Valencia

Spain

"Futuristic Spires, Old-Town Lanes & Paella's Home"

Valencia is easier and sunnier than Madrid and less crowded than Barcelona. The City of Arts and Sciences lines a long reflecting pool with the eye-shaped Hemisfèric, the science museum, and the Assut de l'Or bridge. The old town holds the cathedral, the silk-exchange Lonja, and the Central Market. The city claims paella, and the beach and Turia Gardens (a park in the old riverbed) make it one of Spain's best family city breaks. Cruise ships dock close to the center.

City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Central Market, Lonja de la Seda, Turia Gardens, Malvarrosa Beach, Oceanogràfic

April–June & September–October

Eat paella at lunch, not dinner, and order it for two; rent bikes on the Turia Gardens path

Strong family and food alternative to Barcelona. Oceanogràfic needs a half day. The cruise pier is a short ride from the old town.