Citytrip Valencia

Valencia... it seems like everybody is going there right now! I recently visited this beautiful Spanish city for the first time and I have to say "wow"! I absolutely loved the architecture, the museums, the cathedral, the (enormous) Turia garden, all the pretty squares, the beach and of course the people. 

Valencia has a very mediterranean vibe and laidback atmosphere. Especially the boho district "Ruzafa" gave me that holiday feeling. In certain streets it actually felt a bit like Cuba, with all the colorful houses, palm trees, artesan and vintage shops.

Talking about vintage shops... I found a true gem on Gran Via de las Germanies, "El Vestidor Vintage". This beautiful store specializes in luxury vintage. Items include dresses by Emilio Pucci, Balenciaga, Natan, shoes by Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and bags by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Loewe.

Besides vintage fashion, you can find all the big brands in Valencia: Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo (near the Poeta Querol street and the ceramics museum), Zara, Mango, H&M, Intimissimi and so on. The prettiest fashion store in Valencia, if you ask me, is Loewe. The store is located at the Plaza de la Reina, in a recently restored Art Nouveau building.

In case you're not a fashion lover... no worries! There is something to do for everyone. Art lovers should not miss the Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia, which has a large collection of paintings by local artist Joaquín Sorolla. Another favourite of mine is the ceramics museum, located inside a stunning building, Palacio del Marqués de dos Aguas. Even if you're not interested in ceramics, this museum is a must!

To get to know the city better, I would recommend taking a bicycle tour. You can explore all the major tourist attractions, as well as the Turia garden (a 9 kilometer long park) in a couple of hours. I went on a tour with Verrassend Valencia, a Dutch organisation, but there are many different ones. Most of them can be found in Ruzafa, in Carrer de Cuba.

And then I haven't even told you about all the bars and restaurants.... Valencia is definitely a place for foodies. From trying the local paella, to all the different tapas, from Horchata and Fartons to Argentinian pastries... it's hard to choose. You can start by going to the central market and try to conquer a spot at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena.

Another great place is the roof top bar Atenea Sky, overlooking the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. It's a very trendy place, with cocktails and DJs... so dress the part and order a "Agua de Valencia"! But beware, this drink has absolutely nothing to do with water... it's a (strong) cocktail made with orange juice, cava, vodka and gin.

Well, I guess you just have to take my word for it: Valencia is the place to be!

Photos taken at:
Atenea Sky https://ateneasky.com/en/
El Vestidor Vintage https://elvestidorvintage.com/
DDL Boutique https://www.ddlboutique.com/
Ceramics Museum https://www.cultura.gob.es/mnceramica/en/home.html
Marina Beach Club Valencia https://marinabeachclub.com/en/home/
Santo Pastel https://santopastel.es/
Loewe store https://www.loewe.com/eur/en/home
Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia https://museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/va/
Verrassend Valencia https://www.verrassendvalencia.nl/