Beautiful architecture. Worth visiting for this alone. I happened to be visiting during a Leonardo…read moreDaVinci exhibit. Just incredible the breadth and depth they went into. Very informative. I really appreciate the cleanliness of the building, the attention to detail within each exhibit, and most notably, the interactive experiences. Each exhibit I visited had multiple interactive opportunities to help engage the audience. Great way to capture the attention of young and old alike; not just walking through looking and reading copious amounts of explanations on the art presented. One star off because some of the exhibits felt disjointed between one another, signage could be better.

Maaaaaaannnnnnn.....Chicago really lost out!!…read more The Chicago Spire, designed by Santiago Calatrava, was supposed to be erected as the tallest building in the USA. However, the efforts stalled and we were left with just a big hole in the ground. I mention that data point because the Cuidad de las Artes y las Sciences (City of Arts and Sciences) was designed by Santiago Calatrava. He also designed Milwaukee's Modern Art Museum (I've been there) and the Occulus (NYC - haven't been yet). His futuristic, modern and clean designs incorporates and draws inspiration from local plants, the skeletal features of a whale, the sails of a ship, etc., etc....His work is instantly recognizable - like Frank Gehry's, Art Deco, and on a smaller scale - Frank Lloyd Wright. And coming here to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, which by way, this place puts Valencia on the map as a Do Not Miss city!! I understand that Rick Steves did not overly advertise this great city and on this rare occasion, I respectfully think he's mistaken to do so. My only regret is that we just did a walk-by and a few drive-bys to admire its Beautiful design and the distinct buildings which include an aquarium, planetarium, museum, etc. There are outdoor areas for enjoying artwork, foliage, architecture, paddle boarding, so on and so forth. And try to wrap your mind around this - it's part of a linear parkway that extends about 6.5 KM in one direction!! If you're training for a marathon or an avid runner, what a big plus to run through this area on a daily basis. I can only think of running from Giants park to Golden Gate Bridge, being more picturesque. Or the lake front jogging path from Addison St. to 15th street in Chicago. On a smaller scale, I do see Santiago being influenced by Gaudi, here and there, and it's because of his use of organic shapes and tiles. Overall, Plan to spend a day or two here and actually go inside the facilities, my drive-bys and walk-bys provided just a glimpse of this futuristic compound.....

A great place to stay along the beach in Valencia, Spain. All staff very pleasant to engage with…read moreand extremely accommodating without having to ask. Most speak English making communication easy. Recommend 4th floor Executive room with beach view that comes with a complimentary spa. Concierge, reception staff, wait staff, host and hostesses all speak English. Housekeepers kept the room exceptionally clean and would often check-in to see if we had enough coffee, water, etc. Private balconies and terraces.

Beautiful hotel, and very affordable, when it is off-season. Amazing service by the concierge who…read morealways wanted us to great meals and attractions. The breakfast is excellent and very much worth it. Across the way is the ocean, which I can see being a perfect spot during warmer times. Across the street is a very cute and delicious restaurant, and just down the beach is a roll of really great small restaurants on the ocean front.

Umbracle is an experience that you need to do in Valencia. Whether you are a party person or just…read moresomebody ho enjoys a drink, you have to been here to talk about it. Set in the great setting of the Ciudad de Los Artes Y Sciences, you can literally party in a monument. Umbracle is part park and part lounge. It's set in open air but you might not think that. On Friday, there's a flag party by Tandem Language exchange and if you subscribe on their Facebook, you get free entrance between 11 and 12 pm. Otherwise, cover is €16 but you get a free drink. I mostly go for Gin & Tonic which is €10 while a beer is €5 (Heineken) Once you get in Umbracle, you also have access to Mya, the club downstairs, at the bathroom but I guess that will be a different review

Very well located hotel. Directly opposite the central fountain in the dead centre of Valencia. The…read moreroom prices are value for money,and well appointed,decor is modern,clean and minimilist. Lots of shops and restaurants around and all the main tourist sights within walking distance. Car parking is a bonus,but you have to use their valet parking as it is difficult to find.

As far as markets go, it's more of a food stall market; different restaurants and cafes and some…read morebeautiful outdoor seating (not a market selling produce and dry goods, etc). Unfortunately, most of the restaurants were closed when I went but I was still able to find a place serving snacks, wine and coffees. Also, most of the restaurants are low rated so I was hesitant to try them out (mostly poor service related), but I did take a chance on the Japanese restaurant downstairs; one of the higher rated spots that turned out to be pretty good. I would go for the architecture alone, just incredible. Beautiful space to just sit and read or chat with friends with a glass of wine. I would love to go back during peak hours to enjoy people watching and the hustle and bustle.

In times past it was a market, today it is home to flower stalls and the finest restaurants. But it…read morehas always been one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia. I enjoyed strolling around the entire market and watching people gather for a drink, a meal or just a snack. Spanish people like to take their time while they get together, it's just a nice social thing to do. The Colón Market was designed by the architect Francisco Mora Berenguer in the early 20th century, making it one of the most iconic examples of Valencian art nouveau, which has certain features that recall Gaudí's buildings in Barcelona. The structure has been listed as a National Monument. The large building is divided into three sections, enclosed at either end by two brick and stone entrances in the style of triumphal arches. The colorful façade is highly decorative, with the ceramic details typical of the region. An artistic wrought iron fence surrounds the premises. All these features have been painstaking restored. Today, the height of its ceiling and numerous entrances make the market a bright, open space. Built to cater to the upper class of the period, it is in fact still located in one of the areas with the highest purchasing power in the city, the Ensanche. Every day it receives numerous visitors, who come to pass the time at its outdoor cafés. The market hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 1.30 in the morning, but each establishment can set its own opening times

Excellent surprise, very unexpected! My original dinner plans went south so we decided to roll the…read moredice. I reservations needed and plenty of seating . For the beach lovers outside seating is awesome with ceiling fans, we opted for inside which has a view of the beach . Waiters are bilingual and can assist with recommendations if needed. Meal was not fast but, that's European so sit back and enjoy. One appetizer was phenomenal and the other left much to be desired. From the pictures you can guess the good one ( scallop....) duck was very tasty. Steak was very delicious and monkfish/ shrimp was a winner. Next time we come to Valencia I anticipate this restaurant will get a return from me and my brood of weary travelers

Great view and setting, the service was good, but the Lobster Paella was Awesome highly recommended.read more

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I happened upon this tiny museum, but I was glad that I…read morevisited. Highlights: + Standard entry price is 2€. There is also a reduced rate of 1€ for retired persons, groups, etc. + An audio guide is available, for a fee, in Spanish, Valencian, English, French, or Italian. + On the main level, there an area with seats that shows a video that gives a brief overview of the Falles Festival and shows the process and detail of how the monuments were created + Ninots, monuments that were saved (chosen by vote of the people) from the fires of the festival are displayed in chronological order, with the older ones on the first floor, and the newer ones on the second floor. + The second floor is accessible via stairs or a small elevator. Definitely worth a visit. You could easily go through the museum in 30 minutes, or more if you take time to take photos of all of the ninots, which are extremely detailed.

Awesome museum. I was with a big group and we all thoroughly enjoyed looking at the various falles…read more If you are into Spain history and celebrations, this is a must see museum. Each year during the big festival they vote on the best falle and save part of it and keep it in this museum. It does not take much more than about an hour to walk through this museum.