Valencia: mini guide to discover the Paella Capital

Useful tips and tricks for those who are planning a weekend in the third city of Spain

Valencia is a real jewel of Roman and Arab architecture and it's very easy to get around on foot or by public transport. If you only have one weekend, make sure to focus on the top sites.

Here you have the ones we warmly reccommend you!

1. The City of Arts and Sciences

Is it possible to go to Valencia and miss a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences? Absolutely not!

This huge architectural complex, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is the symbol of the Spanish city. It consists of a series of buildings such as the Hemisfèric, the Science Museum, the Palace of Arts and the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe.

You can reach it on foot, or by bike along the "Jardín del Turia", the largest park in Spain.

2. Las Fallas

March is the ideal time to visit Valencia, since there's the Las Fallas, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Event.

From March 15 to 19 all the streets and squares of Valencia are filled with huge wood or papier-mâché sculptures that will be burned at midnight on the day of St. Joseph, March 19.

3. Turia Gardens

The Turia river, after the flood of 1957, was drained and in its place was created this beautiful 9 km long garden. Rent a bike and cross the whole city from west to east, until you reach the City of Arts and Sciences.

4. Lonja de la Seda

After a "tapas" stop at the Mercado Central (the Central Market), it is mandatory to visit the Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building, in Gothic style, is one of the most beautiful in Europe and in the past was the site of the main silk trade transactions of Valencia and surroundings.

What and where to eat in Valencia

You can not say that you really were in Valencia if you have not tried paella at least once. The traditional Valencian dish is made with chicken and rabbit meat and land snails. There are also other types, such as seafood paella, or vegetarian paella.

If you want to have a different experience, we suggest you try it at Barraca di Toni Montoliu, on the outskirts of Valencia. You can spend a few hours in a typical Valencian vegetable garden and watch the dish being prepared.

After dinner it is a must to go to the charming Café de las Horas where you can try some Agua De Valencia, a fantastic drink made with champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin.

Where to sleep in Valencia

Last but not least the accommodation. This is the cherry on the cake, since Valencia has a huge offer of amazing hostels with a great value for money. Design furnitures, social areas, private rooms or shared dorms, low prices...hostels in Valencia are simply great. Take a look at some of them in this animated gif:

And now pick your favorite one using the search form here below: