City of Arts and Sciences (CAC)

Valencia-native Santiago Calatrava designed this blazing white complex for the arts and sciences, an artful arrangement of giant sculptural shapes that house, among other attractions, an aquarium that looks like a wave, an opera house in the form of a ship, and a giant eye-cum-planetarium. Go to watch the beluga whales wheel around the giant aquarium, have fun at the interactive science museum, or simply admire the daring contemporary architecture of what Spaniards voted one of the ‘12 Treasures of Spain’.

Valencia Cathedral and Micalet

Valencia’s vast Gothic cathedral has a florid Baroque façade slapped on top, but inside is atmospherically dark and shadowy. It’s home to what some believe is the Holy Grail, but its crowning glory is the Micalet belltower – the city’s symbol.

Mercat Colón Gastro Market

A glittering market of glass and iron, the Mercat Colón was virtually in ruins before it was spectacularly transformed through an award-winning renovation. Now it’s a gourmet hub, packed with shiny new restaurants and cafés.

La Pépica

Paella, as everyone will tell you, was born in Valencia. And this is the best place in town for a slap-up paella lunch right on the seafront – just be sure to book early for a table on the terrace.

Ruzafa

Arguably the coolest neighbourhood in town (Carmen fans may disagree), Ruzafa is a mix of old-fashioned street life (in the form of a great market and pretty squares), with some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, its slinkiest bars and funkiest boutiques.