What to do on your visit to Valencia so you don't miss anything.
Are you planning your next vacation to the city of Valencia? Karen Gregorio, yoorner and Valencian, explains everything you need to know to make Valencia a dream getaway.
Does no one tell you what you are really looking for? No blog gives you the information you need to plan your trip? Each website tells you something different about the city but they all end with a list of monuments.
It takes something else.
It doesn't matter if you are preparing a getaway or a multi-day visit. If you come alone, as a couple, with friends or with children. The important thing is that you can move with the same agility that you do in your city.
For this reason, here are the 5 practical tips to make your visit to Valencia a vacation to remember.
Getting around Valencia: the 3 most effective transportation options.
Why the Valencia metro but is it not the best option?
It does not have many lines and it does not reach all the places you are going to want to visit. It is ideal for getting around the center but you will not be able to go to the beach or the City of Arts and Sciences. And these are places you can't miss.
That's why I recommend the 3 best options:
1. By public bus. They are red but have nothing to do with the mythical London. With them you can move wherever you want. As you read it, all over the city. Some lines even connect other neighboring towns and cities such as Alboraya or Albufera.
2. By bicycle. This is the star option. It is one of the cities with the most bike lanes in Spain and without slopes. That makes things easier. You will get everywhere without missing any corner and you will find stations to park it almost anywhere. You choose if you prefer a rental bike or use the Valenbici public service.
3. On foot. It is not a very big city and it keeps its charms in the most discreet places. If you combine this with the mythical tourist areas you can have the perfect combo.
How to move around Valencia in fallas and not die trying.
Without a doubt this is the time of the year when more people are concentrated in the city at the same time. Valencia en fallas is transformed. As the Valencians say: “dresses up for a party”.
This implies that most of the streets are cut off by monuments or casales (tents and spaces for each falla to celebrate their acts).
How should you move these days? Now, yes. The subway will be your great ally. Keep in mind that buses modify almost all their routes and, by bicycle, it is unthinkable to travel with so many people.
Once again, walking around the city may be the best option. Especially if you want to see the monuments, the illuminated streets, feel the smell of gunpowder or see the fallas in their regional costumes. In short, being part of the party.
Where to stay in Valencia: most recommended areas.
Valencia is a very safe city. In that sense you will not have any problem no matter where you decide. Perhaps one of the best options are the hotels near the beach. But that may not be the type of tourism you have in mind.
In that case, look for hotels near the City of Arts and Sciences. If you also have a car, this place is ideal for parking. It is less congested and there are several car parks in the area. It is located between the historical center and the beach. There are also 2 shopping centers and the English Court with the most beautiful views of the city. And, of course, the riverbed at your disposal for a walk.
If you prefer the center of the city, you will have many options. Look for smaller hotels and families. Some are very charming and full of particularities. If you like history, choose one that preserves archaeological remains.
In the Barrio del Carmen there is one that preserves part of the wall that surrounded Valencia. Of course, take a good look at all the evaluations of previous travelers. Always pay attention to what they say about noise, especially at night.
Where to eat paella in Valencia.
Rice dishes are a classic that you cannot miss if you visit Valencia. If you are concerned about where to eat paella in the center of Valencia, do not continue there. It is not the best choice. It is not one of those cities that is characterized by the typical tourist hunting restaurants.
But if you want to eat a good Valencian paella or better seafood get out of the center You must go to the Albufera, it is a unique natural area, you cannot return home without having visited it. Eating between the beach and the lake surrounded by rice fields is something that you will not be able to do anywhere else. Take the opportunity. In addition, some restaurants include boat rides on their menus at the end of the meal. It's worth it.
Even more if you take into account where the sun sets, It is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Valencia.
How to get the most out of the Jardín del Turia.
Yes you are coming to Valencia you should know that the Turia River as it passes through the city is not a river, it is a park. Not a drop of water. It is the main lung of the city. It is an ideal place to go for a bike ride, go for a run, walk or practice (almost) any sport.
Roughly we can say that it begins in the Bioparc and ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. A route of about 10 km that goes from one end of the city to the other. During the walk you will find several museums such as the Fine Arts Museum or the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM). Two museums that I recommend.
If you go With children, take advantage of the riverbed to move through green areas, with shadows, fountains, recreation areas and, most importantly, without cars. The Garden del Turia is pedestrianized. If you go with children they will enjoy the ride and you will be able to relax while they run at ease.
A stop at the Gulliver Park is sure to be the perfect complement to your trip. A sculpture of more than 70 meters that you can go through ramps, stairs and slides. Parents can also play and It's free. It's worth it.
More essential tips for getting around Valencia.
If you choose to move by metro, download the EMT Valencia App on your mobile. You will see all the lines that exist, their route, the frequency of passage, the stops and the night buses. If you are going to use it a lot, you will save with the 10-trip voucher. You can buy it at the machines in any metro station. Jump from one bus to another for 1 hour and you only pay one ticket.
If your hotel is near the river bed use it during the day to get around. You will be isolated from traffic, without traffic lights. That is, without delays or waste of time. It will make you move faster. The garden also has a bike path.
With all this you will look like another Valencian moving around the city.
The history of Valencia hooks you, you will want to know more and more. But don't complicate your life.
I remind you Yoorner that you are on vacation and the ultimate goal is to relax and unwind. Choose the guided tour that best suits your taste and with all this you only have left enjoy.
Yoorner Author: Karen Gregorio
