Valencia is the third largest city in #Spain and is full of #culture, #history and #adventure. Located at the mouth of the Turia River in the Mediterranean Sea, the city offers its visitors a unique combination of sun, beach and historical sites.

Valencia is a hidden jewel that offers the perfect taste of an authentic Spanish experience. Compared to the nearby cities of Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia attracts much fewer visitors. With only 800,000 inhabitants, the city is also much quieter than its big sisters. 

But don't let that put you off - Valencia is famous for being the City of Arts and Sciences - and just like other Spanish cities, you'll find one amazing building after another. In Valencia you can easily combine the pulsating #nightlife with long days on the #beach. And most important of all: the paella was invented here! 

Although Valencia is definitely more known for its modern side, the old town is absolutely breathtaking! It is a labyrinth of old buildings, palm-lined streets, winding alleys and beautiful squares full of orange trees. Behind every corner and in every side street there is something new and beautiful to discover. Perfect for getting a little lost.

It is easy to spend a day just wandering the streets and discovering all the hidden secrets that there are to be discovered. In addition, the old town is home to many of the city's main attractions and sights. 

Highlights of the old town include the Cathedral of Valencia (with the Holy Grail), La Lonja (the Silk Exchange) and the city gates Torres De Serrans. 

The Lonja de la Seda from the 16th century was built at a time when the city was a rich and powerful trading centre. The Silk Exchange is one of the most characteristic buildings in the city and has been a #UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Across the street from the Silk Exchange you will find the 1914 Mercado Central, one of the largest markets in Europe, a must-see when visiting the city and offering some of the best local fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish caught that morning. Even if you do not want to buy anything, it is interesting to walk around here.

The market is located in a modernist building and is an interesting way to get an insight into the daily life of the locals. The ceiling is a huge dome painted with oranges, the trademark of #Valencia.

The Cathedral of Valencia is one of the most prominent sights of the city, especially because it (allegedly) houses the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail is the cup from which Jesus is said to have drunk during the Last Supper. 

Besides the Holy Grail, the cathedral of Valencia is worth a visit in itself. The cathedral offers an interesting mixture of gothic and baroque architecture. The white stone and the artistic details are simply admirable. 

The octagonal bell tower El Miguelete houses the 1st century Holy Grail. You can also climb to the top of the bell tower to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city.

You also have a great view from the Torres De Serrans, which are part of the twelve gates that made up the old city wall. The towers were built in gothic style and are beautiful to look at from a distance, but the real power lies in the view from above.

In the Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias there are futuristic buildings that house, among other things, a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the supernaturally modern buildings are a dream come true for architects and photo lovers. 

L'Hemisfèric - The building was modelled on an eye. The Iris is home to an Omnimax theatre, where several films on science and nature are shown daily. Inside the cinema is a 900-metre long concave screen, which provides the most comprehensive viewing experience.

Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe - This building is modelled on the skeleton of a whale and houses an interactive science museum. There are various exhibits through which one can walk.

L'Oceanogràfic - The Oceanogràfic is one of the main attractions in Valencia and the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe with a shark tunnel and over 500 different species of fish, dolphins, whales, penguins and more.

L' Umbracle - The Umbracle is a cultural multifunctional building. During the day it is a beautiful botanical garden covered by some arcades of 18 meters height, which form a transparent roof. The garden is dominated by palm trees and other plants typical of the Mediterranean and the tropics. You can also visit the Paseo del Arte free of charge, where works by contemporary artists, mainly sculptures, are exhibited.

At night, the building functions as a lounge-style disco called L'Umbracle Terraza. This outdoor disco is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially during the hot months.