Discovering Valencia in Spain

When you travel on a design mission, little time is left for impromptu city discoveries. That was the case during our design bloggers tour to Spain as well. However, since it was my very first time in the city of Valencia in Spain, I could not let this opportunity pass without a quick stroll through the city center. Even though I had seen but a tiny bit of this Mediterranean city, I loved the atmosphere that was gravitating between a bustling city and a relaxed Mediterranean town. Interested? Well join me on a little stroll through the city center of Valencia in Spain!

Sometimes it is quite relieving to discover a city without any plan or city guide. You just roam around, turn into small alleys, look around corners, peek into little shops, grab an ice cream. And snap pictures on the way. That was the way we set off to walk around Valencia’s city center.

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful architecture in the city center. It is a very representative style with Art Nouveau buildings – but apparently Valencia is also known for its modern, futuristic buildings (that are not in the city center however). Walking around made us discover some typical spots like a little shop selling traditional wickerwork (oh, I wanted to take that big wicker cactus with me, don’t know if Iberia Airlines would have been very fascinated with my hand luggage) or handmade fans. We also passed some beautiful historical landmark buildings like the famous Llotja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange, the Central Market, the impressive Town Hall and some amazing churches with very ornate baroque facades like the city’s cathedral.

Refreshments in Valencia should always include a glass of ‘Horchata’ or ‘Orxata’, a traditional beverage made of tigernuts. Not everyone in our group was amazed by this drink, but I liked it. But then again, I like all kind of weird things. It has a very peculiar taste that is hard to describe – it is sweet and a bit bitter, it tastes a little bit like almond milk.

During our Valencian trip we were staying in a cute and small hostel in the city center – the Lotelito Hostel has tiny but comfy rooms and a lovely little restaurant and bar where they serve a basic breakfast and food and drinks à la carte.

I hope you enjoyed the little stroll through Valencia! Happy new week!

Photography by Igor Josifovic