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.

We included five nights in Denia and loved it!!!!!

This is all awesome info - thanks to all who contributed! I never heard of Denia, and the other suggestions are perfect for planning our trip. If you have any other suggestions of day trips, or things to see and do, please add them! Thanks again!

In Denia, we stayed at Posada Del Mar.

Be sure to have dinner once at EL BARET DE MIGUEL; you have to book a couple of months in advance, I think.

https://www.hungryonion.org/t/el-baret-de-miguel-denia/41379/2

PEIX E BRASES in Denia is fantastic!!! More upscale than El Baret. Fantastic rice and many regional dishes not found much away from Denia...

@jphbucks
“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.”
I absolutely agree. I inadvertently went in March during Falla. Yeah, I know. It was crazy and fun and really loud.
But after the fireworks stopped, my friend and I thought that it would be a very livable city. Fantastic park running thru town. A beach. Barrios Antiguo and moderno. No tourist crunch. Moderately priced.

I'm so convinced! Now I need advice for another detail: what hotel do you recommend? Any other secrets to divulge? Since I can't buy a Rick Steves book on the area, I'll depend on RS travelers to help!

I absolutely agree with the above. I could easily live in Valencia.

Yes, a fantastic park. Valencia is designed for cycling and walking. The cycle, or walk, along Turia park to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is stunning. We often picnic in the park on our cycle rides.

A superb bakery in Valencia is Horno Pastelaria San Nicolas.

In regards to hotels, we stay a long time and prefer apartments. My relatives recently stayed at Melia Plaza Valencia and enjoyed it.

Excited to be heading back to Valencia in January for two weeks.

Don't worry about the flood. Where tourists go it never happened. All outside of the city.

I can confirm Valencia is a great place to live. We've been here 7 years. However, our long term plan is to retire and go live in Denia. I like to say the old city center of Valencia is what many North Americans imagine when thinking about the it would be like living in a city in Europe. Flat as a pancake. Easy to walk from one end to the other through the old center in 20 mins. Buy a 10 ride SUMA 10 card in a metro station and each ride on the bus or metro costs only 54 cents. 2e for the plastic card. Don't forget to check out the Russafa neighborhood. Very close to the Valencia Nord train station. Walk around on Friday or Saturday night at 10 PM and it will be heaving with people out having a good time at the many restaurants, bars, and cafes with packed outdoor terraces. Start by walking down Calle Cadiz from Gran Via (Vermudez -on the corner). Then walk on Calle Sueca/Cuba and the streets in between. That is just part of the action.

An upscale hotel that we loved is the ONLY YOU VALENCIA.

Wow, more awesome information - thank you! So interesting that Denia has been mentioned twice. Why retire in Denia rather than in Valencia?

Well, we're back from our 10 days in Valencia, and I wanted to thank all of you for your suggestions, and offer my thoughts:

• We stayed at the Hotel Venecia Plaza Centro, and loved it. Fantastic room facing the Plaza Ayuntamiento, with floor to ceiling windows so we could see all the action and the gorgeous lights at night - but surprisingly quiet. Breakfast (extra cost - we did this twice) was spectacular, with wonderful variety and quality. Best of all was the central location - easy to get to and from everything from there.
• We loved the CAHH museum, one of the best museums we've ever seen. We also enjoyed the History of Valencia museum, but only got through half of it because it has so much to see. And the audioguide for La Lonja was worth it - we spent quite a while there enjoying learning about the history and the architecture.
• We also loved the Oceanografic and the BioParc. We always went to aquariums and zoos when traveling with our kids, but since traveling just the two of us, we've gone more towards museums. So it was a huge surprise and pleasure to see these fantastic animal sites - beautifully designed and loads of fun.
• Playa de Malvarrosa was lovely for an afternoon stroll - too cold to go in beyond our ankles, but flat and very walkable.
• Our favorite restaurant was the tiny Escalones de la Lonja, a tiny hole-in-the-wall place that served the best tapas we've eaten during our many trips to Spain. Their verduras a la plancha were a vegetarian's delight. We also enjoyed Ostras Pedrin - a canned fish restaurant that is a happenin' place.
• The best pleasure of traveling, as Rick Steves always attests, is stumbling upon a surprise. We stumbled upon Balls al Carrer - dancing in the street - which was in Plaza de la Merce on a Sunday: men and women in traditional garb, dancing to traditional tunes played on traditional instruments, while clicking castanets. Fantastic! We also stumbled upon fireworks on the Saturday night before Christmas, in the Plaza Ayuntamiento, caroling in the Plaza de la Virgen, and an excellent lightshow in the Church of Saint Nicholas de Bari (well worth seeing).

Not sure I prefer Valencia over Madrid, but we certainly enjoyed our time there, and can imagine going again to explore the surrounding areas, like Sagunto, Denia, and Manises.

Thanks again for your help - Happy Traveling - Vicky

Thanks for coming back to report! I hope to be in Valencia for 4-5 nights in the fall, which will probably not be enough. I am bookmarking this thread. :)

Am glad you enjoyed yourself and it’s always nice when you stumble upon a festival you were unaware of.

To add my two cents after my 5 day trip to Valencia mentioned earlier in the thread:

• Restaurants/bars I highly recommend after eating/drinking there: Sueño Andaluz, Latte e Farina, Hundred, Bar Cremaet, Stupor Mundi Vino. All 10/10 places for me.
• Art museums: CAHH was probably my favorite, totally worth it. Actually did the free Wednesday afternoon reserved tickets and it wasn't crowded. Ceramics museum was great, but I didn't totally connect with it. IVAM museum was weirdly massive for the amount of actual art it contained. It had some really great Julio González sculptures, but was otherwise pretty meh. Museo de Bellas Artes was pretty good, I wouldn't go out of your way.
• Cabanyal, I'm saying isn't that important to see. There are some fabulous restaurants in the area by all accounts, but it's a pretty spartan city beach vibe. Nothing amazing.
• Xativa was a great day trip, the castle is beautiful and it's a really nice small city with cheap bars/restaurants. I also went on Halloween so it was a really fun cultural experience to see the Spanish take on the American holiday.
• Central Market is great, but it was pretty crowded with tourists. We ate at Mercado de Colón which was a nicer vibe.
• Bioparc and Oceanogràfic both 10/10 for me. Cafe at Bioparc is an absolute must, getting some tapas while you look at gazelles and giraffes? Amazing. Also, at Oceanogràfic, go straight to the belugas.
• Parroquia de San Nicolás has a crazy laser light show that was pretty fun. The audioguide was also pretty helpful.
• I used the 7 day Valencia card which I bought online and picked up at the train station. It was worth it. I bought Suma10 cards at a cigarettes store in the old city. Taxis were helpful a few times and I also used the app Cabify to get to the Bioparc and the beach.
• City of Arts and Sciences is such a great place to just walk around, get a coffee and take in on a quiet morning.
• Stayed near the Plaza de la Reina which was very convenient. 100 Montaditos has an outlet on the square, a chain restaurant with pretty basic fast food, but you get my huge 2.5 euro beer and you can sit outside in the plaza. Great deal.
• La Almoina Archaeological Museum was worth a visit. Silk Museum would be great if you're really into textiles, I didn't really care. Museo Histórico Militar was pretty great, free, and surprisingly large. Some of the collection felt a bit random at times, but it was particularly strong on the civil war period.

Overall, city is worth a visit. I particularly loved the food scene, with great tapas, restaurants, and wine.