Valencia (map) is a charming old city and the capital of the Valencian Community, and the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.
Valencia was founded as a Roman colony by the consul Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus in 138 BC. Valencia was the capital of Spain when Joseph Bonaparte moved the Court there in the summer of 1812. It also served as the capital between 1936 and 1937, during the Second Spanish Republic.
In March visitors flock to the city for the annual UNESCO-listed Falles celebration, but the city is worth visiting at other times of year for its paella, ultramodern architecture, and good beaches.
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El Carme (El Carmen, map). In the old centre, it is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighbourhood. Barrio del Carmen is a major nightlife destination in Valencia.
El Cabanyal (Cabañal, map). Established in the 13th century as a fishing village, in the 19th century the town became known as a beach getaway before being annexed by Valencia in 1897. Along with easy access to the beach, it has many charming historic tiled buildings and great bars and restaurants, and is the setting of the annual Semana Santa Marinera.
Russafa (Ruzafa, map). Ruzafa (from Arabic رصافة – rusafa, or ‘garden’) was first established in the 9th century as a Moorish pleasure garden, and evolved into a farming community. It was independent until 1877, when it was annexed by the city. Today the barrio is known for its cultural diversity, hipster shops and cafés, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Benimaclet (map). Benimaclet (from Arabic بني مخلد – bani mahlad, or ‘sons of Majlad’) began as an Arabic farmstead, and was an independent farming community until 1878. Preserved are its central square and parish church, and charming pedestrian alleys.
Mercat Central (Mercado Central / Central Market, map). In a restored modernist iron and glass building dating from 1928, this is one of the largest markets in Europe.
Mercat del Cabanyal (Mercado del Cabañal / Cabanyal Market, map). Traditionally one of the better markets in the city for fish, this also has fresh produce and artisanal products.
El Rastro (Flea market, map). Su 08:00-13:30. Valencia’s enormous second-hand market is a good place to pick up all sorts of odds and ends, ranging from vintage toys to Valencian ceramics to bicycle parts. Vendors are licensed and there is a police presence, but do beware of pickpockets.
València Bus • Metro in València
+ València Transport (visitvalencia.com) • Getting around Spain (spain.info)
Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus.
BUS > Virtually all companies operating Intercity buses in France including Ouibus and even German players Flixbus offer buses to/from Spanish destinations. ALSA • Grupo Avanza • Socibus and Secorbus. You can also see what is all available on Movelia.es.
RAIL > Valencia is connected with Madrid by AVE high-speed trains, that run over the Madrid–Levante high-speed rail line. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. The journey to Barcelona takes approximately 3 hours. >> The main train operator is RENFE, including AVE (Spanish high speed train) or Talgo intercity services. (*Rail travel in Europe)
AIRPORTS > Valencia Airport – is in the neighbouring town of Manises, 9 km from the city centre. Metro Valencia lines 3 and 5 go directly to the town centre and link the airport to the main train station, Estación del Norte (map). >> Information about Spanish airports > aena.es.
WATERWAYS > Baleària • Grimaldi Lines • Trasmediterranea. Spain’s main sea connections (spain.info)
The city operates Valenbisi, a popular bicycle sharing program.