Things to Do in Valencia
The city of Valencia is emerging as one of the hottest and most exhilarating destinations in Spain and Europe. It is trendy, fashionable and an ideal place to visit on vacation or just a city break. Valencia is packed with history and culture and is located near the Mediterranean Sea. Flanked by gorgeous mountains and the coastline, Valencia has it all.
City of Arts and Sciences
Travelers coming from different parts of Europe come to visit the City of Arts and Sciences for its sheer architectural magnificence. Better known as Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valenciano, it is a mega entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex housed in an extraordinarily futuristic and modern complex. Only opened in 2005, the complex is fast becoming the biggest landmark of Valencia city and dominating the city’s skyline.
Within the enormous complex are a series of museums and art galleries including the biggest aquarium on the whole Europe continent, the IMAX laser cinema, the Palau de les Artes and the Palau de la Musica. City of Arts and Sciences is located in the stunning Turia Gardens, a very attractive part of the city of Valencia.
Tour the Old District
A tour of Valencia will never be complete without visiting the historic district. You can visit the Cathedral and El Miguelet and have a glimpse at the Holy Grails. Make sure to check out the bars and cafes in this area as well. Don’t forget though to visit Barrio del Carmen, situated in the northern part of the Historic Quarter, as it is deemed as the most fashionable and famous spots to go in the evening.
Nightlife in Valencia
The nightlife in this city starts late and is known as one of the Europe’s finest. There are incredible options of bars, clubs, discos, theaters and restaurants. Come nightfall, the entire city comes alive, grooving with energy and fervor. The best places to seek out Valencia’s pumping nightlife are in its old quarters, near the Cathedral. In summer, you’ll find many of the squares in Valencia packed with party people, drinking out in the open and having a massive fiesta. The atmosphere is inpalpable and most of these parties don’t end till dawn.
Musicals/ Theaters
The city of Valencia claims fame as the best destination in Spain for arts and culture so be sure to check out at least one of the countless theaters of Valencia if you’re a music buff. The Palau de les Artes located within the City of Arts and Sciences is a good option if you are willing to splurge on the best in town. The performances here range from classic acts to modern contemporary performing arts.
Shopping
As a trendy, stylish up-and-coming destination, Valencia is home to so many fashionable shops and famous stores such as El Corte Ingles, Mango and Zara – all providing excellent fashions at reasonable prices. You will truly experience the cliché “shop ‘till you drop” in this lovely city.
Traditional Festivals
If you are fortunate to visit Valencia during any festival then there will truly be something special waiting for you. Valencia is best known for its colorful and extravagant traditional festivals. Drawing millions of visitors from all over the country and the rest of the world, they are some of the most wacky and unique festivals in Spain. Many of the region’s cultural practices are on full display during these festivals, so what better way to get to know a city than to take part in its traditional festivals? Some of the most famous include Spain’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina and the fire festival, Las Fallas.
Beaches
One of the great things about visiting this beautiful Spanish city is that it is actually located right next to the Mediterranean Sea. The coastline stretches for miles, with golden sandy beaches lining the beachtowns near Valencia. With some of the best beaches in Spain, Valencia makes an excellent travel destination for those looking for culture, history and relaxation.
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>>Getting from Madrid to Valencia