What is Valencia Like?

Imagine living in a big city with endless possibilities of things to do, streets lined with palm trees and roses, and the sun shining almost every day. Add to that image orange trees, green parks, thousands of motor scooters, endless restaurants and bars, great shopping, and a huge beach along the Mediterranean Sea, and you have Valencia. Valencia is a rather industrial city with a lot of commerce, a large port, and tall apartment buildings, but it also has a beautiful old city center with tiny narrow streets and ornate balconies. At first, Valencia felt huge and threatening to me, but once I found my way around, met some people, and got settled in, I grew to love the city like my own home.

Size

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, with a population of approximately one million people. The area of the city is 135 square kilometers.

With a very large and important port, Valencia is definitely an industrial city. Manufacturing, furniture, shoes, cement, paper, ceramics, and textiles are main industries here.

Language

The community of Valencia (the three provinces of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón) has two official languages: Castellano (the Spanish you have probably learned in class) and Valenciano, a local dialect. Classes at the University of Valencia are offered in both, and with speaking and understanding only Castellano you can certainly get by in daily life in Valencia. If interested, you can also take classes in Valencia to learn Valenciano.

Brief History

Valencia was founded by the Romans in the year 138, and gained more identity and importance during the Muslim era. Changing hands again, in 1094, Valencia was captured by the troops of "el Cid," and was then ruled under the Aragonese Crown beginning in 1238 by Jaime I. When the Moors were expulsed in 1609, Valencia suffered a major blow to its economy, but later in the 18th century participated in the economic and cultural renaissance of Spain. Valencia took an active part in the War of Independence in the 19th century against the French. Today, as the capital city of the Province of Valencia, 'Valencianos' are very proud of their identity and of their dialect, 'Valenciano.' In fact, you will find official notices, street signs, etc. written in Valenciano, classes given in Valenciano, and programs on television in the dialect. Buildings and monuments attest to the city's 2000 year age, and to me, made the city an exciting, enchanting mix of new and old that was an incredibly interesting place to live.

Gastronomy

You will not go hungry in Valencia. Like any modern city, Valencia has a little bit of everything in terms of food and restaurants. There are some constants, though. I found that Valencia has a very Mediterranean cuisine, with lots of seafood, olives, olive oil, vegetables, and rice. Tapas (small rations of food) are, of course, famous in Spain, and Valencia is literally FULL of tapas bars and restaurants. Valencia is famous for its paella, a rice dish made in a special pan, also called a paella. While there is paella in all of Spain, it is said that paella originated in the area of Valencia. Paella comes in all forms and ingredients, but traditional Valencian Paella contains chicken, rabbit, special beans and vegetables, and saffron. Another famous food here is aioli, a garlic mayonnaise. Eating times in Spain are different than what you may be used to. Breakfast in the morning usually consists of only a coffee and croissant. Lunch, "La Comida" is usually eaten between 2-4 pm, and is the big meal of the day. Many stores and businesses close for the time of the comida, the famous Spanish "siesta." Dinner, or "La Cena" is typically a lighter meal and eaten around 9-11 pm.

Currency

The Spanish peseta is the official currency in Spain, although this will be phased out by the Euro (Spain is part of the European Union) in the coming years. By the year 2002, Euros will be used as currency in Spain. At the time I was living in Spain, $1 US = approximately 155 Spanish pesetas, although the rates often fluctuated. You can check the rates at http://servenet.com/lookup.htm

Nightlife

Informally, Valencia is known throughout Spain for its parties. Whether you like small bars, jazz clubs, or huge elaborate discos, you will find it all here. And most likely, all in the same night! People typically don't head out to hit the town until late, sometimes going to a disco as late as 2:30 or 3:00 am. Some clubs stay open until 8, 9, or even 10:00 am! If you stay out to see the sun rise, you've had a normal Spanish night of fiesta. And if you're not into the bar scene, there are lots of other things to do, too. Movie theatres, a Music Hall, plays, tapas restaurants…whatever you can imagine!

Sleeping on one of many train rides

Useful Links

Turisvalencia, an interactive guide to Valencia, created by "Turismo Valencia Convention Bureau"

Tu Spain (Your Spain), a collection of news, travel, arts and culture, shopping, heritage, cooking, lifestyle, resources, and more

All About Spain contains a regional and city guide, information about the country and culture, and a traveler's guide

Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory may also contain some valuable information for your possible travels

The Turia park, a dried up riverbed which runs through all of Valencia

Transportation

At first, I missed the freedom of having my car, but I soon found that Valencia had excellent transportation systems, the most important being my own two feet. I think I walked more in Valencia that I had in my whole life, but it was a great feeling! Most things are very accessible by foot, and you can buy excellent guides and maps of the city. But in case you don't feel like walking…

Taxis - Taxis are white, everywhere, and pretty cheap. You can usually flag one down on any street. The green light on the roof illuminated means the cab is free. If you can't find a taxi, you can call one. Onda Taxi (96 347 52 52)
Radio-Taxi (96 370 33 33)
Tele-Taxi (96 357 13 13)
Valencia Taxi (96 374 02 02)

Buses - EMT (the public bus company, 96 352 83 99) buses are big and red, easy to use, and even cheaper then taxis! While I was in Valencia, one ride cost 125 pesetas, or you could buy a "bonobus" with 10 rides for 700 pesetas in any tobacco shop. Maps, destinations, and frequencies are clearly displayed at the bus stops. Beware, though…the buses don't automatically stop! You have to watch carefully and then flag down your number as it approaches. There are 'parada' buttons inside the bus you can push to signal the stop you want to get off at.

Metro and Tramvia - Valencia has a good metro system, but I only used it once…I enjoyed seeing the scenery from the bus! The metro cost 130 pesetas for one trip. There is also a monorial-type tram that runs from various points in the northern part of the city, to the beach. Information for these services is at Cronista Rivelles, 1 (96 380 18 19).

Train - RENFE is the company that operates the trains that traverse Spain. The main RENFE station in Valencia is Estacion del Norte, located on Jativa, 24 (96 352 02 02). You can inquire about schedules and buy tickets right at the station, to go virtually anywhere in Spain or further.

Central Bus Station - For longer trips outside of the city, the Central Bus Station is located on Menendez Pidal, 13 (96 349 72 22) and has buses that run virtually everywhere in Spain and other cities in Europe.

Useful Numbers