anyone been to valencia?

[aftershavedave]

thinking of booking up a weekend in valencia.....has anybody been? what i've read sounds nice....

any tips appreciated!

 

[y2dave]

Just got back and had a great time. The City is HUGE but most of the historic center is close enough together to wander around. What makes Valencia really stand out is that in the 1960's the council diverted the river before it enters the city and this has resulted in massive open space running straigh through the city. The new land still has it's bridges running over it and the old river bed is filled with parks, gardens, fountains, sports pitches and lots of tourist attractions. Well worth a long walk. The new buildings in the science park are amazing also. The Beaches are good and are about 15 mintues bus ride from the city centre. Quite expensive though and the food was not great.

 

[aftershavedave]

cheers dave sounds great!

 

[Caveman]

Been there twice. Very nice and all new architecture has to have the same front as the old, so looks very impressive. Loads of nice bars, restaurants and shops.

 

[The Large One]

It's also the original home of paella.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

It's also the original home of paella.

... and, therefore, pilau rice (which takes its name from paella).

As for Valencia ... I've never been, but know that it is highly recommended by (amongst others) the Lewes Bonfire Boys who go in the spring for Las Fallas

 

[Beach Hut]

I tried to persuade Mrs Hut to go there for her 40th but sadly she chose Rome.

Still hoping to get there at some point.

 

[Caveman]

You can get cheap flights to Alicante and then get the coach.

 

[Scotty Mac]

the zoo is in the dried up river, fantastic place. and its true, the paela there is fantastic. as is a sweet shop right by the station, my god she was good. the beaches are superb for a kick about as well, and not forgetting the mestalla. if you get to go the ground, look out for a little bar opposite the club shop - its owned by the spannish fan who is always on tv with his drum, and he gives away free hats and lighters to any british tourists. does a bloody cheap as well

 

[aftershavedave]

thanks folks your tips appreciated!

 

[Trufflehound]

... and, therefore, pilau rice (which takes its name from paella).

An interesting theory LB, but sadly not true.

Pilau is the old Turkish word for rice.
Paella comes from "patella" - the Latin word for the pan in which paella is cooked.

 

[Trufflehound]

What makes Valencia really stand out is that in the 1960's the council diverted the river before it enters the city and this has resulted in massive open space running straigh through the city.

Didn't know that. Bizarre town planning if you ask me though. I'd have said that having running water flowing through the middle of a city would add to its appeal, not hinder it.

....and the food was not great.

 

[empire]

cheap flights to alicante?where/they are still aound the 100 pound mark

 

[London Calling]

the zoo is in the dried up river, fantastic place. and its true, the paela there is fantastic. as is a sweet shop right by the station, my god she was good. the beaches are superb for a kick about as well, and not forgetting the mestalla. if you get to go the ground, look out for a little bar opposite the club shop - its owned by the spannish fan who is always on tv with his drum, and he gives away free hats and lighters to any british tourists. does a bloody cheap as well

"my good she was good?"

 

[Hiney]

Paella comes from "patella" - the Latin word for the pan in which paella is cooked.

Presumeably shaped like a knee-cap?

*coat*

 

[trueblue]

I've been there during Las Fallas - it's mental. Little kids letting off rockets everywhere. Best to take a flak jacket

But the burning of all the papier mache statues all over town is ace. Every street corner has one more or less, and there's a giant bonfire in the centre of town.

They also let off firecrackers during the day which make all the buildings shake.

It's a pretty nice place to be, even if you're not there for the festival.

 

[WATFORD zero]

I never realised you were a man of culture, trueblue

Now i know this i will feel a little guilty when I come sliding though 15 minutes after the ball tomorrow night

 

[The Auditor]

I've been there during Las Fallas - it's mental. Little kids letting off rockets everywhere. Best to take a flak jacket

But the burning of all the papier mache statues all over town is ace. Every street corner has one more or less, and there's a giant bonfire in the centre of town.

They also let off firecrackers during the day which make all the buildings shake.

It's a pretty nice place to be, even if you're not there for the festival.

what he said ..its amazing....

as for flights ..BA Gatwick to Valencia..just book early to get a good price

 

[Dave the OAP]

we went early in the year.

It is very Spanish! ( not much english spoke, which is brilliant!!!!!)

Best area for restaurants is near the Cathederal, also get the tourist bus from there.

the tram to the beach is very cheap and runs on time.

We stayed in the Vinci Hotel and bought our package through OPODO.

One world of warning:

DONT TAKE THE TRAIN TO THE AIRPORT!!!!!! IT STOPS ABOUT A MILE AWAY AND YOU HAVE TO CROSS TWO MOTORWAYS ON FOOT DRAGGING CASES TO GET THERE.

Have fun

 

[trueblue]

I never realised you were a man of culture, trueblue

Now i know this i will feel a little guilty when I come sliding though 15 minutes after the ball tomorrow night

Only 15 minutes?