Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, with around 800,000 inhabitants in the city center. The total population is around 1.6 million people. I flew into Valencia airport, which is approximately 30 minutes from the city center. There is a metro in the airport, which is the most convenient way I found to get to the city. The cost is 4.80 euros. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or city bus. The only downside of the metro in Valencia, is it does not expand very far. For example, it does not go all the way to the beach. I stayed at the Primus Valencia Hotel and Spa, which is about 20 minutes outside of the city center. The closest metro station is Maritim-Serreria, which is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride. The city has bike racks located all over the city, which you can rent for the week. Simply go to the website or purchase at one of the locations that allow it. I used these quite a bit during my trip. It was great to pick up a bike by the hotel and bike around the city and drop it off at a different location. The cost of the city bike rental is 13 euros for the week, which is much cheapter than I found for other bike rental companies for just a day. The Primus Valencia Hotel was very nice, but unfortunately, I did not get to enjoy the spa. It has an outdoor pool that is free of charge and an indoor pool that you can only use if you pay to use the spa. The price of breakfast I thought was a little unreasonable as well. However, I really liked the location of the hotel. Since I went to Valencia during Fallas Festival in March, I wanted to be outside of the city center so I wouldn’t be woken up as much from all of the fireworks. The hotel was also very close to the City of Arts and Sciences, which was my favorite area in Valencia. Fallas Festival Every March Valencia gets ready to welcome the spring. The Fallas is a traditional celebration held in commemoration of Saint Joseph. From March 1stto 19th, every day at 2PM in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento near City Hall, fireworks go off as tons of people watch. On the night of March 15th, the installation of the fallas monuments takes place in order to have them finished by dawn on the 16th. On the morning of the 17th, the falleros and their commissions go to the Plaza to collect prizes after all of the structures have been judged by the jury. Every night from March 15thto 18th, the sky of Valencia is filled with an amazing firework display at midnight. People gather on Paseo de la Alameda to enjoy the show. On March 17thand 18this an Offering of Flowers parade. Finally, on March 19th, all of the sculptures go up in flames to end the festival. Day 1 On my first day, I wanted to walk around the city center and see the main highlights. I started at City Hall, where I watched the Fallas Festival fireworks at 2PM. It was crazy to watch a firework show during the day. The streets were extremely crowded. I loved the atmosphere of everyone chanting and playing music. You are able to access the balcony of City Hall to get a view of the city and go into the history museum with the building although I did not do either of these things. After taking a look at City Hall and the Central Post Office across the street, I walked to Patriarch Square. I then strolled through Jardins de la Glorieta. Valencia has several beautiful gardens, all of which are worth strolling through to avoid the city traffic. I then ate lunch near the Valencia Cathedral at a restaurant called the Mercat de la Reina. It served traditional paella, which is a very good rice dish. It is usually served with seafood or chicken. I did not go into the cathedral because the entrance cost is 8 euros, which I think is a little much to see the inside of a church. I walked toward the Templar Palace before taking a walk through The Royal Gardens and the Gardens of Turia on the way to Serranos Towers. What once used to be a riverbed is now a cultural and leisure center of Valencia. It is also one of the largest parks in Spain, spanning across an area of 9 kilometers. Serranos is one of the city’s remaining two gates, which was constructed around 1392. It was built as part of the historical city wall, protecting the city of Valencia, and was later used as a prison. You can access the tower and take a look at the Gothic interior and the excellent view of the city upstairs for only 2 euros. Next, I walked to the Quart towers which is a memento of the old city walls protecting Valencia, built in the Late Gothic style. Napoleon entered the city through this tower, that once served also as a prison. It was cool to see the bullet holes. Next, I headed toward the Central Market, but it had already closed for the day. It is one of the oldest still running markets in Europe. However, I realized that Columbus Market was still open, so I headed there instead. By each of the markets, there are a lot of shops and restaurants. This is where I bought my souvenirs and had dinner before heading back toward the hotel. On the way back, I biked through the gardens behind the City of Arts and Sciences, which is extremely pretty all lit up at night. Even late at night, it was still busy with groups of people setting off fireworks and mini parades going on. The party never seemed to stop. Day 2 In the morning I got on
