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Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, SpainValencia (València in Valencian), pronounced /baˈlenθja/ (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /baˈlensia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia province of Spain that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union. It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of Barcelona and three hours to the east of Madrid. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March, for being the birthplace of paella, for hosting the "2007 & 2010 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called TheValencia, Spain
City of Arts and Sciences
.
The riverTuria
ran through the center of the city,... Read more
Destination:Valencia, SpainValencia (València in Valencian), pronounced /baˈlenθja/ (bahl-EHN-thee-ah) in Spanish, and /baˈlensia/ (val-ehn-see-ah) in Valencian, is a charming old city and the capital of the Old Kingdom of Valencia province of Spain that is well worth a visit. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union. It is on the Mediterranean Sea approximately four hours to the south of Barcelona and three hours to the east of Madrid. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March, for being the birthplace of paella, for hosting the "2007 & 2010 America's Cup", and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called TheCity of Arts and Sciences
.
The riverTuria
ran through the center of the city, but it was redirected a while back and replaced by a beautiful park. This is a very nice place to spend any free time you have in the city on a sunny day.
Valencia was host to the 2007 & 2010 America's Cup. This fact, along with the construction of the "City of Arts and Science" by renowned architect and Valencian Santiago Calatrava have made Valencia a city in transition. Massive construction and transformation over the last 10 years have turned a once little-considered medium city into a meatier and more interesting destination. Despite being on the Mediterranean Sea, even residents say that "Valencia has always lived with its back to the sea", meaning that the spirit and the core of the city are not necessarily integrated with its beach. The city center and the most visited neighborhoods are not particularly close to the beach. Valencia was founded by the Romans and was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century (with a short interruption by El Cid). In 1609, the Moors who had converted to Catholicism were expelled from the city. During the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, Valencia was the capital of the Republic, which eventually lost to Franco's forces.
Climate- Summer — Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on vacation. At this time of year, Valencia is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30-40°C (86—104°F).
- Autumn — September and October are more active months and the weather permits beach outings. Pavement cafes are still open until around the end of October.
- Winter — Though temperatures are still relatively mild, it's too cold to sunbathe at the beach.
- Spring — A lovely time to visit. The annual "Fallas de San José" unofficially marks the beginning of spring. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.
Source:http://wikitravel.org/en/Valencia
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0Valencia, Spain: Port Information
Cruise ships dock at the port situated 2.5 miles away from the city center. One will find many taxis in the port. Besides, some cruise companies provide shuttle service to the center of Valencia. One can also get there on Bus 4.
Small ships dock right at the terminal building, while larger liners dock at the outside piers. Passengers of large ships are transported to the terminal by free shuttle buses.Get around Valencia, Spain
For train and bus transport it is possible to buy bonos in kiosks and tobacco shops. Both Bonobus and Bonometro allow for 10 rides. If you want to use two lines to reach your destination, you have to use a B-T.
By bicycle
Renting a bike is an increasingly popular way for visitors to explore this essentially flat city. Since 2010 the city offers public bicycle rentals at over 250 locations around the city (and growing). This service is called Valenbisi. You can purchase the ticket at any terminal at the stations.
If you stay longer than two weeks while using the bike system it might be smart to get the 365-days pass. You need a credit card, internet, and a metro ticket to get it. You can also let them mail it to your Valencian address, but that takes about 20 days. With the normal paper metro ticket, you can online choose to book the Valenbisi on this very metroticket. You only need the ID-Number of the ticket. This will instantly grant you one year without the need of an address or the waiting. Lights at night and reflective clothes are mandatory, a helmet is only recommended. Riding through the pavement is also forbidden and bikeways are not frequent, this can do riding a bike in Valencia not recommended if you're not used to dealing with city traffic. Drivers usually are unkind to cyclists. You can choose to discover Valencia on your own, by renting a bike, though if you want to learn more about the culture and history of Valencia doing a bike tour is a good option. Several bike tour companies offer the opportunity to go cycling with a guide who knows everything about Valencia. Within a couple of hours, you´ll get familiar with the beautiful city of Valencia. Fun bike tours are given by ValenciaBikes, Baja Bikes, and Bravo Bike.- Valenciabikes, Paseo de la Pechina 32, +34 96 385 17 40 and +34 650 621 436. 9.30 AM-7 PM. All extras are included. Biketours every day at 10.00 in English and Dutch. Other stores in calle Tapineria, 14 and the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Senatibikes, Plaza del Ángel,5, +34 96 392 26 88 and +34 647 012 167. 9 AM-7 PM. Rent the best quality bikes at the lowest prices. All extras are included. Free tours available.
