Valencia, Mediterranean port city in eastern Spain
Valencia is a port city on Spain's Mediterranean coast and the country's third largest, positioned between Barcelona and Alicante. The city stretches between several kilometers of sandy beaches and a modern complex of futuristic architecture, while the old town shows narrow streets and stone squares.
Romans founded the settlement in the second century before the common era, and it was later ruled by Visigoths and Moors. In the fifteenth century, the city developed into one of the main trading centers in the Mediterranean under Aragonese control.
The Las Fallas festival lasts several days in March and fills the streets with monumental papier-mâché sculptures, fireworks, and music at all hours. Local restaurants serve paella from flat pans directly over open flames, and visitors can watch cooks prepare the rice with broth and saffron.
Most sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, and the city center is compact enough for day visits. The tourist card offers unlimited access to buses and metro as well as free entry to municipal museums during the chosen validity period.
The old Turia riverbed was turned into a park several kilometers long and now connects sports facilities, gardens, and cultural spaces through the middle of town. The fifteenth-century Silk Exchange buildings show Gothic colonnades and twisted stone columns that originally served as a meeting place for merchants.
Location: Comarca de València
Location: Province of Valencia
Inception: 138 BCE
Capital city: City of Valencia
Elevation above the sea: 15 m
Part of: Province of Valencia
Shares border with: Albal, Albalat dels Sorells, Alboraia, Albuixec, Alfafar, Alfara del Patriarca, Almàssera, Benetússer, Bétera, Bonrepòs i Mirambell, Burjassot, Catarroja, Foios, Godella, Massalfassar, Massamagrell, Massanassa, Meliana, Mislata, Moncada, Museros, Paiporta, Paterna, Picanya, Quart de Poblet, Rocafort, Sedaví, Silla, Sollana, Sueca, Tavernes Blanques, Vinalesa, Xirivella
Address: Valencia, Spain
Website: https://valencia.es
GPS coordinates: 39.46971,-0.37634
Latest update: December 2, 2025 21:40
This ranking includes the most populous cities in Europe in 2025, from Moscow with 11.62 million inhabitants to Budapest with 1.7 million. It features major European capitals like London, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, and Paris, as well as Saint Petersburg, Vienna, and Hamburg. These metropolitan areas are the continent's main demographic centers, each with its own history, architecture, and legacy. The selection is based on the municipal population of each city. Some cities surprise with their size, such as London, which covers an area fourteen times larger than Paris, or Rome, which extends over a territory twelve times greater than the French capital. Others are distinguished by their major economic roles, such as Hamburg, which hosts Germany's largest port, or by their internationally recognized quality of life, like Vienna. These destinations invite exploration of European urban diversity from east to west.
Valencia has many rooftop bars and restaurants with clear views over the city’s rooftops, its historic center, and the Mediterranean coast. These venues are spread across the Carmen district, with views of the old town, the Cité des Arts et des Sciences area where Santiago Calatrava's L'Umbracle is located, and the port zone with the Veles e Vents complex facing the marina. panoramic terraces such as Ateneo Sky Bar Restaurant, Kamikaze Sky Bar, and Blanq Carmen's Rooftop offer cocktails and full meals in elevated settings. These places allow visitors to explore Valencian and international cuisine while enjoying the region's favorable climate. Some rooftops are connected to hotels like 270 Terrace at Barceló Valencia or LH Gran Vía Valencia, while others operate as independent establishments. La Placa Gastromercat gathers several food stalls in an open market format, providing an alternative to traditional restaurants with city views.
City of Arts and Sciences
2.8 km
Oceanogràfic
3.1 km
Mestalla Stadium
1.6 km
Llotja de la Seda
555 m
La Albufera Natural Park
19.7 km
Valencia Bioparc
2.8 km
Valencia Cathedral
665 m
Torres dels Serrans
1.1 km
El Micalet
590 m
Turia Garden
1.4 km
Palau del Marqués de Dos Aigües
355 m
Mercat Central
478 m
Gulliver park
1.6 km
Torres de Quart
935 m
Plaza de Toros de Valencia
338 m
Church of San Nicolás
747 m
L'Hemisfèric
2.4 km
Museu de Belles Arts de València
1.2 km
Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis
3.3 km
Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken
736 m
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia
2.2 km
Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia
4.7 km
L'Àgora
2.9 km
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe
2.6 km
Mercado de Colón
692 m
Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana
779 m
Church of Sant Joan del Mercat
558 m
Church of Santa Catalina, Valencia
487 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes