My last summer trip was to Valencia, Spain, because it was time to discover a new spanish city. My mum accompanied me in our 2year mother-daughter trip.
Barcélo Valencia was our hotel during our 4 nights stay and definately worth recommending. Situated in a modern area, with a view on the Ciudat de las Artes y Ciencas, it's an affordable hotel, with modern designed rooms including a super king size beds and last but not least full continental breakfast.
Katleen Engelen ©
Ciudat de las Artes y Ciencas, designed by Santiago Calatrava is a Must See! It's a beautiful modern centre, located in Les Jardines de Turia. The place is amazing and especially childfriendly with it's exhibitions and Océanographic, which is like a paradise on it's own whether you're interested in science, sealife, arts or modern architecture. This place will keep you fascinated for days.. Les Jardines de Turia are the most beautiful, green, well maintained gardens you could possibly imagine. The city centre is easily accessed through the gardens if you're up for a walk.
Katleen Engelen ©
Around the Calle Conde Altea you'll find more than enough affordable, cosy restaurants to have lunch or dinner. Whatever you're choice is: tapas, pinxos or an affordable menu, everything is possible. Gran Via del Marquès de Turia will give you a nice promenade before entering the city centre, passing La Arena and Placa de Ayuntamente.
Katleen Engelen ©
If you're up for some shopping, the area around Mercado Colon is a nice option. Though I personally don't consider Valencia a shopping city. I did cross 2 shops worth mentioning: Elva, with exclusive jewellery & accessories & La Vispateresa, with feminine clothes designed by young Valencian designers, both situated in Calle Grabador Esteve. You will find all the high street labels like zara and mango in Valencia, but not many new discoveries.
Katleen Engelen ©
Barrio del Carmen was a bit of a disappointment to me. Though it has nice "Plazas" and the Torres, Catedral, La Lonya and Mercado Central are all worth a visit, I expected more from this area. Maybe because many places were closed due to their annual holiday. This city area which is recommended by many, didn't live upto my expectations.
But as far as I can say, Les Jardines de Turia made up for it. Though affordable food is mostly found in town. The area around our hotel, is upcoming and has new modern bars and restaurants. If you're into Valencia Nightlife, you'll find a good start here, even inside the ciudat.
Katleen Engelen ©
Last but not least, I should mention, Valencia is also known for it's puerto & playa. So if you're up for a beach holiday, you can always fill a few days at the beach. Even if your trip is short, a late afternoon at the beach is perfect, because many valencians stay late at the beach and the weather allows you to enjoy the sun quite late. Besides this beach you'll find the Passeig Maritim, where you'll find plenty of restaurant & bar choices. The price is a bit higher, but yet affordable.
When you walk towards El Puerto, you'll find a nice "going out" scene, with bars, restaurants and clubs with a view on the puerto & Veles e Vents. A modern building designed by David Chipperfield, for Port America's Cup. El Puerto is a modern but pleasant environment, with a salsa bar, where everyone is dancing in the open air during the early to late evening. Personal recommendation: Bamboo el Mar.
Katleen Engelen ©
3 to 4 days would be fair enough to get to know Valencia, but you can always extend at the beach or combine with other areas or cities across the Spanish Coast..
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