Míriaam’s Experience in Valencia, Spain

What attracts you to living in Valencia? Would you recommend it? What’s it like?

Valencia is a perfect city to live in. I totally recommend it; the climate is ideal – it is practically never cold and very rarely rains. The beach is really close and you can make a day of going for a walk around the port and if it’s hot enough you can go to the beach too. The area by the port is full of pubs where you can go for a cocktail and shisha by the sea. There are also lots of restaurants and two big nightclubs called “Ánimas” and “Akuarela”. There is also the famous “Marina Beach” and the panorama restaurant (for those who can get in). To get into Marina Beach you don’t have to pay on the door but it’s quite expensive for drinks inside (a Desperados is €5). But I think it’s worth it. On Fridays and Saturdays, there are parties on, you can pay and swim in the pool while admiring the views of the beach… but don’t forget to dress up to go there.

Another really pretty area of Valencia is the river (although there is no water). You will find a huge green area, Gulliver’s Park, the City of Arts and Sciences, Oceanografic, Cabecera Park and the bio-park. Also at the City of Arts and Sciences there are two shopping centres: El Saler and Aqua, where there are lots of restaurants, clothes shops, supermarkets, and a cinema etc. Also in the Cabecera Park there is the shopping centre “Nuevo Centro” and the bus station.

Also in the centre of Valencia is Calle Colón (Colón Street), where there are lots of shops and El Corte Ingles. You can also go to Calle la Paz and the townhall square where they do the Las Fallas festival, and at Christmas they have beautiful decorations and ice rink.

You can’t miss the El Carmen neighbourhood either, a very Bohemian area which is full of historic buildings like “Torres dels Serrans” and “Torres de Quart”.

The food is really good, there are all types of food on offer. There are lots of menus that have Valencian paella and seafood for about 10 euros.

What’s the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

The Blasco Ibanez area is where there is the most student atmosphere. The campus for the university of humanities is also there, and the other campus is by the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Both campuses are really close.

In the same area there is the football stadium “El Mestalla” and “El Cedro” is an area full of cheap bars to have a beer and some patatas bravas – you’ll meet lots of young people there.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Between 400 and 600 euros per month, depending on the flat you rent and how much you go out to eat and party… although if you’re a girl, the majority of clubs are free to get in. And in lots of pubs you can go VIP for ten euros which includes shisha and shots. Another good option for a cheap night out is El Cedro – buckets of beer with small bottles in can cost about three euros.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation? Do you have any advice?

I have always lived in Valencia so I’m not sure. But there are lots of flats to rent. In the universities, you can usually find notices where people are looking for roommates.

What's the country's food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very good, you have lots of very good Italian food and also lots of Spanish dishes or tapas (the best in all of Spain). You can't leave without trying the Valencian paella, the seafood paella, the senyoret rice, the fideuà, patatas bravas with allioli, tellinas, clochinas de la tierra, all i pebre, sepia, pà valencià, black rice, octopus a la gallega, Iberian ham, cheeses...

What places do you recommend visiting in Valencia?

The river, the El Carmen neighbourhood, the centre of Valencia, the port, the townhall Square, the Plaza de la Virgen, the Plaza de la Reina, the Oceanographic, the City of Arts and Sciences, the IVAM, the Biopark, the garden of the Víveros...

What about eating out in Valencia? What are your favourite places?

"Los Toneles", "El Pito" (Meliana, a village 15 minutes from Valencia), "Don Pique" and "Bar Tito" (in Sagunto 30 minutes from Valencia), "La Parpadella", "Pollos Planes" (very cheap and good quality buffet), "Pa i pernil", "Pizzeria Tony" (in the Pobla de Farnals), "Piccoli" (In Sagunto), "Bar centro" (Albalat dels Sorells), "Saona" and the typical chains "McDonalds", "Fosters Hollywood", "Vips"... To eat cheaply near the university, I recommend "Com a casa", where you can get a starter, main course and dessert for 5 euros and it's great. And there are also lots of dishes to choose from too.

Where do you recommend for nightlife in Valencia?

In the El Cedro area, any pub is good: "Shisha club", "Rumbo", "Blackhouse", "El Pato Mareao". In summer, the port is the best place to be, there's "Marina beach", "Akuarela", "Ánimas"... and also in the City of Arts and the Sciences there's "Mya", "Umbracle" and "Lepremier". There is also a lot going on in the centre of Valencia, "Indiana" is just one of them...

All those places are the most famous, but if you want to go for good pre-drinks, "Mya" is the best place as there is a very good area where everyone gathers and is allowed to drink. However, in "Indiana" in the downtown area, the police don't allow you to pre-drink on the street.

"El Pato Mareao" is located next to the Faculty of Economics. It's the place par excellence to drink Túria beer, where you can get buckets with eight small bottles of beer for €3. 50.

If you come when the "Las Fallas" festival is on, it's the best thing you can do! There's a party on every street! .

Do you have any advice for future students in Valencia?

The universities are very good, the best campus is that of the Polytechnic University (it's like a town inside Valencia with lots of gardens and all kinds of services from bars to hairdressers). If you are looking for a party, drink and good food, and fun and sun... Valencia is your best option!

Photo gallery