Hostelworld PDF Guide Valencia

7/25/2019 Hostelworld PDF Guide Valencia

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Hostelworld Guide for Valencia

Basking in over 300 days of glorious sunshine every year, Valencia is a city that boasts more than justone of Europe's most enviable climates. This city on Spain's Costa Brava has one of the country's bestpreserved city centres, Europe's largest urban complex and is only minutes from the beach. As it is the

third largest city in Spain it is also a city that seldom sleeps, with a heap of bars and restaurants located inthe vibrant 'Barrio del Carmen' district.

In this Guide...

Useful InformationAfter Dark

Places to EatTop Attractions

Budget TipsWhere to Shop

The Essentials Climate

Getting There

By plane:Valencia's Manises Airport is the onlyairport to serve the city and is where planes from allover Europe land. It is small and easy to navigate.Buses to the city leave from outside the departuresfloor and they cost 2.50 one-way.

By train:The city's principal train station, Estacindel Norte, is located in the city centre and serves

trains from all over the country.

By bus:If you are travelling to Valencia by bus youwill arrive in the main coach station at AvenidaMendez Pidal, 13.

Getting Around

On foot:Valencia is a very compact city and youcan cover the city centre on foot very easily. The oldcentre is connected by three squares - Plaza de laV i rgen , P laza de l a Re ina and P laza de lAyuntamiento.

By metro:Valencia has a metro network but thechances of you needing to use it are slim.

By bus/tram:Valencia's bus and tram networkcovers some important places in the city. Forinstance, the bus is the easiest way to get to theCiudad de las Artes de Las Ciencias and the bestway to get to the beach is by tram.

Useful phrases

Hello:HolaGoodbye:AdiosPlease:Por favorThank you:GraciasYou're welcome:De nadaYes:Si

No:NoOf course:De acuerdoExcuse me:PerdonaHow are you?:Como estas?Open:AbiertoClosed:CerradoWhat is your name?:Cual es tu nombre?My name is...:Mi nombre es...How much?:Cuanto Cuesta?May I have the bill?:Me puede traer lacuenta?

Valencia boasts a climate that cities can only dreamof. It remarkably enjoys more than three hundreddays of sunshine every year, while its averagetemperature is 17C. Spring and autumn are idealtimes to visit as this is when the sun is shining andtemperatures are bearable. July and August are thecity's hottest months although it doesn't get as hotand sticky as other cities due to its northerly andcoastal location.

Useful Information

Language:Valenciano, a dialect of Catalan,and SpanishCurrency:EuroElectricity:220 Volts, AC/50HzArea Code:+34 (Spain), no area codeEmergency Codes:Ambulance 061 / Fire 080 /Police 091Time Zone:Central European Time (GMT + 1)Central Post Office:Plaza del Ayuntamiento,23Main Tourist Office:Calle Paz 48

Consulates / Embassies

USA:+34 96 351 6973UK:+34 96 521 6022*Canada:+34 91 423 3250**Australia:+34 91 353 6600**South Africa:+34 91 436 3780**Ireland:+34 91 436 4093**Germany:+34 96 521 7060*Italy:+34 91 423 3300**New Zealand:+ 34 915 230 226**France:+34 91 423 8900**

*Consulate is in Alicante**Number is for embassy in Madrid

Hostelworld Guide for Valencia www.hostelworld.com


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Cheap Eats After Dark

Al Pomodoro, Calle del Mar, 22This pizzeria hasnumerous reasons as to why it should be visited - itis located in the centre of Valencia, its dcorcreates an extremely pleasant ambiance, and itslengthy menu is more than affordable. Starting at5, pizzas are rather tasty and brought to your tableby fr iendly, attentive staff. Open dai ly from2pm-4pm and from 9pm to midnight.

Sagardi, San Vicente Mrti, 6The method in this

tapas bar is simple - take your pick from theselection of tapas served on baguette slices (eachwith cocktail stick) from the glass counter. Bring toyour table to enjoy. Once you're done bring yourplate and your cocktail sticks to the counter to pay.At a euro a portion your bill won't be big.Open dailyfrom 9am-midnight.

Mercado Central, Plaza Mercado, 6Valencia'smost colourful food market is one of the largest inEurope and has been since it opened in 1928.Closest to the entrance is the colourful, energeticfruit market where you can pick up fruit to keep yougoing for the day. Before you leave take a walkaround the fish market which is another feast for thesenses.Open Mon-Sat 8am-12.30pm.

