I was lucky enough to spend 5 months in the UK during my gap year, and oh my god, I loved every single minute of it. After a lot of reflexion, it was time for me to go back home for a few months to earn a few pennies (as my grand mother would say). A contract with Disneyland Paris was on its way to me but in the meantime, I decided to plan a last minute trip! I definitely wanted to go somewhere warm and sunny, not too far, and at an affordable price. You would think that I was being quite fussy no? Well I found my destination very quickly: Valencia, in Spain. One of my old friends from secondary school has a flat in the city centre of this city, and she kindly offered me to stay for a few days. Now, let’s do a little throwback of my crazy trip!
Where: Valencia, Spain
Dates: 24-26th of April
Transportation: Plane (Transavia)
Total budget: 300€
After a very hectic journey to the airport, I was on my way to Spain!
I quickly dropped my bag at my friend’s apartment, and then started our exploration of the city. It was nice to have someone local with me as she told me a lot about the history of the city, short cuts, the Spanish lifestyle etc. If you’re doing this without a guide, I would recommend that you buy a little travel guide, just to make sure that you don’t miss out on all the good things.
Of course, now, I have to mention the language. Although most of the time I was able to exchange in english with the locals, I sometimes found that the older generations were not that helpful. You definitely should try to learn the basics, I actually caught people smiling at me when I was trying to speak their language! When traveling, I always want to be as immersed as I can, so that was a good start to it. Now let’s move on to what I saw!
Must-see places
- City of arts and sciences
It is a cultural and architectural complex which is the most important modern tourist attraction in the city. On a larger scale, it is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
- Turia Gardens
This long park runs through the city along kilometers of green space, foot paths, leisure and sports areas. It is an ideal walk for all the family and ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. It was originally a river but has now been drained for 60 years following a massive episode of flooding.
Tip: as the walk is quite long, set yourself the reward of eating a nice ice-cream at the end!
- Central market of Valencia
If you love food (I now you do), then you will enjoy the richness, variety, colors of a Mediterranean life! It is a place where you can buy traditional products, mostly fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables, especially oranges (Valencia speciality), meat, cheese, spices and even seafood. On top of buying a few souvenirs for my family, I also got a selection of traditional goodies to make a tapas picnic during my stay. It consisted of a Spanish omelette and pan con tomate. Whether you’re here to eat, buy, snap or just walk around, you’ll always enjoy this beautiful place.
- Colón Market
If you’ve ever been to London before, it will probably ring a bell as it looks very much like Covent Garden. This stunning building has previously been a covered market but has now been converted into a kind of shopping centre, with a lot of different cafes and tapas bar. You can easily stop there for a quick traditional lunch!
- Micalet tower
Whenever I travel somewhere new, I always try to find places to enjoy nice views. For that, what’s better than climbing up a tower? "El Miguelete" which is a gothic style construction made during the fourteenth century is about 50 meters high. If you have the courage to climb 207 steps into an enormous spiral staircase, then you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of the city, even the sea.
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 19:00
Fee: 2 Euros
Because sight seeing is probably the most important thing whilst traveling, you will love walking down the streets of Valencia. You’ll regularly encounter what they call « Plazas » which are public squares, full of places to eat and relax.
- Plaza de la Virgen
This first public square is bounded by three emblematic buildings – the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, and the Palace of the Generalitat. There, you’ll find many spots for eating, drinking, and relaxing. One of the main attractions is probably its beautiful fountain, depicting Neptune.
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
The best translation I can offer is “Town Hall Square” as it hosts the most representative administrative buildings in Valencia. The architecture is a real mix of Spanish styles with modern touches. Considered as the main square in the city, it is where all the major festivals and events are held. Many shops, departments stores, cafés and restaurants are just a few minutes walk away.
- Plaza de la Reina
It is a lovely square in the center of the old historic part of Valencia, just a few yards from Plaza de la Virgen in the Old Town. Surrounded by cafes, tapas bars and restaurants, this is a great place to enjoy a drink or a meal. It has to be my favorite part of the city as the architecture is beautiful (mainly gothic with a baroque accent). I could even feel oriental vibes, and could easily picture myself in Morocco!
Going out for food
- ES. Paella
Can you go to Spain and not have a Paella? I don’t think so! Within 48h, I had to fit a lot of sight seeing, eating and exploring, so we managed to find a nice take-away restaurant offering a huge variety of Paella. You can’t go wrong with the traditional « Paella Valenciana », but if like me you’re a vegetarian, they also have one which will suit you, no worries. It was very yum!
- Chocolateria Valor
This café is possibly one of the best places on earth. You can either come and buy a few chocolate bars or have a proper sit down and enjoy their variety of goodies. The Spanish tradition is to dip fresh churro pastries into a cup of thick hot chocolate. Doesn’t this sound like pure heaven? It is definitely not light, but so good. You can find this specialty under the name of « Chocolate con la taza ». They also offer a range of crepes, waffles and ice-creams, always made with their own Valor chocolate.
How Spanish people eat during the day
Breakfast: a coffee and a pastry at around 7:30am
Brunch: toasted bread with ham and/or a tomato spread accompanied with a latte around 11am
Lunch: main meal of the day with several courses, often a kind of paella, not before 2pm
Snack: a quick bite such as cookies or fruits (for the kids) at 5pm
Dinner: light meal which can be shared, small-plate style of tapas at 9pm
Foods to try
Paella Valenciana: seafood, sausage and chicken mixed up with saffron rice and vegetables
Chocolate Valor
Horchata de Chufa: grain-based beverage
Fartons de polo: elongated and glazed sugar pastries (similar to a doughnut)
Pan con Tomate: bread with tomato rubbed over and seasoned with olive oil and salt (that’s the base, then you’ll find some with ham and cheese for example)
Moving around
- Walking
If you are staying in the city centre, you can walk almost everywhere. Put on a comfortable pair of shoes, and you’re ready to go!
- Valencia Metro
For unlimited use of the metro, you can use a tourist card for 24h to 72h (from 15 to 25€).
From the airport to the city centre, take the line 3 or 5 and get out at Xativa which is right in the city centre (Plaza de Toros). I would also use it if you consider visiting the outskirts of the city such as the beach!
What I wish I could have done
- Museums
Whenever I visit a new city, I always end up in a museum as I find them very relaxing and interesting. It is so important to learn a bit more about the places you’re visiting.
- Beach
I did a lot within 48h in Valencia, but couldn’t fit a beach trip. Next time!
Very intense and jam-packed trip, but that’s for the best as I managed to see loads of things. A famous quote that I really like is: « Travel, your money return, your time won’t ». x
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