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Valencia City Guide
Valencia City Guide
Nest Hostels has created this magazine with the most useful information for visitors
to Valencia, so you can enjoy the best of the city. Valencia is a relaxed city with a
lot of culture on offer, which means that you can visit a diversity of monuments and
museums, walk through its marvellous gardens or beaches, eat a variety of tasty
Mediterranean dishes and, of course, go out partying until your body gives in on
you… We recommend that you explore Valencia’s streets and experience as much
as you can, using this magazine as a good way to start. Enjoy!
SUMMARY
Pag2 INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF VALENCIA
Pag3 VALENCIA IN SHORT (1, 2, 3 OR MORE DAYS)
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Pag21 GETTING THERE AND AWAY
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INTRODUCTION TO THE
HISTORY OF VALENCIA
The ancient city of Valentia Edetanorum was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C.,
although Iberian peoples had inhabited the area for centuries before. After that,
and for a couple of centuries, the city was taken over by the Visigoth monarchy.
However, it was the Arab invasion of 714 that left the most noticeable mark on the
city, until 1238 when King James I conquered the city and made it into an autonomous
kingdom within the group of States under his sceptre.
Throughout the middle ages, a strong silk producing industry together with significant
agricultural production enabled the city to grow into an important economic force.
The 15th century was Valencia’s golden century, but this position was halted and
weakened by the war of the Germanians, which ended in 1522. In 1609 the Moors
were expelled from the city, bringing an end to the prosperity and economic strength
and marking the beginning of a decline. Soon after the turn of the 18th century was
the War of Succession, causing the loss of the city’s autonomy. It was not until the
late 18th century that the city’s economic and cultural situation was revived.
By the Civil War (1936-39), Valencia was made the capital of the Republican
Government, but received the status of Autonomous State with the re-establishment
of the monarchy.
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VALENCIA IN SHORT
Valencia in 1 day…
… can be tiring and unpleasant, since there are many things to see in the city. Walk
around the narrow streets of the old town and the city centre, starting from Plaza
de la Reina. Stop for food, a coffee or a beer in any of the bars in El Carmen district
and continue your way through the ancient gates of the city on your way to the
Turia gardens, the dried out river bed where, after a pleasant walk, you will find the
City of Arts and Sciences. Admire these gorgeous structures and come back to the
hostel to get ready for the party. The night has just started…
Valencia in 2 days…
… wake up early and beat your hangover with a strong coffee in any of the coffee
shops around the hostel. If the weather is good catch bus number 32 to the beach
and spend some hours there before choosing your favourite place to eat a Paella
Valenciana. With a full and a satisfied stomach, come back to the city centre and
hang around the Old town watching people and their valencian way of life while
having a drink on a terrace. Once your body feels strong again climb the 207 steps
to the top of “El Micalet”, from where you will have a fantastic view of the city. It’s
getting late, get ready to dine on some tapas and to dance until dawn in any of the
bars and discos around the city.
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TOP 10 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
2. Cathedral
The cathedral has no predominant style, it ranges from Romanesque to Baroque,
as shown on each of the three portals. Of note inside the cathedral are its quality
paintings and the cathedral bell tower, which can be visited up to the top.
Plaza de la Reina, s/n. Valencia
Visits: Monday to Saturday from 10 to 18
Sundays and holidays from 14 to 17:30
Admission: 2,10 - 3 Euros.
4. Plaza Redonda
This square, enclosed by a wooden structure of houses, is one of the most curious
building works of the 19th century. The fountain at its centre is original, and was
installed in 1850.
Calles Pescaderia-Vallanca. Valencia
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5. Mercado Central
A modernist style building. Covering over 8000 m2, it is one of the largest covered
markets in Europe. It is notable for its long avenues traversed by two wide aisles
and holds 959 stalls.
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Plaza del Mercado s/n. Valencia 4
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 to 15.
6. Torres de quart
These towers were built in the 15th century. Until the 19th century they were part
of Valencia’s city wall. Throughout the years, the Torres de Quart had several
functions, and were even used as a prison.
Guillem de Castro, 89. Valencia. Admission Free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 14 and 16:30 to 20:30
Sundays and Holidays from 10 to 15
7. Torres de Serranos
Another ancient access gateway to the city. Built in the 14th century by Pere Balaguer
with a pentagonal layout and surrounded by a moat.
Plaza de los Fueros, s/n. Valencia
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 14 and 16:30 to 20:30
Sundays and Holidays from 10 to 15
Admission: 1 - 2 Euros. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays Admission Free.
8. La Lonja de la Seda
The old silk exchange is a sumptuous Renaissance palace. The main room in which
business was conducted used to have large tables, on which goods were placed and
payment received. The ceiling is a master piece of gold carvings, and it´s delightful
courtyard is shaded by an orange grove.
Plaza del Mercado, s/n. Valencia
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 14 and 16:30 to 20:30
Sundays and Holidays from 10 to 15
Admission: 1 - 2 Euros. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays Admission Free
9. Turia Gardens
The 7 km long Turia gardens have been landscaped to offer much diversity. One
of the most outstanding parks in Valencia, which extends the green belt of the dried
out Turia river bed throughout the city.
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10. Playa
To get to Valencia´s beaches and enjoy sunny days all year round there are trams
and buses that reach the Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches.
For more information on Valencia’s attractions and monuments visit our website:
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www.nesthostelsvalencia.com/extras/maps.
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DAY TRIPS
The following places can be reached within an hour ride, either by bus, train or car.
For information on how to arrive please check www.viamichelin.com (if you have
your own vehicle) or www.renfe.es, www.emtvalencia.com (for public transport).
18 day trips and routes combining bike and metro are described in
http://www.metrovalencia.com/metroval/html/viaja_metroval/bicimetr
o.htm.
La Albufera: (www.albuferavalencia.com or www.albufera.com) This is one
of the most important Natural Parks in the region. A fresh water lake hosting rice
fields, migratory birds, amazing flora and beautiful landscapes. An amazing day out
just 11 km away from the city centre. Access by bus (yellow interurban bus) from
Gran via Marques del Turia, just a few minutes walk from your hostel.
Sagunto: Around 30 km away from Valencia, this old Roman city is homes to a
castle, a roman theatre, an Acropolis and a Jewish Quarter.
Xativa: With abundant remains of the ancient Iberian, Roman, Visigoth and Islamic
cultures, this town is declared of Cultural Interest. Climb up to the Castle and admire
the landscapes...
Requena: the old centre of this inland town has been declared a Historical-Artistic
Complex of National Interest. Of special interest are the Wine Harvest fair (September)
and the Sausage Fair (February)
Manises: Is home to a very important collection of artistic pottery and the urban
centre is full of beautiful architecture. The Ceramics festival (July) is a worthy
visit.
Santa Maria del Puig Monastery, El Puig (Valencia): Around 10 km from the
city.
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Enjoy nature and tranquillity or practise some adventure sports in any of the
inland towns such as Chulilla, Calles, Aras and Montanejos.
The best beaches outside the city: Pinedo-El Saler, Cullera, Gandia and Oliva
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to the south. El Puig, Canet d´En Berenguer and Almenara to the north.
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HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
January 1st “New Year’s Day”
March 15th-19th “Las Fallas” main festivity of Valencia. Don’t miss it!
August, “La Tomatina”in Bunyol, a worldwide famous tomato battle in the streets.
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December 6th “Day of the Constitution”
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December 25th “Christmas Day” 7
Hostel offers and promotions
Check www.nesthostelsvalencia.com to book cheaper and safer. No booking
fees. No thrills. No problems. No booking engine will give you that. Guaranteed!!
- The best price for your stay with us in our website
- Last available beds can ONLY be found in our website.
- Bookings for special events and festivities can ONLY be made through our website.
- Only in our website will you find special promotions and offers to make your stay
cheaper or even for free!!
GOING OUT
When going out in Valencia you have to bear 3 things in mind:
1. There is a “Ley Seca” which the council put in place to stop “botellon” (youngsters
hanging around outside, drinking and being loud). This law means that it is forbidden
to drink alcohol on the street and for shops to sell alcohol after 10pm. Police fines
are from 300 ¤ onwards.
2. Pay attention to the time you want to go out in the evening. People normally go
out at about 11 or 12 at night, so if you go to a bar before 11pm, you will probably
be the only ones there! The time you want to return is also important. Most forms
of public transport stop at about 11pm and start again at about 5:30 am.
