things to do in valencia italy

2022.07.31
why does my kitten chew on everything

things to do in valencia italy

Oh, and Gwyneth Paltrow visited a while back, too.

Planning Your Dream Trip to Spain? The most popular of its kind in the whole of Valencia, Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort is the ideal choice for a high-end stay in this city. I also love a good boogie any time so it wasnt long before they had me wishing I could have joined in on the dancing! It always seems to captures the imagination of travellers visiting Valencia and its easy to see why. For dinner, share small plates at La Pata Negra or nibble pinchos at El Carabasser. Mull over artworks by Joaqun Sorolla, Francisco Goya, and El Greco, plus one of only two self-portraits that Diego Velzquez ever painted. For full information, please see our, Admire Valencia Cathedral and The Holy Grail, Gaze at the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, Relax at Caf Negrito, one of the most popular hangouts in the city, Experience lunch cooked to perfection at Restaurante Navarro, Explore the magical world of LOceanogrfic, Wander around the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood, Stay a night at the Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Hit the shops or one of the many malls in the city, Get right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Valencias Central Market, Stand at the foot of the Torres de Serranos, Spend the day catching rays at La Malvarrosa Beach, Make your stay by lodging in Casual Vintage Valencia, Experience the weird and wonderful Fallas Festival, Try something different like a canyoning tour, Spain Bucket List: Ultimate Guide on the Best Things to Do, Where To Stay in Spain | Best Hotels & Hostels, 18 Amazing Things to Do in Benidorm, Spain, Awesome Things to Do in Toledo, Spain for Any Traveler, Best Costa del Sol Beaches to Visit in 2021, 15 Awesome Day Trips from Seville You Should Take. She is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast. Now one of the citys best-known restaurants, food here is consistently excellent and the dark wood interior transports you to old-world Spain. Elsewhere you can spot sand tiger sharks, penguins, walruses, dolphins and sea lions. Its the kind of market thats filled with local produce, organic goodies and fresh treats thatll leave you stuffed. So at the Arctic tank youll get to see beluga whales swimming in a spacious and thoughtfully designed tank. Like most historic centres in Spanish cities the heart of Valencia is made for wandering. All rights reserved. Indeed it was a Valencian banker who coughed up the funds for Christopher Colombus voyage to the Americas.

The cathedrals octagonal bell-tower graces many postcards sent home from the city. And dont forget to feast your eyes on the citys claim to fame: The Holy Grail that Jesus drank from at the last supper. We headed out about 5 am-ish and were in the balloon by around 7 am. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Valencia that you can prioritise and hopefully plan a little easier.

saplaya Begin with a guided tour of the Palau de les Arts, the towering white opera house that cantilevers over an azure pool, then track down the answers to any burning questions about the world in the science museum. That all being said, its easily one of the best things to do in Valencia if you fancy a little jaunt from the city itself. Insiders Tip: Keen on discovering what the City of Arts and Sciences has to offer? Wash it all down with a glass of Bobal, a light, fruity regional red. We've been traveling the world for the last 8 years thanks to our blog! El Carmen took shape in medieval times, situated outside of the 11th-century Moorish walls but within the Christian ones that went up in the 14th-century. There are slides, ramps, stairways and all kinds of little interactive features.

Its totally lovely. Dance Ninja. For a wide beach with clean soft sand stretching for miles, head to the most popular one in the city: La Malvarrosa. Your ticket money helps to fund conservation research and a rescue program for stranded marine life. We hope this extensive list of things to do in Valencia will help you discover the ins-and-outs of the city so that you get a full-on awesome Spanish experience. Peruse the food stalls in the morning then stop for gourmet boccadillos (sandwiches) and tapas at Central Bar. We're Tom and Anna, the two travellers behind this travel blog, Adventure in You. Honestly, I dont think Ive ever seen people dance with so much fire and passion like ever and its easily one of the best things to do in Valencia when you visit. You may be in a city, but not far away is an adrenaline experience just waiting to be had! With world-class art, incredible food, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, how do you choose where to go in France? Once here, be sure to see the views across the bay and pop on a castle tour if youve got time. Suggested tour: Valencia: Albufera Jeep and Boat Tour. This majestic late-15th-century building is a UNESCO site and held as the masterpiece of Valencian Gothic architecture. Oh my gosh, flamenco is as intense as it looks and is totally incredible to see. Valencia is the home of paella and feasting on the saffron rice dish at lunchtime is a Sunday ritual. However, it is worth noting that research suggests keeping cetaceans in captivity is detrimental to their welfare. Valencia has many unspoiled beaches along its impressive coastline so you are in no way short of places to sit down with your toes in the sand and chill. Recommended tour: Essentials and World Heritages Sites Walking Tour. seeing Saint Marys Cathedral is easily one of the best things to do in Valencia if you love history. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for all the amenities it provides, from lifeguard towers , a medical station, drinking fountains and showers, to its easily-navigable ramps and footpaths.

