Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, often overlooked in favor of its “rival” tourist magnet sisters. The city offers similar attractions in terms of striking architecture, great beaches, amazing food, wonderful parks, and old buildings. While it does have a bullfighting arena in the city center and the streets of the old city do have their characteristic Spanish charm, it feels more practical and more aimed at the modern age.
With its lengthy beaches, old center, and market, its most charming aspect may be the futuristic city of sciences and the very long stretch of wonderful gardens of Turia, which connect this modern marvel to the old city.
Home to the world-famous Paella, its most charming characteristics are the coffee and pastry bars. From a culinary point of view, it has nothing to envy in any other city.
In March, the Las Fallas festival, one of the wildest festivals there is, takes place, filling the city with parades and paper mache statues, and everything is set aflame at the end in a spectacle of fireworks and gunpowder.
Bucket List
What to expect
Spain Info & Stats
- Language: Spanish is the official language.
- Population: 46+ million (estimated 2019)
- Timezone: UTC +1
- Ethnic Make-up: The ethnic groups in Spain are: Castilian (approx. 75%), Catalan (approx. 16%), Galician (approx. 6.5%) and Basque (approx. 2%)
- Religion: predominantly Roman Catholic (94%)
- Political System: The government in Spain is a constitutional monarchy. The King is the head of state and commander-in-chief but does not have extensive powers in government.
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Credit Cards: Cards are widely accepted almost everywhere.
- Electricity: Socket types C and F, 230 volt / 50 hertz
- Tipping Customs: 10-15% in restaurants
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Weather
The weather in Valencia is good all year. That being said, the best time to visit is spring, when all the sidewalk cafes open up, whereas in late summer, the weather is hot and humid.
During winter, it can be damp and cool as the temperatures drop to a low of 9° on average but still, it doesn’t get too chilly.
In early autumn, all the outdoor activities can be enjoyed at a pleasant 25°C.
Money
The currency is the euro.
The exchange rate from US dollars is 1 USD = 1 EUR.
Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are commonly distributed around the city.
Prices: Valencia is moderately priced. Slightly higher than what would be expected in Spain. Dining options are where the city really shines, with excellent food at low prices. Hotels and accommodations are a bit more expensive than expected, especially near the center or tourist areas
Tipping: As with all European countries, tipping is not part of the culture and will not be expected. Specifically in Mediterranean countries, tips are usually the rounding up of bills, especially in informal places, although people are certainly not offended if tipped.
Getting around
Valencia is very bike-friendly. Many people will move around with bikes and scooters
The Metrovalencia metro system is priced appropriately but built more as a railway system to connect further parts of town and suburbs than the city center. As such, it is useful to travel from one part of town to another, but within single neighborhoods, one must walk around.
The convenient Valencia Tourist Card allows free transportation on buses and metros, as well as free entry to museums and monuments.
Safety
Safety: Valencia is very safe but as with all popular destinations, especially big cities, pickpockets and scams can happen
Natural risks: There are no natural risks in Valencia.
Emergencies number: 112, +34-061 (emergency medical services), +34-091 (police)
Tips & Impressions
- It is advisable to know a few basic words of Spanish to get around. Although English will be understood in hotels, it is not that widespread amongst the general population.
- No need for hotel breakfast. The city has amazing cafes and bakeries and you will find locals having large breakfasts until noon.
- It is a very bike-friendly city so consider that as a possible means of transportation. The metro system is somewhat odd in that it connects different areas of the city (such as the old town and the city of arts and sciences) but within those neighborhoods, all movements are on foot.
- As customary in all of Spain, dinner is served very late. Many restaurants will not even be open before 8 p.m. and, especially in the summer months, it is normal for people to sit at a table for dinner at midnight. As a probably famished from walking around all day tourist, keep this in mind and plan for a merienda in the late afternoon if necessary.
Deals for Valencia
Where to stay
Luxury
Boutique & Eco-friendly
Budget & Local experience
Travelogue
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- Day 3
My accommodation was NH Las Ciencias ($$$$$) .
Extremely overpriced when it comes to the room which was incredibly small (a large open suitcase on the floor would cover the entire area). However, the position is unbeatable, with only a street crossing distance from the Ciutat de les arts y les ciences.
