Valencia, Spain! When I touched down in Spain, it may have only been May but it jump-started my summer. As usual, I got super lost looking for my hostel Home Youth Hostel Valencia. Once I got there, I was excited to see it was super clean and cozy and the staff was ready to tell me everything about this beautiful city. I’m not sure if it was the late hour or the dehydration, but my eyes began to glaze over as I remembered my friend’s highest recommendation: the agua de Valencia. To my luck, there was a great restaurant right outside the hostel called Escalones de la Lonja. The first meal I ordered there was a chorizo, egg, potato, and pepper dish with agua de Valencia, basically a boozier mimosa. Another night, I tried the potatas bravas. Everything I ate there was delicious and the location could not have been any better based on where I stayed.
Valencia’s Central Market was just steps away from my hostel. One could easily spend a few hours exploring all the stalls there. I went every morning while in Valencia. The market was packed with options but the fresh fruit juices were my favorite things to buy there. Outside one of the entrances, they sell churros and horchata, a non-dairy rice milk beverage. The horchata was interesting to try, but as someone who doesn’t really drink milk, it felt a little heavy. The churros were delicious but next time I would definitely order some chocolate to dip them in.
Another food I tried in Valencia were empanadas at a place called Dempanadas. The food was awesome and inexpensive and service was fantastic. I had a bacon and cheese and a spinach and cheese empanada.
Aside from eating your weight in tapas and empanadas, there’s plenty to do and see in Valencia. I went on a historical tour to see some of the sights. You can’t miss the Valencia Cathedral. I’d read online that it was really cheap to climb the bell tower there rather than visit the rest of the church. If you’re religious, this cathedral is home to what many believe to be the Holy Grail. The journey to the top of Miguelete Bell Tower consists of a 207-step spiral staircase that leads you to a viewing platform. Once at the top, you can see panoramic views of the city. If you startle easily, like I found out I do, be aware that the bells will be deafening from up there. It quickly dashed any fantasies of me becoming the next Quasimodo. Another warning is that this trek counts as leg day and you may feel like you need some new legs the next morning. I vowed to not even look at a staircase for several weeks.
My top recommendation for this city is to seek out as much street art as you can find. Valencians are very proud of their street art and some of it is even commissioned to be on buildings by the owners. Take a street art tour so you can hear about the artists that beautify Valencia’s neighborhoods.
Street art is everywhere in Valencia. Just take a look around when you’re exploring and you’re bound to find something cool.
If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you should definitely consider spending a few days in Valencia. The art, food, and general laid-back vibe make it worth a visit. My one big regret is not being able to try the Valencian paella (heads-up, the authentic restaurants only sell it to parties of two or more). I was too shy to seek out a paella buddy at this point in my adventure. My next destination will be Spain’s capital, Madrid!
Me after drinking my daily Agua de Valencia
Bri Right Back 
I would love to wander around Valencia and capture its beauty, just look how gorgeous the light is!