The birthplace of paella

Spain is a country famous for many delicacies.One of these is 'paella', a rice-based dish withvarious ingredients which vary from region toregion. Valencia is the perfect city to sample itas this is where it was invented. TypicalValencian paella consists of rabbit and chicken.

La Riu, Calle Mar, 27There are many placeswhere you can sample paella in Spain but, asValencia is where it was invented, this is by far thebest place in the country to try it. This restaurant(which you may need to book in advance) is known

for top quality food at decent prices.Open dailyfrom 12 noon-4pm & 9pm-midnight.

Turmix, Calle Dr. Chiarri, 8Located deep in Barriodel Carmen district, Turmix is where the locals go toparty unti l the early hours. Each night has adifferent theme so one could be house, the nextcould be techno and the other could be drum 'n'bass. It's tough to locate but worth it if you find it.Open daily from 10pm-4am.

Bar Negrito, Plaza NegritoBar Negrito is one ofBarrio del Carmen's most popular hangouts and,

during summer months, the crowds regularly spillout on to the square of the same name. The crowdis young, the atmosphere is lively, and the drinksflow until early in the morning. Everything you want,really.Open daily from 6pm-3am.

Gay / Lesbian Valencia

Just as most of Valencia's bars and clubs are inBarrio del Carmen, so too are its main gayvenues, and in particular on or around CallelQuart.La Goulue(Calle Quart, 32) is one of thecity's favourite gay bars, as isVenial(CalleQuart, 26) on the same street. For those lookingfor a quiet, relaxed eveningTrapezzio Caf(Plaza Msico Lpez Chavarri 2) is just thespot.

La Claca, Calle San Vicente, 3Sometimes it is thesounds of the 80s that keep La Claca's occupantson the dancefloor, and other times it is 'indie' music.But it's not always music though as this bar isrenowned for its caf-theatre which is stagedregularly. Something for everyone!Open daily from6pm-3am.

The Lounge Caf-Bar, Calle Estamiera, 2Thereis always something going on in this Irish-run bar.M o n d a y i s ' l a n g u a g e n i g h t ' , T u e s d a y i s'student/quiz' night, while Wednesday is 'half-pricecocktail' night. Make sure to drop in between8.30pm and 9.30pm which is happy hour everynight!Open daily from 9.30pm-1.30am.

Finnegan's, Plaza de la Reina, 19 Valencia'stoken Irish bar is more expensive than other barsbut it attracts a lot of thirsty English-speakingpeople, making i t a good place to make newfriends.Open daily from 12 noon-1am/3am.

Latex, Avda. Constitucin, 29'Latex' is regardedby many as the best club in Valencia. House musicis what blares from the speakers (generally) untilthe early hours of the morning.Open Fri & Sat10pm-5am.

Don't Miss Mark Your Calendar

Institut Valenci d'Art Modern, Guillem deCastro, 118 Opened in 1989 in Centre Jul ioGonzlez, the Valencian Institute of Modern Artshowcases some of Spain's most remarkablemodern art. Along with permanent collections otherprogrammes include talks, courses, workshops.Open daily from 10am-8pm; admission 2.

Plaza de la Virgen/Plaza de la Reina/Plaza delAyuntamientoValencia's compact city centre is

dominated by these three squares, all of whichhave their own qualities. Plaza del Virgen was oncethe forum of Roman Valencia and is now home tohundreds of pigeons. Further south, Plaza de laReina is where you will find one of the entrances tothe city's cathedral. Last on the trail is Plaza delAyuntamiento, the largest of the three and home toan enormous fountain and some of the city's mostbeautiful buildings.

Catedral de Valencia, Plaza de la Reina Thereare many places of worship around the world thatclaim to house the 'Holy Grail', the cup used byChrist during the Last Supper. Valencia's cathedralis one o f them. Dat ing back to 1262, i t i s amix-mash of different architectural styles, and itsbell tower boasts breathtaking views over the city.Open daily from 7.30am-1pm & 5pm-8.30pm;admission free/2 for tower.

