Pitstop in Spain’s third city

Want to take breather from all the F1 action? Valencia has a lot more to offer than just a Grand Prix this summer. Here’s a guide where to stay, what to see and what to do if you’re taking a vacation in Valencia this August
 
If you’re heading to Valencia for this years’ F1 European Grand Prix in August, you’ll need to know more than just which team has the most points and who’s in pole position.

And as one of Spain’s hidden gems there’s much more to this sunny city than just the cars. Outstanding nightlife, beautiful architecture and some top class hotels make this European destination a great getaway – and with two world class beaches, what better place to relax whilst you watch one of F1’s biggest races?
     
Where to stay:

Rooms Deluxe Hostel. This place sells itself as a five star hostel and is a great choice of you want some stylish that’s not too pricey while you visit Valencia for the Grand Prix. There’s 28 rooms (single, doubles and triples), an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen and stylish living room (stick on a DVD of your choice). Situated next to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and a stone throws away beach, the location's unbeatable, too. From £27 in a three-bed ensuite. If you’re after something a bit more private, check out Hospes Palau de la Mar Valencia. Housed in a heritage-listed 19th century stately home it’s a stylish new boutique hotel that’s close to the city. The food is excellent especially, the breakfasts, ands the rooms are the ultimate in luxury with flat screens and roll top baths. If you’ve still got time after all the Grand Prix you’ll be watching, hit their wellness centre for a work out, or for a Filipino relaxing massage.
       
What to see:

If you only have time to see one sight in between watching F1’s chequered flag, it has to be Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – Valencia’s newest and most controversial building. Pictures won’t do it justice and you have to see no matter how much you hate the crowds and tourist traps. The City of Arts and Sciences is a huge futuristic educational complex designed for Valencia by world famous architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela. They have created a futuristic cityscape with a number of museums and attractions that is truly space age. Or, head to La Lonja, the old silk exchange. Famous as one of the foremost Gothic buildings in Europe, it became a UNESCO world heritage site and the actual market is the size of a cathedral - covering an impressive 21,420 sq ft. Valencia’s other great attraction is the Med. Flanked by the long beaches of Las Arenas and La Malvarrosa no trip Valencia’s circuit would be complete without a sizzle in the sun on these superb Spanish beaches.

Going out:

All Spanish cities have great nightlife; but Valencia is THE best party town of all. Add 100,000 students, locals who love to go out late, bars that don’t open until 23.00 and you’ve got a great night out. The city’s main party street is Calle Caballeros in the Barrio Carmen neighbourhood, head to Carmen Sui Generis - a cool bar with DJs spinning funk and 1980’s disco. Or, try Johnny Maracas, a Latino bar that does amazing mojitos and agua de Valencias (cava, orange juice and vodka). End up at Fox Congo – the bar here is made out of onyx, and is supposedly the most expensive in the World, it’s full of beautiful people and one not to be missed. If you’re feeling peckish, try Seu-Xerea - a posh eaterie with an adventurous menu, or for the best paella in Valencia go to La Pepica on the sea front. It’s over a hundred years old and apparently American author Ernest Hemingway used to eat there.