Valencia
Valencia
Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and sits prettily on the southeastern coast. It blends historic charm with futuristic architecture in a way that few European cities manage to pull off.
The Old Town (Ciutat Vella) is packed with impressive buildings like the Valencia Cathedral, which claims to house the Holy Grail, and the striking Gothic Silk Exchange (La Lonja), now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meanwhile, the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences complex looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and the authentic Valencian version with rabbit and chicken (not seafood!) is a must-try. The massive Central Market is one of Europe's oldest running food markets, where you can sample fresh local produce and regional specialties.
What makes Valencia special is its balance - it has beautiful Mediterranean beaches without the overcrowding of other Spanish coastal cities. The unique Turia Gardens, a 9km park created in a former riverbed after the Turia River was diverted, cuts through the city center providing a green oasis.
The locals celebrate their famous Las Fallas festival each March, where huge satirical sculptures are created and then ceremoniously burned. It's chaotic, artistic, and completely unique to Valencia.
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Things to do in Valencia
Top things to do in Valencia by www.timeout.com
Where to stay in Valencia
Best hotels in Valencia:
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Sweet Hotel Continental (budget hotel)
Sweet Hotel Continental is steps from the main square, you'll be perfectly placed to explore all the city has to offer. The rooms are comfortable and clean, with modern amenities like satellite TV and air conditioning to keep you cool after a day of sightseeing.
One of the best things about this hotel is its location - you're within easy walking distance of major attractions, great restaurants, and shopping areas. The staff are friendly and happy to provide tips on what to see and do nearby. There's also a nice terrace where you can relax with a drink and take in views of the city.
While the breakfast gets mixed reviews, there are plenty of cafes nearby if you want more options. Overall, Sweet Hotel Continental offers a great home base for exploring Valencia, with a hard-to-beat central location and good value for the price. It's an ideal choice if you want to be in the middle of the action.
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Your Perfectt place (homestay)
Your Perfectt place in Valencia is a cozy spot in the La Saidia district, just a short walk from the city center. The rooms are clean and comfy, with air conditioning to beat the Spanish heat. Each unit has its own little kitchen setup, so you can whip up some tapas if you feel like staying in.
The best part might be the outdoor spaces - there's a nice terrace where you can sip your morning coffee or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. The staff are super friendly and helpful if you need tips on what to see around town. It's not fancy, but it's got everything you need for a relaxed stay in Valencia without breaking the bank.
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ESTIMAR (luxury hotel)
ESTIMAR Valencia have great views of Valencia's historic center. Everything feels new and modern, from the plush beds to the sleek bathrooms.
The staff here really go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. They're always happy to give recommendations on the best tapas spots or help you plan your sightseeing. And the location can't be beat - you're just steps away from major attractions like the Cathedral and Central Market.
After a day of exploring, it's nice to relax at the hotel's rooftop terrace or grab a drink at the trendy bar. The breakfast spread is pretty impressive too, with lots of fresh local specialties to try. All in all, ESTIMAR is a perfect home base for experiencing the best of Valencia.
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One Shot Reina Victoria (medium range hotel)
One Shot Reina Victoria is a stylish hotel in Valencia, right next to Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The rooms are spacious and modern, with comfy beds and nice amenities like rain showers and big flat-screen TVs. Most rooms have great views of the bustling city streets below.
The location can't be beat - you're within easy walking distance of major sights like the Cathedral and the Silk Exchange. The staff are super friendly and helpful with recommendations. While there's no on-site restaurant, they do offer a tasty breakfast buffet to fuel up before exploring the city.
Overall, it's a fantastic home base for seeing the best of Valencia. The combo of central location, contemporary style, and attentive service make it a top choice for travelers who want to be in the middle of the action. Just keep in mind it can get a bit noisy at night given the prime spot.
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Best hostels in Valencia:
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room00 Valencia Hostel (hostel)
Room00 Valencia Hostel is steps away from Plaza de la Virgen and all the main sights. The rooms are modern and bright, with options for private rooms or dorms. They've got free WiFi and AC to keep you comfortable.
The staff are super friendly and there's a 24-hour reception, which is handy if you're coming in late. There's also a terrace where you can hang out and meet other travelers. Location-wise, it's perfect - you can walk to pretty much everything, including the Turia Gardens just a few minutes away.
Overall, it's a great base for exploring Valencia without breaking the bank. The rooms are clean and comfy, though some can be a bit snug. But with so much to see nearby, you probably won't spend much time in your room anyway.
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River Hostel (party hostel)
River Hostel in Valencia is close to the Turia Gardens and just a short walk from the cathedral, so you're smack in the middle of all the action. The place has a chill vibe with a mix of dorms and private rooms, plus some nice common areas to hang out and meet other travelers.
The rooms are basic but comfy, with air conditioning to beat the Spanish heat. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, which is always a plus. The shared kitchen is great for whipping up a quick meal, and there's even a cafe on-site for breakfast if you're feeling lazy.
One of the best things about River Hostel is the friendly staff - they're always happy to give tips on what to see and do in Valencia. And if you want to explore the city on two wheels, you can rent a bike right at the front desk. All in all, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly place with a good location.