One of best things about Valencia is the empty riverbed of the Turia, which has been turned into an 8km-long, twisting park through the middle of the city, with a lagoon, gardens and playing fields plus the amazing City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural wonderland.

You can cycle from the old town and through cycle paths in the park and on to the revamped port, seeing everything in half a day. Hire bikes (including tandems) at Cycletour, next to the fab Gulliver’s playground in the park, or in town at the excellent Orange bikes.

Orange Bikes Santa Teresa 8, Valencia (0034 96 391 7551, orangebikes.net).

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I spent a few days in Valencia in March. If you haven't been to "las Fallas de Valencia" you don't know what a party is!! They burn huge monuments made of wood and cardboard in the middle of the streets. There are thousands of "Fallas", firecrackers, and festivals everywhere!!

My friends and i stayed in Red Hostel and saved a lot of money for going out. The hostel staff told us where to go, how to get to parties and even a handsome receptionist went out with us to the beach!!

They have internet, air conditioning, kitchen, shared and private rooms... It's open 24/7 and waiting for us after party. Our rooms were coloured painted and we saw the river of Valencia by the window!! Best holidays ever had in a lovely hostel!!

Plz/Tetuan,5 46003 Valencia Spain
www.purplenesthostel.com
www.nesthostelsvalencia.com
Tel: +34 963 532 561

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It's a bike rental in the centre of town. We tried some other companies, with bad bicycles and service. It's clear how much they care about the service, the bikes are fantastic and the people in the shop are very nice with us all the time. They prepare the bikes and give us advice about routes. Probably the best bicycle rental in Valencia so far.

Santa Teresa, 8 Valencia 46001
Tel: 0034 963917551
www.orangebikes.net
info@orangebikes.net
near Plaza Ayuntamiento and Mercado Central

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Excellent two-star hostel on Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Surpisngly quiet for one so central. Beware that it gets incredibly booked up which is probably a reflection of the value it offers.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Entrance by Calle En Llop, 5)
46002 VALENCIA
tel 0034 96 352 42 67
www.hotelvenecia.com

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Paelltertainment. The twice-weekly paella-cooking presentation on the roof of Home Backpackers is less a gastronomic than a comic experience, as the resident chef regales his audience with a mix of instructions and anecdotes in (deliberately, you suspect) awful Spanglish. And all that while cooking up a giant, delicious version of this quintessential Valenciano dish – served with a cold beer and a joke.

When? Tuesday and Sunday evenings.
Where? Roof terrace of Home Backpackers.
Address: Plaza Vicente Iborra, Barrio del Carmen.
Telephone: (34-96) 3913797.
Website: www.likeathome.net

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Nominally an Irish bar, The Lounge gets it more right than the countless, interchangeable franchised versions. The key to a true Irish pub lies not in the old Guinness signs on the walls, nor in the over-loud diddly-idle music on the stereo, but in the atmosphere. And this place, all modern and comfy though it may be, has it in spades. Not to mention a good pint of the black stuff.

Address: Calle Estamineria Vieja 2, Barrio del Carme.
Telephone: (34-96) 3918094.
Website: www.theloungecafebar.com

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Small but lively, this teeny-tiny bar feels crowded with just a couple of people in it. But by some kind of loaves-and-fishes, there seems to be room for more and more. Tapas, cold beer, and good company make it worth the squeeze.

Address: Calle Sant Tomeu 21, Barrio del Carme.
Telephone: (34-606) 721842.

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This funky little bar used to be a pharmacy, and has maintained all the little nooks and crannies of a traditional dispensary. Located right at the heart of the buzzing Calle Caballeros in the heart of Barrio del Carmen, it has a big terrace so you can take in all the action going on around. Just what the doctor ordered.

Address: Plaza del Tossal, Calle Caballeros 51, Barrio del Carmen.
Telephone: (34-96) 3912401.

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The city is totally flat, there are cycle lanes on most of the pavements and there is a park running around a large part of the old town - it used to be where the river flowed.

www.doyoubike.com

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Recently opened hostel in the centre of Valencia with air-conditioning in each room. Wonderful place for backpackers. It even has its own bar.

Plaza Tetuan, 5;
tel: (+34) 963 532 561;
www.nest-hostels.com

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Nest is a new hostel located in one of the most beautiful streets in Valencia and just a short walk to many of Valencia's most interesting sites.The historical appearance of the facade has been maintained, while creating a 70's Pop design interior in huge rooms with lots of natural light. Here I found backpackers from all around the world and could share experiences in a friendly atmosphere. There is a great common kitchen which is fully equipped, a dining area and a gorgeous top floor to chill out, listen to music, watch the TV or a DVD and play pool.

In Calle La Paz, 36 Valencia+34 963427168www.nestyh.com10 min. walk from the train station, bus number 8 from the bus station stops just at the front door.

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Friendly, laid-back hostel chain Home now has three excellent branches in Valencia. The vast Backpackers, at Calle Santa Cristina s/n, has dorm rooms from around €13 per person per night or doubles for around €16 per person. The original and more cosy hostel at Calle La Lonja, 4, is similarly priced. The newly refurbished Home Deluxe at Calle Cadires, 11, offers themed double rooms for around €40 a night.

www.likeathome.net/

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Dominating Plaza Negrito, Bar Negrito is a Carmen classic - colourful, ever-changing decor and a great summer terraza that always seems to be open. Soak up the lively atmosphere and drink until late. Pity the poor neighbours …

Bar Negrito, Plaza Negrito

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For great tapas in a central location, check out El Kiosco bar. The price is very reasonable and the bar is popular with the locals. Its set in an idyllic square in the old town and there are tables outside as well as inside.

Address: Derechos, 38. (On the corner of Plaza Dr Collado) Telephone: +34 96 391 0159

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