In and around Valencia
 

I'll be on a business trip in Valencia in late September. I'd like to do some sight-seeing on my own afterwards for about 5 days. Any recommendations of things to see and do in and around Valencia? I'd also consider travelling to other parts of Spain or even southern France.

There is actually a lot to see and do in and around Valencia. The following web pages will give you a little more information and maybe some inspiration.

http://www.comunitatvalenciana.com/
http://www.turisvalencia.es/index.aspx
http://www.valencia-on-line.com/

Look at this website too :
http://www.castellon-costaazahar.com/en/default.htm

Not all the web is still translated into English but it will give some ideas of things to do a bit north from Valencia :)

When in the Valencia area, make sure you eat paella; just don't eat it late at night! Have it for a leisurely afternoon meal and then walk it off Delicious...

Check out the modern designs of Calatrava (sp) in the center for arts/sciences... sorry, I don't remember the exact names, but they are quite striking. I also liked the area around the cathedral, including the bird market, something I don't normally care for, but the circular shape and old buildings are interesting.

You can also visit this website

http://www.barriodelcarmen.info/

barcelona 3 hours away by euromed.
madrid a bit further.
southern france a couple more..

unless your company always uses the same hotel, you can come back with some options as i think that will help make a difference in your stay downtown.

dining:
-Seu Xerea on calle almodovar, behind cathedral area.

-L´Abadía d'Espi (owner speaks good english)

-Try to visit the Bellas Artes Museum, and the Ceramics museum.

-Also stroll old town, barrio del carmen. not much going on there until midnight, but.. some interesting shops and bars.

-get a look at the science center and stroll around below at artificial lakes.

catch the 1,2,3,4, or 19 bus and go down to the port to see the america´s cup port.
It is quite impressive. David Chipperfield designed the main edifice there.

while there, stroll over to the 5 star Las Arenas Hotel for a drink on the terrace.

Then maybe find your way to Bar Montaña a few blocks into the residential area.

three are jazz clubs, etc., but unfortunately the music scene here never even begins until after spanish dinner time. so it is usually 11.30 pm for the show. you do have a piano bar at the westin from 6-8pm, though.

You will find a "Hello" magazine in your hotel with good suggestions around the city.

i think cuenca and madrid.. or barcelona and southern france are good options.

or if you like coastline.. just an hour south of here you have denia, javea, altea and moraira which are very nice at that time of year.

a car would be best so you can take the scenic route between them all.
also if you have time for guadalest, or a visit to the enrique mendoza bodega near alicante.

www.vueling.com
www.clickair.com
www.iberia.com
www.rumbo.es for cheap airfares (sometimes!)

Just wander around in this beautiful, elegant city! Get lost in the tiny streets, sit in the plazas sipping wine, and just FEAST YOUR EYES! Enjoy.