- Do You Bike, Calle Marqués de Busianos, 4, +34 96 315 55 51. Timetable: 10 AM-2 PM, 5-8 PM. Rents bikes at relatively reasonable prices. Also a store on Calle Puebla Larga, 13 and Avenida Puerto 21.
Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Much of this city can be done walking, stopping for a coffee or a beer, and then walking more, all very leisurely. It's not necessary to have the mindset of mastering a complex public transportation system. However, for longer trips, see below for some pointers.What to see in Valencia, Spain
- City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), Avda. Autopista del Saler, nº 5 - 46013 Valencia (Take a city bus from the train station or the metro to Alameda station), +34 90 210-0031. 10 AM-9 PM. Very interesting. It is located where the old river Turia used to flow and over there you will find a Science Museum, a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema, an Aquarium and, the Arts Museum. It is famous for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava. Curious to the stories behind all the buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias? Book a guided walking tour at Tours Valencia.
- The Barri del Carme neighborhood is in the old center. It is the perfect place for a stroll where you can witness the transition from a forgotten area to an up-and-coming diverse neighborhood. Barri del Carme has many outdoor cafes and trendy shops. There is an interesting mix of people, from lifetime residents to alternative types, hippies, gays and lesbians, and other assorted peoples. The neighborhood swells at night with revelers, but please respect the neighbors who live there.
- Valencia Cathedral (The Seu). A curious cathedral with doors from three distinct architectural periods. The building as a whole, though mostly Gothic, has collected over the centuries some Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical elements. A trip up the Micalet tower (formerly Moorish, but now "Christianized") provides a pleasing view of the city.
- The La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) — This building is the site of the ancient local silk trade. It is also a UNESCO landmark and has recently been refurbished. Some of the gargoyles are quite naughty. Contrary to the wealth of material published by the tourism industry touting this to be the "best preserved late gothic/renaissance building in Spain", in fact only the interior of this building is original. The exterior was renovated in the neoclassical period (approx. 1879) and has been passed off as medieval by the tourism industry in an attempt not dissimilar to the controversial Barri Gotic quarter in Barcelona (which has since been proved to be mostly a medieval fake). Further restoration work in the mid-'90s and again in 2007-2008 has clouded the authenticity of the exteriors decorative features. A visit to the Silk Exchange to see the beautiful interior vaulting should still be on everyone's itinerary in Valencia, but doubt claims as to the "Gothic-ness" of the miraculously preserved 500-year-old stone carvings.
- The Mercat Central — Located in an aging "modernist" building in the process of being renovated. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, or olives.
- Walk along the old Tùria river bed, now a park with soccer and rugby fields, an artificial boating lake, athletics track, playgrounds, fountains, and trails. This massive elongated park spans many neighborhoods and ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. Abundant bike paths make it an ideal place to get in a little exercise and sun.
- Torres de Quart, at the end of Calle Quart. This pock-marked medieval tower was part of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city. Another set of nearby towers called the Torres de Serrano were also part of the ancient wall. The Serrano towers have been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but they are still interesting and are located across the street from the park.
-
Lladró Porcelain Museum and Factory
. Take bus 16 from the city center to its end at Tavernes Blanques suburb. Here is the Lladró Porcelain factory. Visit is free, but it has to be scheduled before. You visit the factory, the process or porcelain making and at the end a large collection of Lladro porcelain some worth $30,000. Photos allowed only at the collection. - Valencian History Museum. A museum full of artifacts and multimedia presentations detailing the history of Valencia from its birth in the Roman era all the way to modern times. Easily reachable by metro, near the Nou d'Octubre station.
