After returning to Valencia, I’ve realised just how much this city has to offer, and how much you can see in just one day and night. Valencia has got to be one of the most well-rounded cities in Spain, and arguably in the whole of Europe. From beaches to museums, terraces to bars, Valencia has it all!  My first time in Valencia was as a university student doing a summer abroad. I remember arriving in the city, seeing the hustle and bustle amongst the beautiful historical buildings, hearing Spanish, Valencian, and Chinese being spoken around me as I visited my first Valencian Terrace in La Roqueta (Chinatown) near the main train station.

 My recommendation to anyone visiting Valencia (especially for the first time) would be to start sightseeing in the city itself during the day. Get lost in the streets of Mercado Central – Central Market (Ciutat Vella), eat an authentic Valencian ‘fuet’, and grab a ‘café solo’ from a nearby café. I would personally recommend this for a truly authentic experience. More information: https://247valencia.com/mercado-central-valencia-the-cathedral-of-the-senses/

Just a 5/10-minute stroll through the tightly-packed streets of the old centre known as Ciutat Vella, you can visit Església de Sant Nicolau – The church of Saint Nicolas (c/ dels Cavallers, 35, Ciutat Vella) and discover the role that war and religion have played in Valencia’s culture and architecture: https://247valencia.com/san-nicolas/

Next, get to the Valencia cathedral in nearby Plaza del Reina. There’s so much history to discover… including the ‘holy grail’ too! https://247valencia.com/visiting-valencia-cathedral-in-the-jubilee-year-of-the-holy-grail/

If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, head up to Jardín de Turia (Turia Garden) and discover its beautiful trees and architecture, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Valencian urban planners and architects when creating beautiful spaces in a densely urbanised city: https://247valencia.com/visiting-the-turia-gardens-in-valencia/

Now… we can’t forget about the beach! Valencia’s biggest and most popular beach, Platja de la Malva-Rosa (Malvarrosa Beach), is well-connected and has plenty to do. Whether you love to play volleyball or want to have an authentic Valencian paella, this bustling beach has it all. Here is an interesting article about a number of beaches to choose from in the Valencia area: https://247valencia.com/keen-to-hit-the-beach-malvarrosa-isnt-the-only-one-in-store/

Now, after all that fun in the sun, you’ll be glad to hear about the wide selection of bars and restaurants located on the strip. Grab a fresh “Fanta Limón” at L’Alegria de l’Horta (Paseo Marítimo, Módulo 6, Poblats Marítims, 46011), then head down to El Bobo (Paseo Marítimo, 3, Poblats Marítims, 46011) for some delicious seafood… if you still fancy that Paella. Here is an informative article about Valencia’s maritime district: https://247valencia.com/valencia-port-area-poblados-maritimos/

If you’re too hot and decide to look for some indoor activities,    visit the world-renowned Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – The City of Arts and Sciences (Quatre Carreres, 46013). Discover El Hemisfèric, a giant 900m2 IMAX-style dome that functions as a planetarium, cinema and 3D theatre. L’Oceanogràphic showcases the largest aquarium in Europe with 42 million litres of water! Learn and play at the Museu de les Ciències Prìncipe Felipe and engage spanning over 26000m2 of interactive exhibits. Discover the secrets of physics, genetics and robotics, and much more at this gargantuan museum: https://247valencia.com/the-city-of-arts-and-sciences/

Now, as the temperature starts to cool, the streets wake up to tourists and locals alike, enjoying the fruits of the “L’ambient de la nit Valenciana” (The atmosphere of the Valencian night).  Across the old river bed you will find the smart and relaxing ‘Alameda’ area. There are a number of bars here with terraces to enjoy. Enjoy an elegant cocktail or glass of wine at Passeig de l’Albereda and behold the gorgeous glow of the Turia in the evening.

 If you’re looking to have a “chill one”, head back into the city into the historic centre area and enjoy an ice-cold sangria at Mercat de la Reina (Plaza de la Reina, 19) and the plethora of other gold-standard terraces: https://247valencia.com/the-historic-centre-of-valencia/

Walkable from the centre town, in the upmarket Cánovas area, there are so many quality restaurants to enjoy. Indulge in patatas bravas, clóchinas (muscles), and esgarraet (red pepper and cod) at La Taska Sidreria (Carrer del Comte d’Altea, 37).  Nearby, for sports fans and an international crowd… visit St Patrick’s on Gran Via del Marqués del Túria for a quality pint of Guinness and the opportunity to meet new people from all around the world: https://247valencia.com/st-patricksa-true-taste-of-ireland-in-the-middle-of-valencia/

Now for the party people! A walking distance from the Cánovas area, head down to bohemian and elegant Ruzafa for a plethora of distinctive bars and nightclubs too:  For a mix of everything, discover the silent disco, two-floor Picca Club (Carrer dels Tomasos, 12, L’Eixample). Pay 15 euros and “¡bailar! – dance!” To your heart’s content, don’t forget to give the silent disco a try… It’s truly a unique experience with a group of friends. More on Ruzafa: https://247valencia.com/my-ruzafa/

If you’re looking for house music in an unforgettable setting, give ‘Mya’ a visit  at L’Umbracle in the City of Arts and Sciences and  dance the night away to house music and more: https://umbracleterraza.com/mya/inicio/

The Plaza del Cedro zone is a studenty area with affordable tapas bars and live music. This is an authentic Valencian night out and well away from the tourist spots. After dining, continue your night in Matisse Club (Carrer de Campoamor, 60, Algirós, 46022) for weekly (quality) live music: https://247valencia.com/live-music-in-valencia-exclusive-interview-with-matisse-club/

All in all, Valencia truly has something for everyone! Whether you just want to have fun in the sun, indulge in Valencian culture and sample typical Valencian cuisine, or you’re a socialite who’s looking for a “fiesta”, pack your best shorts and flipflops (don’t wear them to ‘Picca’!) and book that flight!

Report by Elliot Fryatt

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

‘Mercado Central ‘ photo copyright 24/7 Valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences’ official website for tickets: https://tickets.cac.es/internetCAC/home.do