Valencia is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. With a population of around 800,000 inhabitants, it is the Capital of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. This region also includes the provinces of Castellón and Alicante. The city is famous for Valencia oranges, Paella and the Falla Festival. It is also the third largest city in Spain.
Traveling to Valencia
The year-round climate is a big plus for travelers visiting this city, as is the incredible food culture and cosmopolitan vibe. The city is manageable as it is not as big as Barcelona or Madrid, but there is plenty to see and do.
What to see in Valencia
Having visited the city a few times now. I thought I would share the unmissable places in the city of Valencia and write my tips for having fun this spring/summer season. As travel begins to open up again, Valencia is a great destination to experience Spanish culture and cuisine. The city also has beaches to enjoy.
Fallas Festival
The Fallas are a noisy party that takes place every spring. Expect lots of bonfires, fireworks and bangers. Large paper mache sculptures with current themes adorn different parts of the city. They catch fire to celebrate the end of Fallas week.
It is typically celebrated in mid-March and there are large crowds for the festival. It’s the way cities welcome Spring after the end of Winter. Typically, a few weeks before the festivities, the selection of Mayor Fallera it happens. The Falleras are girls who wear typical Valencian costumes. (Photo above) Exquisitely embroidered dresses, made with only the best fabrics and threads. All hair accessories and jewelry also follow the tradition.
Find out more about the Las Fallas Festival in this post.
This festival was even recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity, when visiting Valencia you can visit Las Fallas in Fallero Museum on Monteolivete Street 4. Inside this Fallas Museum you can see the large-scale Falla models that were not burned in previous years. There are some of the stunning Fallera dresses on display too. They open daily from 10am. It costs 2 euros.
Hospes Palau de la Mar, Valencia
Valencia has great accommodation options. I like to choose hotels as close to the historic center as possible when traveling in Spain. Hotels in Valencia where I stayed on previous trips were Hotel Palau de la Mar and Hotel Dimar.
Both hotels are located in the same area of the city, close to Gran Via Marques de Turia. With plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants on the doorstep, I found both stays comfortable and practical.
Breakfast at Hotel Dimar:
Sea Gate
Puerta del Mar was very close to the hotel where I stayed on my last trip. I loved walking through this grand arch every time I left my accommodation. Built in the 1940s, it is a reproduction of a gateway to the port of Valencia.
The original arch was built in 1356 as part of the city’s medieval walls. Unfortunately it was demolished many years ago. The Torres Serranos were also part of this same historic wall and can be visited. The panoramic view from the top is fabulous.
For me personally, the highlight of the city is visiting its UNESCO world heritage site. THE silk lock It was built in 1500 and used as a Silk Exchange. A commercial center where merchants from all over Europe gathered here. Used for several centuries, the columned hall was the main trading room of the European silk industry.
Silk Market
The large building is of Gothic style architecture and dates between 1482 and 1548. Both the exterior and interior are equally impressive. Take a moment to look up and notice the intricate gargoyles on the facade. These stone carvings are very dramatic and extremely detailed.
Lonja de Seda’s opening hours are from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays it opens from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Learn more about the Silk Exchange and its historical importance on the Silk Road Guided Tour in Valencia.
Did you know that the first university in Spain was founded in Valencia in 1209 by Muslims?
City of Arts and Sciences
If you have several days in Valencia, spend one of them in the City of Arts and Sciences, it is one of the main attractions for visitors. Distributed over a large area that was previously a riverbed. This modern complex has a Science Museum, an Oceanic Chart, an Opera House and the Hemisphere, including an IMAX 3D cinema, among other attractions.
I didn’t have much time on the day of the visit and I only managed to see a small part of the Science Museum. The modern architecture makes this one of the most photogenic areas in Valencia, with all the whiteness and sharp lines.
Valencia water
When visiting Valencia, don’t miss the delicious drink Valencia water. This is a combination of fresh local orange juice, cava, vodka and gin. Created in the late 1920s with local fruit and it is delicious.
The oldest bar opened in 1836 is in the Cabanyal neighborhood. Mountain House It has been trading for 200 years and is a true gem of a place. With old wooden barrels and a beautiful nostalgic atmosphere. An ideal place to taste local wines or Agua de Valencia. It is close to Malvarrosa beach, at Rua José Benlliure, nº 69.
How to make Valencia Water
- A liter of cava
- A liter of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 500ml Vodka
- 500ml of Gin
- Ice cubes, orange slices and sugar to taste
Valencia Cathedral
The name of the Cathedral tower is Micalette. Built in the 14th century, Valencia Cathedral has undergone changes over the centuries. The Cathedral is Gothic in style and was consecrated in 1238. Inside there is a Holy Chalice believed to be the Holy Grail. With inscriptions from the 1st century, it arrived in Valencia in 1400 through King Alfonso V of Aragon.
Shopping in Valencia
THE English Court next to the City of Arts and Sciences is huge. With 9 floors, it is the largest department store in Valencia. This is a good option if you have parked nearby, as you can walk from the Science Museum or the Oceanographic area to get to the store.
For high-end and designer stores, head to the area around Carrer del Poeta Querol. Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors have stores here, for example.
For street shops and the main shopping area, look in the Carrer de Colon area.
Back in the old town and I noticed these baskets seen above. The round ones are for collecting snails in the field.
Valencian paella
THE park natural from there
You can take a bus tour to explore this area and even board one of the boats that travel through the rice fields. I visited El Rek Restaurant a Sunday to try their Paella. There are many restaurants in this area.
If you prefer, you can also learn how to make paella in a cooking class.
Please note:
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. All thoughts, feelings and opinions shared on this blog and in this post are my own.
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