UNSEEN TRAVEL AGENCY

Visitors to Valencia can expect, sunshine, good food, beaches, and plenty of things to do. One day in Valencia might seem like a stretch, given that it’s Spain’s third largest city. However, if one day is all you have to enjoy this artistic and cultural city, then you’ll still be able to fit a lot in! Valencia is a study in mixing history with modern architecture, and you’ll find a blend of both everywhere you look. Medieval towers and churches sit next to contemporary buildings, and in between, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants ready to serve you both traditional Valencia fare and other Spanish favourites. While it’s a popular holiday destination, in part because of its beaches, Valencia is also popular amongst expats because it’s a great place to live. Being a main urban centre means there are plenty of amenities on offer, but it is also traditionally Spanish, and easy to get around, even boasting its own subway! Top things to do and see in Valencia in one day One day...

San Sebastian – Welcome to Paradise So we took a night train from Paris and it was pretty miserable. Between a dry cough and Jon’s snoring I got very little sleep. We arrived tired and bitter. That soon changed when we saw the beach and ocean. Its great that we could hop on a train and wake up somewhere so beautiful and somewhat warm. We spent the last couple days wondering around and enjoying the weather. Not quite shorts weather but we wore them anyway. We met a couple German girls and have been partying with them as they seem to be the only other English speaking people here. Today we are hurting as last night was a late one and both Jon and I have picked up a cold. Most likely off to Madrid tomorrow. Until then, San Sebastian – Welcome to Paradise.

I don’t think there’s a city in all of Europe with as much charisma and character as Barcelona; this city is full of it! I recently spent a few nights in the city to explore by day and feast all night, with my local friend David to point me in the direction of Barcelona’s best places to eat, drink, and the must visit city sights. Here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of your four days in Barcelona! Check In: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona On each of my visits to Barcelona I’ve checked in to the Mandarin Oriental , one of my favourite properties in the collection for so many reasons. The location is bang in the centre of town and in just a few minutes you can reach Gaudi architecture, great cafes and restaurants, and are dead in the centre of the shopping district. The hotel itself is a tribute to modern Barcelona, with impressive interiors and one of the cities’ most celebrated restaurants. On this visit I also discovered the hotel’...

For years, I have felt ambivalent about visiting Barcelona. Fellow travel bloggers didn't seem that into it. Friends told me they weren't all that impressed. And then there was also the constant “you'll get robbed” warning that came up ANY time I heard or read anything about the city. Needless to say, I was in no rush to visit Barcelona . But then earlier this year the cards fell into place and I found myself with nearly two weeks of free time to spend in Spain. I honestly contemplated skipping Barcelona altogether and splitting my time between Seville, Granada, and Cordoba in the south instead. But the draw of Gaudi architecture and cheaper flights between Bucharest (where I'd be flying from) and Barcelona than anywhere else swayed me. I decided to spend a couple days in Barcelona after all. And I'm SO FREAKING GLAD I did. Because, as it turns out, everybody was wrong about Barcelona . Yes, Barcelona is a large city. Yes, there are some very touristy parts....