Three weeks ago I was in Valencia catching last warm and sunny days in Europe. Today, finally I overcome my procrastination in writing the short summary from my 5 days in Valencia trip in October.

Summer holidays were coming to the end what reminded us that we have to wait a couple of months for the next bright time of relaxing and sunny weather when we will go skiing in Alpe di Siusi in Italy. Really not a good perspective… That’s how we came up, together with our friends, that it would be great to make a short break in October.

Initially, the plan was to go to Naples or Pisa in Italy. But flight dates were not good enough for us. Then somebody said, “How about Valencia?”. Quick check, direct flights are available, dates match for all of us and the weather forecast was promising. It didn’t take long when we took the decision: we will spend 5 days in Valencia this October.

Day 1 – First Encounter With Valencia

Arrival

One of our priorities was to find a direct morning flight to Valencia from the nearby airport. Wasting the whole day for flying around Europe because of connecting flights was not an option.

Direct connections to VLC (source: flightconnections.com)

We took a direct flight from Cracow Airport (KRK) to Valencia Airport (VLC) operated by Ryanair. The departure was around 10 am and according to the schedule, we should land approximately at 1 pm.

The flight was on time, so after 2,5 hours we reached our destination.

Valencia welcomed us with sunny weather – 27 Celcius degrees, clear sky. Tha’s a good start 🙂

Just after landing

Valencia Airport (VLC) arrivals hall

Just after we left the arrivals hall we called a taxi using the Free Now app (former myTaxi) as Uber is banned in Spain.

Lean Traveller Guide Pro Tip: Uber is banned in Spain so download some other ride-booking services like Free Now (former mytaxi).

Valencia is not a big city – following Wikipedia, it’s around 800 000 inhabitants. After 20 minutes ride, we arrived in Valencia’s Old Town center – Doctor Collado’s Square (Plaça del Doctor Collado) a place where we booked our Airbnb accommodation.

Doctor Collado’s Square (Plaça del Doctor Collado) – our home for the next 5 days in Valencia

Accommodation

Usually, when we visit the city center our first choice is Airbnb. This time we did the same and as it turned out it was a great decision.

As we were two couples, we wanted to have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. We found what we were looking for close to Doctor Collado’s Square (Plaça del Doctor Collado).

Lean Traveller Guide Pro Tip: And here is a bonus from me – using this link to register on Airbnb, you will get around 25 EUR discount from Airbnb on your first booking.

The apartment was really clean, well equipped, spacious and located in the best location for exploring Valencia. The host – Mariana welcomed us personally. She was really kind and she gave us some local hints.

If you would like to book this apartment, use this link.

Our flat was on the 1st floor

Our living room

First Paella in Valencia

As it was around 3 pm we became hungry. We stopped at the restaurant nearby. Luckily they were serving the food at that time – in Spain, it’s not so certain that you will get lunch at 3 pm.

Usually, the dinner starts at 8 pm and earlier, maybe you can get some tapas (snacks/starters). But no worries – as we later found out, many restaurants in Valencia advertise themselves with the statement “we serve food whole day”. You don’t have to starve till the evening in Valencia.

The obvious choice for our first meal in Valencia was Paella – the rice-based national dish of Spain. You can have Paella with anything you imagine – meat, vege, sea-food.

Our first Paella in Valencia

Lady Paella 🙂

Walking Around the Old Town in the Evening

After a short rest in the apartment, we decided to go out and walk around.

That was the first time when we could take a look around and see our neighborhood. Valencia after dark is magic – everybody should try that. It’s the living city till the late hours. Bars, restaurants, shops, all are full of people and streets and buildings are really well illuminated.

Valencia’s streets in the night – nobody sleeps

Church of the Saints John (Església de Sant Joan del Mercat)

The Serrans Gate (Porta dels Serrans)

Many streets are well decorated in combination with light

Running

On our first evening walk in Valencia, we reached The Jardin del Turia. It’s a dried-out riverbed, full of parks and gardens that cross through the city.

It’s a dream destination for runners – we have met hundreds of them there. If you are running – take your running shoes and clothes with you.

Turia’s Garden – the best place for runners

Day 2 – The Beach

As the second day welcomed us weather great weather again, we planned to see Valencia’s beach.

But first, we wanted to stop by the Central Market – Mercat.

Central Market of Valencia – Mercat

This public market is one of the largest in Europe (8 000 m2). That’s the place where you can buy fresh seafood and the selection of the best cold cuts, meat, and vegetables.

In the Mercat restaurants, you can buy a fresh product on the market and ask to prepare you the dish from your product.

Lean Traveller Guide Pro Tip: Buy your selection of products on Mercat and ask in local Restaurants to prepare you a meal out of your ingredients

Anyway, take a look at the photos below – even just looking should bring you a good appetite.

The Central Market of Valencia – Mercat.

