Valencia
Its a interesting city to visit and one we have been lucky to sample a couple of times both as a city break and as a cruise port stop.
How to get there
Valencia International Airport also known as Manises Airport
The Airport is situated 5 miles west of the city center and well connected to many other European destinations there are two public transport options from the airport to the city ither by frequent airport bus connections or the slightly more expensive metro system, the metro is a 25 minute journey the bus can depending on traffic take slightly longer at approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
Train
The city is also well serviced by Spains excellent high speed Renfe train system. So again its possible to access the city from across Europe by train useing this network and its international connections. The cities main station Estacion del Norte is situated in the heart of the city center at Plaza de Torres de Valencia.
Estacion del Norte
Cruise Port
With the city enjoying a strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea it is no surprise that it is in fact the 5th largest sea port in Europe and with the Valencia region being a extremely popular toursist destination it is again no surprise it has its own Cruise Terminal, smaller ships can dock next the the terminal itself however some of the larger ships dock at a Quay slightly further away and and passengers are then bussed to the terminal itself.
The terminal is a 20 minute bus ride from the Old Town and City center but there are shuttle buses available directly at the terminal. Likewise the cities popular Science District with its futuristic buildings are also available by shuttle bus however you can walk there in approximately 35 minutes and its well signposted.
Alternatively Valencia's large and excellent beachfront is only a 20 minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Where to stay
This being a large European city and a popular tourist destination accommodation is not something that you will have difficulty finding with hotel and self catering options readily available to suit all budgets.
The choice will really be about location, I would suggest that really comes down to personal choice ?
City center giving you easy walking distance to the Old Town sites, modern shopping centers etc and the main train station or on the other hand a beach front location which would be a 20 minute taxi journey from the center but does give you the beach and Mediterranean on your doorstep. No matter what your preference is you will have options to pick from.
Valencia Cathedral
The cities gothc Cathedral dates from the 13th & 14th and is situated in the Old Town area of the city, if you go inside you will see Renaissance paintings some commissioned by Pope Alexander VI however the most interesting and controversial part is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice which claims to have the Holy Grail the chalice used by Jesus however this is not the only location in the world the claims to house this, but it does add to the intrigue of this gothc building.
Cathedral
Cathedral
El Miguelete
This is the cathedral's octagonal Bell tower which features on many postcards and posters from the city, when it was first built in the 13th century the tower stood completely alone from the Cathedral however later building then connected the two gothic locations. If you wish you can climb the 50 meters to the top and see the bell as well as the view around this area.
El Miguelete
La Lonja de la Seda
This 15th century UNESCO listed building is a Velencian gothic masterpiece and is a reminder of the cities history as a main European trading centre. The name means Silk Exchange as its here traders from all over the Mediterranean would meet to do deals and sell there goods. Its a impressive building and well worth a look inside with its main hall particularly impressive.
Main hall within La Lonja de la Seda
Logistics manager within the La Lonja de la Seda
Porta de Serrans
These towers were originally part of the cities medieval walls and defences they are a important part of the cities long history and you can visit them as they are fully restored and open to the public.
Logistics Manager at the Porta de Serrans
Porta de Serrans
El Carmen
El Carmen is the north east part of the old town and it is a area full of cobbled streets shady alleyways and small squares and is now the most Bohemian part of the city with many smart boutiques, bars restaurants and clubs. So its a great area to wander around at anytime of the day but particularly at night. Also the old town as a whole takes on a different feel as the sun goes down and it really has a vibrant traditional Spanish vibe.
Logistics Manager within thePlaza Redona in the Old Town
Valencia Old Town as the sun goes down
Relaxing on a hot night in Valencia Old Town
Mercat Central
This traditional market located in the Old Town is one of Europe's oldest running food markets and has true Velencian style with colourful mosaics of ceramic tiles. This is well worth a visit and it attracts locals as we as toursist's where you will also see a stunning glass dome complete with stain glass windows. 
