Valencia has all the cutting-edge cool of Barcelona and cultural swagger of Madrid, but this city by the sea is often overlooked for a summer break. Surrounded by acres of fertile countryside and the sun-soaked Costa Blanca, Valencia is one scenic city, famed for its Paella, juicy oranges and ‘Horchata’ a delicious cold drink made from crushed almonds.

With a thriving student population, Valencia is perfect for budget travelers, with plenty of cheap bars, legendary nightlife, and bargain fresh food at the Mercat Central. There are several ultra-modern hostels in Valencia, with all the stylish furniture and cool bars you’d expect from a boutique hotel.

Book now, and you can save even more on a hostel holiday. HostelBookers are having a fantastic summer sale this week (1-5th June) where hostel beds will cost you a measly 5 cents a night!

Tempted by a cheap and chic city break to Valencia? Here are five free ways to have fun in the sun…

1. Museo De Bellas Artes
Tucked away in the 19th century suburbs of the city, this collection of 2,000 paintings is an absolute steal – it’s completely free to see works by Goya, Velazquez and several other important Valencian artists from the 14th-19th centuries. The building itself, a former seminary built between 1683 and 1744 is also worth a look.

2. El Cabanal and La Malvarrosa Beaches
These two former fisherman’s districts were transformed in the 1960s into a slightly ugly urban sprawl, but a few traditional houses remain, and the Paseo de Neptuno is a great place to pick up some Paella. Wander along the mile-long esplanade, and then stretch out on the sand for some well-earned sunbathing. For a cleaner beach a little furthur afield, try Saler.

3. Glorious Gardens
Valencia is blessed with several large public parks and gardens which are great places for a quiet walk or a picnic. The Jardines de Rio Turia was once a river, but is now a strip of gardens, sports fields and playground, with a world-class concert hall smack bang in the middle. The Italian-style Monforte Gardens are filled with marble statues and pretty flowerbeds, and the Jardin Botanico is home to 7,000 species of shrubs and trees. Not a fan of the great outdoors? Then spend an afternoon wandering around the Mercat Central, a huge iron, glass and art nouveau structure and the largest and most attractive market in Europe. Its free to wander around, but resisting the piles of fresh food on display will be tricky!

4. Valencia Cathedral
Work started on the cathedral in 1262, and today it is an intriguing mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic. The cathedral is probably most famous for holding a cup believed to be the Holy Grail, and the Miguelete Bell Tower is a city landmark.

5. An Architectural Tour
Valencia is full of glorious buildings that are free to poke around. Start off at the Palau de la Generalitat, a gothic palace used by the local government, its walls decorated with frescoes and tiled floors. Next up is the Colegio del Patriarca, a 16th century seminary covered from wall to ceiling with religious frescoes, and La Lonja, an ornate Late Gothic hall filled with gargoyles and other grotesqueries.

For more ideas on things to do in the city and the surrounding area, check out this handy online guide to Valencia.

Images – Thanks to Mr Juninho, echiner1, Visentico/Sento, and Puroticorico