If you like to imagine Valencia, it is enough to think of a smell of tangerines and oranges, the cool breeze coming from the Mediterranean, colorful festivals and the outstanding nightlife. Valencia promises all.
The courageous and powerful city, Valencia (this is what the name of the city means in Latin) is a fascinating coastal city located by the Mediterranean. Known for its historic heritages, some part of the city is in the list of UNESCO and offers an impressive richness in culture and history.
Being the birthplace of famous Spanish dish Paella, Valencia is also the address for the many different tastes. If you are about to go to this city, get also ready for a culinary expedition.
The people of Valencia may surprise you with their energy of life. The streets are crowded even at nights and you can see many people going back to their home at around 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning. While in Valencia, you will need to lose the track of time because it is a timeless city.
On Sundays, you can be alone with the city. Most of the shops are closed and the energetic people of the city are in their homes. Enjoying the peaceful and the exhilarant atmosphere of this city will be much more blissful on these days. However, do not wait for the Sundays, come and discover the magic in this fascinating city of Spain now.
Where is Valencia
The third largest city of Spain is located in the east of the Spain and has a coast to Mediterranean Sea.
Getting to Valencia
Valencia Airport is located 8 km away from the city center and offers many alternatives for getting to the city center. To choose the best option for you, you can visit the official website of the airport and have more detailed information about the transport and access.
Things to Do in Valencia
El Carmen
El Carmen is the name of the historic old town of the city. In every corner, you can see the traces of the Kingdom of Morocco. Being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, El Carmen is the address of the many touristic attractions like Serrano and Quart Towers, Mercado Central and La Lonja, the historic silk market from the middle ages.
Valencia Cathedral
Having many different architectural styles, Valencia Cathedral is a popular attraction point in the city. One can see the traces of Baroque, Gothic, Moroccan and Roman architecture in this building and it is regarded as the home to the Holy Grail.
The City of Arts and Sciences
Undoubtedly the most popular iconic landmark of the city, The City or Arts and Sciences was built by the Turia River and has an impressive futuristic architecture. In this complex, things to see are numerous, however we can mention only some them. There is L’Oceanografic which is the biggest oceanic aquarium in Europe and L’Hemisféric, the observatory having an eye-like architectural model.
Museums
Valencia Institute of Modern Art
Being one of the prominent art galleries in the city, Institute of Modern Art has a huge collection of unique pieces that exhibit the art from the 70s to the modern day.
Fallero Museum
In the globally known Fallas Festival in Valencia, gigantic wood or cardboard figures are made and then they are set fire to create a holy frame. However, some of these ninots (the special names for the figures) are spared and taken to Fallero Museum to be exhibited. If you miss the festival, do not worry because you will still have the opportunity to experience this festival in this museum.
Dining and Nightlife in Valencia
Dining and Nightlife in Valencia Boasting being the city of festivals and the colorful nightlife, you will have many options for having a good time in the evenings. Especially two festivals have global reputation which are Tomato Festival and Fallas Festival. If you cannot catch the dates of these festival, do not worry because the most entertaining activities are still waiting for you in this timeless city.
In Plazo del Cedro, you can find less touristic yet more prestigious restaurants, bars and cafés. The other most popular district is Barrio del Carmen. For live music and a good dinner, Plaza del Cedro Square will make another alternative. In addition, add Llorens, Xuquer, Honduras and Blasco to your list to make sure you have the greatest night and the dinner in Valencia.
Shopping in Valencia
If you like to buy clothing from local brands rather than global ones, Patriarca Square will meet your needs.
The other popular shopping districts are located in the south of the old town which are, La Paz, Colon, Poeta Qureal and Jorge Juan. Also, Mercado Central can be considered as a shopping temple because it offers anything that can come to you mind.
For luxury shopping, you can prefer Mercado de Fuencarral in which you will find international brands, high class restaurants and bars.
What to buy from Valencia
- Silk textile products
- Carbonell fans
- Silver jewelry
- Lace products
- Porcelains
- Local wines
Excursions and Tours in Valencia
El Saler and Pinedo Beaches
If you are in Valencia in summer, you should definitely visit these beautiful beaches that have the best sand and the sea in the city.
Albufera Lake
Located 12 km away from the city center, Albufera Lake offers you tranquility, a feast of taste thanks to the outstanding restaurants and a fabulous nature. If you need to have a break, a trip to Albufera Lake and witnessing this miracle of nature will be unforgettable.
Events in Valencia
Promising many attractive social activities, cultural expeditions and colorful festivals, Valencia combines the history and the modernity in a perfect fashion. This dynamic city dominated by the young population are also awarded by the nature. All these reasons have made Valencia a popular destination in event tourism.
Every year, numerous international events like conferences, congresses, fairs, tradeshows, exhibitions and symposiums are held in the city and thanks to the world class venues and luxury hotels that have large capacities, all of them turn out to be flawless organizations.