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About Valencia

There are no better words to define Valencia than light, color and fire. When you walk around its streets you'll feel the smell of the gunpowder mixed with the scent of the orange blossom. The fire and the joy are part of the Valencian personality. As every city by the sea, it shapes the personality of its people who are open minded and welcoming, the sun also shapes the character of a city that lives by the rhythm of the mascletás. Don't hesitate and come to discover all the secrets of the fire in the city of the river Turia.

Moving around

In Valencia, you can use three different means to move around: bus, metro or tramway. Now you can also ride a bike through the extensive bike lane network throughout the city. A good choice is to walk around the city center by foot, the area containing the main points of interest is not so big that you can't walk around and, this way, you'll discover the city in a more genuine way.

Out & About

The neighborhood called Carmen is located in the old part of town and it's a good zone to walk around at your leisure. The City of arts and science, partly designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, surprises thanks to its avant-garde style and cultural events take place there. The Hemisfèric, for example, is shaped like a huge human eye and the Sciences museum is designed to learn in an interactive and fun way. The Cathedral is the perfect place to combine a cultural visit with shopping or leisure activities because the streets surrounding it are full of interesting shops and terraces where you can have a drink. One you're here, you can't miss the chance to climb up the Micalet, part of the Cathedral. It's a cultural symbol of Valencia. The Serranos towers are also a symbol of the city and, together with Quart towers, are the only doors that still remain from the twelve that there were in the ancient wall that surrounded the city. The building that houses Colon market shows details of Gaudí's modernism. The City Hall is located in a beautiful building decorated with icons of the Valencian culture. It's near the Bullring and the railway station, estació del Nord, one of the best modernist buildings of the city. To relax a little, maybe one of the best places is Plaza de la Reina with its many terraces where you can sit under the sun. This square has a special charm. Around it, there's a market on Sundays selling different products. The city also has plenty green spaces, most of all, in the old bed of the river Turia which crosses the city. Many events take place there. Besides all this, Valencia can brag about being by the sea. Beaches such as Arenas or Malvarrosa are well connected to the city. Malvarrosa has a long walk by the sea full of restaurants and leisure zones. Furthermore, Saler is a protected area so it still has its dunes and its vegetation.

What's going on in

Mostra de València is an annual film festival that has become an important event in the cultural agenda of the city. In April, the maritime Holy Week in the Poblats maritims: Grao, Cabanyal y Cañamelar. 9th October, the city of Valencia celebrates the big festivity of the community. The most popular fiestas in the city are Fallas, in March. During these days, the city is full of ninots, wooden figures of famous characters represented in an ironic way. Part of this tradition is the mascletás, in the City Hall square. It involves a lot of firecrackers called masclets exploding in a rhythmical fashion. The show is not about watching but about listening and feeling. You have to live the experience to really understand the sensation. The night of the 19th March, during the cremà, all the ninots will burn except for the one pardoned by popular voting.

Shopping

The ceramic tradition is deeply rooted in the region so you'll easily find craftwork around the city. Colón street is the shopping center, here you'll find almost anything you're looking for. In Plaza Redonda, every Sunday there's a market where they sell everything from plants and pictures to music. In Mercado Central, the scents and colors of the different fresh products get mixed up. On the other hand, the modernist architecture is beautiful to see. Another architectural jewel is the mercado de Colón that now has turned into a key center for leisure thanks to its shops and restaurants. Mercado de Ruzafa is a traditional place.

What's cooking?

The natural conditions of the Albufera have favoured the cultivation of rice so Valencian gastronomy is based on it. Dishes such as Paella, Arròs a Banda or All i Pebre are delicacies from this part of the country. The oranges are part of the image of Valencia as well as the horchata. The best way to have the horchata is to accompany it with a long kind of bread roll called fartons that you dip into it.

Weather

Thanks to its location, Valencia enjoys the nice Mediterranean climate. The best time to get to know the city is during spring and autumn when it's not excessively hot. Although, if you want to make the most of the beach too, it's best to come during the summer months.

Practical information

Valencia is a safe city but, as it happens in all major cities, you should be careful in the most crowded areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. With Valencia Tourist Card you'll ride for free in the public transport system and you'll also get discounts in many activities, museums, shops and restaurants. There are various types of cards depending on how long you're staying: 24, 28 or 72 hours.

So...

The city of the fire awaits to make you feel the strength of its mascletás, the warmth of its people and the joy of the scent of the orange blossom and of the orange color, signs of Valencia.