Valencia: My four-night escape that touched all the senses

I have just returned from four nights in Valencia and I can honestly say it was one of the most surprising and delightful city breaks I have taken in a long time. This beautiful city on Spain’s east coast is often overlooked for Barcelona or Madrid, but I found it offered everything I could possibly want from a short break. It has history, culture, food, beaches, and modern architecture, all wrapped up with a laid back atmosphere that made me feel instantly at ease.

My stay at Only YOU Hotel

I stayed at the Only YOU Hotel, which was a brilliant choice. The hotel felt chic and stylish but not in a way that tries too hard. The lobby had that boutique charm with modern touches and soft lighting, while my room was calm and spacious. The bed was so comfortable I melted into it each night, and I loved the thoughtful details that made it feel more like a home away from home than a hotel room. Its location was perfect, right in the heart of the city, so I could easily wander out on foot and be surrounded by history within minutes.

Each evening when I returned, I felt I had a little sanctuary waiting for me. It was a hotel that really added to the experience rather than just somewhere to sleep.

Wandering through the Old Town

The Old Town was where I spent a lot of my time. Valencia is so walkable, and the Old Town in particular feels like a maze of cobbled streets, hidden corners and little surprises waiting to be found. I loved the contrast of grand, centuries old buildings with bursts of vibrant street art on tucked away walls.

I climbed the tower at the cathedral which rewarded me with incredible views across the rooftops, domes and spires of the city. The effort was worth it just to see the sea glittering in the distance. Inside the cathedral itself, I stood quietly in the Holy Grail Chapel, taking in the atmosphere of the space and imagining the countless visitors who had stood in that very spot before me.

Nearby was San Nicolás Church, known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. The frescoes inside were breathtaking. Every inch of the ceiling was painted with rich, vivid detail that made me just stop and stare in awe.

The Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was another highlight. Even though silks are no longer sold there, the building tells its own story. High vaulted ceilings, stone columns twisting upwards like tree trunks, and intricate carvings made me feel I had stepped back in time to the days when Valencia was a hub of global trade.

Food glorious food

Of course, one of the best parts of Valencia is the food. I had paella at the Only YOU Hotel’s restaurant and it was truly special. I chose the chicken and pumpkin paella, a twist on the traditional paella valenciana, and it was absolutely delicious. The rice was rich and golden, the chicken tender, and the sweetness of the pumpkin added a depth of flavour I was not expecting. It was hearty, comforting and perfectly balanced.

One evening I booked a table at Jamon Jamon, which is a restaurant you would easily walk past without knowing it was there. You ring a little doorbell to be let in, and once inside you discover a cosy, intimate space where pre booking is a must. It felt like being in on a secret, and the food lived up to the reputation. Every plate of tapas was carefully prepared, from paper thin slices of cured ham to little plates of sizzling garlic prawns. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it felt like I had discovered one of the city’s hidden gems.

For drinks, unbelievably I stumbled across an Irish bar, so of course I stopped for a Guinness. Whilst there are actually quite a few Irish bars in Valencia, I only visited this one in St Martin.

The remainder of the time was all local. I stopped at Sant Jaume, a small, characterful bar where I tried Agua de Valencia. This cocktail is a mix of cava, orange juice, gin and vodka, and it is as refreshing as it is dangerous. The bar had a lively hum of conversation, clinking glasses and bursts of laughter, and I felt very much part of the Valencian rhythm of life.

Another evening I wandered into a little bar in La Seu where I enjoyed simple tapas and a glass of wine while people watching. It was nothing fancy, just honest, good tapas food in a charming side street, but it was one of those moments that makes you feel like you are living like a local.

The Central Market was unforgettable. This huge domed building is filled with light, colour and sound. The stalls were overflowing with pyramids of glossy fruit and vegetables, seafood piled high on ice, glistening hams hanging from hooks, and baskets of spices filling the air with their scent. The buzz of locals chatting with stallholders, the clatter of trays and the swirl of aromas created an atmosphere that was so alive. I could have spent hours wandering and sampling. It is a must visit for anyone who loves food.

Exploring on two wheels

Valencia is perfect for cycling and I hired a bike one morning to explore the Turia Gardens. The hire was simple and affordable, around 15 euros for the day, and I was given a sturdy, comfortable bike that made it easy to get around. The Turia Gardens run for nine kilometres through the city, a long green park filled with fountains, playgrounds, orange trees and little cafés. The path is flat and shaded in places, making it perfect for cycling. It felt refreshing to glide along with the breeze on my face, stopping now and then to take photos or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

A day at the beach

One of the things that makes Valencia so special is how quickly you can swap city for sea. I took a bus from the centre and within fifteen minutes I was standing on Las Arenas Beach. The sand was golden and soft underfoot, the sea was clear and inviting, and the whole place had that relaxed holiday atmosphere. There were beach bars dotted along the promenade where I stopped for a drink, and it was such a treat to be able to combine city exploring with beach time in the same day.

The city of arts and sciences

For a complete change of scene, I visited the City of Arts and Sciences. This futuristic complex of gleaming white buildings felt like something from another world. I wandered around the Hemispheric, the science museum and the Oceanogràfic aquarium. Walking through tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays was a magical moment. It was such a contrast to the historic heart of Valencia but it shows just how varied the city is.

Why Valencia stole my heart

What I loved most about Valencia was the balance. I could be walking through a centuries old cathedral in the morning, eating paella in a bustling square at lunch, cycling through gardens in the afternoon and sipping a cocktail by the sea in the evening. The pace of life felt calm and enjoyable, with enough going on to keep me busy but never overwhelming.

The sights, the food, the atmosphere and the people all left their mark on me. Valencia has a way of blending the best of Spain into one destination, and it is a place I know I will return to.

If you are thinking about your next city break, I would wholeheartedly recommend Valencia. With my personal experience and insider tips, I can put together a trip that shows you the very best of the city, from hotels to hidden restaurants and all those magical little details in between.