As some of you already know, I lived in Madrid for a bit over a decade. Now I live in Valencia (my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE city in all of Spain along with Barcelona for similar reasons). I've been living in Valencia for over a year although I knew the city since the 90s:
Geographical situation: Right on the Mediterranean...Spain's east coast. The climate is typically Mediterranean -- think Southern California weather...so that is a very good plus. Winters here are a joke. You may get some very chilly nights, but during the day it's in the upper 60s, low 70s. On a really cold day you may get a high of the low to mid 50s. It almost NEVER rains - except in the Fall and sometimes in March...it may rain for an entire week non-stop and then nothing for several months. So it's almost always sunny. Some people complain that Valencia is a "humid" city -- Valencian people always say that the Winters here are worse because of that, but I totally disagree. It is no where near as humid as many US coastal cities like Miami and the Summers are considerably cooler and breezier than infernal Madrid which is basically a desert.
The Beach: Again, a lot of Valencian people are critical of their city and almost no real valenciano goes to the city beach - Malvarrosa. It is by far the best CITY beach in Europe and the average annual temperature of the water is warmer than Malaga. So there's that. That being said, it is not the cleanest beach and it's more a place to be...there is the Malvarrosa and Cabanyal neighborhood which is becoming very popular with young people to go out for drinks, etc.
Size: Valencia is a perfect sized city...so you really don't even need to take the Metro or Bus unless you are in a rush. It reminds me in some ways of cities like Charleston or New Orleans in the US. Large enough to be a city but with a small town mentality in some respects.
The people: Let's see there are many different opinions. If you talk to someone in Madrid or even some Valenciano people, many will say that Valencia people are "closed" and not friendly at all. I TOTALLY DISAGREE. Madrid is a much more unfriendly city than Valencia. Coming from a NYC perspective, I think Valencian people are TOO friendly for my taste -- everyone seems very chatty and smiley...again, California vibe. I don't like that aspect of the city but the positive far outweighs any negative -
Staring: Unlike Madrid, Valencians DO NOT STARE at anyone/thing different. They could care less...and in that way it is similar to Barcelona. That makes sense, since Valencian and Catalan culture are very close, if not almost identical...same language (although ignorant right-wing Valencians say they speak a different language, bla bla)...true Valencians know they speak Catalan. So you can dress as you want here and nobody will bat an eyelid. Valencianos have a reputation for being "indifferent", so that influences a lot of things and even though they speak Valencian...they won't be as radical or imposing about it as Catalans from further up north. You hardly ever see an independence flag, although there are of course Valencian nationalists.
Again, I really enjoy the fact that this is a city where nobody really cares about you and people seem more interested in "having a grand old time for one day" and forget you the next day.
1. Accommodation: By far one of the CHEAPEST cities in Spain - you can get an apartment here, 4 bedrooms 2 baths for about 700/800 euros monthly. Even cheaper if it is outside the city center. I happen to live near the center and have a huge apartment to myself. Hotels can be a bit pricier depending on the season, but nothing that will rape your wallet.
*The city is a bit on the dirty side and in warmer weather sometimes smells bad. This is due, I think, to a problem in their sewer system but it is improving every year.
Areas I would recommend: Ruzafa (on the trendy side...and more expensive since it is a popular area but good for game, drinking, eating, etc. You have everything you need there). Benimaclet: Student area...average pricing for housing but very compact and small town vibe. Canovas + Colon areas -- wealthier areas, lot of "old money" and grand old school apartments. In Colon, a 4 bedroom will cost you about 900 in rent minimum IF lucky or through an agency...but still nothing outrageously expensive.
Sites: There aren't a lot of things to see in Valencia. Valencia's attractiveness is from the life itself, not any major monument. It does have more history than Madrid though and was part of the silk route centuries ago...so there are things to see, just don't expect anything like Granada or Barcelona or Sevilla.
Unlike Madrid, there are hardly any police to be seen anywhere. The Valencian local police is notoriously relaxed as are the majority of city residents.
Bars/Clubs
Like in all of Spain, you can get alcohol ANYWHERE since there are no licensing laws and it is not unusual to see people drinking (IN MODERATION) during the day...Valencianos seem especially obsessed with gin and tonics.
Price-range: CHEAP. The other day I had 6 beers (large sized) for, get this, 7,20 €. You read right -- 7,20. Of course if you are dumb enough to go to tourist traps, the price will be a lot higher.
