Football is undoubtedly famous in Spain and all over Europe; this is one of the most popular games that has been patronized by most of the Spanish people. The streets and plazas around Valencia, you will find children or even adults, playing football. In fact Valencia has the one of the leading football teams in Spain. The Valencia CF or Valencia Club de Futbol, this team has played on the UEFA Cup in 2004-2005. Whenever the football seasons starts, you will see the Valencian people go to team’s home stadium the Mestalla Stadium with 55,000-seat capacity; you will the stadium in Avenida Aragon, you will find the stadium across the bus stop. The stadium is always full when the seasons begin. And if you are around Valencia by that time be sure to experience how it’s like watching a football game with the Valencian people.

Basketball is also one of the famous sports in Valencia; they also have one of the top teams when it comes to basketball, the Pamesa Valencia. The Spanish basketball association is called the Liga Asociacion de Clubs Baloncesto, they won a gold medal in the FIBA 2006 in Japan. You will find the teams play and practice in the Pabellon Municipal Fuente Sant Lluis de Valencia in Avenida Jesus with 9,000-seat capacity.

Valencia with lots of world class golf courses, golfing is also one of the sports that are being played here in Valencia. Some of the famous golfers around the world like Jose Maria Olazabal, Severiano Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia are from Spain. Some of these golf courses that you can find here are famous in Valencia are the El Saler, El Bosque Golf & Country Club, Club de Golf Manises, Club de Golf Gandia, Club de Golf Oliva Nova and many more.

Sailing also is one of the famous sports which you will find in Valencia, with vast coastlines and marinas, certainly sailing is one of them. The 32^nd America’s Cup Valencia was held here in 2007. This is a sailing competition between countries, the 33^rd America’s Cup will still be held in Valencia in the months of May to July 2009. With its mild climate and steady winds, this is an excellent place to be the host of the said event. This was held at the port of the El Grao and El Puerto.

No one can forget the traditional bullfighting in Spain. This kind of sport is part of the Spanish culture. Bull fighting is not that famous in Valencia but this has been given importance in the city since this is part of their culture. Mostly the bullfights are being held in the months of March to October and especially during the Las Fallas, many bullfighters from all over Spain come here to show what they got when it comes to bullfighting.  You can watch one of these bull fights at the Plaza de Toros in Valencia.  

And soon the 2008 European Grand Prix will be held in Valencia, the race track will occupy thirty kilometers at Cheste and the race tracks is designed by the famous German architect Hermann Tilke. The soon anticipated event will be flocked by millions of fans from Valencia and fans from all over the world. Valencia will have its name written on the map again for this F1 racing event.

In Valencia, you can find different kinds of stores with different kinds of things to buy. In the town center, you can find several large malls and department stores like the largest mall in Valencia, the Nuevo Centro which is five minutes away from the bus station. This mall has everything you need, mostly they have the Spanish brands here like Mango and Zara and many more. They usually have bargain sales in the months of July and January. In the El Corte Ingles, this is one of the most popular department stores, this store has been part of the city for sixty years, and they sell mostly everything you need and they also have home decorations, candles, souvenirs, calendars and many more. In El Saler, also a famous mall in Valencia, they have variety of stores which you can shop from and also has some restaurants and movie theaters which you can go to after shopping.  On the streets of the Calle Don Juan de Austria, you will find a strip of shoe stores from international to local brands; they too also have a bargain sale in the months of July and January.

In the famous Mercado Central, you will find different kinds of locally produced vegetables and fruits. You can also find here poultries, fishes, sea foods and many more. This is also the best place to buy for an Iberian ham and locally produced cheese. You can also find here some traditional shops.

Valencia is known for its ceramic production, the town of Paterna and Manises are famous for these locally-made ceramics.  You can buy one of these ceramic decorations in the town of Paterna which is known for the socarrats, these are wall decorations, and the green and purpled decorations. They are also famous for the silk art which is a traditional dress used in the Las Fallas Festivals. In the town of Manises are also for these ceramics, potteries and glasswares. You can also buy some ceramics product found in almost all stores in Valencia. In the Calle de las Cestas, you will also find here some potteries and ceramic products.