What to do in Valencia, Spain
Fallas
What are Fallas? The origins of the Fallas Festivity goes back to an old tradition of the city's carpenters, who before the Festivity of their patron Saint Joseph, burned in front of their workshops, on the streets and public squares, their useless things and other wooden utensils they used to hold the candles that gave them light during the winter season. This is the reason why the night of the cremà (in which the Fallas monuments burn down) is always on March 19th, the Festivity of San José. In the 18th century, Fallas used to be piles of combustible materials that were called "Fallas" and were burnt the night before the day of San José. These Fallas evolved and acquired a more critical and ironic sense when showing in the monuments reprehensible social scenes. Around 1870, the Fallas celebration was forbidden, as well as Carnival. In 1885 this pressure created a movement that defended typical traditions by awarding in the magazine "LaTraca" the prizes to the best Fallas Monuments. This competition, which began to be popular among different neighborhoods, brought the creation of the artistic Falla, where critique was still an important element together with aesthetics. In 1901 the Ayuntamiento de Valencia awarded local prizes to the best Fallas. This was the beginning of the union between the people and the political power. This relationship has greatly developed this popular festivity in its structure, organization, and size. In 1929 the first poster contest for the promotion of the Festivities and in 1932 the Fallero weekend was established. It what then, when Fallas became the Mayor Festivity of the Region of Valencia. Today, more than seven hundred big and small Fallas are burned in the city of Valencia.
Valencia has a fantastic festival each March called Fallas in which local areas build big papier maché models. They are mostly of a satirical nature and can be as tall as a few stories. Fallas are constructed of smaller figures called ninots, Valencian for "dolls". The fallas take a whole year of planning and construction to complete. Each neighborhood has a falla, but 14 fall into the Sección Especial category and these are the most important, expensive, and impressive. Each falla has an adult falla (mayor) and a kid's falla (infantil). It is best to arrive by 16 March, as all of the fallas are required to be finished or they face disqualification.
Another feature of Fallas is the fireworks. It's like the city's a war zone for a week! They wake you up early in the morning and go on through the day. Every day, there are three fireworks events, la despertà, la mascletà, and el castillo. La despertà occurs every morning at 8 AM in order to wake you up. At 2 PM in the main square of the city, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there's a thing they call Mascletá. This is 120 kilos of gunpowder translated into a lot of noise. It has to be experienced to be understood. This is very popular and you should arrive an hour in advance at least. Every night between midnight and 1 AM, there is a castillo, a fireworks display. The last night it's called la nit de foc, the night of fire, and this is the most impressive. This is also very crowded and you need to arrive early to be able to see it. Along with these displays, people set off fireworks all day, making it very difficult to catch any sleep.
The days of 17th and 18th of March is La Ofrenda. The falleras from each falla take flowers to the Plaza of the Virgin. These flowers are used to construct the virgin. The processions are grand and very beautiful and worth catching. They follow two main paths: one down calle San Vicente and the other down Calle de Colon.
At the end of a week displaying the 'fallas' they are burnt. This is called la cremà. The fallas infantiles are burned at 10 PM and the fallas mayores are burned anywhere from midnight to 1 AM. The one at the town halls is burned last at 1 AM. The most impressive to see are the fallas in Sección Especial, because these are the largest and most dramatic when they burn. These tend to be very crowded and one should arrive early.
Things one should do during fallas:- Go around and see the various fallas, but especially the Sección Especial.
- Pay to enter one of the bigger fallas to get a closer look at the individual ninots.
- See la mascletà and the la nit de foc.
- See one of the various parades, especially the ofrenda.
- See the virgin made of flowers.
- Buy churros or buñelos at one of the many stands on the street.
- Go to one of the temporary bar/nightclubs set up on the street and dance all night long.
- Most of the streets in the city are closed to everything, except pedestrian traffic and it is difficult to get around. The best way to get around is either by walking or taking the public transportation. Driving a car is not a good idea.
- Most of the restaurants are very crowded and some are not open. There is usually very long waits and slow service and you should plan for this in your schedule.
- Most of the hotels are also very crowded and should be booked in advance.
- Many people throw fireworks near pedestrians and its very easy to get burnt or injured.
- Some of the fallas, like Nou Campanar, are well outside the city center and are quite far by foot, it is much easier to take a bus.
- Fallas Museums
Beaches
There are several city beaches, and three major beaches outside of Valencia.
Playa de Malvarrosa and Playa e Levante o de la arenas are the most popular city beaches, just north of the port. To get there, take the metro or tram to Eugenia Vines or Arenas station, or take the metro to Maritim Serreria and continue with the tram to Neptu (all on one ticket).
El Saler is the nicest and best developed beach near Valencia. Devesa is undeveloped and has nice surroundings. At Devesa and Playa Pinedo, there are nudist sections. These beaches are located south of the port. To reach them, take the Yellow Bus (operated by "Herca") from Calle Alicante near the train station, in direction "Perello". The trip takes about 30 minutes; the bus runs hourly 7 am - 9 pm.
