Valencia, Spain. The Best City to Explore by Bicycle!

Valencia is the third largest city of Spain and it happens to be the city I live in. Just for the fun of it, you should check out this friendly city if you ever decide to travel to Spain.

Don't expect a city like Barcelona with a lot of movement and tourists all over the place. Don't tell a Valencian taxi driver that the Catalan language sounds a lot like the Valencian regional laguage, even though I think you're right.

Remember what I tell you about the real Valencian paella and please get a little tipsy for trying out a freshly made Agua de Valencia. You could try out the other typical Valencian drink, Horchata but it is definitely less tasty though worth a try.

Valencia is like a small village of about 900.000 people. Most of the touristical highlights are to be found in the old city center so it´s easy to walk from one place to the other, feeling safe wherever you go.

When I first visited Valencia in August 2008, I immediately fell in love with the city and its ambiance. You feel as if you've been there before, the Valencian people are friendly and helpful and you get a taste of real Spanish life.

To make your stay much more interesting and fun, you really should rent a bicycle. Valencia is flat, the weather is always great and if you're just here for a few days, riding the bike makes it easier to see much more in a short amount of time.

Out of the many bike rentals in the city I would advice Passion Bike. I've tried out most bike rentals because I like to go on trips myself when my friends from Holland stay around for a few days. Over the last seven years many more bike rentals are trying to offer the same but most of them lack proper service, good bicycles, fair prices and normal opening hours.

At Passion Bike good locks are rented with your bicycle and you can count on a proper explanation in English. For a very reasonable price, a free map of the city and a friendly attitude, they certainly have the best to offer!

Riding your bicycle in a city you begin to explore, can be a challenge to some of you. Roads can be narrow, one-way traffic is very common and Spanish traffic can be chaotic. If you want to spend your day more relaxed, you could consider a guided bike tour and ride around town with someone who knows the city like a real local does.

Apart from the official tour guide organisations, I felt something lacked. Therefor I started my own service as a local tour guide, focusing on small groups and tailored tours.

I will go out of my way to show you whatever you'd like to see. I know about the best hidden restaurants, bars and terraces. As a local I will tip you about those real Spanish tapas places, instead of bringing you to the touristic restaurants, mentioned on Tripadvisor.

Remember you're visiting a country in a deep economical crisis. Many restaurants change their staff constantly so they cannot maintain consistent quality at all time. Your Spanish guide has been written many years ago and even updates are outdated within no time.

Next to personal attention, we will start our tour at a convenient time. Besides I know a lot of interesting details and will inform you about Valencia's current situation. I will tell you all about the history of this Roman city and the important background of most of its highlights.

All my tours are private and will be adjusted to any client. Find out more on www.funtoursvalencia.com and keep in mind that my tailored tours are very affordable. My prices reflect the day to day cost of living in Valencia. There's no need to charge tourists with extravagant prices to see the city at its best.

If you're not yet convinced about the beauty of this city, click on the video and enjoy the ride. Valencia is a city that has it all. Futuristic scenery next to beautiful Romanesque architecture, narrow streets in the old city center and a vibrant nightlife with lot's of bars to refresh your salsa moves.

And before I forget. 'Paella Valenciana' is not with seafood! It has rice, chicken, rabbit and beans. It is however the original paella and very very delicious. Paella with seafood is tasty too but this typical dish is worth a try. See you when I see you guys.

And remember to have fun, fun, fun!