The third-largest city in Spain is a fantastic place, happy to let Barcelona and Madrid steal the show as it concentrates on being an incredibly livable metropolis with vibrant eating, nightlife, and cultural scenes.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Valencia moved its flood-prone river to the outside and turned the old riverbed into a gorgeous green park that runs the entire length of the city. It features the stunningly futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias buildings, which were created by local boy Santiago Calatrava.

The city boasts a lengthy stretch of beach, magnificent museums, a plethora of fantastic modernista buildings, and a big, characterful historic neighborhood, among many other excellent contemporary architecture.

Valencia is known for its rice dishes, such paella, and is encircled by its huerta, a lush area of market gardens. However, its lively eating scene provides much more; it’s a great spot to eat.