Valencia is a wonderful city on the east coast of Spain and the perfect destination for city break with your family, friends or your partner. There are a lot of activities which can be carried out it the city. You cannot only discover the historical architecture but also enjoy the beach. To make sure that you will not miss anything during your days in Valencia, you will find the best things you can do to discover this beautiful city during a short holiday below.
City break Valencia: do not miss out on these activities
First of all, rent a bike!
The most beautiful things which you can visit are not far away from each other. Anyhow if you are only a couple of days in Valencia, the best thing you can do is rent a bike so that you will not miss anything. One of the highlights of the city, which is easy to visit by bike, is Jardín del Turia, in other words The Turia Park. After a flood in 1957, the city decided to shunt the river allowing that he could only flow on the west side of Valencia. This resulted in a beautiful park that today is a meeting place for many Valencians and where everyone can withdraw themselves from the city life for a moment. Besides that, the park is perfect for a bicycle tour. You will enjoy the natural environment on your bike and at the same time the park connects with several curiosities.
Afterwards you can, partly through the Turia park, make a bike ride to the beach. The distance from the city centre to Playa de la Malvarossa is approximately six kilometres. Of course you can do this by foot but when you are only a few days in Valencia it is perfect to visit the beach by bicycle. You are at the beach before you know!
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
At the end of the Turia Park you will find Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, in other words The City of Arts and Sciences. If you visit Valencia you definitely should have seen these beautiful architectural buildings. You are welcome to see these buildings and shoot beautiful images, and if you want you can visit the Museum of Science in one of the buildings.
Because you are in the neighbourhood anyway you should visit the last building of this beautiful city of art and science, Oceanogràfic. This is the largest aquarium of Europe with more than 40,000 animals and 500 types. You will definitely outlook your eyes with this adventurous visit.
Enjoy a typical valencian lunch
Valencia is known for her delicious paellas. The most important ingredients for this typical valencian lunch dish are rice, chicken, rabbit, beans and sometimes escargots. The valencian families prepare this lunch mostly on Sunday to enjoy it with the whole family. On the other hand, it is also possible to eat paella during dinner, but most of the people from Valencia, and also the tourists, choose to enjoy this dish between all the Spanish people during lunch.
The squares of Valencia
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the municipal square of Valencia is one of the most important squares of the city. You will find here the town hall, the post office and other beautiful historical buildings. The sun is shining and the weather is pleasant in the evening? Then we recommend you to visit the Skybar on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, so that you will have a view of the whole square while enjoying a drink.
From this square you can proceed to Plaza de la Reina where you will find the Cathedral of Valencia. It is possible to visit the cathedral and besides you can climb the tower of the cathedral which gives you a view of the whole city! As you continue walking, into the el Carmen district, you will find Plaza de la Virgen. This square has a beautiful fountain and historic architecture just as the other squares. Finally, this is the perfect square to enjoy a sangria in the sun on the terrace.
The oldest fresh marketplace of Europe
Mercat Central is the biggest indoor fresh produce market in the old centre of Valencia. It is located behind Plaza del Ayuntamiento and it is the oldest indoor fresh marketplace of Europe. Mercat Central is not only frequently visited by tourists but also by Spaniards who are doing their daily or weekly grocery shopping. The building has space for more than 300 merchants which sell many things such as vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, olives, nuts and much more. You will also find here one of the most popular restaurants in Valencia, Central Bar. You can enjoy delicious tapas with a drink but when you are planning to visit this restaurant, make sure that you will be there on time since this unique bar is getting more and more popular every day.
These are the most important curiosities which you can visit during a city break in Valencia. Were you not able to visit everything? We recommend you to visit this beautiful city again another time. For instance, during the biggest festival of Valencia, Las Fallas! Read more about las Fallas here