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Free Weekend in sight?
Let us propose you a city with orange blossom, Mediterranean breeze and firewood paella scents.
It rarely gets cold in the capital of Turia, even though is winter the sun almost always shines. Walking through its streets is a lesson in history mixed with modernity, nature and art in the heart of the city. How can you organise yourself to see its essential places in just two days? Don't worry, we'll help you.
First of all we recommend you download a tourist guide in order to get to know restaurants, tourist attractions, museums and a long list of activities available.
Day 1. The centre, Jardines del Turia and Ruzafa
The best way to start is in the historic side of the city centre. Take your camera, put on some comfortable shoes and head to the heart of El Carmen where it all begins. Have breakfast in one of the lively cafes in Plaza del Tossal and head to the St Nicolas Church. Did you know that it is considered to be the Valencian Sistine Chapel? As soon as you enter you will see why. Discover one of the best panoramic views of the city from the Torres de Serrano or the Miguelete. Continue your way through the Plaza de la Virgen, where you will find the Basilica de la Vírgen de los Desamparados and the Cathedral, and continue towards Plaza de la Reina.
By now, you may have noticed that in addition to its monuments, València makes you fall in love with the charm of its streets and traditional gastronomy. A stop in Santa Catalina? Ask for València fartons with horchata and enjoy a good bite of "terreta". Now, the time has come to visit the Town Hall, the little flower stalls in the square, the imposing Post Office building. How would you like to admire it all from the heights? You can go up to Mirador del Ateneo Mercantil (viewpoint) and recharge your batteries on its terrace.
Fancy something to eat? We encourage you to go back a little on your way and enjoy the beauty of the city's trendiest place Convent Carmen. Live music, good vibes and beers in the sun you won't be able to resist. And when you're done you can relax by the Turia Gardens close by, an old riverbed converted into the lung of Valencia. This place will surprise you while you stroll by and see everything you can discover such as the Fine Arts Museum or the Nursery Gardens (Jardines de Viveros).
During the evening a good way to finish your first day you can visit Ruzafa, the Valencian Soho. Art galleries, small design shops and coffee-bookshops await for you. In addition, the gastronomic delights offer is almost endless.
Day 2. City of Arts and Sciences and the beach
You can't leave Valencia without visiting the City of Arts and Sciences. Both located in the surroundings area of Turia Gardens, as well as the buildings and the offer available this is also an essential part of the city. Discover the secrets of science at the Príncipe Felipe Museum, the marine fauna at the Oceanogràfic, watch some of the Hemisfèric's films or visit the Palau de les Arts, there are guided tours of the building, a very interesting approach to the world of opera that you can contemplate if on the day of your visit there is no event at the venue.
After your morning walk you can rent a bicycle or access the beach by public transport. Walk along the promenade of Las Arenas or La Malvarrosa beaches or go to the Veles e Vents building and have a cocktail on one of the terraces. The atmosphere is always pleasant and the mild temperatures are sure to help you forget the winter. Take your walk overlooking the sea and head to the traditional fishermen's quarter, El Cabanyal. There you will find cheerful and colourful constructions of popular modernism and more places to enjoy Valencian gastronomy.
Casa Carmela, on Malvarrosa beach to taste a good paella or Bodega Montaña, in the Cabanyal for tapas, are just two of many. There are also great places to enjoy live music and cultural activities, La Batisfera or La Fábrica de Hielo are some of them. Isn't that an appetizing plan? You will surely stay with desire of exploring more of this city.
