My first impression of Valencia was that it was an incredibly clean, well laid out city. The metro line takes you from the airport into central Valencia in 20 minutes without any line changes – just make sure you buy an AB ticket or you won’t get out of the gate!
Valencia has all the elements of a large Spanish city without the crowds and perhaps even the crime rate of Barcelona. The highlights of the city include former ancient city walls like Torres de Quart which is free to enter and gives you great views over the old town area, Valencia Cathedral and the ornate Town Hall. During our visit, there was a music festival in the city with free concerts, night markets and street performers.
When you’re travelling in Spain on a budget, you can go on your very own free ‘Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour of Valencia’ at your own leisurely pace.
The La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia a former silk trade building, was hosting free classical concerts during my visit.
It’s easy to walk around the Old Town area of Valencia – it’s even easier to get lost down some of the windy streets! Yet with a free city map, it’s a slow stroll from the ancient bullring near the Renfe train station, to the main plaza and shopping area downwards past the Town Hall and to the Cathedral.
Behind the Cathedral in Plaza de la Virgin where Neptune lazes on his back surrounded by sea nymphs. In the evening, skaters whizz around the square dodging visitors eating gelato.
On a warm summer’s day you may wish to hop on a bus rather than walk in the high heat to see Valencia’s most iconic modern pieces of architecture – the City of Arts and Sciences designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.
