Some Cool and Unusual Things to do in Valencia
Valencia is a port city in Spain on its south-eastern coast. You will soak up all its cathedrals, beaches, food destinations, and art museums within a couple of days. After that, take time to go off the beaten path and do some unusual things there. Here is a round-up of some really unusual but enjoyable things to see and do around the town.
Admiring North Railway Station’s Modernist Architecture
North Railway Station, locally named Estacion del Norte, is an architectural marvel of Valencia. Built at the starting of the 20th century, it is a modernist-style building that shows typical elements of the Valencian culture, including oranges, traditionally dressed women, La Albufera Lake, and barracas.
Still active, it is one of the busiest railway stations in Spain, linking some of the major European cities with rail. Located in the city’s centre, it is quite easily accessible. Instead of staying outside and admiring its exterior, go inside and watch its wooden ticket counters embellished with murals and mosaics.
Relaxing at La Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia has an uninterrupted coastline that draws many tourists every day. The soft golden sand and rolling sand dunes of the Malvarrosa Beach make it one of the most popular choices among all. Situated at a few minutes distance from the city’s centre, it is a one-kilometre-long urban beach lined with several restaurants and bars.
The old fisherman quarters present on the beach give you a real authentic feel of Spain.
It boasts of all necessary facilities like lifeguard stations, showers, drinking fountains, medical care stations, bathrooms, and others.
It also hosts many festivals during different times of the year, such as the International Kite Festival, International Air Show, and Fallas Fireworks Festival. Looking forward to attending one of them? Check the dates before making your trip plan.
Visiting the Narrowest Building of Europe
Located in the Lope de Vega square, it is quite easy to miss this 107 cm wide building, since it is the narrowest building in Europe and the second narrowest in the world.
Named La Estrecha, its entrance now belongs to a bar with the same name, which still preserves the original floor and a few periodic photographs. When you enter the house, it can get really claustrophobic.
It is said that the girl who lived here had to wear her dress on the street, as she could not get past the door with her dress on.
The house has a vending machine, and the lower floor once operated as a jewellery store, as a newsstand for knick-knacks and magazines, as a gift shop, and finally as a bar. Once, prostitutes and people with extramarital affairs used to rent the upper floors of this house. All in all, the house has a legacy of its own, and it is worth visiting once while in Valencia.
Taking a Food Tour
Spanish cuisine is delicious and varied, and there can be no better way than taking a food tour to relish some regional delicacies.
From Valencian olive oils and saffron to Spanish cured ham and tiger nut milk, there is so much more to discover.
During a food tour, you will be taken to local gems where you can sample these morsels and feel the difference. Don’t forget to try the wines and tapas too!
Unlike Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia is an underrated city that has its own charm, attractions, and must-sees. So, those who have already marked attractions like Central Market, Turia Gardens, and the Cathedral, try these remarkable alternatives in the city.
When you are ready to plan your travel, I am here to help you every step of the way.
Bon Voyage,
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