We travelled to Valencia from Madrid via their high speed rail - at 300 km/hr it took us just 90 minutes and went through beautiful countryside. The best deal we have found so far is the reduced rate for jubilados y pensionistas - for 5.15 euros we each got a card that gives us 40% off train fares except for holidays when we get 25% off.
Valencia is Spain's 3rd largest city, home of Valencian oranges, paella, historic sites and modern architecture. The Turia River used to run through the city, but after devastating floods in the late 1950's they diverted the river and turned the former riverbed into an amazing public recreational space.
City of Arts and Science - Valencia has built Europe's biggest leisure/cultural complex (according to their brochure) and it truly is an amazing architectural sight. it includes a huge science museum, aquarium, IMAX theater, and music/opera hall - all situated in the former riverbed.
All of this amazing complex can be viewed from the Umbracle, which includes parking on the lower level and the Promenade of Art and Garden of Astronomy on the upper level .
This was our first hotel stay and the receptionist recommended a great tapas bar and a great local place to get paella. It marked the first night we actually ate dinner on Spanish time - 9 pm!
The paella we had for dinner was made to order - the one on the left was dish of the day for a midday meal. Traditional Valencian paella has rice, chicken, and green beans.
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