Travel

Why Valencia is the new Barcelona

It is the birthplace of paella, the city of Arts and Sciences, and an absolute must-go for tapas lovers and wine enthusiasts. I will tell you exactly why I am so in love with Valencia and especially: where to go for the best trip ever. Oh, and be sure to read all the way to the end, because Amayzine has a surprise for you.

First things first. Why Valencia? The city has been discovered by relatively few people – just check in your circle of friends – and that alone makes it cool. Moreover, there is a mega nice ‘nothing is mandatory, everything is allowed’ vibe. The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències does not have any real world-famous big highlights where tourists sprint to with their selfie sticks. There are no busloads of Japanese tourists. Valencia has no Trevi Fountain, Eiffel Tower, or Big Ben, and maybe that’s precisely what makes it so great. When you’re there, you enjoy your surroundings and don’t have that feeling of needing to see this and that and that. People are friendly, the weather is pleasant, the streets are easy to navigate, everyone happily rides their bike, no one is in a hurry, the food is divine; I just love it.

So if you really want to experience the Spanish everyday life, nibble on pinchos, rolling from terrace to terrace and shaking your butt till the sun comes up, then this is totally your city. And if you want to head that way, I have here A: a chill restaurant list and B: some nice tips for you.

Here’s where you want to go:

Please stop by Casa de los Caramelos on Avenida de Pío XII. Just so you know: this is the largest candy store in the world. You’re welcome!

Here’s how to rent a bike:

Instead of the tourist bikes that you can grab from the racks everywhere, I would rather look for a bike shop, so you end up with a decent model. Check if there’s a Solution Bike, Baja Bikes Valencia, or Doyoubike near your hotel and you’re good.
This beach has the most locals: Valencia actually has three beaches that technically flow into each other: Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa, and La Patacona. Most tourists plop down on Las Arenas beach, while the locals prefer La Malvarrosa and La Patacona.

And yes, I even have a secret address for you…

…Casa Montaña. It is located on the quiet Calle José Benlliure, where hardly any tourists come. Eating authentic dishes among the locals is guaranteed! My tips? The marinated baby squid and the stuffed peppers with tuna. Heaven on earth.

Here you score the original Agua de Valencia:

The famous cocktail of cava wine, orange juice, vodka, gin, and sugar is of course drunk in the café where it was invented: Café Madrid de Valencia.

This is the most beautiful cocktail bar…

Okay, of course, you’ll stop by for a drink at the largest open-air nightclub in Europe: L’Umbracle. But promise me you’ll have a cocktail at Cafe de las Horas afterwards? The atmosphere there is just crazy. Think Moulin Rouge, red curtains and walls, chandeliers, Persian carpet… Totally Instagram-proof.

Alright, are you feeling a bit excited about it? If not, I am. Then it’s finally time for that surprise. Valencia is the city of the month at TUI and especially for our lovely Amayzine readers, we have set up a fantastic readers' trip. I think that’s the best part. Suppose you’re considering heading that way, then I genuinely think we have something very affordable for you below. Think: from 199 euros per person for a trip to Valencia. May I introduce you to…

Rapapapa: our 4-day Amayzine Valencia package consists of:

  • 3 nights sleeping in hotel Casual Valencia Vintage (recently renovated, opened last year, and incredibly well located because when you step out the door, you’re in the center).
  • Every morning a nice breakfast before you sneak out the door.
  • A return flight to Valencia with KLM.
  • If you book in October: four days of free parking at Schiphol (in combination with KLM flight).
  • And finally: a free travel guide full of tips about the city. Trust me, those bad terrace experiences with touristy, expensive food? That won’t happen to you again.
  • Also, if you book this month: free bike rental to cruise around the city. That sounds completely fun and complete, doesn’t it?

If you’ve got the passport itch and are heading that way: have a lot, a lot of fun. And for those extra tips, you can always email me at kiki@amayzine.com. Have fun!