Valencia was another one of the cities I had no idea what to expect. It was never on my original list of places to go, but then again quite of few of the places I’ve been never were. That’s what makes the discovery so pure and unspoiled. Everything I learn about the area is from within, or at least from other travelers. In terms of size and just big city feel, Valencia is a step below Barcelona. While the majority of the city center has a more traditional feel, there is an area near the port that has taken on a more modern look. There aren’t a ton of sights per say, but quite a bit to do if you are looking to relax and enjoy your time.

I happened to be visiting during a time known as Mascleta, the two weeks leading up to the festival of Las Fallas. Mascleta is simply a time the citizens use to blast insanely loud fireworks at 2pm every day in the Plaza del Auntamiento. It really is quite the auditory spectacle, with the intention of creating some sort of rhythm or beat. Now, at the end of Mascleta, Las Fallas is a tradition where the citizens can create large or small wooden and plaster statues that are supposed to depict current events, beauty, or basically anything they want with the ultimate goal of gaining the most votes throughout the two weeks of Mascleta. The winners are placed in a museum while the failures, or fallas, are placed around town and all are set ablaze on a single night. A great atmosphere to be around, and certainly beats the typical site seeing I have been accustomed to over the past 2 months. It was a great change of pace, and is certainly foreshadowing the rest of my trip.

There are, however, a few places I would like to recommend. First in the Jardin de Turia, a long stretched out park that resides in a former riverbed. At first glance of the map I was extremely confused to see bridges going over what appeared to be land, but once you set your eyes upon this inter-city retreat you won’t be able to help yourself from taking a stroll through the cool escape surrounded orange trees (by the way, the oranges are sour… you’ll thank me for that one). If you walk far enough along the garden, you will end up near the port and encounter some interesting buildings as well. There are four main attractions in this area, Palau de les Arts, a performing arts building featuring a wonderful opera house, L’Hemisferic, an eyeball looking structure capable of opening it’s massive glass side walls that also serves as an imax theater, Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe, simply a museum of modern sciences, and last but not least L’Oceanografic, the very unique aquarium stretched over multiple buildings and costing nearly 30 euros to enter (you be the judge on that purchase). Just looking as these structures was enough for me, and if you take a look as my photos you’ll see why.

If we move back into the central, more traditional part of town, there are multiple plazas to bask in the sun, and a few more places I would definitely stop in. The big most distinguishable structure in the city in the Catedral. This religious ground contains what is believed to be the official Holy Grail. I get the impression that this title is held by multiple ancient goblets, but just go with it and try to feel like Indiana Jones for a brief moment. Also within the cathedral is a preserved forearm of the patron saint of the city San Vicente, an interesting sight to see. If you want an aerial view of the city be sure to climb El Micalet, the bell tower connected to the cathedral for only 2 euro. The last place I visited multiple times, and I’m sure you won’t be surprised why, is the Mercado Central (Central Market). I love food and this is a haven for delicious treats of all varieties. From fresh baked bread to recently butchered meat, fresh fish and dried fruit… not to mention a new a favorite fruit of mine, dates. This place has it all, so stop by and at least enjoy the atmosphere.

Valencia felt more like a traditional Spain, based solely on what I’ve heard about it at this point. The siesta is emphasized here a little more than Barcelona, but really makes the city an enjoyable place to wander when there are less people roaming around. If you want to feel a more relaxed Spanish atmosphere and are headed south from Barcelona, definitely make a stop in Valencia, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.