Valencia for Introverts

By Devyn  Fussman

Introverts are fewer in number in all parts of life, and study abroad programs are no exception. People want to spend their time in many ways while traveling, and introverts will often want different experiences than extroverts. As my time in Spain went by, I discovered more and more options for introverts to do in Valencia that can be done with small groups or alone (and are easy on the wallet). Here are just a few I’ve found in the month or so since I arrived:

• First off, the obvious one: Explore. See as much of Spain and Europe as you can. If nothing else, plan an awesome spring break trip.

• Take a walk or rent a bike (it’s not that much for a couple hours) and ride through the riverbed. It’s gorgeous enough to give Central Park a run for its money, and spans almost the entire length of Valencia, so it’s a great way to see the city while getting some sunshine and exercise. I find that this is the perfect place to de-stress after a long week of classes because of how peaceful it is. There are also beautiful gardens nearby that allow for some amazing photo ops.

• See a movie at Yelmo Cines. They play American movies in their original English version (look for titles with VOS next to them) and they will give you a discount if you bring your ISIC card. There’s also a circle of restaurants in the same building, so you can combine dinner and a show. I recommend going on weekends because more places are open and vendors will set up shop inside the building, so you have a chance to buy some handmade goodies.

• The amount of shopping in Valencia is amazing. Next to Yelmo Cines is Nuevo Centro, which is part underground and part aboveground with some American stores and restaurants as well as Spanish ones. Nuevo Centro and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (which is located just ten minutes away from the study center) puts Governor’s Square Mall to shame. Both places have a Corte Inglés, which has been described as the “Macy’s of Spain.” You can find just about anything you want at either shopping center and spend a full day at each one. 

• Check out the historical sites and souvenir shops. Don’t leave without climbing the Torres de Serranos and the Miguelte Bell Tower, shopping at the Mercado Central, touring La Lonja, or exploring the cathedral. You never know if or when you’ll get a chance to do those things again.

• On Sundays, you can watch flamenco dancers in the Plaza de la Virgen and take advantage of free admission to the cathedral.

• Two gems of Valencia include Bioparc, an animal safari, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a museum with the biggest aquarium in Europe. Sometimes there are excursions to these, but if not, they are definitely worth a visit on your own. Be aware that these will cost you some money though.

• Relax in a café. One nice thing about Spaniards is that they don’t rush you. Sit down, order a coffee, and take some time to just chill, read a book, or people-watch.

• Sometimes there are plays as well as movies at the Tiatro Rialto, located just inside the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s all in Spanish, but that can be a great way to practice, especially if you’re able to see a play where you already know the story.

• Speaking of ways to practice Spanish, research what opportunities there might be to work with native Spanish speakers. There are organizations you can find online that will arrange get-togethers between locals who want to improve their English and foreigners who want to improve their Spanish. This can be a great way to meet people and keep you from forgetting what you learned in class.

• Depending on when you go, there might be an annual fair in or around Valencia. Do some research and you never know what you’ll find.

• Play or watch soccer. FSU usually reserves a field at least once a week for anybody who wants to play, and you can also attend the Valencia games.

• The beach. Enough said.

• And of course, go on the program excursions and join Club de Español! And if you have the time, sign up for any volunteering opportunities. They can be great resume boosters as well as rewarding personal experiences.