From space age architecture to baroque barrios, Valencia is an intriguing mix of new and old. The former is largely the work of local boy-made-good Santiago Calatrava who designed the city's Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (CAC).

It is what you might imagine from an Expo 2020, featuring five huge intriguing futuristic building complexes, with the space in between softened by tall palms and pale blue reflection pools. The Museo de las Ciencias houses a hands-on science museum; L'Oceanografic is Spain's answer to Sea World (see Key Attractions); L'Hemisferic features an IMAX cinema, laserium and planetarium; L'Ombracle is a conservatory with palms and plants; and the Palau de les Arts' stunning architecture (see Culture) draws comparisons with the Sydney Opera House. Down at the port David Chipperfield's cubist America's Cup Pavilion has also gained rave reviews.

The Centro Histórico (or Ciutat Vella), still largely confined by the city walls, contains a number of beautiful buildings, from the gothic to the modernista (Spain's art nouveau) period. The atmospheric alleyways of the Barrio del Carmen is where the city's young and trendy now hang out, frequenting the burgeoning collection of cool shops, galleries, bars and, of course, indulging in ‘la marcha' - the city's renowned nightlife.

TurisValencia
Plaza de la Reina 19
Tel: 96 315 3931.
Website: www.turisvalencia.es

This is the main tourist office in town. There are other offices at the Town Hall, Poeta Querol s/n (Bajos Teatro Principal); Calle de la Paz 48; and Valencia North (Nord) railway station, Calle Játiva 24. There are also offices at the airport and beach.

The Valencia Card (website: www.valenciatouristcard.com) offers unlimited free transport and discounts in the main tourist attractions in the city, as well as in some restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. You can buy it from tourist offices, hotels and various tourist attractions.