Mercat Central
Logistics Manager within the market
Yours truly looking for a bargain at Mercat Central
Valencia Bullring
This 150 year old bullring is built in the style of a roman colosseum sits directly next the the cities main train station Estacion del Norte. It is still used for its original purpose but these days only occasionally and is now also the location of other events such as music concerts. You can visit inside this impressive building and tickets to do so can be purchased online or at the bullring itself.
Bullring
Bullring to the left station to the right
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
This is the largest and most important square in the city, it is home to the cities town hall and the grand architectural masterpiece that is the Central Post office. This also doubles up as the main location for the famous Fallas the cities very own festival that takes place in March. The Plaza is in fact not a square at all, no it is a triangle which is busseling with people as well as stalls of flower sellers.
Town Hall at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Yours truly in Plaza Ayuntamiento
City of Arts and Sciences
This incredible location can be difficult to wrap your head around and describe, its a group of sci fi looking stunning structures that are given an another dimension by the fact they are surrounded by reflecting pools of water. Within these buildings you will find a host of family attractions such as a IMAX cinema, Planetarium, L'Umbracle which is a collection of rare plants from the local region and a magnificent oceanarium known as Oceangrafic.
City of Arts and Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences
Logistics Manager at the City of Arts and Sciences
Yours truly at the City of Arts and Sciences
Beachfront
One thing I never really appreciate before I visited the city is just how good a beachfront it has, its a excellent beach backed by a stunning wide promenade full of shops, bars and cafes giving a truly classic Mediterranean feel. Here you can top up that tan on the beach itself or hire a sunbed from the many that are available, before enjoying some decent food or drink in the many bars/restaurants that are there. Many of these specialise in seafood however there is still plenty of other choices if thats not your thing. Why not try a Paella at the beach ? Remember Valencia claims to be the region that first created this Spanish classic.
Valencia beachfront promenade
Fountain on the Promenade
Valencia beach
Valencia beach
Parque Natural de la Albufera
This stunning natural nature reserve is only 10 km from the city center and you can visit this large wetland lagoon on a day trip, it is one of the most important habitats in Spain and has been declared a Special Birds Protection Area. A visit here transports you from the busy city to a peaceful and beautiful landscape. Well worth seeing and a total contrast to the nearby city.
Albufera lagoon
Hop on Hop Off Bus
I have included this for Valencia simply because its route covers all the main attractions and it is a very good way to get around the city and it connects the three main toursist areas that are a fair bit apart that being the City Center/Old Town the City of Arts and Sciences and of course the beach. Check it out here Valencia Hop on Hop Off Bus
The Jardines del Turia
This was once the original route of the River Turia but it was prone to regular flooding causing major damage in the city and after a particular bad episode in 1957 the decision was made to divert the river to the south of the city, resulting in the original river bed drying up. As a result this was then later converted into the Jardines del Turia. It is a sprawling green oasis that flows through the city and is full of walkways, cycle paths, fountains, sculptures and not forgetting a giant children's playpark shaped like Gulliver.
It does make a interesting walk and you can walk along it from the City of Arts and Sciences to the edge of the Old Town area.
Jardines del Turia
Logistics Manager in the Jardines del Turia
EATING AND DRINKING
Mercat Colon Gastro Market
This century old market constructed of metal and glass has been fully restored and is now a gourmet hub full of restaurants and cafes. It is a location to consider for that special meal if your in the city.
Mercat Colon Gastro
El Carmen
OK this is a second mention for this area within the Old Town and it is a area that offers much in the way of bars and restaurants we enjoyed a couple of good nights here, there is plenty of choice expecially if you enjoy Tapas. Great people watching also.
Casa Almudin
OK this is a personal recommendation this excellent Tapas Bar in the Old Town is only a stones throw from the Cathedral and it provides some excellent fresh made Tapas. It also does a Tapas tasting menu if you want to try a few of the dishes. As well as all that it has a extensive collection of Vermouth in its gantry not forgetting some very drinkable local wines. So do give it a look you won't be disappointed. You will find it at the Plaza de San Luis Bertran.
Casa Almudin
Inside the bar.
So thats my review and recommendations for a visit to Valencia a Spanish city with a long history and much to offer us tourists whilst visiting.
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