Valencia is among the world’s top destinations according to CNN: How to take advantage of the city for an escape

Now that normalcy seems to want to enter our lives, travel has become a dream come true rather than a dream. We miss going out again, and it’s not always easy to choose where we will travel in 2022. So any help is welcome and we like it.

They’ve put together a list, according to experts from CNN. 21 of the world’s best destinations to visit in 2022and it comes as a surprise when we see a Spanish city on the list (we have many Spanish cities on our special list because we love local tourism as much as international tourism).

The chosen one is Valencia, alternative to barcelona According to CNN, and on the list we find remote islands or National Parks like Gabon, which are also part of this particular list.

Cities like Lyon or Naples, countries like Jordan, and certain areas like the Munga Thirri Simpson desert in Australia, some of the sites we found on the listWhile we will focus on the part that touches us, Valencia is here to tell you how to get the most out of a weekend getaway. because yes, this city is so much more than Fallas and paellas.

How to get to Valencia

Less than three and a half hours’ drive from Madrid, Valencia is the ideal spring getaway. Selected as 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourismand accessible and closer than you can.

We can come by train (it will cost us to go to Valencia on the weekend) Less than 50 Euros at Renfe) or even by plane (it only takes an hour and Round-trip flights starting from 93 Euros) and getting around the city is easy. For example, if we do it by bike, we can use its lanes to get around the city. fully loaded.

Where to stay in Valencia?

Note that getting around Valencia is very easy, so It is not a problem to choose a hotel far from the center. If you want to soak up the city, it is best to stay in a hotel in the Ruzafa area, Senator Parque Central Hotel with double rooms from 249 euros for two nights. You can also bet on going to the center, for example Hotel Zenit Valencia offers a double room for two nights at the weekend from 320 Euros.

What to see (and do) in Valencia in a weekend

A visit to Valencia’s old town

As big fans of Valencia, we will say that 100% of visits to the city are worth a visit to its old town. It’s a pleasure to get lost in its streets, but if you’ve never been, we can start our trip like this. serranos towersIt was built by Pere Balaguer between 1392 and 1398.

Admission is free (for now) and this advertised monument of Historic-Artistic interest is also a great viewpoint. From their terrace you can see the city and the Turia riverbed (with its gardens).and an access point to the historic centre.

There are several must-see stops within Valencia’s old town, starting with the following. Valencia cathedral and Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados, both in Plaza de la Virgen (one of the most beautiful in the city). Take the opportunity to climb the steps of the Miguelete in the cathedral’s tower and enjoy one of the best views of the city from aboveand you can have a drink in the square admiring the beauty of these two buildings.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento next stopand because we are close we can see the North Station, a beautiful monumental terminal of the Valencian modernist style, which is worth seeing.

Central MarketOpen from Monday to Saturday until 15.00, it is the perfect place to escape the stifling heat of the streets of the historical center. It is considered one of the masterpieces of Valencian modernism, not only because of its magnificent façade, but also because of its interior.

We find it less than a minute’s walk away Lonja de la Seda, the jewel in the crown of Valencia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior Gothic architecture is wonderful and makes a simple and beautiful visit to the historic centre.

Indispensable for the City of Arts and Sciences

After regaining your strength from the historic center and one of the many restaurants in the area, you can take a Taxi to the City of Arts and Sciences, but at the same time You can rent a bike and enjoy the bike path. and Turia gardens that you will pass on the way.

There are those who think of visiting Valencia and not passing through this futuristic area designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, going to the city and not having a meal. an authentic Valencian paella: a sacrament.

can you Visit the Art and Science Museum or just wander around the area and dedicate yourself to taking pictures and taking more pictures because this place is like a postcard. You can also use it and visit it. Valencia OceanographyEurope’s largest aquarium.

Ruzafa and El Carmen neighborhood (and a different plan to get to know them)

Ruzafa is a trendy neighborhood where we’ll find restaurants, quaint shops and plenty of life. Some even compare it to Tribeca. and, as in El Carmen, it hides some The most beautiful works of art in town in the form of graffiti.

We may get lost in its streets to discover the most authentic, but this will help us. Apps like Street Art Citieswill show us the best and most beautiful works of art in Valencia.

Afterwards, you can have lunch or dinner at one of the many popular restaurants, such as: Two Repsol-based La Salitas; Japanese nosomy; or low bistro Ricard Camarena’s photo.

Visit the beach away from the classic Malvarrosa

Valencia has more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so spending time on the beach will be something you’ll feel like yes or no. It is impossible to visit all of its beaches, and since we love to see what not everyone can see, we will offer two options, close to the center and far away from the classic Malvarrosa that everyone knows.

Saler beach in the heart of Albufera Natural Park, is the furthest option, but only a 10-minute drive from the city centre. The best part is that Albufera, a protected area, is surrounded by coastal wetlands, which makes this beach very special.

If you don’t want to go that far, you can go Cabañal’s former fishing districtalso great if you want to learn more about the city and even try an authentic Valencian “esmorzaret” (in addition to the classic paella, there is another classic in Valencia). “esmorzaret”, a generous lunch between 9 and 12 in the morning) and visit Las Arenas or Cabañal beach. This beach inspired painter Joaquín Sorolla and when you see him you will feel like one of his paintings.

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Photos | Juan Puyo, William Carletti, Veerle Content, Michele Bitetto, Maria Lopez George Y Daniel Bernal in splash