Travel Tip #17: City tips for Valencia
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Valencia, also called the city of oranges , is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The city has a Mediterranean climate: the summers are warm and winters are very mild. It is the third largest city in Spain, located on the Costa del Azahar by the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish seafood dish paella, one of the most famous dishes of Spanish cuisine, was born in Valencia. This city is very diverse offering endless activities and settings: nightlife, museums, beautiful nature, and of course the historic center. here are some tips and tricks for an unforgettable trip brought to you by Flight Delayed.
Facts
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Inhabitants: 810 000
Traveling time by plane: 2 hours 30 minutes
Attractions you should not miss
Valencia is full of attractions: this includes plenty of museums (34), about 15 kilometers of beach and a lot of modern architecture to admire. You can walk almost everywhere, with exception of the distance between the city centre and the City of Arts and Sciences. This however is just a short bus ride away with many connections per day.
-- Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias --
This cultural centre, also called the City of Arts and Sciences, is a part of town that was built mainly by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. He designed five of the six buildings, each with its own story. These buildings are absolutely worth a visit. The City of Arts and Sciences can be found in the Turia Park; this was formerly a river, but was then converted into a park. Ideal after a day of walking through the city to take a moment to relax!
-- Plaza del Ayuntamiento --
This is the largest aquarium in Europe and is situated in a futuristic building designed by Felix Candela. The aquarium gives home to about 40,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, walruses and even a white whale. There are also dolphin and sea lion shows. If you feel like grabbing a bite you should visit the underwater restaurant, located under the aquarium.
Address: Junta Murs i Valls
Opening hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: € 22.80, reduced rate: € 17.20
Enjoying Valencia
Valencia has quite a lot to offer so we have listed some of the most enjoyable things that you should not miss on you trip.
-- Mercado Central --
Mercado Central is a large indoor market located in the old centre of the city: the building is one of the most visited in Valencia. It is a 30 meter high dome made of iron, glass and ceramics. There are about 300 small traders on the market offering fresh local produce such as olives, prawns or oranges. Opening times are from 7:00 until 3:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, many traders however, starting closing at around 2:00 pm. Our tip; the earlier you go the better. Spaniards are famous for their siesta, a nap or break, to avoid the midday heat. On Sundays and Mondays the Mercado Central features special stalls with arts and crafts; you might also want to take a look here.
Address: Plaza del Mercado
Cost: Free
Opening hours: 7:00 to 3:00 pm
Days: Monday to Saturday
-- Playa --
Valencia lies by the Mediterranean Sea and offers a lovely long sand beach. The promenade stretches from the harbour all along the beach with many bars and restaurants. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood, including tapas and the famous paella. In the summer months there is a market, including clothing, sunglasses and souvenirs.
Valencia has two city beaches: La Malvarrosa and Las Arenas. La Malvarrosa is the northern beach with fine sand. Las Arenas is busier and is located next to the port of Valencia; there are several amenities such as beach beds, volleyball courts and restrooms. The harbor promenade boasts many bars and restaurants.
Tip: Renting a beach bed costs about € 3.70 for a whole day, however if you rent a bed frequently during your vacation, you might want to save your receipts. Once you have collected ten receipts, you will get one bed or parasol for free for one day.
-- Bike Tour --
Another tip is exploring Valencia by bike! Guided bike tours are available daily from 10:00 to 16:00 and take approximately three hours. You will cycle through Valencia, guided by a local, stopping at all the interesting hot spots and highlights of the city. The tour costs € 25, - per person with groups as big as 15 people. It is also possible to rent an electric bike or tandem with children's and baby seats.
For more information: http://www.bajabikes.eu/en/home
Other Tips
- On Mondays a lot of museums are closed
- People in Valencia do not tip, tipping is entirely up to you
- On weekends, locals normally have dinner around 10 pm. During the week they eat around 8 pm.