Advice for Valencia guidebook

I found the relevant sections in the Fodors and Cadogan guidebooks helpful. Keep in mind that both of those are more easily seduced by a fancy facade than RS is. (I'm thinking of the Mercat Colon, which is mentioned as a less-touristed alternative to the Mercado Central, but seemed to me to be a trap for aspiring yuppies.)

Tips: Make an effort to go to the ethnology/archaeology museum in the big plain-from-the-outside building next to the IVAM. It is worth a couple of hours (if you like that kind of thing). Take note of the bridges over the now-dry river -- they still have 15th and 14th century structural elements in use! The IVAM itself is of course also worth going through, though it seems mostly a chip off the old block of the Caixa in Madrid. The fine arts museum, if not under repairs, is a marvel. Keep your eyes open and you'll see a fair amount of the modernisme that you associate with Barcelona, too.

Hi Gabriel,
I spent three days in Valencia last fall and loved it. I could have easily stayed another if my schedule would have allowed it. There is an excellent walking tour daily at 10:30 - reservations and tickets must be purchased at the TI on the Cathedral Plaza. Speaking of the Cathedral, it is a "Must See" site. They have a 4 or 5 euro admission fee, but that includes an audio tour. Seeing the Holy Grail is worth it! Another "Must See" is the Cuidad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias. The architecture is awesome and aquarium is one of the best in Europe. The Science museum is also very interesting. I found that a taxi was the easiest way to get out to the Cuidad. And don't forget that Valencia is the birthplace of one of Spain's great food dishes - Paella! I found that both Frommer's and Lonely Planet had good Valencia information. Enjoy!