Valencia Hit List

on 22 August, 2013 at 08:45

Forget Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia should be on the top of your Spain hit list. It has (arguably) the best and freshest food, architecture to amaze, plenty of shopping, and culture up the wazoo!

What to do:

Once you’ve had your shopping fix get out of the city and start exploring!

Go for a wander and let yourself get lost in the laneways and cobblestone streets of the old town.

If you’re in need of a little exercise climb the 200 steps of the Valencia Cathedral belltower for an amazing 360° view of the old town.

Hire a bike and cycle through Cabecera Park. Make sure to pack a picnic with local jamón, beer and cheese to enjoy in the shade.

Mr. LML crusing around the park

Explore the out of this world architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. If you’ve got the time check out the Oceanográfico, it’s the largest aquarium in Europe and has flamingos!

Where to eat:

Forget patatas bravas, the food in Valencia will blow your mind. As the capital of La Huerta (a rich agricultural plain where fruit and veggies are grown) it’s spoilt for fresh seasonal produce.

A great option for lunch is Seu-Xerea, their set-menu is a bargain and the food is absolutely delicious!

Hot tip: Seu-Xerea along with another great restaurant Delicat are located just off the Plaza de la Virgen on Calle Conde de Almodóvar.

For a pre-dinner drink, weave your way to Carmen in Plaza del Carmen and check out the unique street art while you enjoy an ice cold beer under the citrus trees.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite go to El Tap i Altres Terres. This cosy restaurant specialises in traditional Catalonian tapas with a modern twist.

Must tries:
• Horchata or Orxata in Catalan; this local specialty is made from ground tiger nuts and is served cold. It tastes something between soy milk and coconut and is perfect on a hot summer day. Street vendors sell the drink all over town, but for the real deal go to Horchateria de Santa Catalina.

• Agua de Valencia, or as I like to call it heaven in a glass. This refreshing drink is made from freshly squeezed oranges, gin, vodka and cava (the local sparkling wine). For the best agua in town go to Café de las Horas also on Calle Conde de Almodóvar.

Cheers!

Where to stay:

A great option for budget conscious travellers is the Petit Palace Germanias Valencia. Close to the main shopping district the boutique hotel is a great starting point to explore the city.

This chic boutique hotel has everything you could want, and is a welcome reprieve from Spain’s sizzling summer days (and nights).

The stylish lobby at Petit Palace Germanias

The spacious rooms come with all your mod-cons, and the added bonus of the signature Petit Palace body shower. Not to mention the big balcony, in-room laptop with free internet and free bike hire!