VALENCIA: A TROPICAL PARADISE

Valencia, the birthplace of the famous Paella (watch how I learned to make this later!) and the 2^nd city on tour. With palm trees and sunshine, I felt like I was in a tropical paradise. Again I was surprised on how different this city was compared to the others.

What blew me away about Valencia was… everything! There was something about this place that kept reminding me of a tropical island. Maybe it was the trees, or fountains or just the open spaces I saw either way, here are the things you should miss whilst there

The city of arts and science

Park Turia

Stay in the Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace. This hotel is the bomb.com! I was surprised and in doubt for the duration of our stay there and how much I paid for the room. To me, this is a 3 to 4 star hotel but booking through agoda.com ( which by the way I totally recommend) I paid 106 euros for a double room and a private bathroom for 3 days 2 nights. This hotel is really nice. Its location is perfect! It’s not your typical backpacker’s hostel/hotel!  I stayed on the 8^th floor so you can imagine the view!

Take a walk to Park Turia which is all around the city. I first went to the place with the massive sculpture of Gulliver (from the movie Gulliver’s Travels) and my inner kid surfaced! (So yes I did go down the slides and climb it too)

 

Then I went into the park itself with the flowers and fountains and the trees. Then I found out that the final of the Spanish cup was been played in Valencia and the Real Madrid camp was right there! I even saw the coach which was on its way to pick the players and went past the hotel the players would be staying at! And all of this and it was the last day there!

 

Also visit the many plazas I saw but forgot to take pictures because it was soo hot.

And of course eat Paella and drink horchata both very typical of the city!

Don’t be scared by the number orange trees you see, it’s very common there. Also try the agua de Valencia (translation- water of Valencia) I didn’t get to try this so I don’t know if its water or another drink but do let me know when you go!

Let your inner scientist out at the city of arts and sciences and explore the very fun and interactive science museum.  You need a maximum of 3 hours in there. And I say that because there are so many interesting and interactive games and activities for everyone! From building an arc hand mind battles to seeing ghosts! I think this place is for all ages! These are a few pictures from the museum.

Next visit the hemispheric and catch a show about the universe!  With the intelligent design of the place (well it looks like a hemisphere) you feel like you were right there in the moment! Language options are available for the audio. And also student’s discounts are offered so remember your student id!

There was also a market which I went to but forgot to take a picture of the name.

other discoveries

More or less Valencia, go experience it for yourself! next stop GRANADA!