Trust me, Ive had this happen myself. In the afternoon, the park is an ideal spot to esmorzar (to lunch in Valencian) beneath the palm trees or return on rollerblades at sunset to cut shapes with the young crowd who skate to reggaeton. Culture vultures should not miss the Museo de Bellas Artes, the second largest art gallery in Spain and easily recognizable by its splendid cerulean dome. Here are the top 15 things to do in Valencia. Not only does every area have its own street market once a week, the city also has a plethora of malls where youll find most major brands. The aquarium is organised by ten zones, each synthesising a distinct environment, and using real seawater pumped from Valencias waterfront. There are also ultra-modern visitor attractions at the City of the Arts and Sciences, and it all goes to make Valencia one of Spains most complete destinations. To the southeast of the city center, the Oceanogrfic rises from the former Turia River bed like a monster from the deep. Futuristic and otherworldly, this cultural complex designed by renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava underpins Valencias reputation for innovative design. Lost cities, active volcanoes, stunning coasts: explore the most scenic destinations of the Americas on these hikes. Suitable even for beginners, this outing will make your trip to Valencia an unforgettable one. The Museu de les Cincies Prncipe Felipe will stimulate curiosity and critical thinking with its variety of interactive exhibits and workshops, so head there if you want to fill your brain with science. Not only can you spend hours here gazing through the glass at a range of exotic animals in their natural habitats, but you can also walk through the largest glass water tunnel in Europe, watch majestic sharks swimming a few meters from your face, and witness amazing dolphin displays.

Boasting first-class service, an ambient terrace, and delicious food paired with top-notch sangria or wine, trust us when we say youll be visiting this place again before you leave Valencia. Visit three delicious tapas spots for some yummy food, and learn more about Spanish food culture along the way. We all love a good tavern, so head to this local favorite and soak up the Valencian sun with views of the Cathedral. With its picturesque townhouses and new-wave coffee shops, this barrio is popular with Valencia's growing expat community. If you want to avoid the crowds, head across earlier in the morning or last thing before closing times. You can climb to the top of the Miguelete Bell Tower and experience sweeping views of the city. Once youve hired a bicycle, wheel toward the Jardines del Turia, a 5.6-mile (9km) stretch of greenery that curves around the eastern flank of the city. Las Fallas marks the beginning of spring, and in the past the citys carpenters would hold bonfires on the night before the 19th in honour of their patron saint. Perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon! Plaza de la Virgen, home to the Turia Fountain and lined with iconic historic buildings, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Town Hall Square, Plaza de Toros de Valencia, one of the largest bullrings in Spain. So convenient, and saves you some money too! From adventure trips and nature trips to castle visits or exploring smaller surrounding towns, you can make your Valencia experience your own by choosing an activity you love. Strike into the wilds on Scotlands best hiking trails, around loch, over moor, up mountain and through glen. Through, I wish I could tell you which one it was but I stopped paying attention once I saw the Iberico ham. What are your favorite things to do in Valencia? Why is this place hip?, we hear you say. Related tour:City Highlights Tour in Jeep with Snacks & Drinks. Lets explore the best things to do in Valencia: It can be difficult to wrap your head around the City of the Arts and Sciences. Not only that, but the whole complex is also totally stunning and its really easy to visit when youre visiting the City of Arts and Sciences. Now, if you fancy an authentic experience, pop into Caf del Duende that has some of the best in the city! So, if you have the time, consider visiting them all. In 2012 the city implemented the Valenbisi bike sharing network, which is subscription-based and aimed mainly at Valencias residents. We rented a boat for a few hours in the morning, which was totally incredible. Apparently, Las Fallas was started to celebrate the arrival of spring when people would burn wood and, nowadays, ninots that are totally incredible to see. Full of waterfalls, pristine pools of water, and smooth winding canyons, feel the rush of excitement as you spend the day exploring, climbing, abseiling and cliff jumping until your heart is content. Even if youre just sightseeing here youll love the buildings art nouveau metal and glass design. This curved, hyperbolic shell-like museum was once Europe's largest aquarium until Nausica, on the Boulogne-sur-Mer seafront in France, was expanded. So, visiting LOceanogrfic is probably one of the best things to do in Valencia if you love the aquarium. Las Fallas is one heck of a sight to see and a UNESCO protected cultural heritage event that happens each year in the city. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Hit the high street shops, discover local independent stores, and make your way to the giant Centros Comerciales (shopping malls) such as Nuevo Centro, El Saler, BonAire, Parque Ademuz, Aqua, or the high-end mall of Galera Don Juan de Austria. The Jardines del Turia links the Bioparc a zoo full of African wildlife with the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias.

