Day 1: Old Town, Paella & City of Arts in a Day
Old Town & Central Market
Start at the Mercado Central, one of Europe's largest and most beautiful covered markets, a stunning modernista iron-and-glass building with over 1,200 stalls. Try horchata (tiger nut milk, €2) and fartons (sweet pastry fingers for dipping). Walk to the Plaza de la Virgen, the city's most beautiful square, with the Cathedral, Basilica, and the Turia Fountain. Climb the Miguelete bell tower (€3) for 360° old-town views.
Authentic Paella & Jardín del Turia
Lunch at Casa Roberto or La Pepica on Playa de la Malvarrosa for authentic Valencian paella. This is where the dish was invented. The real version uses chicken, rabbit, green beans, and snails (not seafood). Bus or metro to the Jardín del Turia, a 9km-long park built in a drained riverbed that cuts through the city, perfect for walking, cycling, or just sitting under the palm trees.
City of Arts & Sciences & Ruzafa
Walk the Turia Gardens to the City of Arts and Sciences, Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex of white bone-like structures reflected in pools of water. The L'Hemisfèric (IMAX, €9), Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium, €38), and Palau de les Arts are stunning at sunset. Then metro to Ruzafa, Valencia's hippest barrio with cocktail bars, international restaurants, and nightlife on Calle Sueca.
