Valencia

I might go there next year. Among other things, I want to go see Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de Valencia, also known as "the Sistine Chapel of Valencia."

Yes, San Nicolas de Bari (the patron saint of Bari in Puglia) is incredible. The audio guide is excellent.

Here's story: I was so enthralled with the audio guide, and with the alter I was gazing at, that I left my handbag on the pew. After another fifteen minutes of touring the church, I left and walked out onto the street and walked a block or so before I realized that my beautiful Loewe bag, with all my cards and money (not my passport, I leave that in the hotel room) was nowhere to be found! I felt that same sinking feeling that I had when my cat escaped in the night!!! I was in such a panic I could barely think.

I ran back to the church, explaining to staff, as I ran inside, what the problem was. I retraced my steps,, along with a staff member, and lo and behold, there is my bag, sitting just where I had left it!

So not only for its incredible beauty and haunting appeal, I will never forget la iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari, in Valencia!! Next time Ii need to leave a nice contribution.

I was there (not my first visit) last November/December, for ten days. Stayed at the ONLY YOU...recommended but ever expensive. One of the best breakfasts I've ever had in Europe.

Apart from the San Nicolas church, I'd recommend La Lonja de Seda ( the silk exchange); the new museum of contemporary art HORTENSIA HERRERA, the ceramics museum, the Cathedral; and maybe--the Mercado de Colon. Buy advance tix for Hortensia Herrera as they only let in limited amount of visitors each day. It's fabulous----not only paintings by some very big names, but light installations, etc--housed in a renovated palace.

The Central market is housed in a gorgeous glass structure. There are a few bars inside where you can have lunch or a beer or a snack....one of the best is Bar Central. But that's very popular. You'll have to wait on a small line if you get there at a busy time. It's known for their ensaladilla which I highly recommend. But the market itself is a little off-putting since it's become a tourist "must." Lots of signs warning you not to touch, some stands do not want photos taken, and there are many announcements saying the same.....not as welcoming as other main city markets in Spain.

We found some wonderful places for paella and other rice dishes in and around the city. Lots of food info here:

https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/birthday-in-madrid-followed-by-cuenca-valencia-and-denia-focus-on-food-1726707/

Thank you both for your recommendations!

We just stayed for three nights but there is so much to see and do you won't be bored. These are some of the main attractions we saw, plus the Fine Art Museum.
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2025/05/valencia-in-february-trip-report.html
The Jardines Turia are great for fresh air and a stroll and you could esily spend several half days at the City of Arts and Sciences and the Oceanographic Aquarium and add a trip or two to the beach.

I'm not extremely fond of church visits, so I'll suggest some non-ecclesiastical things to see.

1. Jardín Botanico -- it's the most impressive I've ever visited
2. Turia Park
3. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
4. Oceanogràfic
5. Barrio del Carmen
6. The beach

Good list...but also make sure to visit the former fisherman's barrio, el Cabanyal, that is gentrifying, for better or worse; it's like a small town and there are at least two very good restaurants; beautiful architecture, lovely green space.....if I were moving to the city I might look there....

So if you want to venture out of the center and the typical tourist stomping grounds....

LA SASTRERIA (contemporary, fab modern design....go just to see the space and have a drink even if you don't eat there...)

https://lasastreriavalencia.com

CASA MONTANA..old-school Valencia tavern; an essential stop for any food lover....been around since the mid 1800s and still great

https://www.emilianobodega.com/en/

The other gentrifying barrio is Nazaret. where we loved Casa Jomi (but my visit was about ten years ago) the owner has now passed but it's still a glimpse of the past...recommend, especially for smoked and sir-dried fish, signature of this coast:

https://www.elespanol.com/valencia/ocio/20241002/mejor-bar-tomar-patatas-bravas-peculiares-valencia-toda-vida-solo-cuestan-euros/890161376_0.html

For paella, lunchtime only, go to Meliana by train or taxi....this is essential for food lovers..

also make sure to visit the former fisherman's barrio, el Cabanyal

Absolutely! Great catch.

Thank you for the recommendations...I'm logging them all! Appreciate everyone's feedback.