If you are looking for unique and inexpensive things that you can buy in Valencia, check out its street markets. Their street market also sells antique items. Make sure to ask some locals regarding the street markets so that you will know when they will set up their stores and where it is located. Usually you will only see their stalls in the mornings and they move from one place to another during the rest of the day and on weekdays.  You can also go to the Plaza Redonda, which they have the flea markets every morning of Sundays; you can buy here paintings, books, plants, animals and many more. And on the Lonja de la Seda, you will find stamp collectors gathering together to flaunt their collections and trade and bargain with each other.

Here are some of the famous restaurants which you can find in Valencia, the Mediterranean cuisines; here they serve authentic Mediterranean cuisines and some with Spanish twists to it. The El Timonel restaurant which you will find just blocks away from the bullfighting arena, the Plaza de Toros, they serve here Mediterranean cuisines, their specialty is the dorada a ala sal and the arroz de bogavante. The dorada a la sal is a gilthead sea bream that is coated with salt and the arroz de bogavante, this is a rice dish with prawns and lobsters in it. And the Mediterranean restaurant, the La Lola which you can find in the Subida del Toledano, one of the best dishes that they serve here is the jamon serrano; this is a cured ham and the codfish that is caramelized in saffron and honey. Torrijos also has the finest Mediterranean menu in Valencia; mostly their menu includes fishes from the Mediterranean and never without the rice dishes. They have a variety of wines to choose from. This is located in the Barrio Ruzafa.

Portuguese restaurants are also some of the restaurants which you can go to in Valencia. The Ca’n Bermell, this is one of the famous restaurants in Barrio del Carmen, their specialty here is the duck breasts in Riojo wine and the cod fish with onions and green peppers sauce. La Riua is also a Portuguese restaurant but with a twist of the traditional Valencian cuisines, they served paellas here that are being seasoned with squid ink, they also have spicy sausages, roasted pork and veal and the traditional pulpitos guisados which is a stewed octopus.  

You can find the authentic Mexican restaurant, Los Zopilotes also in Barrio del Carmen, the French restaurant El Bicho Raro, this has the authentic French food and ambience. You can find this in the Conde Montornes which is minutes away from the Plaza la Virgen.  The La Pepica is the most famous traditional Spanish restaurant in Valencia; their menus are all sea foods from their famous paella with lobsters and calamares. This is located in the La Playa de las Arenas in Valencia.

Valencians loves to eat and the restaurants and the tapas bars that you can find in the streets of Valencia are proofs that the Valencians appreciate their cuisines and other countries cuisines.

The beach is one of the places where the night life in Valencia happens. In the harbor of Valencia, Avenida deNeptuno and Playa de Malvarossa has lots of restaurants and bars where it also has dance patios. The dance patios that the open bars have here are ideal for the hot summer days due to the cool breeze of the air at night. This is where mostly the people start their night before they head to the Barrio del Carmen where it is the popular night spot in Valencia. Also in the Barrio del Carmen at nine o’clock in the evening, most of the restaurants, street cafes and bars that are located here are fully packed. Dinner starts at ten o’clock in the evening in Valencia that is why the restaurants are full by nine in the evening. There are different types of cuisines which you can choose from but mostly they are famous for their tapas and their local specialty drink the Agua de Valencia, which is a mixture of orange juice, wine and vodka. The bars are closed at two in the morning and mostly they head to the clubs after to party until late in the morning.  

The university areas is also one of the best places to spend your night life in Valencia, this is just near the Barrio del Carmen. They have lots of restaurants, bars and clubs, also this area has parks and gardens, and it is a student friendly zone. The crowds here are younger and are mostly students than the crowds that you will see in Barrio del Carmen. The clubs here operates until late in the morning.  This is somewhere on the streets of Alameda, Blasco Ibanez and Avenida de Aragon. There is also this place the Calle Juan Llorens which has the best clubs with different kinds of music being played, from hip hop to jazz to local Spanish music. This place has a mixture of crowds from teenagers to late twenties; this is a nice place to mingle with other people of your age or not. The night life in Valencia is as pulsating as the other Spanish places in Spain. The Spanish people sure do knows how to have a good time and party.

