Free Ordinary and Extraordinary Walks Through Valencia - Plaza de la Reina
This is What We Call a Cloudy Day in Valencia
Plaza de la Reina and Finnegans
Behold the square in front of you, Plaza de la Reina. This is the beating heart and center of Valencia, only about 2 minutes away from where we took of last time.
Plaza de la Reina is famous for the Irish pub Finnegans of Dublin because they broadcast any important football or rugby game. I'm not really a sucker for soccer but it's no problem for me to watch the guys, cheering on their favorite team.
Actually this pub it so famous for it's location, terrace and its many flat screens inside, that you might be surprised to see the square packed with fans, who come visiting a game between Valencia CF and their own team.
Lucky for my peace and happiness, this only happens once in a while, making my walks through town, pleasant and quiet, instead of bumping into big beer bellies, heavily burned and hairy backs, trying to avoid any intelligent conversation based on....pints, balls and women....of course.
Take of Here
Calle la Paz
Palmtrees All Over Valencia
A Beautiful 30 Minute Walk On an Ordinary Sunday
Forget about the hairy backs and turn left with me into Calle la Paz/Carrer de la Pau. You can see all the way to the end of the street, with hardly anyone walking outside.
Calle la Paz is a very chic street to walk through, making you want to look up, stand still at every corner and be fascinated about the architecture.
Take your camera with you, if you feel like it and behave like a tourist, like I did many years ago. It fills up me up with joy when seeing tourists wondering around with their I-pads, mobiles and backpacks, while taking pictures of buildings I pass daily.
They confirm my very first impressions of Valencia, looking up and down in awe while observing the apartment buildings, bars and terraces around them.
I have to control myself sometimes, for not starting a casual chat, only to share my passion with some strangers for living in such an enchanting city.
- "On holidays are you?"
"Yes, we are. You too?"
- "Oh no, I live here."
"Well, we think it's a beautiful city!"
- "It is a beautiful city. I walked around like you a few years ago and felt this is the place for me to be. If you need any tips on restaurants, bars, museums or shopping areas, I'm always willing to share some of my tips."
Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer
My Kind of Apartment
We're Almost There
While walking further down the road, we find hotel Vincci Palace at the right side of Calle la Paz on a cross road. A great hotel for those who want to spend a chic stay in Valencia.
Turn left on this crossroad, to arrive in about 50 meters on the beautiful square Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer with the church, Iglesia de Santo Tomas y Sant Felipe Neri in front of it.
Turn left again into Calle del Mar, to head back to Plaza de la Reina in a bit. This street is one of my favorite in town, with many bars and tapas places where the Spanish like to come and have their complete lunch of only 10 euros!
The modern building on the right, is for those who want to live comfortably with their own parking, doorman and secured entrance. Something many Spanish can't afford these days but foreigners who can, will do so with pleasure.
Calle del Mar
You've Made it. Now on to Chocolate Fondue!
I took you around the block today, you can't be tired and hopefully long for more. To some people though, Valencia turns out to be disappointing.
They expect a city like Paris or Rome, with a fast life, crowded shopping streets and the vibe you get in a metropolitan city, where people get sucked up by daily life and stressful weeks.
Valencia is everything but metropolitan. Waiters will recognize you, bartenders remember your favorite drink and bus drivers patiently explain the road to you.
You wave at people you know from the bakery, the hairdresser or your favorite restaurant and your neighbors always greet you in the elevator, when you come home.
If you're looking for a place to be anonymous, Valencia is not the type of city for you, but I am a sucker for casual talks with handsome waiters, free drinks and some lovely compliments.
Do me a favor and sit with me for a while on the terrace of Valor, our best chocolate bar in town! While we order a chocolate fondue, I'll tell you a little love story one day about a single woman and a gorgeous waiter, who used to serve right at this spot.
Thanks for joining me again this day. See you another Sunday! Ciao!