You know... the traditional paella was made with rat and chicken -vomitive- now is done with rabbit and chicken, in Spain the rabbits are not pets. Seafood paella is only for tourists and in Valencia usually eat the paella at lunch.
Valencia's such a awesome place -- very laidback and relaxed, it's perfect for the slacker-party people because they have late lunches, long siestas, and great well-into-the-night nightlife. Notice that on the way to the city area from the airport it's all very urban, but once you get to the Plaza de L'Ajuntament area it's all distinctively Spanish architecture. Check out the beach. I'm from an island country (Singapore), yet i was so totally blown by the Mediterranean Sea -- clear blue and endless horizon! Best trip of my life!
I'm an American student who lives in Valencia this Spring. The best area to get a taste of the city is the old part, called Barrio Carmen. Nightlife is strong here, and so is the local spirit. Paella is a favorite of the locals, but Italian food is the most popular with our crowd. Definitely hit up a creperia for a chocolate crepe and a cafe con leche, or an horno for a napoleatana con chocolate.
Valencia is a beautiful city - if you're a contemporary art fan, a must-visit is the IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno) - also, don't be put off by the colour of 'arroz negro' (black paella - it's squid ink), it's delicious.
I lived in Valencia for two years. Rat and rabbit may have been used by few but was never used by a majority -- and I emphasize a few very strongly. Seafood paella is used by everyone in Valencia. But most of the time it's not just seafood -- they will combine chicken as well.
Valencia … Hola,
I had a wonderfull experience there. Restaurants, bars, discos, tourism, everything was excellent during my trip. A bit difficult to find accomodation there for my short-stay but finally did the job. Great! Have fun.
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … I also worked there as a volunteer in 2000, and it was an amazing time. I loved it. The only poor, sad and bad thing about the hostel was crazy XAN, the "owner," who did everything against our joy to stay or work there. Eventually he closed the hostel in December 2000 and all the visitors had to sleep on the beach on cold December nights. We volunteers lost our job and I had to return back home. Poor Xan. In case you read this, you are still on my mind and I remember you as a bad example of how people shouldn't be!!
Indigo Youth Hostel in Valencia … The hostal has wonderful atmosphere, amazing, helpful friendly people. I really enjoyed it there. I strongly recommend it!
Purple Nest Hostel in Valencia … Purple Nest is a wonderful and very good looking hostel, and it's really a very funny place to meet other people from all over the world, because of the common kitchen and dining-room with billiard table and bar. The staff is very very friendly and always ready to help you and give you information. The location is perfect to enjoy valencia's nights and days (it's in the city centre).
Home Youth Hostel in Valencia … I stayed here for three nights in May in a room facing outwards (right onto La Lonja) and an another night in one of the interior rooms. The hostel is clean, only four beds per room, and comfortable with fans in the rooms. There is a bathroom on each floor (two showers, two toilets). There was definitely a large mix of ages, though on my second stay it seemed like we had an influx of American students. All in all my impression is that this place is more laid back than a party atmosphere, though people were friendly. The common area was a great place to relax and the kitchen facilities were good. They do ask you to be quiet in the common room late at night, but this is out of consideration of the other guests as many of the rooms face the interior courtyard. I highly recommend this place -- comfort and cleanliness cannot be overrated when you are tired from hopping from place to place!
Indigo Youth Hostel in Valencia … This is our favorite hostel. Chimo and Katie are so friendly. We feel so at home and relaxed all the time here.
Indigo Youth Hostel in Valencia … This hostel was a breath of fresh air in the middle of the stress of trying to navigate around Spain with no pre-arranged hotel reservations, etc. We felt so relaxed and at home here. The staff were fantastic, the hostel was immaculate, and we slept so well! if you're travelling as a couple, see if you can get the huge room with the queen-size bed. This was the best place we stayed during our entire trip, hands-down. :)
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … I was reminiscing about my trip to Spain seven years ago. Staying a week at this hostel remains one of the best memories of my life. Sure, it was a dirty s***hole, but the people, location, and price were amazing. Partying with free entrance at the neighbouring beach clubs until 5, then smoking hash and watching the sun rise. The indoor bonfire, the sangria -- I'm sorry it's gone!
Home Youth Hostel in Valencia … Excellent hostel! It has helpful, friendly staff, great facilities, a perfect location and it's really easy to meet people. The only drawback if you stay from the end of June to the beginning of September is that some of the rooms are internal, so they don't have a window to the outside. And there's no air-conditioning so the heat gets pretty unbearable.
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … If the council closes this place... I'll never go back to Valencia.
Home Youth Hostel in Valencia … Best hostel I've stayed in! It's very clean, comfortable, has a warm atmosphere and a really great staff. The kitchen was a little cramped, but we made a great meal and met lots of interesting people. I recommend buying stuff for dinner at the fantastic mercado (market) across the street.
Hôme Backpackers in Valencia … This place seriously rocks. If you're reading this now, and considering booking a place at this hostel — just do it now. It's cool, chilled, laid back and non Franco-esque! Unlike some other hostels in Spain — I mention no names! It's ideal to meet new friends, and you can come and go when you want to. No curfew, yay! The staff are cool, and not old or too "down with the kidz" liberal, free love and all of that exists here. Plus the soothing music that greets you when you first walk in is sure to put you at ease. I stayed in a wicked room with ace people, and there was a BALCONY, yes, you can have a fag [cigarette]! and in the common room. Great kitchen facilities, spoons, plates and the like. Showers do go cold after ten minutes, which is a bit of a pain, but they're clean, and who cares, because everything else is great here. I ended up staying longer in Valencia because of the people I met at this hostel! Book it! Adios!
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … I worked for 7 weeks there as a volunteer. When I first arrived I didn't like it at all however that was all to change. It was my first night there that I got a taste of the atmosphere and that atmosphere was to remain in tact for the duration I stayed there. It wasn't the prettiest hostel and it was dirty but if you talk to the guests and volunteers at the hostel I'm sure you will have an unforgetable experience. Make the most of it is all I can say.
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