The La Tomatina Festival is held every year during the month of August in the town of Bunol in Valencia. This started in 1945; there have been stories that could have been possibly the origin of this food fight. Some would say that this started when friends were having a food fight amongst each other; some would say that this started when someone threw a tomato over at someone who’s a bad musician during a parade and some would say that this started when the people attacked a councilman, nobody really knows who started it but this has been a unique festival in Valencia. The La Tomatina festival starts eleven in the morning but before they can start the throwing of the tomatoes. There is a greased pole with a ham on top of it, when the ham has been retrieved on the pole; you know that the festival will start. The throwing of the tomatoes will begin when someone will also fire water cannon after the ham has been retrieved. There will be numerous of trucks filled ripe tomatoes. This will take place at the Plaza del Pueblo. There are rules for this festival, the tomatoes must be crushed before it is being thrown at someone and you can’t bring bottles or anything that might aggravate a serious fight. Some would encourage to you to wear goggles and gloves for safety reasons. The throwing of the tomatoes, will last for an hour. This will end when the water cannon will be fired and the throwing will stop. The fire trucks will hose water all over town after.

The Las Fallas Festival, this is a celebration of the patron saint of Valencia, St. Joseph. The celebration for the feast of St. Joseph lasts for a week. This festival is in honor of their patron saint, there are giant statues that are made of cardboards and paper maches that are to be burned on the last day of the one-week celebration. These statues reflect the current political events of the city and it is filled with fireworks, when the night of the statues that is going to be lighted. The streets are packed and the people will be at their balconies just to witness the burning of the statues and before it starts the people will chant, the lights of the plaza will be turned off, guns will be fired and the burning of the statues will start and fireworks will come out of it. There will be one statue to be spared from the burning; this statue will be displayed at the museum. This is the festival as to what many tourists would say that it is louder than the fourth of July.

There have been lots of tourists that would only go to Valencia for these festivals. These festivals are a must see, these are very different from any other festivals in Spain and there are no other festivals in the world that has the same with these. These are proofs that the Valencian people have a unique way of celebrating the fiestas of their patron saints and although there is no religious significance to it especially the La Tomatina but this is their way of celebrating and it is very unique and no other country have this, this is an authentic Valencian festivals and the best way to experience it to join and be with them.

Valencia Central Market caters of about 1300 stalls which is scattered within the 8000 square meter.  Travelers or buyers could not resists to buy one goods in Valencia Central Market after roaming around the Mercado since the different aroma coming from the stalls are tempting enough to allure consumers.  Travelers from the other countries will surely get something after visiting the market; they can also have the chance to purchase one of the local foods such as cheese, meats, wine and paella.  There are actually different kinds of markets in Valencia; however the Valencia Central Market dominates from the other markets because of its unique design and cleanliness.  Another season and time to remember when planning to have a market in the Valencia Central Market is during Christmas season, where the stalls display various kinds of Christmas decorations sell in an affordable price.  These facts, made the Mercado Central important to the lives of the folks living in Valencia Spain; because it contributes the enhancement of the Valencia city as one of their tourist’s spots. 

Travelers particularly in Valencia Spain should not miss of visiting the Mercado Central or the Valencia Central Market given that it has many things to offer.  The market does not only displays merely goods particularly foods, but it also displays goods ideal for a souvenir.  It is obviously the truth because most of the foreigners visiting Valencia City opt to hop in Valencia’s Central Market to buy for their needs though some were also chose shopping in some of their prestigious shopping centers.  Though the Central Market in Valencia Spain is design during the past century, the vibrant color it features and the unique design it shows off is one of the reasons why until now the Mercado dominates among the other markets in the city of Valencia.  The design it has is actually a reminder of the Valencia folks before, its design were actually a design of the contemporary style way back on the century were the Mercado Central was established.  However, its design until now captivates the interests of everybody which makes the Central Market alluring to the public as well.  By the way, you can reach the central market easily if you were already in Valencia City.  If you have rented cars with you then going to Valencia’s Central Market is very much easy.  Just make sure you have enough money with you if you were eager to buy something inside the Mercado.  So if you were now in Valencia, then don’t waste your time visit Valencia’s Central Market now or else you will miss half of your life. 