I have been to London several times and each time I go, I discover something new. London has so much to offer and is a great place to go for any length of time. When I plan what I am going to do in London, I first decide what tourist attractions I would like to see and do, and then I route my trip based around the tube map. The London Underground is divided into nine zones: central London is covered by zone 1. There are 11 Tube lines. The Tube fare depends on how far you travel, time of day, and how you pay. Oyster or contactless payments are the cheapest ways to pay for single fares. Tube services usually run from 5AM until midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings. After I have decided what I would like to see and do, I look up the nearest underground station of each place on LondonTown.com. Below is a list of major tourist attractions categorized by their closest underground station. Tower Hill Tower of London – This is London’s version of a castle. It is a fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison all in one. Buying your tickets online is the cheapest and most convenient way to visit the Tower. The cost is 22.50GPB. It is open from 9AM to 4:30PM Tuesday-Saturday and 10AM to 16:30 on Sundays and Mondays. Check out the official website for more information. Tower Bridge – This is one of London’s famous bridges and one of many must-see landmarks in London. You can discover the stories behind the engineering, the people, the architecture, and the city that build Tower Bridge. From the high-level walkways, you can take in stunning panoramic views and experience the thrill of seeing London life through the Glass Floor. In the Victorian Engine Rooms, you will learn about how the bridge was engineered and how it functions. The bridge is open daily from 9:30AM to 5PM. You can receive discounted tickets by booking online. The price is 8.70GBP. You can find out more information on the website. Coppa Club Igloo Restaurant – The terrace of this restaurant has been transformed into the copies set up the Thames has to offer. With fluffy blankets and sheepskin rugs, sparkly night’s sky and unrivaled views of London’s Thameside skyline, it’s the dreamiest spot ideal for hiding away from the cold and the city outside. There are a limited amount of spaces so you have to book well in advance. There is no booking fee and the prices are very cheap considering. You can check out the menu here. London Bridge Shard – Formerly known as London Bridge Tower, this 95-story skyscraper is the tallest building in the European Union. The building has a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor, at a height of 244 meters (801 feet). It offers visitors a 360-degree view for up to 40 miles. The ticket is quite expensive at 32GBP. You can book it in advance or when you arrive. There are also several restaurants and bars, all of which boast floor to ceiling windows and an excellent view of the city. You can learn more about each and make reservations here. Clink Prison Museum – This museum is built upon the original site of the Clink prison which dates back to 1144, making it probably the oldest prison in England. Visit the website for more information. Westminster Big Ben – Elizabeth Tower’s Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster has been nicknamed Big Ben. When construction completed in 1859, the clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The tower stands 315 feet (96 meters) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. In August 2017, a four-year schedule of renovation work began on the tower. With a few exceptions, such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday, the bells are to be silent until the work is completed in the 2020s. House of Parliament – The palace of Westminster, commonly known as the House of Parliament, is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. The UK Parliament is open to visitors year round, Monday to Saturday, to attend debates and committee hearings or to take a tour of the building. Visit the website for more information. Westminster Abbey – This cathedral is across from the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and burial site British monarchs. There have been 16 royal weddings at the abbey since 1100, including Prince William and Catherine. You can attend church services, free of charge or book tickets for visiting at another time. London Eye – This is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3.75 million visitors annually. The structure is 135 meters (443 feet) tall. If you book online, you will save 10% on tickets and guarantee a time slot. The London Dungeon – This is a tourist attraction along London’s South Bank which recreates various gory historical events in a humorous style. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects, and rides. There are 19 live shows and 2 thrilling rides. Book online for the best price, guarantee entry, and choose your arrival time. You can also combine your ticket with another London Attraction for 40GBP. For opening times and more information visit the website. Sea Life Aquarium – Here you will find Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. The Rainforest Adventure allows you to immerse yourself in a world of creepy crawlies, charming crocs, and curious critters. The Ocean Invaders welcomes you
