Vamos a Valencia: Hot Tips for Eating, Drinking and Sightseeing
Posted by Emma Torry on December 23, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Valencia, the regional capital of the Comunidad Valenciana (Valencia region) is probably best known for its oranges, tomato throwing festival (in nearby Buñol) and sailing. Not to be overlooked though are the city's buzzing culinary scene and its diverse Christian / Muslim heritage.
Eating and Drinking
The menu del día at Espita Gorgorita is excellent and, at 12 euros, good value for money. Great croquetas. The restaurant has trendy decoration, helpful staff and pavement tables overlooking the Plaza Tossal – a good place for people-watching.
Espita Gorgorita, Plaza San Jaime 3, 46001 Valencia; Tel: +34 963 925 835
Casa Mario was best restaurant I visited in Valencia. Fresh, regional dishes, excellent tapas - especially the asparagus a la plancha (griddled asparagus) - and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about wine. Highly recommended, and popular.
Casa Mario, Calle Roteros 3, 46003, Valencia; Tel: +34 963 92 44 52
La Marcelina is a good paella restaurant on the Paseo Neptuno waterfront. The décor is a bit 1980s and, in typical Spanish style, it's got bright lighting and uncomfortable chairs, but the food makes it worth it.
La Marcelina, Paseo de Neptuno 8, 46011, Valencia; Tel: +34 963 712 025
Vivir sin Dormir is a trendy bar / restaurant just up the beach from La Marcelina.
Vivir Sin Dormir, Paseo de Neptuno 42, 46011 Valencia; Tel: +34 963 727 777; Fax: +34 963 559 275; www.vivirsindormir.com
The guide books lavish praise on Bar Pilar, but I was underwhelmed. I didn't try their famous mussels, but I thought the bean tapas was overcooked, and the squid too chewy. The staff weren't very welcoming, and they forgot part of my order.
Bar Pilar, Calle Moro Zeit 13, Valencia
Culture
When your feet are weary from sightseeing, you can catch a movie in its original English version at the Babel or Albatros cinemas . The Albatros cinema is a bit out of the way on Fray Luis Colomer 4, but only a five euro taxi ride from the city centre.
There are two works by Diego Velazquez in the Museo de Bellas Artes - a self-portrait and eerie monk lying in state - which makes the trip alone worth it. There are also works by Goya, Jose de Ribera and van Dyck, and a lovely courtyard.
Museo De Bellas Artes De Valencia, Calle San Pío V nº 9, 46010 Valencia; Tel: +34 963 870 300; Fax: +34 963 870 301; www.cult.gva.es
The IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern) is a snazzy building with interesting temporary exhibitions. If you don't have time to see the City of Arts and Sciences, then this is a good place to check out some modern Valencian architecture.
IVAM, Calle Guillem De Castro 118, 46003 Valencia; Tel: +34 963 863 000; Fax: +34 963 921 094; www.ivam.es
The Botanical Garden (entrance 1 euro) is an oasis in the heart of the city. It was originally conceived as a medicinal herbal garden for the university, and now it's also a very peaceful place to hang out.
Jardí Botànic (Botanical Garden), Calle de Quart 80, 46008 Valencia; Tel: +34 963 15 68 00; Fax: +34 963 15 68 26; www.jardibotanic.org
All images by Harriet Torry