In relation of the main attraction of the Oceanographic, it also features summer evenings in the garden where visitors will love with since it abounds the Oceanographic area.  It shows off of about 13, 000 square meters of area    which caters of about 22, 000 plants as well as of about hundred’s of dissimilar botanical species.  The oceanographic actually is a contemporary type art design, it is in fact considered as part of the City of Arts and Sciences.  With about 42 million liters of saltwater Oceanographic is the outcome of the bizarre design of a fascinating underwater city.  This magnificent Oceanographic aquarium designates of having the largest dolphinarium all over the European countries.  Since then, it contains the Mediterranean Sea Exhibit, the Continental Waters Exhibition, and the Island of the Sea-Lions. 

The captivating attractions it shows is considerable enough why the place is worthy to visit with.  In reality, oceanographic is packed with travelers coming from all over the world all year round because of its unique and incredible design.  However, the most important reason as well why we need to visit this incredible underwater city is also for us to realize the importance of the different marine lives.  This marine sanctuary was established to show the people how this marine species live and the characteristics they have, in this sense people will comprehend that marines should also live in their own way of living. 

Oceanographic is nestled exactly at Valencia particularly in Av Autopsia del Saler 1, 3, 5, 7 City of Arts and Sciences Valencia 46013 Spain.  However, if you want further information regarding on the activities or things to see in Oceanographic before going, then you can call these numbers 902 100 031 for  whatever clarification you wanted to know.  The incredible Oceanographic by the way has an under water tunnels where you can view the different kinds of shark swimming above you.  Imagine how incredible it is, it is really stunning one where you can have the chance to see the main attractions, which is the dolphins in display.  For only about 20 Euros you will already have the chance of an unlimited sightseeing of one of Valencia’s alluring attraction; the Oceanographic.  Tourists can stay around the aquarium even until 8pm; however it would extend its time during summer seasons in order to have room for the vast number of visitors coming.  So what are you waiting for? Pack you bags now and get ready to fly to Valencia Spain and hop in to the famous Oceanographic aquarium.  By traveling through plane, you can easily reach Valencia then.  There are great accommodations that wait you there, so there is no need for you to think of any problems anymore regarding on the place to stay with.  Anyway, Oceanographic can easily be in reach if you were already in Valencia, since it can only be walked or traveled by cars. 

Its contemporary design was created by the Spanish person in the figure of Santiago Calatrva. He is actually one of the famous architects in Spain; the contemporary design is gigantic enough to cater a number of tourists who were going in here to explore. On the other hand, Calatrva was inspired by animal skeleton which he applied to the buildings established as the City of Arts and Sciences. Travelers can freely see the unique façade, however they are required to pay when planning to enter the inside part of the place. The city has much to offer, from the astounding entertainment it has to the education it presents which is unparalleled in the Europe level. Another facts about the City of Arts and Sciences; it is compiled with about five elements and all is abound with rich landscapes of both foliage and clear water spaces. When you were in this place, you will realize that you were really inside the city, away from the far distant imagination you have.

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia or The Concert / Opera Hall is one of the buildings belonged to the City of Arts and Sciences. It caters an entertainment of a variety kind of stage arts; such as theatre plays, classical concerts, and operas. Since then, because of its fascinating way of entertainment it is now became one of the most prominent opera halls in the European countries. Another part of the City of Arts and Sciences to remember is the L’Oeacnografic which also called the Marine Park. It is in here that travelers will find different marine species that includes dolphins, sharks, marine fauna and flora. It is the best place to see the species living underwater, in fact this famous aquarium in Valencia Spain is truly sizeable that caters enough a number of travelers, suitable as well for kids. Almost all the living creature hauled in this aquarium is visible to the traveler’s eyes since they will be viewing them underground where it is thwarted by durable glass.

