Valencia post-flood, or elsewhere in Spain?

You can travel to Valencia. The city of Valencia itself was not damaged by flooding in the Valencia region.

Cool - any idea why Rick Steves doesn't include Valencia in his list of Spain cities?

I think it’s because Valencia doesn’t have one main blockbuster tourist attraction you NEED to see, like the Alhambra in Granada or Alcazar in Sevilla.

I’m going to Valencia for five days myself this October. So I think it’s worth visiting.

What are you planning to see and do? I'd love to hear ideas on what to see/do there. All I know so far is what the NYT wrote.

Valencia is quite attractive. It's been almost 10 years since I visited, but I really liked it!

The whole old town is very pleasant to wander in. The Central Market is a must-see IMO, and the cathedral and Llotja de la Seda are worth popping in. I didn't go to San Nicolas de Bari but it is another popular attraction, and there is a new modern/contemporary art museum (CAHH) which looks great!

Outside of the center, the Colon market is nice too, the Oceanografic is a fantastic aquarium, and the beaches are quite nice for city beaches!

Valencia is also the name of the Province the city is in, and most of the flooding was out in the rural areas. The city itself was mostly unaffected.

The city itself is nice, if you like architecture, there is an array of periods of buildings, well preserved. As others stated, it does lack the "A-list" attractions of some of the other cities, but still lots to see, a mix of modern and old. It is just a large, working, city, with tourism a small chunk of the cities concern.

The old center is nice, with the cathedral and market, but with other attractions, things are spread out, as you would expect in a larger city, so buses will be your friend, especially if you want to head to the beach. The park that follows the old riverbed makes for a nice walk, there are some interesting neighborhoods, found a great little brewery, obviously had a great Paella, all well worth the time we spent there.

We're just now finishing up 18 days in Valencia, so I can give a fully contemporaneous update.

First, there is no evidence of flooding impacts in the city itself, though some of the golf courses in the area have had to do a lot of work to get back to playable shape.

Second, the old town is interesting enough, but IMO the most important things to see are the Ciutat de les Artes i Ciencies (and especially the Oceanogràfic), the Túria Park, and the Cabanyal and its associated beach (also called the Malvarrosa Beach). Great flamenco can be found in Cabanyal.

Finally, what I like most about Valencia is that one can relax here with excellent wine or cocktails, olives or nuts, and enjoy the casual elegance of the city. Oh, and the city's arboretum (Jardin Botánico) is as good as I've ever experienced.

Honestly, I think Valencia ultimately is a city one wants to live in, rather than being a tourist attraction. But it's a really lovely place.

What are you planning to see and do? I'd love to hear ideas on what to see/do there. All I know so far is what the NYT wrote.

• Explore the historic center, cathedral, silk exchange/Llotja de la Seda, Parroquia de San Nicolás.
• Sit at outdoor cafes in plazas drinking nice Spanish wine.
• Trip out to the Cabanyal neighborhood.
• Art museums, CAHH, Ceramics museum, Museo de Bellas Artes
• Bioparc and Oceanogràfic (wasn't really interested until I watched these videos https://youtu.be/Ib_8Rp1f4KA?si=kUvBq25tkqFsIWjx, https://youtu.be/UB6E-akPn7M?si=OxEl6SM7IeJqOh5j.
• Visit the town of Xativa in the hills south of Valencia and walk up to the castle.
• Central Market and overall food scene including paella.
• Planning to make reservations at a few restaurants: Rausell, Rincon 33, Hundred Burgers (#1 ranked burger in the world)
• Walk through the Turia Park and maybe rent a bike at some point.

Funny, I´d never thought of Valencia as a place for flamenco.

All this info is awesome - thank you so much! I'm wondering how you think Valencia compares with Madrid, and if you'd add anything or anyplace to a trip to Valencia in December. Would it be worth taking the train or bus to another spot for a day trip (like going from Madrid to Toledo or Segovia), or would it be better to just go to another spot for a few days, and if so, which spot?

Thanks again - Vicky

Rausell is very good we ate there twice when we were in Valencia for ten days late last November.
I also loved LLISA NEGRA, and CA PEPICO; you must take a short train or taxi ride to the latter. Book both in advance. and order your rice dish when you book your table.

Go out to El Cabanyal one night.....

CAHH is a MUST for contemporary art; buy tix online.

https://www.hungryonion.org/t/valencia-paella-etc-11-12-24/41345

https://www.hungryonion.org/t/could-the-best-burger-in-the-world-be-found-in-madrid-and-in-valencia/43920

Last day (of 18) today in Valencia and finally saw the Mercat de Colon. Wow! Must see; absolutely incredible architecture, and some very hip-looking clubs and restaurants that a 30-year-old single jphbucks would've hit like Darryl Strawberry hit the fastball.

Did you spend all 18 days in Valencia? If not, where else did you go?

All 18 days were in Valencia, Vicky, except a couple trips to golf clubs in the suburbs.