http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23511
Start at Valencia Cathedral, a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles (with the 'Holy Grail' tucked inside!), and then head to the Palau de la Generalitat, a Gothic palace used by the local government, with elaborately tiled floors and frescoed walls.

Other must-see sights include La Lonja, a grand Late Gothic hall filled with grisly gargoyles and other grotesqueries, and the Colegio del Patriarca, a 16th century seminary adorned with religious frescoes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23511 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23506
The pretty Jardin Botanico is home to 7,000 species of shrubs and trees, and the Italian-style Monforte Gardens are filled with marble statues and beautiful flowerbeds. The Jardines de Rio Turia was once a river, but is now a strip of gardens, sports fields and playground, with a world-class concert hall smack bang in the middle.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23506 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23503
Work started on the cathedral in 1262, resulting in a building that ranges from Romanesque to Gothic, so it's a fascinating place to wander around. Take a trip up the Miguelete Bell Tower, a city landmark, or check out the a cup believed to be the Holy Grail.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23503 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23501
There are still a few traditional houses tucked along the mile-long esplanade, and the Paseo de Neptuno is a great place to pick up some cheap Paella.

For a quieter beach a little further afield, try Saler.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23500
The building itself, a former seminary built between 1683 and 1744, is also pretty spectacular.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23498
But the ABC B&B is no backpacker's crash pad; me and my partner stayed in this small bed and breakfast run by a young couple, and the rooms are minimalist and super modern - all whitewashed brick walls, futuristic furniture and plasma TV screens on the wall. There was even a mini Apple Mac in our room!

Despite the super-cool exterior, the owners have just returned from travelling as a couple, and so offer a load of homely extras perfect for a budget romantic break, like breakfast in bed and a bottle of Cava in your room. The original building is also a beautiful old apartment with huge balconies overlooking the city.

It can be difficult to find somewhere cheap and romantic, but the ABC more than delivered. There are only a couple of rooms, so it's easy to get to know the other guests, and you're just around the corner from one of the main squares.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23498 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23424 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23424 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20486
It's a very modern, light, well-priced bar with great food and friendly staff.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20486 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18633 Because of its position in the heart of this area, it's a great place if you're in your 20s, on a tight budget and value a great nightlife over an early night.

You can see my review and photos on my blog:
heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/2008/04/hme-backpackers-hostel-in-valencia.html]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18223 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18223 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12813
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!!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12813 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11946 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11946 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11883
Staff were helpful and friendly - rooms well furnished and spotless, with all of the expected facilities. Good value.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11883 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2127 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/856 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/856 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/853 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/853 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/831 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/831