Valencia

The impressive, futuristic landscape of the City of Arts and Science covers a vast area, rising out of a man-made lake in what was formerly the bed of the River Turia. It encompasses various attractions accessed along a magnificent arched walkway, overhung with an array of flowering aromatic plants and shrubs. The city consists of five areas: the Hemisferic, containing the IMAX cinema and other digital projections; the Umbracle, a landscaped viewing and parking area; the Principe Felipe Science Museum, dedicated to interactive science; the Oceanografico, the largest aquarium in Europe, housing more than 500 marine species; and the Palau de lest Arts Reina Sofia, which hosts opera, theatre, and music performances. The cost of exploring the whole 'city' is considerable but well worth the expense. The exhibitions and various features are stimulating, educational, and entertaining, and the beautiful, otherworldly architecture makes you feel as though you are in a sci-fi movie. It is Valencia's most celebrated modern tourist attraction and a must-see for visitors. The city requires a whole day of your attention if you want to experience everything, and there are some great restaurants to rest and refuel.

Address : 7 Autopista del Saler

Website : www.cac.es

Telephone : +34 902 100 031

Transport : Metro lines 3 and 5 to Alameda (15 minutes from the complex); buses 19, 35, 95 and 40 stop at the complex

Opening times : Daily from 10am to 7pm (2 January to 30 June, and 16 September to 30 December); 10am to 9pm (1 July to 15 September)

Admission : Combined tickets for the all areas cost €36,25 (adults) and €27,55 (reduced), entry to specific areas can be paid individually. Check website for details.

The Crypt of San Vicente is an ancient part of Valencia and exploring the space takes visitors on an intriguing archaeological journey through the history of the city. The crypt has existed in many different incarnations: it was once part of a Visigoth chapel; was converted into palace baths during Muslim rule; and was incorporated into a Christian chapel dedicated to the martyr San Vicente (although it is unclear whether the saint was ever actually imprisoned here as some historians claim). There is even evidence of Roman architecture in the crypt, which is located in a district once occupied by Roman nobles. It is possible to wander in and see the ruins, but without explanation it is not that interesting. History lovers are encouraged to book the audiovisual tour with images projected on the walls and a voice over detailing every different era in the building's past. Tours should be booked at the City Museum opposite the crypt.

Address : Plaza del Arzobispo

Telephone : +34 96 394 1417

Opening times : Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 8pm, Sunday from 9.30am to 2pm. Closed on Mondays.

Admission : €2 (free on weekends and public holidays).

The ancient district of El Carmen sits in the heart of Valencia's old town, with narrow cobbled alleyways, honey-coloured buildings, and bars and cafes contributing making up a chilled Bohemian atmosphere. El Carmen also has several interesting attractions, including the remains of the medieval city walls, and the Gothic tower gates of Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart, the latter pocked with cannon-ball marks dating from an assault by Napoleon. Roman and Moorish influences are clear in the Old Town and the numerous squares and narrow streets give the area an authentic medieval feel, despite the invasion of tourists as the city increases in popularity. Along with several museums, there is also a convent complex dating back to the 13th century. The Cathedral of Our Lady is a good starting point for a walking tour of the Old Town, and climbing the cathedral's tallest tower will earn travellers fantastic views. Lastly, Mercado Central is one of the largest indoor markets in Spain is quite an experience.

The Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia's loveliest squares. Once the site of an ancient Roman forum, a fountain sits in the centre and is surrounded by plenty of open-air cafes. On one side of the square is the impressive Gothic façade of the Palau de la Generalitat, seat of government for the Valencia region, and opposite is the Baroque Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados, a grand church dating from the 17th century containing fascinating frescoes. The Plaza de la Virgen is an entertainment hub during the famous Fallas Festival in Valencia, which sees the community building big, creative sculptures in the square and later burning them. Street performers come into the square during the evening and those sitting at cafes are treated to flame-throwers, jugglers, and the like. Even when there is no entertainment, the square is ideal for people-watching and photography. It is one of the best known landmarks and gathering places in Valencia.

One of Valencia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the old Silk Exchange, founded in 1469, copied from a similar structure built in Palma de Mallorca. The walled tower and flamboyant Gothic trading hall, once used for the trade of precious items like silk and gold, is widely regarded as the city's most beautiful building, and is now a top tourist attraction, often used for hosting art exhibitions. The immensely high vaulted ceiling tops some unusual and very attractive pillars, the floors are lovely, and there is lots of intricate stonework and Gothic detail to admire. There isn't much information of any kind inside, but informative guided tours are available in multiple languages for a small extra fee. A good time to visit is on a Sunday morning, when a popular stamp and coin collectors market makes for a lively trading buzz. The Silk Exchange is located opposite Valencia's Central Market, which some visitors may also want to investigate.

Address : Plaza del Mercado.

Telephone : +34 96 352 5478

Opening times : Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm; Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 3pm

Admission : €2 (general); €1 (reduced). Admission is free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

It is reputedly the resting place of the Holy Grail, but whether you believe that or not the ornate Valencia Cathedral is worth a visit just because of its unique history and combination of architectural styles. Since it started out in 1262, it has shuffled back and forth from being a mosque to a Christian church, and has been added to accordingly in a variety of styles from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque, and even Moorish. It houses an interesting museum, treasury, and the Holy Grail chapel. Also look out for paintings by Goya. Most visitors make a pilgrimage to the cathedral simply to climb its octagonal medieval tower, which provides a wonderful panorama of the city if you have the staying power to make it to the top of the winding staircase. Climbing the tower entails a small extra fee. The entrance fee to the cathedral includes an audio guide, in multiple languages, which takes tourists to 21 different points of interest in the cathedral. The square outside the church is lovely, with numerous cafes and restaurants. Part of the cathedral is always open for prayer, but tourists are only let in at certain times. Check the website for opening times.

Website : www.catedraldevalencia.es/en/index.php

Admission : €5 (general); concessions available.