It’s a must-see place for those who stay for 5 days in Valencia

Mercat is located in the very center of the Valencia Old Town

One of the largest markets in Europe

A baguette with local cold cuts is a delicious idea for breakfast

Just looking at that brings a good appetite.

Fresh vegetables from local vendors

Some more fresh veggies

Fresh seafood

Some more fresh seafood…

… and more fresh seafood

The second entrance to Mercat

Bikes

As the Valencia beach – our destination for this day, was in quite a distance from our location (6 km) and we didn’t want to take a taxi, neither walk in the heat, we decided that we will rent bikes.

It’s the best alternative to a taxi. Valencia is not Amsterdam, but still, you can find there a lot of bike routes.

We rented our bikes in Mo’bike rental company recommended by Mariana – our Airbnb host. It’s not an expensive deal – the daily rate is 10 EUR per bike.

My vehicle

My wife is ready to go 🙂

Destination – Valencia’s beach.

On the way, we passed by the FC Valencia Stadium

The Valencia Beach

After relaxing ride we finally got to Valencia beach.

That was amazing – at that time in Poland, we had to wear warm jackets and here we could batch in the sea wearing short trousers. We loved that!

Valencia beach – don’t miss that if you stay for 5 days in Valencia

The beach is wide

Middle of October in Spain

Sangria – a popular drink in Spain, best for hot and sunny days

Seafood Paella

The sidewalk along the beach





Beach surroundings

Castle made of sand

The Port

Tempted by two large cruise ships at berth, we decided to stop by the Valencia Port on the way back.

It’s the second biggest port in Spain and the 6th in Europe.

Marina at Valencia Port

Two large cruise ships

Russafa (Ruzafa)

In the evening we decided to go out and visit Russafa – Valencia’s hipster district. Mariana told us that this district has a special atmosphere and is home to some of Valencia’s best tapas bars and restaurants. It’s also full of galleries and vintage shops

Looks promising

Trust me, I’m a Dogtor 🙂

Russafa

On our way back we stopped by the luminous fountain on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to take some shots.

Luminous fountain on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Convent Carmen

We were walking for hours and it became late. Around 10 pm we were starving. We found a restaurant which was looking a little bit odd.

The entrance looked pretty much like an abandoned church. As we found out, the place is called Convent Carmen and it just to be a nunnery – the 400-year-old convent of Saint Jose and Saint Theresa in Plaza Portal Nou.

Entering the Convent Carmen

Today it’s a place for cultural events and gastronomy. In the garden, you can find the restaurant run by Miguel Ángel Mayor – a chef holding a Michelin-star.

Great vibe in the Old Town Convent Carmen’s garden

Convent Carmen offers a selection of street food

Day 3 – City of Arts and Sciences

For the third day, we planned to visit the Oceanographic Museum in Valencia which is a part of the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s a must-see place, you just have to spend there one or two days when you spend 5 days in Valencia. Instagrammers – this is the place for you. The architecture of this place is admirable.

Lean Traveller Guide Pro Tip: The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the world. So charge your batteries and empty your memory cards as you will take a hell lot of shots there.

The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is a cultural and architectural complex of buildings situated at the end of the former riverbed of the river Turia and is the most important modern tourist destination in Valencia.

We got there by bikes, through the mentioned Turia’s park.

The City of Arts and Sciences architecture …

… is just…

… astonishing

Oceanografic Valencia

Finally, we reached Valencia’s Oceanographic Museum. We bought our tickets in advance online.

The museum is the largest aquarium in Europe, following Wikipedia it covers the surface of 110 000 m2 and holds 42 million liters of water.

In nine underwater towers, you can admire 500 different species including sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, beluga whales, and more.

At the gate of Valencia’s Oceanographic Museum

The museum was built in the shape of a water lily

Just after crossing the entrance gate we went for a bottlenose dolphins show. Check the timetable on the museum’s website to not miss any of performances as besides dolphins show there are plenty of other exhibitions on fixed hours.

Dolphins performance

Black-necked Swans in Valencia’s Oceanographic Museum

Swimming penguins

A pack of penguins

The black-tip reef shark

You can observe animals from the tunnel beneath the aquarium.

A bit crowded but it’s a great experience.

Watching jellyfish in the water is one of the most relaxing experiences 🙂





This guy was looking at me like he would like to talk with someone…

Wetlands – the collection of tropical and subtropical bird species

Birds are kept in a giant cage

This area represents swamps ecosystems

Valencia Science Museum

After we finished the exploration of water ecosystems of the planet we went to Prince Philip Science Museum. It’s right next to the Oceanographic Museum – an interactive museum of science with architecture appearing like the skeleton of a whale.

Museum’s surroundings

In the background: an IMAX Cinema, planetarium and laser shows hall – L’Hemisfèric.

