Valencia Things to Do Tips by blint

The Birthplace of Paella

Paella is that famous Spanish food, but did you know it really comes from good old Valencia.

Paella is basically a rice dish filled with seafood such as muscles, clams and chicken (yes I know chicken is not seafood). You can put whatever you want in it really but traditionally the Paella from Valencia includes the chicken and snails! In fact the seafood Paella which is very popular now is a later invention.

As you can see from the photo the paella rice is always yellow. I think they may use saffron.

Remember to have paella when you're in Valencia. Maybe you think you've had it before, but you've never really had it until you've had it in Valencia!

Almost every restaurant sells paella, so you won't have trouble finding it. Be carfeful of ordering those pre packed frozen paellas though! You can usually tell by the ad stand they have outside the restaurant. I think the most common fake paella is called Paellador or something equally as cheesy.

Address: Valencia

Plaza Redondo

The bird square. This is what I would call it if I lived n Valencia because above being round during the day it is filled with birds. Not wild birds but caged birds being sold as pets. As you can imagine the place it VERY loud! You can also buy pet cages and things for your other pets, but mainly it's for birds.

I always feel sorry for caged birds. I know I had one, but that's because I found him in the wild and he is not supposed to live in the habitat I found him in. Furthermore his type of bird are damaging the ecosystem as many now live free in Cadiz (where I found him). You can see photos of him on my Cadiz page!

in the photo you can see some colourful birds being offered as pets! Feel sorry for them; buy them and get them a bigger cage!!!! God damn it! I hate seeing birds who don't have enough space to fly!

Address: Plaza Redondo

Directions: Near the central market. Follow the chirps!

A city of proud buildings

The centre of Valencia is stunning which contrasts significantly with the ugly high rise blocks of the suburbs.

The buildings are tall and elegant which makes walking around the city very pleasant. They stand there proudly in line welcoming visitors.

Naked Statues by the Cathrdral

I haven't been able to find any info on this statue so if any one has some please let me know.

I thought it was a curious fountain anyway which dominates the square by the Cathedral.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral of Valencia is located on the Plaza de la Reina and was founded in the 13th century on the site of a mosque just after the reconquest of Valencia by the Christians. It has a mix of many different styles such as Neo-classic, Gothic and Baroque.

The bell tower is one of the most famous images of Valenica but what is it's main attraction is something else: just inside the entrance you can see a what is said to be the holy grail. It is thought to have been used in the Last Supper by Christians. This is a claim that the church supports. So far every other claim has been cast out apart from the one here in Valencia and one other.

Address: Plaza de la Reina

Valencia city

Sadly Valencia city is often over looked by foreign tourists who head straight for the over developed coastline instead. If you do this you really miss out because Valencia is one of the prettiest big cities Spain has to offer!

It is also Spain's 3rd largest city and has an outstanding fiesta and festival scene that rivals the south!

The best time of year to come is for the mid-March Las Fallas festival where they build giant paper mache dolls, light giant bonfires and set off fireworks. It's kinda like Britain's bonfire night but bigger and lots more fun.

Address: Valencia City

Directions: Valencia on the East coast of Spain below Catalunya and above Murcia. Behind it lies Castila-La Mancha and Aragon.

The old Central market

This is a beautiful building for a market, covered in traditional Andaluz tiles. It is called mercado central and it is the main market in Valencia. All around this interesting building you will find makeshift market stalls with people selling anything they think you might want from socks to souvenirs.

Infact these market stalls cover the streets right down to Plaza Redondo.

Sometimes people just put their products on a mat on the floor so be careful whilst walking in this area just encase you stand on a CD, Video or pair of sunglasses!

Address: Av Mª Cristina

Directions: Next to Santos Juanes

Beautiful Banks

Why in every city are the banks some of the most beautiful buildings?

You can find this one to the right of Plaza Ayuntamiento heading from the station. It is right by the tourist info as you head in to the shopping district of Valencia.

It is as pretty as any bank you'd find in Madrid! I can't remember what bank it is but I know it wasn't either of the ones I would have first thought of. It's not BBVA or La Caixa.

Plaza Redondo ll

As you see Plaza Redondo is true to it's name and is a round square! What an oxymoron of a name in English!!!! hehe

Getting away from all those feathered friends, I really liked the round square as it, and all the buildings surrounding it are actually round! Everything curves around the round fountain in the middle!

Address: Plaza Redondo

Directions: Near the central market