Service in bars: OK, in this, a big FAIL to Valencia. In Madrid the waiters are rude but VERY FAST and get the job done very well. Here, they are SLOWER and don't always get the order right...other Spanish people always comment about how service in Valencia is no match for Madrid's fast efficiency. But then, considering how cheap it is to drink, don't expect red carpets. That being said, it is ironic that it is generally more expensive to dine out here at night than in Madrid. Valencia doesn't have a solid bar culture like Madrid and in that regard, another similarity with Barcelona -- the trend is more fashionable restaurants or lounges and clubs. Tapas are not included here either. In Madrid, even the worst bar will give you some olives with your beer...here, you will have to pay for anything you ask for...but I'm not big on tapas so that isn't an issue for me. I go for the drinks, not the food.
Again, NO TIPPING is necessary.
Again, "please" (por favor) and "thank you" (gracias) are not really used in Spain. People think too much formality is not genuine. So just ask for your drink and shut up.
Girls in bars: NEVER EVER EVER will you see a girl alone in a bar in Spain unless she's a prostitute. Spanish girls will go with their group of friends to the bar and not expect or welcome you if you get into their conversation. Be wary of that.
HOWEVER...VALENCIA is a bit different. I find many young Valencian women to be MUCH MORE open than in Madrid (but this is my experience and don't take it as a rule...although many people here agree with me).
The "look" here though is basically as follows:
if you are a muscular guy, eg "gym rat", you WILL get laid. Valencian women on the whole are extremely shallow and the only thing that really matters in Valencia for many people is physical appearance. It's common to see muscled guys everywhere and an obsession with the gym. Many women here are blondish airhead types...and they are noticeably lighter than much of the rest of Spain...it isn't odd to see a blonde hair blue eyed girl in many Valencian villages and towns.
One disadvantage though: since Valencia is a small city, a lot of people know each other so it isn't always easy for game...since they are always thinking about what their friends may say. But again, that hasn't really been a problem for me...it has been a problem for some people, depending on your experience, style, etc.
This is the only other city in Spain, after Barcelona, where I have seen women alone in a bar or men...so for me Barcelona and Valencia are the most "westernized" cities in the country.
If you like electro music, Valencia is paradise. FIVE entire radio stations dedicated to club, house, old school techno, eurodance, etc. It is notorious for the techno scene in Spain...and many people hate that about it. I happen to like it.
If you want to hook up with foreign girls though, here are some good places:
Nylon Club -- Gran Via Germanias...near Ruzafa area: NOT CLASSY but very young crowd and if you like electronic music, good place. Can be very crowded though, so that's annoying.
Calle Colon -- it is the main shopping street and more "upscale" for Valencia...but good enough for business and day game. You will see tons of women from all over the world (tourists, though...since Valencia is NOT a cosmopolitan city like Barcelona).
Carmen neighborhood -- the "hippy quarters". Oldest part of the city...grunge/alternative/rock style here.Not my thing...and too many tourists walking around drunk at night. However, easy to meet women if you that style is your thing.
Portland Ale House – An American bar in the Canovas area. NOT recommended if you are looking for game though...except on "intercambio" nights. On those nights, Spanish women are looking to practice their English with you.
Club Umbracle -- in the famous Arts/Sciences area - my favorite because it doesn't confine you indoors. However, a mix of "Jersey shore" types or people who think its the Ritz. It's neither. Some upscale women though...depends on the night.
There are other places, but they change quite a bit every so often. You'd best just hang about in Ruzafa area or Blasco Ibañez (if you are youngish).
Monuments/places to visit:
Plaza de Toros - Xativa metro stop. This is right next to Estació del Nord...train station from where you can visit smaller towns.
Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen.
Miquelet Tower
Silk Route building
City of Arts and Sciences
Beach
Transportation
NOT as good as Madrid - trains are really slow and sometimes you'll have to wait 10-15 minutes between each one. The metro here reminds me more of a light-rail system. A lot of people prefer the bus here. A 10 ride bus pass is about 8 euros and if you buy the 10 ride for the metro it is 7,20 €. Closes early and much slower service on Sundays or holidays.
Valencianos prefer their car.
More on the women:
1) They definitely seem more interested in foreigners compared to Madrid.
2) Hard to meet them outside their social circle though
3) Physically speaking, Lighter skinned than many other regions...as I said earlier. A lot of women here also smoke.
If I remember anything else worthy of adding, I'll add it later.
