Valencia – old and new in harmony – Got the Fridge Magnet

I wish I knew about British Airways holidays when my friend and I decided to go to Valencia in May 2016! I couldn’t find a direct flight to Valencia and had to fly to Alicante and take the train to Valencia. We were also unfortunate enough to be on the same plane with a rowdy hen party most of which was drunk at 7.00 a.m.!

However Valencia more than compensated for the inconvenience.

Exploring Valencia

We stayed at Hotel Dimar Valencia for 3 nights. The location of the hotel was great. It’s within walking distance to the old town (Cathedral etc) one way and the amazing hub of Science and Arts museums the other. It’s also a short walk to the lovely Turia Gardens.

To explore the city we bought a 24-hour pass for the Hop-on-hop-off bus for €17 but wished we had bought one for 48 hours or only €19. There was a lot to see! The pass was by far the most efficient way to see the city because it operated 2 routes for one price: the marine route and the old city route, both started from Plaza de la Reina near the Cathedral

Turia Gardens

The first thing I noticed was that there were many bridges in Valencia but no river!

I was fascinated to learn that Turin River was diverted 3 km south of the city after the great flood of 1957. The old bed turned into 9 km of beautiful gardens and parks wrapping around the city. What an amazing feat!

Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Square

City of Arts and Sciences

It’s an amazing cultural and architectural complex with impressive futuristic buildings!

The City Hall & square

If only all municipal buildings were as stylish as this!!

Torres de Quart (Quart Tower)

The admission was free but there was not much to see after climbing all those steps because it was not high enough to see further than some ordinary apartments