As you set foot in Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, be prepared to embark on an enchanting journey. Valencia is a harmonious blend of the historic and the modern, with impressive architecture, a rich culinary scene, and sun-soaked beaches.
Food
- Paella Valenciana: The birthplace of paella, Valencia offers an authentic taste of this iconic Spanish dish. It's a must-try made with rice, rabbit, chicken and a mix of beans.
- Horchata and Fartons: Savor horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, accompanied by cartons of elongated sugar-coated pastries.
- Tapas: Experience the local tapas culture. Head to the city's tapas bars and indulge in patatas bravas, albondigas, and more.
- Fresh Seafood: Given its coastal location, Valencia offers a wealth of seafood. Dine in the restaurants along the beach for fresh fish and seafood paellas.
- Central Market: Visit Mercado Central to witness one of Europe's largest and oldest-running food markets.
Culture
- Fallas Festival: Each year in March, Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival, during which enormous figures made of paper-mâché are displayed in a procession through the city streets before being set ablaze.
- City of Arts and Sciences: This futuristic cultural complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, is an architectural marvel and a hub for science and culture.
- Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, Valencian is also an official language. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated.
- Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this late Valencian Gothic-style civil building was an important center for the silk trade.
- Traditional Crafts: Explore Valencia's crafts tradition, including ceramics, embroidery, and fan-making.
Travel Tips
- Valencia Tourist Card: It's advisable to consider acquiring the Valencia Tourist Card, which grants complimentary access to public transport and offers reductions on various attractions and eateries.
- Sun Protection: The Valencian sun is intense, especially in the summer. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Cycle around: Valencia is a bike-friendly city with extensive cycling lanes. Rent a bike to explore the city.
- Tipping: Tipping is less common in Spain than in other countries, but leaving small changes or rounding up is appreciated.
- Book in Advance: For popular attractions and during festivals, it's wise to book tickets in advance.
Interesting Facts
- Valencia is credited as the birthplace of paella.
- Valencia Cathedral is the repository of the Holy Grail, the chalice believed to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper.
- Valencia's port is the largest on the Mediterranean western coast.
- In the 1960s, the course of the Turia River, which flows through Valencia, was altered and redirected. The former riverbed has been transformed into the Turia Gardens, among Spain's most extensive urban parks.
Top Places
- City of Arts and Sciences: Explore this cultural complex, which includes an opera house, an IMAX cinema, a science museum, and an oceanographic park.
- Valencia Cathedral: Visit this impressive cathedral, which blends various architectural styles and houses numerous works of art.
- Turia Gardens: Stroll or cycle through this extensive park that winds through the city.
- Bioparc Valencia: Experience this unique zoo where barriers are almost invisible, and animals seem to live in their natural habitat.
- Malvarrosa Beach: Relax on this beautiful urban beach, or try water sports.
- Serranos Towers: Climb up these medieval towers for a panoramic city view.
- Barrio del Carmen: Wander through the narrow streets of this historic neighborhood full of street art, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
In conclusion, Valencia captivates visitors with its historic charm, modern innovation, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Valencia has something for you whether you are a food lover, history buff, art enthusiast, or beachgoer. Immerse yourself in its culture, indulge in its gastronomic delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