Geographical situation: Right on the Mediterranean...Spain's east coast. The climate is typically Mediterranean -- think Southern California weather...so that is a very good plus. Winters here are a joke. You may get some very chilly nights, but during the day it's in the upper 60s, low 70s. On a really cold day you may get a high of the low to mid 50s. It almost NEVER rains - except in the Fall and sometimes in March...it may rain for an entire week non-stop and then nothing for several months. So it's almost always sunny. Some people complain that Valencia is a "humid" city -- Valencian people always say that the Winters here are worse because of that, but I totally disagree. It is no where near as humid as many US coastal cities like Miami and the Summers are considerably cooler and breezier than infernal Madrid which is basically a desert.
The Beach: Again, a lot of Valencian people are critical of their city and almost no real valenciano goes to the city beach - Malvarrosa. It is by far the best CITY beach in Europe and the average annual temperature of the water is warmer than Malaga. So there's that. That being said, it is not the cleanest beach and it's more a place to be...there is the Malvarrosa and Cabanyal neighborhood which is becoming very popular with young people to go out for drinks, etc.
Size: Valencia is a perfect sized city...so you really don't even need to take the Metro or Bus unless you are in a rush. It reminds me in some ways of cities like Charleston or New Orleans in the US. Large enough to be a city but with a small town mentality in some respects.
The people: Let's see there are many different opinions. If you talk to someone in Madrid or even some Valenciano people, many will say that Valencia people are "closed" and not friendly at all. I TOTALLY DISAGREE. Madrid is a much more unfriendly city than Valencia. Coming from a NYC perspective, I think Valencian people are TOO friendly for my taste -- everyone seems very chatty and smiley...again, California vibe. I don't like that aspect of the city but the positive far outweighs any negative -
Staring: Unlike Madrid, Valencians DO NOT STARE at anyone/thing different. They could care less...and in that way it is similar to Barcelona. That makes sense, since Valencian and Catalan culture are very close, if not almost identical...same language (although ignorant right-wing Valencians say they speak a different language, bla bla)...true Valencians know they speak Catalan. So you can dress as you want here and nobody will bat an eyelid. Valencianos have a reputation for being "indifferent", so that influences a lot of things and even though they speak Valencian...they won't be as radical or imposing about it as Catalans from further up north. You hardly ever see an independence flag, although there are of course Valencian nationalists.
Again, I really enjoy the fact that this is a city where nobody really cares about you and people seem more interested in "having a grand old time for one day" and forget you the next day.
1. Accommodation: By far one of the CHEAPEST cities in Spain - you can get an apartment here, 4 bedrooms 2 baths for about 700/800 euros monthly. Even cheaper if it is outside the city center. I happen to live near the center and have a huge apartment to myself. Hotels can be a bit pricier depending on the season, but nothing that will rape your wallet.
*The city is a bit on the dirty side and in warmer weather sometimes smells bad. This is due, I think, to a problem in their sewer system but it is improving every year.
Areas I would recommend: Ruzafa (on the trendy side...and more expensive since it is a popular area but good for game, drinking, eating, etc. You have everything you need there). Benimaclet: Student area...average pricing for housing but very compact and small town vibe. Canovas + Colon areas -- wealthier areas, lot of "old money" and grand old school apartments. In Colon, a 4 bedroom will cost you about 900 in rent minimum IF lucky or through an agency...but still nothing outrageously expensive.
Sites: There aren't a lot of things to see in Valencia. Valencia's attractiveness is from the life itself, not any major monument. It does have more history than Madrid though and was part of the silk route centuries ago...so there are things to see, just don't expect anything like Granada or Barcelona or Sevilla.
Unlike Madrid, there are hardly any police to be seen anywhere. The Valencian local police is notoriously relaxed as are the majority of city residents.
Bars/Clubs
Like in all of Spain, you can get alcohol ANYWHERE since there are no licensing laws and it is not unusual to see people drinking (IN MODERATION) during the day...Valencianos seem especially obsessed with gin and tonics.
Price-range: CHEAP. The other day I had 6 beers (large sized) for, get this, 7,20 €. You read right -- 7,20. Of course if you are dumb enough to go to tourist traps, the price will be a lot higher.