During the night, your best option is to get a taxi…
3. In Valencia there are different zones where people meet in bars… some cheap,
others more expensive… some close to Nest Hostels, others further away… but
normally all the bars and pubs have restricted opening times, with the grand
majority closing anytime between 2am and 3:30am. After this time, if you want
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to continue partying, your options are more limited, although there will always be
something open. The best-known zones (in order of proximity to the Nest hostels)
are Barrio del Carmen, Canovas, Juan Llorens, Plaza Xuquer, Plaza Honduras,
Blasco Ibañez and the America’s Cup Port. Check the coloured areas for going
out zones in the city map on page 8.
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Other events are:
33rd America's Cup: Sailing races (May-July 2009)
Bars
These are a selection of bars open until 2:30-3:00 a.m.:
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- “La Claca”: C/ San Vicente, 3. Zone Centre.
Open every day. www.laclaca.com
- “St Patrick’s”: C/ Gran Via Marques del Turia, 69. Zone Canovas.
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Open every day. www.stpatricksvalencia.com 9
- “Finnegan’s”: Plaza de la Reina, 19. Zone Centre.
Open every day.
- “Johnny Maracas”: C/ Caballeros, 39. Zone Carmen.
Open from Wednesdays to Sundays.
- “Vivir sin dormir”: Paseo Neptuno, 42. Zone Beach.
Open everyday.
- “47 Social Club“: C/ Quart, 47. Zone Carmen.
www.groovelives.com
- “Juanita”: C/ Lepanto, 8. Zone Carmen.
Rasta vibrations.
- “Pinball”: C/ Concordia, 3. Zone Carmen.
For lovers of psychedelic, northern Soul, funk.
- “Turmix“: C/ Doctor Chiarri, 8. Zone Carmen.
Rock, garage, Indie guitar disco.
Discos
These are a selection of discos open from 2 a.m. onwards:
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www.groovelives.com
- “Bigornia”: C/ Museo, 10. Zone Carmen.
Arty crowd with electro, hip-hop, funk, techno.
- “Disco City”: C/ Pintor Zariñena, 16. Zone Carmen.
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Black dance music sounds: hip-hop, old school, soul.
- “Mogambo”: C/ Sangre, 9. Zone Town Hall. 10
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TO PURPLE NEST
FROM THE From the arrivals area in the airport you can catch the metro line number 3 or
AIRPORT number 5, which will take you to the metro stop called Alameda. Leave the metro
BY METRO... station via the exit marked "Paseo Ciudadela", take the road Calle Justicia, turn
right onto Calle General Palanca and at the end of this road you will find Plaza
5 Tetuan. Purple Nest Backpackers Hostel is number 5, Plaza Tetuan. The journey
will take you 15 minutes by metro and then 7 minutes on foot.
TO RED NEST
From Valencia Airport arrival´s area take metro line 3 or 5 which will take you to
the metro stop called Colon. From there, walk to Alfonso el Magnanimo Square.
Calle de la Paz is to the left of the square, Red Nest Hostel is at number 36 on the
left hand side.
1. Ayuntamiento
2. Correos
3. Catedral
4. Miguelete
5. Basílica de la Virgen de los
Desamparados
6. Torres de Serranos
7. Torres de Quart
8. La Lonja
9. Mercado Central
10. Plaza Redonda
11. Plaza de Toros
12. Estación del Norte
13. MuVIM
14. Museo de la Beneficencia
15. IVAM
16. Museo del Carmen
17. Museo San Pío V
18. Restaurante El Rall
19. Bar El Pilar
20. Bar Los Toneles
21. Taberna La Reina
22. Horchatería Santa Catalina
23. Radio City
24. Bolsería
25. Finnegan’s
26. Disco City
27. Johnny Maracas
28. La Claca
29. Soul Cycles
30. Orange Bikes
31. OpenCor 24 h supermarket
32. Mercadona supermarket
33. Pharmacy Paz 26
34. Western Union Finanfácil
35. Turistic Bus Stand
EATING OUT
Many of the most typical Valencian meals are rice dishes such as “Paella“, “Arrós
Negre“ and “Arrós a Banda”. All of them can be cooked with different ingredients
and in a different way, this is why it can look and taste different in diverse restaurants.
