Valencia - es el millor! (Valencia)

Member Name: lula71

Product:	Valencia
Date:	20/02/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly, great transport, beautiful architecture, great shopping, food, beaches, turia gardens etc.

Disadvantages: The main beach can be packed in summer - but walk further down and it is always quieter

Valencia is hands down one of the best cities I have visited in the world, I love it as much as Buenos Aires! The people are incredibly friendly, and it has plenty to offer for everyone. What's more, its so accessible.

If arriving by plane you can hop straight on the Metro which will take you right into the centre of town in about 20 minutes - and this metro isn't like the London underground, it's clean, modern and rarely uncomfortably packed. However, opting for a taxi will only set you back around 15-20 euros depending on traffic.

Valencia has it all - nightlife, shopping, beach, things for the kids. If you're planning a night on the town don't be fooled if it appears rather dead around midnight, things don't get busy in Valencia until the early hours and clubs really start to kick off around 4am - expect to be partying with the spaniards until breakfast! For the daytime, there's a city beach which is around a 25 min walk from colón, or hop on the metro or better still the bus for just 1 euro 20. There are also plenty of beautiful quiet beaches a little further down the coast - the yellow buses will take you here once again for just 1.20! Ask in one of the 3 tourist info's dotted around the city centre to find out where the buses stop. (There's a tourist info on c/ la Paz and the easiest one to find is in Plaza de la Reina opposite the Catherdral). The City of Arts and Sciences is well worth a visit, entertaining for kids and adults alike, and don't forget to pick up an horchata or 'orxata' from the street vendor outside, a popular drink made from tiger nuts that is lovely on a hot day. For shopping there's Colón (the city centre), el saler shopping centre down by the city of arts and sciences, Aqua shopping centre just across the road, and el nuevo centro a short metro ride away. There are zaras, mangos, pull and bears at every corner, or a short bus ride out of town will take you to 'bon aire', the areas biggest shopping centre. Enjoy leisurely walks in the turia gardens that run right through the city, or why not hire bikes from one of the many bike hire companies. For the little ones there is a fantastic 'Gulliver' climbing frame situated in the Turia gardens and a mini golf course. Gulliver is literally a giant man tied to the floor while the children look like Lilliputians scurrying over him... great fun even for the bigger child, but be warned, in the summer this is best kept for early morning or in the evening as the surface of the slides gets scorching hot in the summer sun.

Valencia is great for all ages, there's a real sense of community and they adore the little ones and cater well for them. There are plenty of cultural sites in the old town, like the Cathedral and Torres de Serrano, museums and art galleries galore, shopping is fantastic and the beach is lively and friendly. It's also a great base for links to other cities in Spain with reliable and regular coach services operating from the bus station by nuevo centro. The weather is generally mild all year round, but they do get some rainy spells in winter. Summer can reach temps in the 40s but mostly remains at a comfortably bearable temperature. Food is amazing, and there are great festivals throughout the year - Las fallas and la noche de San Juan are particularly worth attending. Finally, if you're in Valencia during the summer months (and up to october) be sure to check out l'Umbracle, an open air nightclub in the City of Arts and Sciences gardens, it's a great night out but drinks are rather pricey. Oh, and don't be alarmed by Valencia's own language Valenciano - if you understand French and Spanish you will most likely understand Valenciano, if not, they all speak Spanish anyway and those that speak English are always eager to test out their English skills on tourists.

Summary: A great city that caters for all ages and all types!