I remember that beautiful long weekend we spent in Valencia with Damian, at the beautiful hotel Silken Puerta Valencia.
How we got there? Our big family of 3 went there by car, it is a 4h drive from Barcelona to Valencia. We made stops in Vinaros, Sagunt and then right to our beautiful hotel Silken Puerta Valencia.
On my business trip I went there by train, and there is as well the possibility to go there by plane. Valencia was always on trend, and last years it seems that gets more popularity. Many new routes are open, so really easy to get there.
Where we stayed? Our stay would not be complete, without this stunning hotel, Silken Puerta Valencia. They gave to us a Junior Suite, and we slept very well with Damian. Other great hotels, where you can stay in Valencia are SH Valencia Palace, Checkin Valencia, Ilunion Valencia 4.
About Valencia. Valencia is truly a wonderful city. Doesn’t matter what you look for in this city, but you’ll surely find them in this Mediterranean gem. It is a perfect place for solo travellers, couple travellers and of course family city breaks. Valencia just have to be added to your bucket list.
THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA SPAIN
EXPLORE VALENCIA’S OLD TOWN STREETS, SQUARES, AND CATHEDRAL
We arrived at midday, as we explored Sagunt in the morning, so till we were ready to go out, it was evening already. So we went stright to the old town. There’s something magical about old towns, that usually, they are my most favorite part to explore in a city. Of course, Valencia’s old town is no exception. Apart from roaming the cobbled streets, you should visit famous squares like Plaza de la Reina, Plaza Redonda, and Plaza de la Virgen. One is the Valencia Cathedral, a historical monument in the city dating back to the 13th century and home to The Holy Grail.
As it was already cold, we thought that it would be great to stare at the Cathedral, while enjoying some hot chocolate with churros.
TAKE A STROLL IN BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND PARKS OF VALENCIA
On our way to the old town, we have stopped to enjoy Turia River Gardens. A classic thing to do in any city without spending money is visiting its gardens and parks. They are perfect for walking and relaxing, but they also offer cycling routes and sports facilities. We didn’t have time to enjoy walking through these, but it was lovely to enjoy watching other people doing it.
ADMIRE THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
This place, we left for our next day. And it was great, as it was raining all day long, so, perfect place to enjoy with kids and not to get wet. Whether you’re an architecture fan or not, you HAVE to visit The City of Arts and Sciences. It is a unique scientific and cultural complex in Valencia that includes six impressive structures:
Hemisferic: A planetarium and an IMAX cinema.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia: Promoting performings arts like opera, ballet, and concerts.
Principe Felipe Science Museum: we went here after Oceanografic.
The Umbracle: A beautiful wide garden covered by a unique arches structure.
The Agora: A building that hosts different events.
Oceanografic: Europe’s biggest aquarium. Here we enjoyed almost 1 day.
We visited only Oceanografic and Principe Felipe Science Museum, more than enough for 1 day.
Oceanografic
A must visit in Valencia, Spain: The City of Arts & Sciences – Oceanografic
The Oceanografic, also located at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe. It displays different environments representing the most important ecosystems of the ocean. We enjoyed watching so close- dolphins, penguins, crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, many diverse species of fish, and more.
Science Museum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe)
We left it after Oceanic. Located at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Principe Felipe Science Museum is the perfect place to visit with kids. It offers an interactive experience with the most outstanding aspects of the scientific universe.
It is very similar to what we have here in Barcelona, called CosmoCaixa, but much bigger. We enjoyed different experiments and exhibitions, learnt, and had fun at the same time. This is one of those perfect things to do in Valencia with your kids on a rainy day!
GO TO THE BEACH
As we had a rainy weekend, we didn’t manage to go to the beach. But, since it is a coastal city, obviously one of the best free things to do in Valencia is to relax on the beach.
ADMIRE VALENCIA’S BRIDGES
I enjoyed Valencia’s bridges now, in May, walking from one visit to another. There are 15 bridges in the city, with the oldest one dating back to the 15th century. Bridges like Puente de las Flores, Puente de la Trinidad, and Puente del Real are just amazing.
The biggest and most beautiful event to enjoy while in Valencia is Las Fallas. It is true, that hotels on these weekends are just so expensive. You have to look for your hotel much time in advance. As almost from every part of Spain, comes people to enjoy Las Fallas.
Last but not least, enjoy a paella while in Valencia. Valencia is really famous for it, as it is considered the best place in Spain to eat a real paella.
Below, sharing some pictures from our stop in Sagunt. We stopped, right before coming to Valencia.