The magnificent architecture of Prince Philip Science Museum

Human DNA

Space exploration

Pioneers of aviation…

… and how it looks like nowadays

If you are enough patient you can you can witness the miracle of birth

The replica of the International Space Station (ISS)

Ideas for the future – how to explore Mars?

Tapas

That was a tough day – visiting the City of Arts and Sciences in one day is challenging. So if you have more than 5 days in Valencia, think about splitting it into two days.

In the evening we went for tapas. And we found our favorite Tapas in Valencia – Escalones de la Lonja. Great food, service, and vibe.

Escalones de la Lonja – our favorite Tapas in Valencia

Yummy 🙂

Day 4 – Valencia Cathedral

On the fourth day of exploring Valencia, we had to slow down. Legs hurt us as after riding a bike and walking for dozens of kilometers.

We slept a bit longer and after a great breakfast, we went in the direction of Valencia Cathedral. Well, in fact, the name is a bit longer: The Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, but let’s keep the short name for the rest of the text 🙂

The Cathedral is a mix of architectural styles including baroque, romanesque and gothic. To explore interiors you have to purchase a ticket for 8 EUR which includes an audio guide.

Virgen Mary Statue

One of the statues caught my attention as a number of pregnant women came and said prayers in front of the statue. The audio guide explained that it’s coming from the local tradition which is saying that if you want to deliver a healthy baby, then as a pregnant woman you should ask at the Cathedral entrance for a candle, pay the handout, say a prayer and round the Cathedral 9 times. Take the candle with you and light it up on the day of delivery.

Virgen Mary Statue is taking care of pregnant women

The main altar

Relics of Saint Vincent the Martyr

The Holy Grail

One of the most precious exhibits in Valencia Catherdral is the Holy Grail – the vessel that Jesus used at the Last Supper to drink wine. However, the opinions if this one is the real one are divided as many places around the world claim to have the real Holy Grail.

The vessel itself is made of stone, but through the centuries it was decorated with gold. It’s not possible to take a closer look as it’s stored at the altar.

The Holy Grail

Cathedral Tower – El Micalet

After visiting the Cathedral chambers we wanted to climb to the Cathedral Tower – El Micalet. To get there we had to ascend 207 spiral stone staircases leading to the biggest bell called “Miguel” – that’s where the name of the tower is coming from.

Cathedral Tower – El Micalet

In reward for climbing up 207 stairs, we could enjoy amazing views of the city and surroundings.

The views…

… were…

… amazing

The biggest bell on the tower – “el Miguel”

Guess what we did after our sightseeing tour?

Exactly – Tapas in Escalones de la Lonja 🙂

Yummy…

Day 5 – El Carmen, Exploring the Old Town Area

On the last day of our stay, we didn’t want to fix any particular locations. We just left the apartment and take long walks for the rest of the day with some breaks for tapas and drinks.

That’s how I will remember Valencia’s streets

Unfortunately, we were not able to enter to Valencia’s bullring – Plaza de Toros de Valencia. It was closed for preparations for the coming event.

Just across the street, you will find the North Station – Valencia’s main railway station. It’s registered as a Good of Cultural Heritage – Spain’s list of heritage. Worth to take a look.

Plaza de Toros de Valencia – Valencia’s bullring

Valencia City Hall

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)

St. Nicolaus Church

We found St. Nicolaus Church by chance. Located in the Old Town neighborhood, among the maze of narrow streets with cafés, tapas bars, and shops.

This richly decorated 13th century Roman Catholic church is under St. Nicolaus patronage – the saint which is an archetype for Santa Claus.

St. Nicolaus Church altar

Antique organs

St. Nicolaus statue

Valencia’s Street Art

I didn’t expect that Valencia is filled with street art.

Each shop window, every corner and most of the walls are covered with good quality street arts.

That makes the city look incredible.

Just take a look at some of those below.

Valencia’s Ninjas

One type of arts brought my attention in particular – drawings of a masked man looking like a ninja.

A quick check of Google results for “Valencia’s ninja” keyword brought me to the artist David de Limón. His arts are everywhere in Valencia.

It became for us a new challenge to collect as many shots of a man in the mask as we could find – just take a look at some of those which we found.

Plaza de la Virgen

Plaza de la Virgen is an old square surrounded by the Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless, Valencia Cathedral, and the Palace of the Generalitat with the “Del Turia” fountain in the center.

It’s a perfect place for a short break in the cafe with beautiful views.

Del Turia Fountain with Neptune in the middle

Plaza de la Virgen

5 Days in Valencia – Wrap Up

And that was it… We had to go back. We packed our stuff, left the apartment and in the evening we departed from Valencia Airport.

They have really cozy armchairs at the airport

Waiting to board the plane

All good things come to the end. But our 5 days in Valencia trip was one of our best European city tours.

And here’s the final tip – visit Valencia in October. It’s still warm but at that time there are not so many tourists.

Stay tuned for the next European city tours.

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Photos and featured image: Lucas