Service in bars: OK, in this, a big FAIL to Valencia. In Madrid the waiters are rude but VERY FAST and get the job done very well. Here, they are SLOWER and don't always get the order right...other Spanish people always comment about how service in Valencia is no match for Madrid's fast efficiency. But then, considering how cheap it is to drink, don't expect red carpets. That being said, it is ironic that it is generally more expensive to dine out here at night than in Madrid. Valencia doesn't have a solid bar culture like Madrid and in that regard, another similarity with Barcelona -- the trend is more fashionable restaurants or lounges and clubs. Tapas are not included here either. In Madrid, even the worst bar will give you some olives with your beer...here, you will have to pay for anything you ask for...but I'm not big on tapas so that isn't an issue for me. I go for the drinks, not the food.
Again, NO TIPPING is necessary.
Again, "please" (por favor) and "thank you" (gracias) are not really used in Spain. People think too much formality is not genuine. So just ask for your drink and shut up.
Girls in bars: NEVER EVER EVER will you see a girl alone in a bar in Spain unless she's a prostitute. Spanish girls will go with their group of friends to the bar and not expect or welcome you if you get into their conversation. Be wary of that.
HOWEVER...VALENCIA is a bit different. I find many young Valencian women to be MUCH MORE open than in Madrid (but this is my experience and don't take it as a rule...although many people here agree with me).
The "look" here though is basically as follows:
if you are a muscular guy, eg "gym rat", you WILL get laid. Valencian women on the whole are extremely shallow and the only thing that really matters in Valencia for many people is physical appearance. It's common to see muscled guys everywhere and an obsession with the gym. Many women here are blondish airhead types...and they are noticeably lighter than much of the rest of Spain...it isn't odd to see a blonde hair blue eyed girl in many Valencian villages and towns.
One disadvantage though: since Valencia is a small city, a lot of people know each other so it isn't always easy for game...since they are always thinking about what their friends may say. But again, that hasn't really been a problem for me...it has been a problem for some people, depending on your experience, style, etc.
This is the only other city in Spain, after Barcelona, where I have seen women alone in a bar or men...so for me Barcelona and Valencia are the most "westernized" cities in the country.
If you like electro music, Valencia is paradise. FIVE entire radio stations dedicated to club, house, old school techno, eurodance, etc. It is notorious for the techno scene in Spain...and many people hate that about it. I happen to like it.
If you want to hook up with foreign girls though, here are some good places:
Nylon Club -- Gran Via Germanias...near Ruzafa area: NOT CLASSY but very young crowd and if you like electronic music, good place. Can be very crowded though, so that's annoying.
Calle Colon -- it is the main shopping street and more "upscale" for Valencia...but good enough for business and day game. You will see tons of women from all over the world (tourists, though...since Valencia is NOT a cosmopolitan city like Barcelona).
Carmen neighborhood -- the "hippy quarters". Oldest part of the city...grunge/alternative/rock style here.Not my thing...and too many tourists walking around drunk at night. However, easy to meet women if you that style is your thing.
Portland Ale House – An American bar in the Canovas area. NOT recommended if you are looking for game though...except on "intercambio" nights. On those nights, Spanish women are looking to practice their English with you.
Club Umbracle -- in the famous Arts/Sciences area - my favorite because it doesn't confine you indoors. However, a mix of "Jersey shore" types or people who think its the Ritz. It's neither. Some upscale women though...depends on the night.
There are other places, but they change quite a bit every so often. You'd best just hang about in Ruzafa area or Blasco Ibañez (if you are youngish).
Monuments/places to visit:
Plaza de Toros - Xativa metro stop. This is right next to Estació del Nord...train station from where you can visit smaller towns.
Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen.
Miquelet Tower
Silk Route building
City of Arts and Sciences
Beach
Transportation
NOT as good as Madrid - trains are really slow and sometimes you'll have to wait 10-15 minutes between each one. The metro here reminds me more of a light-rail system. A lot of people prefer the bus here. A 10 ride bus pass is about 8 euros and if you buy the 10 ride for the metro it is 7,20 €. Closes early and much slower service on Sundays or holidays.
Valencianos prefer their car.
More on the women:
1) They definitely seem more interested in foreigners compared to Madrid.
2) Hard to meet them outside their social circle though
3) Physically speaking, Lighter skinned than many other regions...as I said earlier. A lot of women here also smoke.
If I remember anything else worthy of adding, I'll add it later.
![[Image: blush.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/blush.gif)
![[Image: icon_mrgreen.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/new/icon_mrgreen.gif){kind=icon}
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I don't recall a bacaulhau-like aroma emanating from her intimate areas; she was filthy in bed though ![[Image: angel.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/angel.gif)
![[Image: tongue.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/tongue.gif)