While staying in Valencia, don’t miss also Horchata, Fartons and a variety of
Tapas.
Tapas
Although Valencia is not the best place for tapas in Spain, some bars offer a good
and tasty choice of tapas and raciones to satisfy your munchies…
-Bar “El Pilar”: C/ Moro Zeit, 13. Zone Carmen.
Tel: 963 910 497
-Bar “El Molinón”: C/ Bolseria, 40. Zone Carmen.
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Tel: 963 911 538
-Bar “Las Cuevas”: C/ Samaniego, 9. Zone Centre.
Tel: 963 917 196
-Taberna “La Reina”: Plaza de la Reina, 1. Zone Centre.
Tel: 963 152 214
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-Bar “La Bodeguilla del Gato”: C/ Catalans, 10. Zone Carmen.
Tel: 963 918 235
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-Bar “Los Toneles”: C/ Ribera, 17. Zone Centre.
Tel: 963 940 181
-Bar “La Alegria de la Huerta”: Paseo Maritimo, 17. Zone Beach.
Tel: 963 550 507
-Bar “A la deriva”: Paseo Neptuno, 14. Zone Beach.
Tel: 963 565 100
Agua de Valencia
We also recommend you to try this alcoholic drink, a concoction of freshly squeezed
orange juice with champagne and spirits (cointreau or gin or vodka or all three of
them). Served very cold with ice - very nice! A good place to taste it:
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WEEKLY AGENDA
Mondays
Street market in Ruzafa district in the morning.
Discounts in O.V. films in “Albatros” and “Babel” cinemas.
Paella Party for 3 Euros in “Vulture Lab” at 20:30. Cors de la Mare de Deu, 3.
Tonky Jam in “Black Note Club” C/ Polo y Peyrolon, 15.
Funk You live DJ session in “Picadilly” at 2 a.m. C/ Embajador Vich.
Tuesdays
Street market in Jerusalem district in the morning.
Live Flamenco in “Radio City” at 23:00. C/ Santa Teresa, 19.
Brazilian party in “Café Bolseria” at 23:30. C/ Bolseria, 41.
Jazzing Jam in “Dub Club” at 22:30. C/ Jesus, 91.
Tourist Party DJ session in “Picadilly” at 2 a.m. C/ Embajador Vich.
Wednesdays
Street market in Benimamet district in the morning.
Discounts in O.V. films in “UGC Cine-Cite“ Av. Tirso de Molina, 16.
Tapeo Tour in some bars of El Carmen district. www.tapeotour.com
Storytelling and concerts in “Café del Duende” at 23:00. C/ Turia, 62.
Puti Club night in “Picadilly” at 2 a.m. C/ Embajador Vich.
Thursdays
Street market in El Cabanyal district in the morning.
Tribunal de las aguas in the cathedral gothic portal at 12:00. Plaza de la Virgen.
Erasmus, hostels and foreigners Party in “Café Bolseria” at 23:00. C/ Bolseria, 41.
Reggae Party in “Dub Club” at 23:00. C/ Jesus, 91.
Live Flamenco in “Café del Duende” at 23:30. C/ Turia, 62.
Fridays
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Street market in Benimaclet district in the morning.
Live Flamenco in “Café del Duende” at 23:30. C/ Turia, 62.
Funk, Soul, Hip-hop, Jazz “Sala El Loco” at 00:30. C/ Erudito Orellana, 12.
Various styles DJ sessions in “The Mill Club” at 1:00. C/ Padre Porta, 2.
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Electro/Freestyle DJ session in “Latex” at 3:00.
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Saturdays
Street market in Campanar district in the morning.
Concerts in “Black Note Club” at 23:30. C/ Polo y Peyrolon, 15.
Various styles DJ sessions in “Barraca” at 3:00. Av. Sant Roc, s/n.
Sundays
Street market in Plaza de la Reina in the morning.
Flea Market at the Mestalla football ground parking in the morning.
Many museums of the city have free admission on Sunday. Check
www.nesthostelsvalencia.com/extras/maps for more information.
