Experiencia en Valencia, España de Laura

What is it like to live in Valencia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Valencia is one of the nicest cities in Western Europe. What makes it so special is its traditions (such as Fallas or Semana Santa), its proximity to the Mediterranean sea (walking/biking distance from most parts of the city), its long and beautiful Viejo cauce del Rio Turia park, its unique historical centre and its people. It is my favorite city to live at in Spain, because it has everything a great city has to offer, yet it is not too crowded as it happens with bigger cities.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Valencia is one of the top cities for international students in Europe. There are students from all around the world, and incredible fun students organizations such as ESN that plan trips, parties and cultural events every week. The best area to feel this student atmosphere is around Blasco Ibanez and Ramon Llull.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

The average rental price in a shared apartment in Valencia is around 300 euro (appliances, light, water, electricity and Internet included). With another 300 euro average for food, party and excursions, the average cost of living for a student turns around 600-700 euro (of course this varies depending on the way you like to spend your money)!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Valencia? Is there any advice you can give?

There are apartment advertisements in most Universities websites. The website http://www.idealista.com is also a good one.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very good in general. If you like cooking, you will find plenty of ingredients available at its incredible markets, my favorite is Mercado Central but you can find a Market almost in each neighborhood. If you prefer eating out, there are all kind of restaurants, being the star the world wide known Paella. My favorite place to have some delicious paella or arroz a banda is El Palmar, a little town south of Valencia where you can access by bus. As is so close to the lake La Albufera that is very inviting to go for a boat ride afterwards.

Another very common food are tapas, which in most tipical bars at the streets you will find with a cold beer. There are also plenty of Durum Kebab and places to buy food to take away.

What places would you recommend visiting in Valencia?

I recommend to anybody visiting Valencia to get a profile in Couchsurfing and ask a local to take you for a tour. Make sure you read their profile carefully and you will be fine - that is an amazing travelers community website.

My favorite thing to do is ride bikes in the Viejo cacuce del Rio Turia, stopping at the Gulliver Park and the Arts and Sciences Museum.

Is the nightlife good in Valencia? Where is good to go?

Blasco Ibanez area and El Carmen. Also worth to visit some of the discos outside of the city (you can take a taxi).

What advice would you give future students heading to Valencia?

Congratulations! Valencia has always something to offer to every person. Keep away of hanging out to much with your fellow study abroad mates, get involved in the language exchange and couchsurfing activities with locals, maybe search for some student who wants to practice English in exchange for Spanish, and your experience will be so much more fun!