This year we decided to spend Christmas in Valencia, and having been to both the Bioparc and the L’Oceanogràfic there was of course also the city. A buzzing vibrant city that combines Spanish architecture through the ages effortless and is crowded and lively at any given hour.
Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts of town and converted the former riverbed into a wonderful green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local-boy-made-good Santiago Calatrava.
Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista architecture, great museums and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by the fertile fruit-and-veg farmland La Huerta, is famous as the home of rice dishes like paella (be sure to try this) but its buzzy dining scene (La Pappardella is a good pick) offers plenty more besides.
If you ever consider going to Valencia the best tip you could be given is to book at the excellent Bubuflats. We were situated in Bubu 2, a nicely decorated loft in the middle of Valencia with a rustic view of terraces and all the comforts you’d expect. The owner Reno was very friendly and even arranged for our luggage to be stored so we could enjoy our stay to the max.