Free Pasta Lunch in “Vulture Lab” from 13:00. Plaza Cors de la Mare de Deu, 3.
Flamenco show in “La Claca” at 20:30. C/ San Vicente, 3
Reggae Jam in “Dub Club” at 20:30. C/ Jesus, 91.
Funky Party in “Café Bolseria” at 23:00. C/ Bolseria, 41.
Performances, live shows and DJ’s in Picadilly at 2:00. C/ Embajador Vich.
Some of the websites you can check to get informed about what’s going on in the
city are:
www.nesthostelsvalencia.com/extras/maps for going out routes.
www.clubbingspain.com
www.dj-pay.net
You can also download a pdf file with the monthly AU agenda for concerts,
exhibitions, venues and parties in Valencia at: http://willy.k.free.fr/
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For shopping centres, souvenir shops and more shopping info visit our website:
www.nesthostelsvalencia.com/extras/maps
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TRANSPORT
The most attractive places for travellers visiting Valencia are well connected to any
part of the city by bus, metro, tram and taxi, although the most popular mode of
transport for Valencians are their own private car, motorbike or bicycle or by foot.
To give you an idea of how far things could be, look this table:
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BIKE RENTAL
Bikes can be rented on a daily or hourly basis in different shops in the city centre.
Price varies depending on the quality of the bike but any of them will result as a
superb way to visit the city and it’s a treasures. Don’t forget to lock up the bike
properly and at all time, as many of them get stolen very easily.
If you are a cycling and nature lover, don’t miss the monthly meeting of the Critical
Mass ( first Friday of every month), a huge group of bikers collapsing the city centre
streets in a funny and colourful demonstration.
Some of these shops offer tours and activities. Check their websites for news and
information.
Soul Cycles C/ Murillo, 22. Valencia – 963 916 324
www.orangebikes.net C/ Santa Teresa, 8. Valencia - 963 917 551
www.doyoubike.com Plaza Marqués De Busianos, 2,.Valencia - 963 155 551
OTHERS
For car, motorbike or scooter rentals ask at reception in your hostel. But mind the
environment!!
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GETTING THERE AND AWAY
There are daily train and bus connections to cities all over Spain e.g. Barcelona,
Madrid and Granada. Also there are frequent ferries between Valencia and the
Balearic Islands departing from the harbour as well as cheap flights to/from many
European cities.
Barcelona by bus: Daily. Almost hourly. From 24 to 37Euros
www.alsa.es
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www.bilmanbus.es
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WANT TO LIVE IN VALENCIA?
Looking for a flat?
To find an apartment or flat in Valencia check the websites we suggest. It is also
worth looking on lampposts and notice boards around the university and in the city
centre for advertisements. It is not advisable to go to an agency as accommodation
will be more expensive.
http://valencia.campusanuncios.com
http://valencia.loquo.com/spanish
www.pisocompartido.com/compartir-piso-valencia.asp
Erasmus students
If you are an Erasmus student you can find help or contacts with other students
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in any of the Erasmus Parties and Erasmus associations of the city. Check the
website: www.erasmusvalencia.net to find out what’s going on when in the city.
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You can find a variety of international newspapers and magazines in the University
Library “Biblioteca de Humanidades” C/ Artes Graficas, 7. 21
USEFUL DIRECTIONS Police
Comisaria de policia - centro
Cyber / international calls Los Maestres, 2. Valencia
Tel: 963 539 725
Locutorio ibero money transfer
Cronista Carreres, 9. Valencia English speaking police
Tel: 963 106 920 902 102 112
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Supermarket 24 hours opencor
Gral. Elío, 2. Valencia
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Emergency numbers
General emergencies: 112
Medical emergencies: 061
Fire: 080
Police: 091
Hospital: 963 862 600
Transport
International Airport: 961 598 500
Bus EMT: 963 528 399
Bus Station: 963 497 222 www.ayto-valencia.es
Eurolines: 902 405 040 www.eurolines.com
Renfe Train Station: 963 520 202 www.renfe.es
Iberia Airlines: 902 400 500
Metro Valencia: 963 581 111
Radio Taxi: 963 703 333
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Embassies / consulates
France Denmark
Cronista Carreres, 11 Serrano Morales, 5
963 510 359 963 332 922
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