This all means that theres loads of totally epic and best things to do in Valencia that will be fill your days. Busy Playa de las Arenas, a delightful freeway of soft, muscovado-colored sand just north of the port, is the citys most accessible stretch of shoreline.

If you are looking to meet people, this is the place to visit. Oh, and theres the wine tasting too. Share with us in the comments! Along the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath, Sebastian Modak finds much to learn by hitting the brakes. Its a whole experience!

I just love how emotive and graceful the tango is. You heard us right and Caf Negrito is one of the most popular hangout spots for a reason! Well, its because of where Ruzafa sits on the coolness scale. Get more details here. The city also has its own bike sharing scheme, Valenbisi, which allows users to hire a bike and return it to different spots around the city. If you rent bikes, you can pick them up from one end and drop them off at the other. Once a wide and powerful river that split the city in two, the River Turia was redirected elsewhere after it flooded the city after a horrendous storm in the 1950s. Found under the lush trees just outside of the center, this restaurant is a must-visit for foodies who seek an authentic tapas experience. Its well worth a little gander. The whole thing was started in the mid-90s and the finishing touches were made in 2005. Still, there are numerous rental companies across the city, ilike PassionBike in Carrer de Serrans. Riff is a really special restaurant and one of the Michelin star spots we had to visit when we explored Valencia.

Whats great about this place is the way the palaces next to these cool, shaded alleys have been converted into hip boutiques, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Now, there is an entrance cost but its totally worth it to see one of Valencias most iconic (and historic) buildings. Let your hair down to live music at La Fbrica de Hielo, a former ice factory. Perched in the old quarter of Valencia, you kinda cant miss Plaza de la Virgen. With 45,000 individual animals from 500 different species, you wont find another attraction on this scale in Europe. The best part of this is how amazing the city looks while you look back at it when youre sailing across the Mediterranean sea. As part of Santa Maria Cathedral, the El Miguelete Tower is one epic (and historic) place for views across Valencia. You see, its surrounded by some of the iconic buildings Ive already mentioned and really easy to see after visiting the nearby cathedral and climbing Torre del Micalet. 2022 Lonely Planet. Top Tip: Dont leave Spain without experiencing their glorious tapas culture! Just make sure to book a table in advance; its a real treat.

The weirdest, loudest, and most elaborate fiesta, the whole week involves parades of large and exuberant statues and people letting off firecrackers and fireworks 24 hours a day. Constructed by the Knights Templar, seeing Pope Lunas Castle is one of the best things to do in Valencia if you want to explore the citys long historical sites.

Heres an Ultimate Guide for you!

And throughout the week Ninots, huge cardboard sculptures with satirical themes, make their way around the city streets and are eventually burned in the Crem, massive fires on the night of the 19th. City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas, City Highlights Tour in Jeep with Snacks & Drinks, Essentials and World Heritages Sites Walking Tour, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Gaithersburg (MD). One of our favorite ways to experience the true culture of a new city is to take a food or wine tour with a local.

Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Spain through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Click to find out more about us and how we've turned this travel blog into a business. You might also like:The 12 top free things to do inValenciaFind the day trips fromValenciathat were made for youBest parks inValencia: how to go green in the Spanish city. Las Fallas is an unbridled display of creativity, color, and endless fireworks, with a political twist. If youre walking the Jardn del Turia with little ones then make a stop at this imaginative attraction close to the City of the Arts and Sciences. You can pick from the traditional meat variety, with rabbit and snails, or go for the seafood version, with prawns and squid. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. All of the must-see sights in this part of the city are just couple of minutes away from each other. Not only does this give you an insight into their cuisine, but it is always incredibly fun and delicious. La chufa (tiger nuts) are grown near here too. Save some Euros (and time spent in line!) Valencians are proud of their paella and passionate about politics, a fervor that ignites the city during Las Fallas festival in spring. There are 400 small traders at the market, with 959 selling farm and sea-fresh produce at the best prices in the city. What more could you want? Whether youre a fan of bullfighting or not, a quick visit to the Valencia bullring is worth adding to your sightseeing list. Its also home to the Gonzlez Mart National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts. Eat your fair share of tapas and pintxos, paired with a beer or two, and relax with locals in this informal and bustling environment. Slightly dilapidated but utterly charming, the quarter is a favorite with locals, unlike more gentrified parts of the city. In which case El Saler is the way to go: the beach starts some way south of Valencias port, which youll be able to see in the distance. Not only that, but Sierra-de-Mariola is also a totally stunning area. Imagine the whole of Valencia surrounded by old medieval walls in the 14th-century when you stand at the foot at all that remains of them: the Torres de Serranos. Try the anguila ahumada (smoked eel), typically hauled out of the LAlbufera, a freshwater lake. Prices here are higher than elsewhere in the city but worth paying. A restaurant highly recommended by all, Restaurante Navarro is particularly known for its fantastic paella. In any one of the numerous bars that spill onto the pavement, try Agua de Valencia, a deceptively lethal cocktail composed of orange juice and various alcohols. Want to sleep with sea views and just a stones throw away from a stretching sandy beach? If you are looking for things to do once the sun goes down, head to the El Carmen barrio. From cozy pubs to local grub, check out our list of the 5 best neighborhoods to visit in Belfast. Travel Tip: Not sure how to spend an extra day in Valencia? You want to see everything you can but you also realise the limits in how much time youve set yourself. This makes it a totally epic city to visit if you want some totally amazing bars and little live music venues. Wander around this incredible food market, and youll get a much closer look into the daily life of a Valencian. Hot air ballooning, just outside Valencia, is out-of-this-world. Central markets are always teeming with unique sights, sounds and smells that are indicative of the citys history and culture. Get your camera ready and pose for some pretty snapshots for your Instagram! Situated next to the ocean, this working-class barrio of low-rise, tiled houses was once a fishing village. Plus, you usually end up learning about all the best local hotspots and making friends for life. One of the things that makes Valencia so great is its coastline, too. Its "Chromosome forest" does a great job of explaining how genes work.

