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Sebastian Vargas

Valencia: What to See and Do!

Updated: Mar 21, 2023


 

The City of Arts and Sciences

Let me tell you a little something about Valencia. Valencia is a large city that has existed since Roman times; the name is derived from the Latin Valentiea Edetanorum. The name was given by the Roman Consul Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus back in 138 AD. The colony was meant to be a Roman retirement town for the brave soldiers who fought their whole lives and deserved to rest. Although the city was very different from today's, this is because Valencia used to be an Island. A few hundred years later, the Visigoths appeared and defeated the Romans. Another few hundred years passed, and the Christians came and removed the Visigoths, then there was the whole war and exchange of power between the Moore's and the Christians. All in all, my point in this summary is to let you know that the city is very rich in history and culture.


I have been in Valencia for 3 days, which has been incredible. There are so many places to see, and like most Spanish cities, walking from place to place is very easy. Valencia has much to offer; if you are here for the same time I have been, I recommend the following. I also begin my adventures in a new town with the FREE walking tours offered, though it is not free because out of courtesy, you should tip the guide at least 5 Euro. If you want to know more about what you should try and do when you reach a new city, click here.


  • FREE tour of the Old City: You can see the main sights and learn a bit about the buildings instead of just wandering and taking pictures. Walking and taking pictures is always a good idea after the tour!




  • Eat Paella: You HAVE to at least try the Paella. This dish is traditionally from Valencia and is the best place to try it.



  • The City Of Arts and Sciences: This was a complex built by the city government and is an architectural wonder! If you love modern Architecture and museums, this is 100% the place to visit.



  • The Beach: If you want a relaxing afternoon or morning after the night out in Valencia, this is the place to be. Valencia is a beach town, after all! If the Romans enjoyed it, why wouldn't you?


  • Graffiti Tour: Valencia has some pretty good street art! The most exciting part for me is that most of the street art is commissioned by the city itself. There is even a Banksy hidden around the city!


  • Visit the Parks: If you have extra time, why not take a pleasant stroll through the dry riverbed converted into a series of parks. It is very friendly and full of locals exercising and enjoying nature. You can pack some food and wander the gardens because there are many cool areas where you can find a bench or place a blanket/jacket down to eat your snack.



  • Visit the Cathedral: The Cathedral is very impressive, honestly more on the inside than the outside, but it is full of history! If you do the Old city tour, you will walk around the Cathedral and learn the extraordinary side stories. But if you want, go inside after the tour and grab a ticket to the top of the tower! That would be a better view of the city.



Now that you have a rough idea of what to do while visiting Valencia do not over-pack the schedule; that way, you have flexibility in case you prefer certain places. It is always best to leave a little freedom.

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