L’Hemisferic on the other hand is the famous IMAX 3D cinema which is the most appealing part and intricate for the kids. There are about 5-7 a variety of shows display that features mostly of all about education and visually fascinating character. However, it is not only kids who can watch the cinemas but also the adults, guests can lounge on the floor and look at the hemispheric television above them. The Museo de Ciences Principe Felipe or the Museum of Science is composed of three floors that outfits all about the science materials such as physical laws, electricity, human body, lasers, sounds, sport sciences, lights, planetarium, electricity and other science related things. All the stuff displayed inside is significant which is not merely for displaying purpose but it also gives lessons to the visitors, it talks dramatically on science matters that give the individual a better understanding regarding on the science curriculum.

The Green House or the L’Umbracle is famous with its different species of plants that came from around the world. The best thing about the Green House since it is the place amongst the City of Arts and Sciences which is public entrée and at no cost of charge. Below are the lists of prices of the five elements of the City of Arts and Sciences:

· Museu de les Ciencies—for adult 7.50 euro to 12.40 euro, for reduced 5.80 to 9.70 euro, for school groups 12.30 to 17.00 euro, and for adult groups 17.60 to 22.90 euro.

· Oceanografico—for adults 23.30 euro, for reduced 17.60 euro, for school groups10.90 euro and for adult groups 16.00 euro.

· L’Hemisferic—for adults 7.50 to 12.40 euros, for reduced 5.80 to 9.70 euro, for school groups 4.10 to 6.80 euros, and for adult groups 5.40 to 8.90 euro.

· L’Hemisferic Museu de les Ciencies—for adults 11.20 to 17.70 euros, for reduced 8.50 to 13. 70 euro, school groups 6.20 to 9.70 euro and then for adult groups 8.00 to 12.80 euro.

· Museu de les Ciencies The Oceanografico—for adults 25.00 to 32 euro, for reduced 19.00 to 24.90 euro, school groups 12.30 to 17.00 euro and then for adult groups 17.60 to 22.90 euro.

Due to some significant reasons La Lonja has been considered of the UNESCO as one belonged to the World Heritage Site during 1996.  UNESCO considered La Lonja as one of the World Heritage Site since it illustrates an example of secular buildings which is designed during the late Gothic style that signifies both the wealth and power of the great Mediterranean merchant cities.  On the other hand, the refurbished building has an earlier building as well which is behind from the contemporary one; in fact it ages from the Fourteenth Century which they fondly called the Oil Exchange or the Llotja de l’Oli in the Valencian dialect and Lonja del Aceite in Spanish language.  Though it sounds like it is the provider of the oils it also sustains any kind of business. 

Due to these reasons that the city of Valencia eventually becomes progressive since the Fifteenth Century, it became the reason why they construct a new building which has the relationship of the previous La Lonja.  Recently, the architectural design of the Lonja has the similarity of the Lonja Palma de Majorca structure which was fabricated by architect Guillem Sagrera during the 1448 year.  Since then, the building remains as striking as ever since it was first established; now, numbers of tourists dashed in coming here to view the brilliant architectural design made by the latter previous architects.  The best days to visit La Lonja are during the days of Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, 4.30 to 8.30pm are also available during these days.  Sundays and during public Holidays is nicer also to come here starting from 10am to 3pm.  Mondays are not advisable to visit the place since it is closed during this day.  Regarding on the entry fee, General Admission is equivalent to 2 euro; reduced is 1 euro and it would be free during Saturdays, Sundays and during public holidays.  If you were not yet in this place then planning to go in here, better contact first its exact address which is Plaza del Mercado, s/n 46001 Valencia or you may contact these tel. numbers +34 963525478 / or you may contact it through its fax numbers +34 963529634.  Now that you have the detailed information regarding the La Lonja de la Seda, then include it in your lists of excursions while you were still in the boundary of this astounding city of Valencia.