Hot springs
The hot spring is located 90km north of Valencia in a region known for its mountains, deep gorges and scenic nature. The crystalline waters of the lagoon bubble up from the earth at a temperature of 25ºc all year round. This place well known by the locals is still undiscovered by most travelers. The story goes that the hot spring was the preferred bathing and relaxation site for a Moorish king´s harem. The water was said to keep his women young and beautiful. Dip into the water for a swim and explore the lagoon snorkeling, see the fish around you and discover the hidden caves. For the brave, there´s the option to jump off cliffs right into the deepest part of the lagoon.What to eat and drink in Valencia, Spain
Eat
- Local paella — There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: Paella Valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), Paella de Marisco, with fish or seafood, or even Paella Mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular amongst locals. It is very difficult to say which is the "real" paella, as every person has his/her own version (Though NO paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic Paella, try it at the Malvarrosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian Paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity). Vegetarian Paella is called "Paella vegetal" or "Paella de verduras".
- Arròs a banda and arròs negre — This rice is black because it contains squid ink. You can find these dishes in the same places as above.
- Fideuà, a paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in the Gandía and Denia area (Alicante) and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try too.
- All i pebre — All i pebre is made of eel, a snake-like fish typical from the Albufera, a lagoon near Valencia. You can drive to El Palmar and taste it there. Delicious, but a very special taste. You can find good paella, and other traditional dishes at the restaurants here too.
- Salted fish "salaons": tuna ("moixama", "tonyina de sorra"), cod ("bacallà"), roe, anchovies, capellans are very popular delicatessen. Also dried octopus. Check them at the local markets, like Mercat Central de Valencia. Large choice of pickles such as olives, tomatoes, onion in brine. Great with tomatoes and olive oil. Check out on local varieties of vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, aubergines, etc. Also season fruit, probably varieties you don't see at home.
- Llet merengada — A kind of milk-based soft ice cream with a cinnamon-lemon taste.
- Bunyols — Fried doughnuts, sometimes round shaped, sometimes like rings. Widely available only during March. Dip them in hot chocolate. Sometimes they are too oily, so don't eat a lot of them or you will not be hungry again for several hours. If you can choose the 'carabasa' (pumpkin) version, you should try it. They are generally tastier.
- La Lluna (Vegetarian), San Ramon 23 (Barrio del Carmen), 963 922 146. Lunch only.
- La Tastaolletes (Vegetarian), Calle Salvador Giner 6 (Barrio del Carmen), 963 921 862.
- Orio (Pinchos), San Vicente Mártir 23, 902 520522 ([email protected]).
- Restaurante Alhacena, Avda. Virgen del Puig 36 46540 El Puig, 961 471340 ([email protected]). Lunch 13:00-16:00 (Tue-Sun) Dinner 21:00-23:30 (Thu-Sat, except Summer Tue-Sat). A small traditional restaurant located 10 minutes from the city near the historic Monastery of El Puig. Specializes in traditional Mediterranean cuisine and boasts a cellar with a wide selection of Spanish wine. Has a covered terrace with a view of the nearby plaza.
Drink
- Barrio del Carmen is a major nightlife destination in Valencia. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and dance joints, which tend to cater to a youngish crowd, in particular along Calle Caballeros.
- Radio City, Santa Teresa 19-2, Barri del Carmen (2 blocks off Plaza Tossal), 34 96 391-4151 ([email protected]). 10 PM - 3:30 AM. A popular bar come club with a crowded dance floor playing a variety of danceable world music. The crowd is mixed locals and travelers, mostly under 30. Aggressive bouncers.
- Calcata — This is a slightly upscale, younger crowd nightclub in a beautifully renovated old building. Weekends from midnight.
- Café Infanta, Plaza Tossal 3, Barri de Carme, +34 96 392-1235. Bar and cafe with outdoor seating, decorated with Hollywood memorabilia. Watch and absorb the spirit of the neighborhood.
- Blau — This is a newer bar on Calle Alta in Barri del Carme that plays groovy music and has a good mix of people.
- Café Negrito, Plaza del Negrito, Barri de Carme. Relaxed cafe with outdoor seating.
- Venial, Quart 32, +34 96 391-7356. Gay and hetero-friendly disco in Barri del Carme, located near the typical drinking haunts of the neighborhood, but open after everything else closes.
