Important facts about Valencia

With the America's Cup challenger's meet next week local resident Sabina Mollart-Rogerson describes her favourite haunts

This article should be read in conjunction with our initial preview of Valencia , published back in November at the time of the America's Cup 2007 venue announcement.

Valencia in Spain is broadening its horizons, renewing itself and growing. With huge investment in restoration and building, a great year round climate and good facilities, Valencia will prove very attractive to teams, media and spectators who visit over the course of the three years in the build-up to the America's Cup.

Known as the capital of 'El Turia' - because of the river that once circled the old town - Valencia is changing, embracing with open arms the essence of the new Spain. As one of the oldest cities, Valencia is steeped in history; while the Valencians protect their culture and take pride in the restoration of their UNESCO protected city, they also embark on some of the most avant garde arquitectural projects. It is in this particular juxtaposition of the old and new that lies the charm of the city and its people.

The old river course has been developed to house one the world’s most unusual parks, with incredible use of space arquitects have designed Europe’s largest acuarium – l’ Oceanographic, a Natural Science and History Museum, Opera House and sports centres and many other facilities the length of the river bed. This great project and many other developments has changed the once small traditional inward facing city, to a larger sea facing metropolis, further encouraged by the arrival of the America’s Cup.

Warm, friendly and with provicial charm, the 'Valencianos' are known for their party spirit, so for a city of its size, Valencia offers a vast variety of bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. The old town centre is one of the most fun places to go out.

Forget taking a car to the centre, there are absolutely no parking spaces and taxis are cheap. The old town, known lovingly as 'El Carme' can be walked around on foot and is a sight in itself. The hip set have moved into El Carme’s narrow streets and little alleyways to open up trendy clothes shops, bars, smart cafes and restaurants with Mediterranean and International nouvelle cuisine, where you can eat nearly always at a fair price. The medieval stone towers and old buildings give it a unique setting.

It is when night falls that El Carmen reveals itself, opening the many doors of its hidden bars and clubs and the streets fill with people. This happens week in and week out culminating every March in the pagan festival of 'Las Fallas', when the city is transformed for thousands of visitors for a week long, non stop party of wild proportions.

My recommendations for restaurants:

Marrasquino - C/Alta 1
Tel: + 34 96 324 83 45
For a full on fantastic Valencian 7 course meal!
This will set you back around €30.00 per person not including wine

Zen – Avenida Pio XII 33
Tel: + 34 96 348 34 39
This is 'the' sushi restaurant in Valencia, modern simple and squeaky-clean
Calculate €35.00 a head including wine

Shiraz - C/Conquista 3
Tel: + 34 96 391 03 64
Delicious nouvelle cuisine, full Spanish wine list, look out for the chocolate brownies

Good drinking holes:

Black Note, Polo y Pueyredon
Good for live music, Jazz, Soul and R&B open Tuesday to Sunday from 23.30

La Linterna, Linterna 11
This place is fast becoming one of the best places to hear good jazz with a relaxed and intimate surroundings

Juanita Club, Lepanto 8
Known for good raggae jams and lively atmosphere, open Thursday to Saturday from 23.00

Fun Clubs:

Carmen, C/Alta 9
Smart and trendy bar

Radio City, C/Moro Zeit 19
Live music, can get crowded, good for a dance, bottled beer €3 and gin and tonic €5.50

Bolseria, C/Moro Zeit 3
Smarter club for Valencians with dance music