Old Town Valencia, known locally as Ciutat Vella, is the historical centre where modern-day Valencia first took root. This labyrinthine district blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture across its narrow medieval streets and sun-dappled plazas. The magnificent 13th-century Valencia Cathedral houses what many believe is the Holy Grail, while nearby Plaza de la Virgen offers a tranquil respite with its central fountain.
Visit the imposing silk exchange (La Lonja), a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases Valencia's prosperous trading past. The colourful Central Market, housed in a modernist iron and glass structure, provides a glimpse into authentic Valencian daily life, with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies amid animated conversation.