Rounding up number 23 out of 24 cities on this trip is Valencia. I have been to countless places and Valencia is the penultimate one. I will be passing by this Spanish port city on Spain’s southeastern coast. This is Spain’s 3rd largest city and a new one for me. My number 119th unique city in the world. There is plenty to see in the City of Arts, another name that Valencia is known such as the planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum. Valencia also has well-known beaches and of course a city centre on par with other European cities that is full of history and cultural significance.

Public Transport

I did take the bus when I was in Valencia since I stayed at AC Hotel by Marriott Valencia which is slightly out of the city centre. The bus stop is just outside my hotel and it is a good way to get to the city centre. It is sure easy enough with Bus 19 and cost 1.50 euros. You can get the tickets directly from the bus driver. Do have some loose change as you will make payment on the bus and the driver might not have changed. It took 15 mins or so. Google Map is great and reliable for finding routes and it is quite accurate on the bus schedule as well. The city also has a metro system that might be useful for some.

Valencia

Valencia is a huge city and there are many attractions. The city centre is quite central and easy to explore on foot. I love all the orange trees lined up in the city. There is also a huge shopping avenue and district in the city where you can find most brands and shops. Here are some pictures of the city centre. I love the Plaça de la Mare de Déu, it is so great for pictures.

You can miss out visiting Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats and admiring the gorgeous fresco on the roof.

Another very unique place in the city centre is Plaza Redonda. This plaza is constructed by Salvador Escrig Melchor in 1840. It is lined up with all sorts of shops and restaurants. I love the circular design with the open-air concept. It has a charm to it.

Of course, you can’t miss the Ajuntament de València, this is the iconic city hall of Valencia that you will recognise. There is a huge plaza in front of it and frequently you can find fairs and sets up during festive period here. You have to check out the clock tower and the two annexed join in the middle.

Valencia Cathedral is another great spot and you certainly have to take a picture with it. This is one of the best spots in the city. I love the gothic style structure. The cathedral which has its history from the 13th century is said to house the holy grail.

Central Market is a must-visit and one of my favourite markets of all time in Spain. If anyone knows me, you will know that I love checking out markets. I will always take a walk thru the local market when in a city. This is the best way to immerse in the local culture and have a glimpse of their lifestyle.

I love seeing the fresh produce as well. This restored market has over 1000 stalls. I love that they had lots of fruits! I even got the chance to buy……a PAELLA pan!

Torres de Serranos is another picturesque spot in Valencia. I love the area and the avenue leading from here back to the city centre. It is such a beautiful scene.

Be sure not to miss out on the Plaza de Toros de Valencia in the evening, it is especially charming with the lights on.

Eating in Valencia

Paella it is! What else! Valencia is the home of Valencia, this is where the dish is created. Be it if you are a fan of the dish or not, you have to give it a try when in town. But who isn’t a fan of Spanish Food? I love it. Spanish and Italian food is my favourite! It is always so hard to get good Spanish food in Singapore and even if you could, they cost a bomb. There are too many restaurants serving up Paella in Valencia and I will not go into them. I had mine at one of the raved after-one, Restaurant Ferro. It is located north of the city centre. I went for something refreshing and tried one of the newer versions, the wet kind of paella. This is my first time having it and this version is harder to find outside Spain and perhaps even Valencia. If you are up for the classic, do note that the classic Valencian paella is made with chicken and rabbit meat.

Another place that I would like to recommend is Escalones de la Lonja, a tapas bar near the central market. This place is famous for its grilled Iberico Secreto with asparagus. It is the perfect place for a bite while walking around the city. Some tapas, a glass of white wine, the perfect spot for resting your legs.

I really wish that I manage to dine at Central Bar in Mercat Central but it is way too crowded and we could not get a table. I have heard good things about this place. If you would prefer to fix your home craving, there is also a rather huge community and established Chinatown in Valencia just next to the north train station.

Conclusion

There is more than it is in Valencia and I was here only for a day trip and tried to already squeeze as many places as I could. It was a lovely time in Valencia and I am sure that even spending 3 to 4 days here would not be an issue. There is plenty to see here. I did not even managed to visit the beaches, Albufera Park and the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Next up, the last city of my trip and me being back for the first time since 2015, Barcelona! This has sure been a whirlwind adventure.