It´s the third biggest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona and it´s an absolute gem. Still immune to the hordes of tourists that regularly invade and drive prices sky high in so many places in Spain, it´s an excellent city break destination. We went there for 4 days and 3 nights in early June 2011, 2 weeks before the Valencia F1 Grand Prix. An excellent time that allows to take advantage of a marvelous late spring Mediterranean sunshine, at sensible prices.
Flight:
We took advantage of the, at the time recently opened, Ryanair route between Oporto in Portugal and Valencia. Less than 2 hours flight for a total of 50€, including the return flight!!!
Hotel:
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Valencia. A normal 4**** hotel, but with an outstanding location. Total budget for the 3 nights for a double bedroom without breakfast, 180€.
*Travel Tip: make your reservation at this hotel without breakfast. It will cost you an extra 15€ per person. For 5€ you will be able to buy at the hotel reception, access to the continental breakfast which is more than enough. Includes, coffee, milk, orange juice, tea, cereals, several types of bread, jams, ham, cheese and all kinds of fresh pastry.
How to move:
Valencia has an excellent transport system. There is a subway with direct connection from the city center to the airport, but it won´t take you everywhere you need to go. You´ll have to use the bus sometimes. Beware of the different zones, the fares have different prices.
What not to miss:
The City of the Arts: For modern architecture fans it´s absolutely breathtaking. It´s within walking distance from the Holiday Inn Valencia.
*Travel Tip: There is a bike rental shop on the edge of the big rectangular lake at the City of the Arts. Valencia is absolutely flat, so even your grandmother is able to pedal around the city without effort. There are bike routes everywhere. But always respect the traffic lights.
The Oceanographic: Still inside the immense City of the Arts compound, it´s one of the biggest aquariums in Europe. 24€ for the ticket with access to the immense delphinarium and the inevitable dolphin show...if that´s your thing...I´d rather see them in the wild.
The Old Town: Just go there and get lost in the narrow winding streets. Soak up the sun at the several plazas, go the old cathedral, the market and all the different churches.
*Travel Tip: Do not miss by any chance the "Iglesia de los Santos Juanes". Even if you´re not the religious type, it will knock your socks off...
El Barrio del Carmen - The nightlife district: The Valencians are very laid back but sure know how to party. After all, they "invented" Ibiza. Go out, to drink a few beers or viño, eat a few tapas and enjoy the spectacular warm Mediterranean nights. Beware of the girls with big red flowers in their hair. You might fall in love in a heartbeat...
The Beach: Easy to reach, buy subway or by bus, don´t miss out the opportunity to take a swim on the Mediterranean. The water is warm but kind of murky. Don´t be discouraged it´s not pollution, it´s just the way it is...
Where to eat:
Tapas, of course...But they are quite expensive. So if you´re on a budget be careful. And the traditional paella too. There is also a big shopping center near the Oceanographic. All the fast food restaurants are there as well as some great shopping opportunities.
*Travel Tip: Just in front of the Holiday Inn Valencia there is a pizza place. It´s called Pizza Roma and the food is great and quite cheap. The pizzas are massive and the pastas are very nice. You can eat outside for about 12€.
Enjoy your stay!
