Nestled right on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and the capital of the old Valencian Kingdom. It is a popular destination for people who want to experience Spain, but don't want to go to the typical popular cities, like Barcelona and Madrid. Valencia features a lot of beautiful open spaces and historic buildings.
Visitors will find many interesting things to see and do. Guests can easily find places to stay that suit their needs, regardless of the length of their stay. Villas with fully fitted kitchens, hostels and upmarket hotels are all readily available. Many of the best hotels are close to the city centre or the beaches.
Top Places to visit in Valencia
Valencia City Hall is a stunning example of the local building style, which is quite renowned with architecture enthusiasts. The fountain at the front adds to its appearance of elegance and history.
The City of Arts and Sciences is an impressive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava. This place is sure to interest travellers of all ages and interests.
Barri del Carme is a revitalised old neighbourhood that features an active cultural scene. Visitors can visit art galleries, bars and many other interesting venues.
Valencia is known for its vibrant social scene, and there is no better spot to check it all out than on Calle Caballero. It used to be medieval Valencia's main street; today, Calle Caballero is lined with trendy cafes and bars. Also along the famous street, you will find Valencia's young, hip, and fashionable crowd.
Eating
For a sample of the local flavour, head to Central Market. Located right in Valencia's city centre, you can take your pick of a virtual never-ending array of locally-produced meats, seafood, and produce. Central Market is the perfect place for a casual lunch, or to stock up on local treats for later.
But when it comes time to sit down for a proper dinner, you have got to order the Paella Valenciana. That's right… the paella in Valencia is so good that they've named the dish after the town! Paella is a classic Spanish dish that combines Spanish rice with seafood, chicken, and sausage. It takes a while to make, but the wait is definitely worth it!
Kids and Family
The Valencia area has a number of beaches that are fun places to visit. The best beaches for family outings are Playa de Malvarrosa, Playa e Levante and El Saler. These beaches are easily accessed from the city centre. There is also a hot spring north of the city associated with a legend about one of the Moorish kings. There is a lagoon filled with colourful fish, as well as caves to explore.
Valencia Hotels
There are several great Valencia accommodation options, which suit various holiday budgets. Cheap hotels in Valencia include hostels, which are ideal for groups travelling together. These offer simple accommodation. Several mid-range options include self-catered apartments that offer all the comforts of home. Families often prefer these apartments. There are also upmarket hotels available that offer their guests quite comfortable surroundings. The more expensive hotels often provide features such as spas and restaurants.
Most of the hotels in Valencia can be found right in the heart of the city centre. If you want to be close to Calle Caballero, stay on the northern side of downtown. If you are looking for a room that's a little further from the action, there are also a variety of Valencia hotels near the city's Port.