- Johnny Maracas, Calle Caballeros, Barri de Carme. Plays Brazilian and Spanish flamenco. Always a good atmosphere, although drinks a little pricey.
- Blue Iguana, Almirante Cadarso, 30. This is one of the best nightclubs in Valencia. New and old good music all night offered by Dj Moisés.
For a relaxed drink with friends (sometimes accompanied with a tapa), some of the best choices are:
Ubik Café
Café Berlín
Taberna el Rojo
Slaughterhouse
Mare Meua
Oh Lisboa
La Conservera
To experience Ruzafa's clubbing scene, be sure to visit:
XL Xtra Large
Nylon Club
Discoteca Picadilly
Play Club
Plaza del Cedro is a nice place where all possibilities are given to spend a night partly o complete in less touristic ambiance than in the center.- A lot of Bodegas and Tapas bars where you can get typical Spanish dinner for quite good prices. When you arrive early (the Spanish early) at about 8 PM they are usually having special offers like "Tercio y Tapa". To find them orientate more to the parallel streets to Carrer de Doctor Manuel Candela.
- Later to drink something occupying the time between dinner and going out there are many bars with a different kind of music present.
- If you feel like dancing there are 4 famous pubs where especially at the weekends a lot of young people can be found. The entrance is normally for free and they are almost neighbors all located in Calle Campoamor. The music is more alternative (Rock/Indie/Pop) that in general in Spain but it changes depending on the DJ. So just have a look at all of them to find the one you like most. They are closing at half past three in the morning and if you don't want to be alone may be the best time to arrive is between half past one and half past two. For more details see:
- El Tornillo
- Velvet Underground
- Wah Wah
- Matisse, Calle Campoamor 60
- Additionally, there is a typical Spanish nigh-life feeling on the Plaza del Cedro itself. Different kind of people enjoying the mild Mediterranean clime to sit outside talking, drinking and playing guitar often until the sunrise.
Wine lovers may want to explore the wineries of the Valencia wine region, including Bodega El Angosto, Bodegas Los Frailes, and Bodegas Murviedro.Shopping in Valencia, Spain
Patriarca Square (Plaza del Patriarca) is a good place to look for major national brands like Loewe, LLadró, Louis Vuitton, Dolores, Farrutx, etc.- KandaBooks, Calle de la Tapineria, 18, 639 740 746. An international secondhand bookshop and exchange near the Plaza de la Reina. Run by a friendly couple who are always happy to help find the perfect book or gift, you can find both fiction and non-fiction for those first learning different languages, to award winners for those advanced learners or natives in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German. They also offer sweet treats from the UK, inspiring nature photos, beautiful handmade greeting cards and badges of local scenes. Open Monday - Saturday.
- inVLC magazine, Various locations, 639 740 746. inVLC magazine is a free magazine for visitors, expats, locals and anyone learning English. It can be found in lots of locations in the city and the Community. It contains independently written articles about local facilities, such as restaurants, bars, shops etc, essential local holidays and fiestas information, guides to local towns within the local community, and language sections for anyone learning English.
- Godé Gastroclub, Calle de los Centelles, 34, 961 051 681. A wine store with a twist, a place where you can find and try wine from all Spain and beers made in the region from small breweries and trying refreshing drinks. Located in Ruzafa, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Valencia. Open Tuesday - Sunday.
Safety in Valencia, Spain
In Spain, pickpockets are not jailed if they steal less than €400. After they are arrested, they are automatically bailed to carry on pickpocketing so they can easily pay their €200 fine when they go to court. Many have been around the Spanish justice merry-go-round for hundreds of times. Spanish pickpockets are really skillful but they are in competition with many more from South America.
Dialing 112 on any telephone will reach the emergency center. It can be used to request Police, Firemen, Rescue, Ambulance or other emergency assistance. Calls to that number are free. The emergency operator will ask you for your data and the nature of the emergency and so will send the appropriate services to the place. It can be also used freely from public payphones.
Spain is a safe country, but you should take some basic precautions encouraged in the entire world:- Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you in order that an accomplice can rob you more easily. Theft, including violent theft, occurs at all times of day and night and to people of all ages.
- Thieves prefer stealth to direct confrontation so it is unlikely that you will be hurt in the process but exercise caution all the same.
- There have been instances where thieves on motorbikes drive by women and grab their purses, so keep a tight hold on yours even if you don't see anyone around.