The buzzy, zero-kilometer eatery is run by Ricard Camarena, a mega-chef on the Valencian culinary scene whose restaurants have won Michelin stars. The meandering alleyways are frequented by a bohemian bunch and the neighborhood is home to several music bars. Valencia lights up again in June during the Festival de les Arts, an epic weekend of bands and electronic music held in the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias. What do I book in advance? So grab a cocktail from a chiringuito (beach bar) and lie back on your deckchair. Check out tours and activities that are available in the city, and you just might find something that you didnt even know you could do! Now, you can easily organise these with your hotel concierge or heading to experience platforms online, too. Your email address will not be published. Top rated tour:City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas. And if you do feel like doing some shopping at the market youll be in foodie heaven. If you didnt already know, the dishs name comes from the large iron pans that its cooked and served in. Take a half trip away from the sights and head into the mountains for a thrill with a via ferrata excursion. Click to find out more about us and how we've turned this travel blog into a business. This is the home of paella, surely the most famous Spanish dish of all. Visiting the old Barraca Huts just outside the city limits is totally lovely for an early evening experience. If this sounds like heaven to you, why not stay a night (or two, or ten!) Between each landmark is a maze of little streets with cafes, restaurants and local amenities or artisan shops. The star of the City of the Arts and Sciences is this cutting-edge oceanarium that opened in 2003. Walk, cycle, or lounge here for a few hours. You can also see fragments of Valencias late-medieval defences, at Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos. To beat the heat in summer stop off at a square like Plaza de la Virgen for a cool glass of horchata, a drink made with ground almonds, tigernuts and a variety of grains and flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla. Open Tuesday through Sunday, you can get a peaceful and relaxing glimpse into the citys curious past. With no artificial additives or preservatives, you can take a guided tour of the facilities by the master brewer or just enjoy the finest of beer right by the sea. Despite dating to the early-20th century it blends perfectly with the historic architecture in this part of the old city. The dishes are all so creative and theres a real flair for good food and presentation. A must-see for any visitor, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is an amazing place consisting of a group of futuristic buildings designed by local architects. Full of small art galleries, indie boutiques, organic food shops, coffee shops, American-style bakeries, cafes with sun terraces, burger bars, fusion restaurants, and late-night bars and clubs, this district is full of vibrant people doing interesting things. You see, theres a story behind every dish, its all sourced by them. Copyright Hand Luggage Only. Let us help you decide. La Lonja de la Seda is the finest a monument to Valencias golden age, when the city was one of Europes main centres for trade and culture. by buying a combined ticket that provides entry to your chosen sites. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Amsterdam. This is where friends gather around a cool box of cervezas and where grandparents on deckchairs keep a watchful eye on children happily building sandcastles. Its tough-looking crenellated outline sits right in front of the citys central market. Paella is probably Spains most famous dish, and it was first created right here. Affordable, friendly, and delicious, Bocadella Tapas offers genuine Spanish delicacies. The neighborhood is sleepy during the day, then livelier come nightfall. Crane your neck outside Carrer del Mediterrani, 37 to see a mosaic of an oxen dragging a fishing vessel out of the ocean. Look up at these towering twin stone gates and climb to the top of them for city views. Originally it stood completely alone from the cathedral, but extensions in the late-1400s brought the two structures together. Its well worth it. Though be warned, it can get super busy in the summer months! For example every day at two in the town square you can see the La Masclet, an ear-splitting firework display. Eat your fill at La Pepica Ernest Hemingways favorite spot or venture out of town to El Saler, a village by the LAlbufera natural park. We absolutely love traveling somewhere when they have a traditional festival or celebration going on, so consider heading to Valencia to experience the spectacle that is the Fallas Festival. Included in: Medieval Valencia 1-Hour Segway Tour. Valencia has many of the things that attracts tourists to Spain, all in one place: The city has a vibrant old centre, with a knot of little streets and splendid medieval buildings like the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda. Imagine Valencia as it was during the Golden Age inside La Lonja the old silk exchange that was at the heart of the citys wealth in the 15th century. Also, for some tasty tapas nearby, pop into Tinto Fino Ultramarino. Once inside, takes a stroll to see all the Baroque paintings and mural that have been a part of this gothic church for hundreds of years. The Serranos Towers is another one of those spots you can easily see whilst strolling through Valencia, especially if youve just been to the Institue of Modern Art (thats totally amazing and nearby). To guarantee a space, head across at least 1-1.5 hours before the performance. Jimmy Glass is one of the best, with a stellar line up of Spanish and international groups and a jazz festival in the fall. The former working-class district now buzzes with young people who are drawn to its fusion restaurants, wine bars, and late-night spots. Expect thousands of people, the best atmosphere and some of the more extravagant falles you could see! Away from the main square, Benimaclet lacks the heritage architecture found in other parts of the city, but the districts lively spirit makes up for it. Its a chilled out place where you can spend an evening with wines and nibbles. Its a gorgeous city, have the best time. Valencias Central Market is no exception. Although Madrid and Barcelona typically grab the headlines when it comes to talk about Spain, the third-largest city is trundling along in the background with so much to offer. When adventure arises, Becky jumps in head first even if she has to work herself up for it! The bottles of wine here range from 10 right up to 5,000 and its such an experience. Wind through tranquil plazas towards the cathedral, a 13th-century masterpiece that was once a mosque and before that, a Roman temple. We've put together some awesome guides to help you have the best experience in Spain. There is a reason why Casa Montaa has been around since 1836. With so much to do and see, regardless of the time of year you travel here, here is a list of our top favorite things to do in Valencia. The great news is that wont have to trudge far for a cold drink or bite to eat as there are permanent restaurants right on the promenade next to the beach. Only the seagulls will disturb you here and the occasional cheer from the beach volleyball courts.