On Spain’s south-eastern coast is the port city of València. It manages to be a city of contrasting modern architecture and old Gothic buildings.

The old town in the centre of València has some beautiful buildings along is medieval streets. The grand town hall square, Plaza de Ayuntamiento has many impressive buildings including the Post Office and the Town Hall itself.

In a very small square off a main road is the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas. This beautiful Spanish Rococo building holds the National Ceramics Museum.

In the old town is Valencia’s Central Market one of Europe’s grandest markets in an interesting historical building.  There are hundreds of stalls selling regional produce from fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. It’s also a great place to try the local drink Horchata which is a milk like drink made from Tiger Nuts.

Near the cathedral is the Plaza de la Reina. A pretty and colourful square with vibrant flowers, trees and benches to rest and admire the beauty of old Valencia town.

Close to the old town is the dried up Turia river bed which runs through the city. It’s now a relaxing park area where Valencian’s can take a break from modern city life.

Outside the old town along the old Turia river bed and towards the coast is the Sciences and Arts complex. A series of striking architecture that contrasts starkly to Valencia’s old town.

The first building you come across at the complex is the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, Opera house. A striking white helmet shaped building, home to operas, concerts, zarzuela and ballet.

L’Hemisfèric, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is shaped to represent the human eye. is a theatre and planetarium showing various films and documentaries on topics such as astronomy, nature and sciences.

Next to the L’Hemisfèric is the Prince Felipe Museum of Science, a large building with modular interactive exhibitions on various subjects including space and archaeology.

The final building in the complex is the Oceanogràfic. A must visit for anyone going to Valencia. It’s Europe’s biggest aquarium with seven different marine environments, with almost 500 different species can be seen, such as sea lions, walruses, seals, dolphins, belugas, penguins and sharks.