- Try not to show the money you have in your wallet or purse.
- Always watch your bag or purse in touristic places, buses, trains, and meetings. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the bus/train stations and airports.
- Do not carry large amounts of money with you, unless needed. Use your credit card (Spain is the first country in a number of cash points and most shops/restaurants accept it). Of course, use it with caution.
- Beware of pickpockets when visiting areas with large numbers of people.
- Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities.
- Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police, though the processing time is usually long.
- In general, you must bear in mind that those areas with a larger number of foreign visitors are much more likely to attract thieves than places which are not so popular among tourists.
- Avoid gypsy women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some gypsy women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another gypsy woman to try to pickpocket you. Avoid them at all costs.
- Women who carry purses should always put the straps across their bodies. Always hold on to the purse itself and keep it in front of your body. Keep one hand on the bottom, as pickpockets can otherwise slit the bottom without you ever knowing.
- Never place anything on the back of a chair or on the floor next to you, keep it on your person always.
- If you must use an ATM, do not flash the money you have just picked up.
- More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times.
- In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings.
- Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported.
- Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travelers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know.
Language spoken in Valencia, Spain
Valencia's official languages are Valencian/Catalan and Spanish. In the capital of Valencia, which is the third largest city in Spain, not many people speak Valencian and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valencian is often preferred. As in Barcelona, with Catalan, it helps to be sensitive to this language dynamic. However, the linguistic issue is not as controversial as in Barcelona and most people in Valencia speak Spanish as their first and commonly, the only language. You have some Spanish language schools in Valencia, for example, "Lingua Valencia." English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Hardly anyone over 35 speaks English, and most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish or Valencian. French may be spoken or understood by some.
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Mestalla Stadium (Spanish: Estadio de Mestalla esˈtaðjo ðe mesˈtaʎa, Valencian: Estadi de Mestalla esˈtaði ðe mesˈtaʎa) is a football stadium in Valencia, Spain. The stadium is the home ground of Valencia Club de Fútbol. With a capacity of 55,000 seats, it ranks as the fifth-largest stadium in Spain. History The Estadio Mestalla...City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
The City of Arts and Sciences (Valencian: Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències; Spanish: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. It is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. The City of Arts...Valencia Cathedral, Spain
The Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia (Spanish: Iglesia Catedral-Basílica Metropolitana de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Valencia, Valencian: Església Catedral-Basílica Metropolitana de l'Assumpció de la Nostra Senyora de València), alternatively known as Saint Mary's Cathedral or Valencia Cathedral, is a...L'Umbracle, Valencia, Spain
L'Umbracle (Valencian pronunciation: lumˈbɾakle), part of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) complex in Valencia, Spain, is a sculpture garden and landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia (such as rockrose, lentisca, romero, honeysuckle, bougainvillea, palm tree). It harbors in its interior The...Estacio del Nord (Valencia), Spain
The North Station (Spanish: Estación del Norte, Valencian: Estació del Nord) is the main railway station in Valencia, Spain. It is located in the city centre next to the Plaza de Toros de Valencia, the city's bullring, and 200m from the town hall. It has connections with Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5, and the city bus network. This station is...Llotja de la Seda, Valencia, Spain
The Llotja de la Seda (Valencian pronunciation: ˈʎɔdʒa ðe la ˈseða, Spanish: Lonja de la Seda, English "Silk Exchange") is a late Valencian Gothic style civil building in Valencia, Spain, built between 1482 and 1548, and one of the principal tourist attractions in the city. The UNESCO considered it as a World Heritage Site in 1996 since "the...Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Spain
Plaza de Toros de Valencia is a bullring in València, Spain. It was built between 1850 and 1859. It follows the neoclassical style and it was inspired in the civil roman architecture, the Flavian Amphitheatre Colosseum or the Arena of Nîmes (France). It was built by the valencian architect Sebastián Monleón Estellés. Its structure is formed by a...Latest travel blogs about Valencia, Spain
This tourist train departed from the City of Arts and Sciences . It traveled to the amusement park and back. A train went through the park. People were engaged in sports and running, as well as walking their dogs. This little guy rode in the car: And this ride was for the adults...
We arrived at the railway station in Valencia , which was an interesting building. While my daughter was buying the tickets, I took photos of the surrounding area. This was the railway station: Here’s a closer view of the railway station: It was in front of the railway station: This...
