
8-BIOPARC
Presented as a “new‑generation” wildlife park, I decided to visit it out of curiosity about the immersion‑style zoo concept, and I was not disappointed.
The photos above speak for themselves.
Covering 10 hectares, it allows visitors to observe more than 800 animals from 116 species from East Africa, Central Africa, and Madagascar, all living in carefully recreated habitats without visible barriers, making the separation between humans and nature disappear.
For now, only the African continent is represented, but other areas are already in development:
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The Coptic Route, from Mombasa to Alexandria, scheduled to open at the end of 2027.
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The Valencian alquerías, combining traditional cultural architecture and the silk cycle.
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Imperial China, a longer‑term project.
Enjoy the setting: beautiful waterfalls, African trees, islands specially designed for bonobos, and more.
Everything is designed for total immersion.
A truly beautiful visit.
9-CATHEDRAL OF VALENCIA
Valencia Cathedral blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting the centuries that shaped it.
Inside, you discover a bright, harmonious space, with a succession of alcove chapels that give the place a unique charm.
The ticket includes a small museum as well as a very complete audio guide available in several languages.
El Micalet, its emblematic bell tower, offers a superb view over the city.
Access is via a spiral staircase and requires an additional 3 €, not included in the entrance ticket.
10-OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
I could tell you about La Lonja de La Seda, the Torres de Quart or the Torres de Serranos, but I prefer to highlight places that are mentioned far less often, yet are just as beautiful to see, as the photos above show.
Stepping off the beaten path or away from predictable tourist itineraries, that too is what traveling is about.