Europe's largest urban complex

Ciudad de las Artes de Las Ciencias, CalleArzobispo Mayoral, 14Valencia's 'City of Artsand Sciences', Europe's largest urban park, iswhere you will find some of the world's mostaesthetically pleasing buildings. Whether youdecide to enter any of them or not, they have tobe visited just for photographic reasons. The'city' incorporatesPalau de les Artes(thecity s auditorium),L'Hemisferic(a planetariumand IMAX theatre),Museu de las Ciences

(Science Museum) andL'Oceanogrfic(marine park).Opening times and admissionprices vary.

January - Cabalgata de los ReyesEvery Januarythree men acting as the Three Wise Men paradethrough the streets of Valencia on floats, throwingsweets to the children of the city on the way.

March - Las FallasLas Fallas isn't only Valencia'sbiggest and most important festival, but is widelyregarded as Europe's largest spring festival. Lastinga week in the middle of March, the city is taken overby fireworks displays, parades and much more.

April - Moros y CristianosTowns and cities allover the Comunidad Valencia province mark the'Moors and Christians' festival when colourfulparades march through the streets.

May/June - Corpus CristiThere are parades allover Spain to celebrate Corpus Cristi but the one inValencia is by far the most spectacular. Held on thethe ninth Sunday after Easter, the parade is led by8 people sporting giant heads!

June - Noche de San JuanIf you happen to be inValencia on the 23rd of June get down to the city'sbeaches. Here you will discover bonfires, music anddance performances, people swimming in themoonlit sea...the list goes on.

July - Feria de JulioIf you make it to this annualfestival you'll find it hard to believe that it began asa horticultural fair. Today concerts are staged in theViveros Gardens, fireworks displays light up theskies, and bullfights are held in Feria de San Jaime.

July - Certamen Internacional de Bandas deMsicaThis song contest attracts bands from allover Spain. Some of the heats are held in the Plazade Toros de Valencia bullring, the Colosseum-likebuilding beside the train station.

August - La TomatinaEven though this festival isheld in Buol, a town 45 minutes outside Valencia,it is arguably the best-known of its festivals! The

last Wednesday in August is when thousands ofrevellers throw tomatoes at each other for an hour!

August - La Cord de Paterna In a town calledPaterna just 5km outside Valencia, bonfires andfireworks are the theme of this annual festival whichtakes place on the last Sunday in August. There areover 100 crates of fireworks so expect a big bang!

October - Festival Internacional de PirotecniaValencia's skies are lit for the duration of the nighton October 8th for this, t he city's internationalfireworks festival.



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Neighbourhood Watch Retail Therapy

RussafaThis up and coming district south ofValencia's main train station is one of the city'smost multi-cultural which is largely due to the factthat it originated from Arabic gardens. It is unique inthat it is so close to the city centre yet so far from itin various ways.

The place to overindulge

Barrio del CarmenHeaving with bars andrestaurants, Valencia's Barrio del Carmendistrict is the city's liveliest quarter after dark. Itsmain thoroughfare, Calle Cabelleros, is linedwith tapas bars, restaurants and pubs, as arethe streets and lanes which branch off it. For thelowdown on all the best places to eat and drinkin the vibrant district pick up theCool Carmenmap. It's available in most hostels and lists thearea's coolest bars and restaurants.

CnovasJust on the outskirts of Valencia's oldtown, Cnovas is where you can begin to see thenew side of the city. Dominated by Calle de Coln,here you will find the city's best shopping. Many of

the world's best known chains have stores here, aswell as El Corte Ingls, Spain's best knowndepartment store.

BenimacletDue to its proximity to Valencia'suniverstiy, Benimaclet is something of a bohemianpart of the city. For obvious reasons, there is apretty hectic student nightlife here. There are alsosome excellent restaurants which are great value.It's a bit of a trek from the city centre but perfect ifyou're in search of something different.

La XereaThis central quarter is one of the city'smost historic. Here you will find Almudn, one of thecity's galleries in a building dating back to the 15thcentury, the Gothic Palacio de Benicarl whichdates back to the same century and some of the

city's most breathtaking churches and cathedrals.

El Corte Ingls, Calle Pintor Sorolla, 26 El CorteIngls have stores all over Spain. This particularbranch on c/Pintor Sorolla in Valencia's city centreis where to buy the latest fashions, among otherthings. Other branches around the city centre canbe found on Callel Coln, in Avda. de FranciaShopping Centre and in Nuevo Centro ShoppingCentre.Open Mon-Sat from 10am-10pm.

