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 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 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'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 … 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.
Hôme Backpackers in Valencia … This is one of the best places I've ever stayed in! The staff and other travelers were all really fun and laid back, and the decor only added to the great time. :) The kitchen is huge and fully stocked, and there was a huge daily market right down the street for self-catering.
Indigo Youth Hostel in Valencia … This hostel was amazing! Everyone was very friendly! Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable! Everything was very clean and there was colorful furniture and decorations! I wish I could have stayed longer!
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … I stayed and worked a while as a volunteer here. I admit that it could be cleaner, but I enjoyed every night here, it really was always a party, and the people, workers and guests were all straight up, cool and excellent fun. They have a bonfire and bbq here most nights which makes for a great atmosphere too.
Home Youth Hostel in Valencia … Very friendly atmosphere and conviently located.
HI - Valencia - Red Nest Hostel in Valencia … The best hostel ever. Not only were the people I met there superb, but the staff were great. It had an awesome kitchen, nice decor, and was clean. This place has everything going for it. Highly recommended.
Purple Nest Hostel in Valencia … Purple Nest is a very new and modern hostel not far from the city center. It was very clean and the staff was always friendly. But because of the big capacity and the modern style of the hostel, the typical atmosphere of an average hostel got lost. There were too many people, the kitchen was too small! and the air conditioning too cold at night!
But all in all a good and very cheap hostel.
Torre D' Alborache Hostel in Alborache … It has rooms for two people. The showers were slightly cold. Towels meals and sheets and blankets provided. However I'm not sure of the price of meals. There is a common room with vending machines. There is a curfew if only a few people are staying, but just talk with the owner and he can open the gate. There are pubs nearby and the people are friendly. Every room has its bathroom. It's a great place to stay for a couple of days, especially in La Tomatina.
HI - Valencia - Ciutat de Valencia Hostel in Valencia … It's in the middle of the prostitution and heroine area. Good luck if you decide to go there.
HI - Valencia - Albergue C.M. La Paz Hostel in Valencia … It's cheap. It's easy to reach. The rooms are too great, actually a bit depressing.
Hôme Deluxe Hilux Valencia in Valencia … We got sent here from the other hostel because it was full. They gave us a map but we still got completely lost. Nothing is easy to find in Valencia. I'm not sure there's that much to find. The beach was not nice and the area surrounding it was definitely dodgy. If you have a Rough Guide travel book the hostel it speaks of by the beach is no longer there. The room we stayed in had about 20 beds. It was very hot, and up a lot of stairs. The reception staff person (some Dutch bloke) was a bit useless, really. Internet was not free when I was there.
HI - Alacant - La Florida Hostel in Alicante … I would not recommend this hostel. It's f***ing sh*t. There were rats in the beds and prostitutes outside the door. It's f***ing gross. There were lots of gangs hanging in the street. I nearly got stabbed twice, and to top it all off — this is unbeleivable — get this — there were used condoms in the pillowcases. Sick f***s!!!
Russafa Youth Hostel in Valencia … Staying at Russafa Hostel has been by far the worst experience I have ever had in my life. As we entered the rooms with all notices about the curfew (Sunday to Friday) no later than midnight back at the place otherwise I will not be let in as this place does not provide you with an entrance key -- how strange and inconvenient! Every time one returns must wait for the owner and be buzzed in by as there is no other way to get in. Other notices or things you must not do as in the room are as follows. No food, no drink (except water), no showers after 11 p.m., no smoking (though the owners smoke all the time and shares it everyone). No washing, no drying of clothes, no staying in the room from 1 a.m. till 2 p.m. due to cleaning, paid internet, no possibility of leaving any bags or luggage! Rattling doors as all locks were broken, glass windows in Bathrooms and rooms, very little privacy, under constant supervision of the owner. Before granting the award you should spend anonymously at…
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