:In this article, I am going to tell you everything you need to organize a trip to Valencia. A city that although it is not often referred to as one of the most beautiful in Spain, I assure you that it has an enormous historical and monumental attraction that makes it an ideal getaway for a weekend.
Visiting Valencia requires a minimum of two full days. With this time, you will be able to visit the most important monuments, parks, and museums to see in Valencia. The historic center of the city is relatively compact, so you don’t usually waste a lot of time commuting.
If you have a third day to visit Valencia, as was our case, it is worth using it to go on an excursion to the Albufera Natural Park, which is barely half an hour from the city, in a beautiful setting. I’ll tell you about it later.
What to see in Valencia
Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen are other stops you can make to enjoy the beauty of these emblematic buildings. And if you want to see the city from above, the Miguelete has 207 steps that will take you to the top.
The Silk Exchange
The Silk Exchange called “Lonja” in Spanish will be another of our essentials. It is one of the most outstanding pieces of civil Gothic architecture, a work by Pere Compte. In addition, its walls hide a long history and place Valencia in the European center of the silk industry. Inside you will find the Museum of the Lonja, where the different types of looms that were used and a large collection of textile pieces are disclosed.
Central Market
We left the gothic to approach modernism. Just by looking at it from the outside, the Central Market will already leave us speechless. Once you cross its door you can enjoy a whole temple of Valencian gastronomy.
Turia river bank
If you followthe Turia river bank through the Turia garden, you will come across the ideal monuments to see the city, the Serranos and Quart Towers,and gates of the old medieval wall. In its surroundings, walking through the Carmen neighborhood, Calle Moret will surprise you with its graffiti, and for a good selfie, stop under the arch of the Portal de la Valldigna before crossing from Christian to Muslim valencia or vice versa.
City of Arts and Sciences
The footprint of the Turia will also guide you to the City of Arts and Sciences, where fantasy comes true. This futuristic architectural ensemble reflected in large sheets of water and designed by the Calatrava, will offer you artistic options, such as the Paseo de las Esculturas or the Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts, and scientific ones, such as the Hemisférico or the Oceanográfico.
Albufera Natural Park
To end your visit to Valencia with a flourish, you cannot miss the Albufera Natural Park. An authentic ecological paradise just 10 kilometers from the city. Learn about their traditions and take a pleasant ride in one of their typical boats while you discover all the flora and fauna that surrounds this small Valencian paradise.
And don’t forget to taste some of the typical dishes of this area, such as a good allipebre, rice with eel or the delicious Valencian paella. This nature reserve will surprise you and show you, from another perspective, the beauty of Valencia.
When to visit Valencia
Valencia, in eastern Spain, is a beautiful city known for its gastronomy, art, and culture. If you are thinking of traveling to Valencia, you may be wondering what time of year is ideal.
Depending on your interests, spring or autumn may be the best time to visit Valencia. The city has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In summer, the maximum ranges between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum in winter is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Summer is the best time to visit the city if you want to take advantage of its many outdoor activities and attractions, such as its beaches.
But if you want to visit Valencia without high prices or crowds, consider going in winter. If you travel to the city at this time of year, you will save on plane tickets, accommodation, and sightseeing, as there are fewer tourists in the city. The city’s landmarks and attractions are just as pleasing in the balmy winter months as they are in the sweltering summer months.
