Travel overview of Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a beautiful city set in the Autonomous Community of Valencia of Spain. This city is home to many lovely attractions and grand landmarks, offering its own distinct stamp in this busy country. A lot of major attractions can be found in the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Llotja de la Seda. Another major attraction is The Cathedral of Valencia whose grand structure is clearly a work of art. Also scattered across the city are several medieval churches that hold their own interesting features. Examples are El Templo which is the ancient church of the Knights Templar and Saints John church which has the one of best frescoes in the entire country. Still, the city of Valencia is not just about old landmarks and sights but is also home to countless modern structures and destinations. Notable among these is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències or City of Arts and Sciences. This complex features unique, contemporary architecture that makes the structures equally as interesting as the purpose for which these were built. Other must-see landmarks include the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Plaça de l'Ajuntament, and L'Oceanogràfic.
'At no point of time in her life did she feel more compelled to give in “ just give in to the forces of nature and fate, for there was little she could have done otherwise. But she somehow came through. And that defined her life.,
Vincente Ibanez, a well-known Spanish author and journalist, described his heroine in one of his novels in these plain but strikingly powerful words.
Ibanez was born in Valencia and remained a long-time resident of the city. In a number of his stories, the city itself was his muse and his protagonist “ laurels that a city like Valencia richly deserved.
Located by the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, with nearly one million people inhabiting it. After the capital Madrid and cultural capital Barcelona, Valencia is the largest contributor to the national economy, with over 1,000 large scale businesses creating massive employment for the locals. Valencia also happens to be one of the most heavily trafficked port cities in the region, turning over billions of dollars every year in trade.
Culturally speaking, it is not too bad off either. With exquisite churches, cathedrals, museums and various other tourist-friendly attractions, it is not a surprise that over 500,000 people annually visit Valencia seeking pleasure.
Affordable Lodges in Valencia
Valencia is a city that has come to its own through business and hard work. Much of city's population is made up regular, middle-class people who believe in earning their living the old-fashioned way. Because of this aspect, it's reasonably okay to assume that cheap hotels can be found easily in Valencia.
There is a certain formulaic nature to these cheap hotels and inns in Valencia, though. They all offer a more or less same deal that can be characterized by affordable prices, basic amenities and easy going comfort levels.
If you are a solo traveler or a backpacker, you can't find a better deal in Valencia than the one provided by the popular Backpackers Hostel Valencia. It is a budget option with limited facilities “ but it can really help you save some money, and we know how important that can be in case of backpackers!
Hospederia Del Pilar is a budget hotel of traditional kind. Spacious rooms and sumptuous Spanish breakfast spread make sure that your stay here won't be uncomfortable or unpleasant in any way whatsoever!
Looking for Luxury Hotels in Valencia?
If you are looking for luxury hotels in Valencia where you can stay in order to just relax and let your socks down, this is the segment you should be watching out for. With expansive buildings and hospitality that would make you wish that you stayed in Valencia forever, these lavish and extravagant Valencia hotels and resorts are surely worth a good look.
Caro Hotel is an undisputed winner in this category. Standing tall in Valencia for decades, this is a regular luxury hotel choice for celebs and dignitaries visiting the city. A good reputation is all we look for while assessing resorts, and Caro Hotel seems to carry loads of that!
For those of our readers who prefer to play it safe when it comes to luxury resorts, Westin Valencia is as safe a bet as any. There is really no need to rave about the kind of luxurious hospitality one gets to enjoy at Westin Resorts, and Westin Valencia is no exception.
SH Valencia Palace Hotel can also be a worthy choice if you want to enjoy a similar kind of luxury at considerably lower prices.
Top 5 Things to Do and See in Valencia
- Prince Filipe Science Museum is a one of its kind museum that is definitely worth a visit if you have children with you. The whole building of the museum is built in the shape of a giant whale, and a number of scientific, geological and historical fun facts are presented in easy-to-digest ways. The best part “ this is nothing like those snobbish 'Do Not Touch' kinds of museums!
- Bio Park is another great place to spend a fun day in Valencia with kids. This is much more than just a regular zoo. There are many petting zones, educational rides, short films, quizzes and delicious food joints!
- Oceanografic is among the most popular aquaria in Spain. With hundreds of exotic and gigantic species of marine life accompanying Mediterranean Seascape, this is as good as a family outing gets!
- Spain and Christianity go hand in hand. Among various cathedrals and chapels that can be found in Valencia, the Valencia Cathedral is the grandest and most spectacular. Built over distinctive time periods, this is a great example of fusion art.
- Silk Exchange Chamber is another historical milestone in Valencia. This is the traditional spot of silk trading in Valencia, where traders from the Middle East and Orient would bring the best of silk known to man, in a hope to get fit prices.
Being such a metropolitan city, it is but obvious that Valencia is duly serviced with air connections. Valencia Airport “ the only international airport serving the region “ is situated right outside the city limits, at a quick drive of about 3 minutes to the west of the city.
Because of this close proximity of the airport to the city itself, looking for Valencia hotels that are relatively closer to the airport becomes an exercise that is much uncalled for.
Any given hotel in Valencia is, by this logic, going to be close enough to the airport, from convenience point of view.
Getting Around in Valencia
As experienced tourists would know, in Spain, the best way to get around locally is either on foot or on bicycles.
This way, you can be sure to explore the city in intimate details. So, if you are travelling to Valencia, make sure that you spend enough time walking the ancient streets of the old town and markets that surround them.
Many hotels in Valencia rent bicycles and cars to their guests at rates that are much cheaper than ongoing rates in the city.