Valencia is the second city I visited in Spain. I have to say I had a kind of previous idea of Spain that was not very fair : I imagined it as a country with a lot of fiesta, sun, paella, and... that was it. I was lucky enough to discover Valencia through a real Valencian's look. This friend of mine showed me his favourite spots in Benimaclet. Another Spanish friend also shared her secrets on the Carmen with me. Benimaclet used to be apart from Valencia, but the city expanded so much those last years that the surroundings were absorbed into it. It is not touristic at all, but there are a few spots that are worthwhile. Carmen is a beautiful quarter that used to be dilapidated. But recently, the city administration has decided to take advantage of its historic beauty. Thus, they have increased the prices of the rentals in so as to make the present inhabitants leave!! Ok, there is also the city of Sciences and Art, many museums, the cathedral with the Miguelete (the church tower).
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| Favourite spots: |
I already mentionned Benimaclet. There is a fruit-shop (that was always closed) where Almodovar has shot some scene for his next film. Don't ask me, I didn't see it :-). All the quarter of Carmen is beautiful, anywere you walk. Churches, streets, shops...
The Convent of Carmen (Calle Museo,2) is open until 22PM and regularly hosts spectacles. I saw great Flamenco there (half the public was part of the artists's families :-)) - see picture.
The MUVIM (Museo Valencia de la Illustracio i de la Modernitat) is a nice building with good exhibitions. The entrance fee is expensive but it's worth it.
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| What's really great: |
The 'Biennal de Valencia', from June to September. Mike Figgis, Wim Wenders, Sebastão Salgado took part. High quality contemporary art. The 'Mercat Central', in the 'modernismo' architectural style ('Art Nouveau' in Nancy, France, 'JugendStil' in Germany). The fishermans houses of Malvarossa (I'm not 100% sure of the name) on the seaside, that will disappear soon (to let room for big buildings!!!).
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| Hangouts: |
Tan-Tam has a beautiful decoration and is a popular bar.
In Benimaclet, the Horchateria Els Sariers, where I experienced my first limon granizado - lemon with ice. The real one is with authentic lemon juice, although some bars do it with lemon sirup. Horchata is a typical pastry from Valencia, too sweet for me but good.
In Carmen, the Lounge café-bar, holded by Chris. International atmosphere guaranteed.
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| Other recommendations: |
'Oceanografo', in the city of Science and Art. I've seen there a beluga for the first time of my life, and I'll never forget it. The museum 'Principe Felipe' in the same place.
Convent of the Carmen, transformed into a contemporary art exhibition site. Incredible.
Museum of fine arts - you have to take a real warm pull-over with you, because it is climatised to 10°C - when it is 40° outside... The guards are very impolite, but beautiful peaces of paintings, incl. Goya, Velazquez, and Middle-Age religious painting.
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Published on Thursday December 4th, 2003
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Wed, Dec 08 2004 - 05:48 AM
 by ravinderkumarsi
hii mari,
excellent report on valencia and nicely written with nice pic
ravi |
Wed, May 05 2004 - 05:43 AM
 by nordlicht
I have been living in Valencia 5 months, it's definitely
not the most beautiful city in Spain but a very nice to place to live and as you already said - not so very touristic.
My favourite spots, maybe qou know them..
The Radiocity in Carmen..great music, cinema,flamenco...
A bit our of town...el saler - a beach much more quiet and clean than Malvarossa and also a village where you can have the best paella ever.
La Turia - perfect for jogging, hanging out, reading, first sunbathing is this old riverbed...
Saludos, das nordlicht
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Wed, Dec 17 2003 - 04:33 PM
by cycleboy
| Reading your article my desire to visit this city grew. |
Fri, Dec 05 2003 - 04:48 AM
by marianne
| I share your prejudice. For me Spain means costas, high rises and noisy tourists. Of course I know this is only partially true. That's why we never went to Spain only to Barcelona which was an eyeopener. Do you have a prejudice against any other country? |
Thu, Dec 04 2003 - 12:07 PM
by whereisliz
| Great details, I hope you will put up some photos, too! |
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