Top 5 things to do on your next visit to Valencia, Spain

(Picture taken by: O Palsson via Flickr)

Being located in Europe unlocks a whole host of wonderful destinations to explore across the continent. With many budget airlines offering great weekend options, you’re truly lost for choice. This is what took me the city of Valencia, Spain, which is easily connected by budget airlines such as: Air Berlin, Ryanair, Transavia and Vueling, which fly into Valencia Airport.

Be sure to check out this destination when you get a spare weekend coming up next.

So Why Valencia?

The city has a lovely mix of old and new with lots to explore which makes it a perfect get away for a weekend.

Also, I noticed that AirBnB has a lot of apartment options on offer, so if you fancy travelling with some friends for a fun weekend away, it can be an affordable option indeed.

Once you’re there, what can you do over a weekend? I’ve put together a list of the top 5 things you should add to your Valencia trip:

City of Arts and Science (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)

Located at the end of the River Turia, it’s not to be missed. Starting construction in 1996 and with its latest addition in 2005 this area really showcases the modern side of Valencia. For Architecture nuts its truly stunning to walk around and explore. Its served purpose is as an entertainment facility, and if you’re looking for opening times and wanting to enter any of the buildings you can check out what’s on offer here: the official site of the city of arts and sciences in valencia

If you wanted to go even further and make the most out of your trip in Valencia, you can also check out the tourist card that includes entry to the City of Arts and Science, transportation and entry to a host of other places, it’s great value if you’re on a budget and fancy doing more with your trip, you can find out information about the card here: Valencia Tourist card

Barri del Carme

Best Part of Valencia is getting lost, wandering around on a stroll. Head to Barri del Carme which is the old town that has a lot to discover and explore. Take it all in on a nice day and you won’t be disappointed. If you can wake up at 6am and walk around as the morning city workers start to open up shop while the sun rises you can get a real feel that you’ve gone back in time, which makes it more enjoyable, then you can pick up some breakfast from a local vendor.

La Lonja de la Seda (Silk exchange)

Which once was used to house Silk production is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Gothic style building shows best the wealth that Valencia had in the past and is a stunning building to explore. Be also sure to look a little closer at the gargoyles which seem to be getting up to naughty tricks, I’ll let you take a closer look and take some pictures for yourself.

The Mercat Central

Spain has some wonderful foods, to explore, head to this popular market in Valencia and walk around to take it all in, you can try cured meats, cheese, fresh fruits and even pick up an espresso if you want to sit yourself down for a bit, chat to a local market vender and try the best produce that’s on offer in the city. If you’re feeling hungry on the spot you can ask to try some samples and even take some food back home to your apartment to cook up a special Spanish feast with your friends. Don’t forget to buy some food to also take home for gifts or for yourself if you want to have something special to enjoy on your return.

Torres de Quart

Close to Calle Quart you will find these old medieval castle towers, really unique to check out and great area in the old part of Valencia to explore.

Next time you’re stuck for choice choosing your next European weekend away, be sure to check out Valencia with a whole host of stuff to get up to. If you’re looking for some more information be sure to check out the official Valencia Tourism website as well, full of helpful advice to plan your trip, thank you for reading!