What to Do on a Rainy Day in Valencia
Valencia, on Spain’s east coast, is famous for having 300 days of sunshine a year. But rainy days can happen, especially if you visit in the winter months, or during March for the city’s huge Las Fallas festival. And when it rains in Valencia, it pours. Luckily the city has plenty of great indoor activities to keep everyone entertained, whatever the weather. Here are some of our favourites.
Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
Building, Cinema, Museum, Opera House, Aquarium, Concert Hall, Architectural Landmark
Try Horchata
Try Horchata
One thing you really must try while in Valencia is the local drink horchata, or orxata in the Valencian language. It’s a cold, refreshing drink made from the tiger nuts that are grown locally and not found elsewhere in Spain. Horchata is usually served with long, sugar-dusted fingers of semi-sweet pastry called fartons. One of the best places to try it is at the unassuming Horchateria Fabian, also known for its great churros and bunuelos (two types of sinfully delicious fried pastry dipped in sugar).
Horchateria Fabian, Carrer de Ciscar, 5, 46005 Valencia
Visit the Museums
Museum
Visit the Museums
Valencia has some fantastic museums that are perfect for a rainy afternoon. Modern-art fans will be absorbed for hours by the collections at the IVAM (Institut Valencia d’Art Modern) or, just down the road, you can step back in time at The Museum of Prehistory.
Relax at the Spa
The vast stretch of sandy beach isn’t the only place you can go to relax in Valencia. The city also has plenty of spas, from thermal pools to pampering retreats. If you feel like splashing out, the seafront Hotel Las Arenas houses the most luxurious of them all.
Fine Dining
Bistro
Fine Dining
This is a city that takes food seriously, and Valencian cuisine is not to be missed. Plus, lingering over a long, lazy lunch is a great (and truly Spanish) way to spend a rainy afternoon. One of the city’s best-loved restaurants is Canalla Bistro, where you can try some creative, international cuisine by Michelin-starred local chef Ricard Camerena at a reasonable price. Or for something more traditional, go for one of the city’s fantastic (and non-touristy) paella restaurants.
Canalla Bistro, Carrer del Mestre Josep Serrano, 5, 46005 Valencia
Catch a Concert
Catch a Concert
You might be surprised to find that a relatively small city like Valencia has not one but two world-class concert halls. Check the programmes of the Palau de la Musica and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Part of the City of Arts and Sciences) to see what’s on. If you prefer jazz, rock or something else there are plenty of great bars with live music around the city.
Palau de la Musica, Passeig de l’Albereda 30, 46023 Valencia
Palau de la Musica, Valencia | Photo courtesy of the Palau de la Musica | Photo courtesy of the Palau de la Musica
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
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