Calle de ColnBordering the south-eastern edge

of Valencia's city centre, Calle de Coln is a busythoroughfare that is on the go morning, noon andnight. Much is due to the fact that it is where youwill find stores of some of the world's best-knownbrands. Here you will stumble across an Espritstore, a H+M store, a Footlocker store and more.

Bargain hunt

Mercato de Plaza PalafoxPlaza Palafox, thesquare right beside Valencia's Mercado Central,is the location for one of its most centralmarkets. Held every Sunday, here you can findeverything from underwear to t-shirts andeverything in between. As you would expect

from most markets, there are endless bargainsto be found.Open Sundays 8am-1pm.

Mercado de Plaza de la Reina Ok, so most ofwhat is on offer at the daily market in Plaza de laReina are plates and different types of pottery.Hence, carrying them all around Europe may not befeasible. But if you're only going to Valencia for theweekend and are looking to bring back a gift youmay well find it here.Open daily from 9am-8pm.

Centro Comercial El Saler, Autopista del Saler,16Every city has its fair share of shopping centresand Valencia is no different. Centro Comercial ElSaler is Valencia's largest shopping centre andcovers three floors. On these three floors are 160

shops, while a cineplex can be found on the thirdfloor also.Open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm.

Budget Tips A Day in Valencia...

Visit the Museum of Modern Art for free If yourtrip to Valencia happens to take in a Sunday, andyou like modern art, leave your visit to Valencia'sMuseum of Modern Art until the Sunday whenentrance is free! Granted, you're only saving 2 butthat 2 could go a long way!

Visit Valencia's churches and cathedralsMost ofValencia s cathedrals and churches are free tovisit. Many of them are also some of the city's most

beautiful buildings. Notable ones includeNuestraSeora de los Desamparadoson Plaza de laVirgen which dates back to 1652,Iglesia de SantaCatalinaon Calle Zapatera, well-known for its belltower, andIglesia del Carmenon the square of thesame name.

Catch some rays

Chill out on Valencia's beachOne ofValencia's finest qualities is its climate. This cityon the Costa Blanca enjoys over 300 days ofsunshine every year. As a result, its beachPlaya de la Malvarrosa is one of it s biggestattractions. Located east of the city centre, it

gets busy at weekends. The easiest way to getthere is via the high-speed tram which departsfrom the stop at Pont de Fusta.

Relax in Jardin del TuriaThis park spanning 7kmwas a river bed in a previous life when the RiverTuria used to flow through Valencia. Today it is thecity's biggest and best known park and the perfectplace to unwind if you need to get out of the oldquarter for a couple of hours.

Visit Valencia's free attractionsIf you're broke,take note of Valencia's free attractions. TheseincludeMuseo de Ciencias Naturales, a sciencemuseum in Jardines del Real,La Lonjaacrossfrom Mercado Central which is a Unesco World

Her i tage s i te , and Museo de Bel la Artes ,Valencia's fine arts museum on Calle San Po.

Plaza del Virgen is the perfect place to begin a dayin Valencia. From here you can visit the square'schurch and the free art galleries in the area.

Visit Valencia's cathedral. Dating back to the 13thcentury, this cathedral is where you can see theHoly Grail, the cup Christ drank from at the LastSupper.

Check out Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This huge

square is dominated by an enormous fountain andis also where you can see some of the city's mostbeautiful buildings.

Make a pitstop in Sagardi on San Vicente Mrti.Grab some tapas snacks. There are loads tochoose from and, at only 1 per portion, they'regreat value.

Hop on one of the buses bound for Ciudad de lasArtes de las Ciencas, Europe's largest urbancomplex. You can't leave Valencia without seeingthese futuristic buildings.

Its two main attractions are the Museu de la

Ciences and L'Oceanogrfic - they are two ofSpain's most popular tourist attractions. Take acouple of hours to explore either.

Get the night going in one of Valencia's numeroustapas bars to whet your appetite. There many alongCalle Caballeros in Barrio del Carmen.

Since Valenica is the birthplace of paella, it wouldbe a crime not to sample it here. 'La Riu' on CalleMar does glorious paella at a great price.

Finish the night bar hopping in Barrio del Carmen.'Caf-Bar Negrito' attracts large crowds after dark,as does 'The Lounge'.


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Hostelworld PDF Guide Valencia