Valencia for a long weekend

[DB_SamX]

I'm going to Valencia for a long weekend mid January - first proper solo trip ever as a 42 year old! I'm mainly interested in the architecture, and also a big fan of Spanish culture generally.

I arrive Thursday early afternoon, and leave Sunday evening. I would like to start exploring asap Thursday but depends if I need a nap after a 5am wakeup and if I sleep on the plane or not.

For those who've been, is 2-3 days enough to explore the old town, the hipper, and the science and arts area to the south east, and maybe even perhaps take a short trip to the coast? I'll try to find a latin dance place one or two evenings as I have danced for years.

I would also really like to do a paella-cooking class, but I think that would be a bit much, but I reckon I could leave to organise that at short notice on Sunday morning, for that afternoon, if I have the time.

I'm a big fan of Lonely Planet city guides, and I've never been disappointed to follow their suggested visits, but any thoughts, or suggestions welcome.

 

[Scam]

We went last year (Feb) and loved it. I’ll have to write you up some proper notes later this week, feel free to tag me if I forget lol.. I have a whole bunch of food places and bars saved.

My quick tip on food would be to do it properly; most restaurants have very cheap set menus with paella for lunch (eg €18 for 3 courses including a beer). Good local places too, not tourist traps. Have that leisurely at 2pm and enjoy the tapas bars on an evening. (If you didn’t know, Valencia is known for paella and it’s not an evening dish!). There wasn’t much at the seaside but we took a trip on the metro out to Casa Carmela for lunch. It’s a little touristy but one of the last places that still cook paella over fire in the kitchen — you can see them work in the kitchen and they even let me in to take some videos when they saw I was interested. We also went back on another day to a place called La Sastreria which was much more modern but excellent.

The science and arts museum thing is cool to walk around although we didn’t go in, especially if you’re a fan of Andor And spending an afternoon walking along the park which was an old river an cuts right through the city was nice too.
In fact that reminds me there was an episode of Travel Man where Richard Ayoade goes to Valencia and cycles along there.

Also, if you’re in the bars try some vermouth. They have it neat but garnished and it’s a bit like a cocktail without being too strong. Really lovely and a nice change from beer and wine.

Woops well I wrote a bunch anyway

 

[iGiDK]

Went to Valencia in 2018 with the Mrs and went back last year with the kids. You'd be able to cram everything in 2-3 days.

Last trip we just got one of the Valencia tourist cards each and they were great for doing all the attractions and using the public transport

Make sure you watch Richard Ayoade Travel Man: 48 Hours in...Valencia

They don't half trumpet on about their authentic paellas and fartons but they're a bit, dare I say, bland!! The paella cooking class we did was good fun though

 

[Ben Cole]

Went a couple of months ago, even though it was late in the year it was HOT.

Food and drink cheap, people nice, place very cool with a lovely vibe. Enjoy.

 

[Scam]

They don't half trumpet on about their authentic paellas and fartons but they're a bit, dare I say, bland!! The paella cooking class we did was good fun though

The fartons? I never tried them actually. Can’t say the paellas were bland although worth knowing they are mainly chicken and rabbit (rather than seafood necessarily). We had a lovely chicken and artichoke one, absolutely beautiful. In fact we had paella every day for lunch bar one. Can’t say I got bored of it!