How to Elevate your Valencia Experience while Staying in Vivarium for a Month
A lot of people who plan to stay with us ask us what would be the perfect length of their stay. We always tend to say that the longer they stay, it gets better, but we would recommend at least a month. And indeed, a lot of our colivers stay for a month.
The reason for that is that a month is enough to get around, get used to your new living situation, and build a small daily routine, but also, it is not too long, so it’s something that newcomers tend to choose when they’re not sure if the city is for them, if living with others is what they like, etc. Also, in the coliving world, although some colivers stay for a few months and tend to come back - “our usuals” - the most usual switch happens at around a month.
So, as a coliving, we also like to organize our activities and the experience fitting to that, so that somebody who stays for a month can have a wholesome and immersive stay.
What we also often say to our colivers is that they should not only focus on the coliving and that there are many things they can do for themselves outside of our house that will maximize and enhance their experience with us, making it feel like a chapter of a book.
So, today, let’s explore some of the things we recommend our one-month stayers try out and do for themselves while they’re staying here (and, don’t worry, if you’re here for two weeks or two months - no, you are not excluded from this topic ;)).
Let's dive in.
Get your bike to move around the city
One of the best ways to enhance your Valencia experience is by getting yourself a bike.
The city is covered in bike lanes, making it extremely convenient and safe to navigate on two wheels. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring the vibrant neighborhoods, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride along the beach, having a bike will undoubtedly elevate your stay.
If that sounds good, we highly recommend checking out Kleta, a fantastic bike subscription service. For approximately 30 euros per month, you can have access to a quality bike that comes with an anti-theft system. The added perk is that you can easily park it in the street without any worries. Plus, Kleta takes care of the maintenance, ensuring that you have a smooth and enjoyable biking experience throughout your month-long stay.
Staying in Vivarium for a month with your bike as your trusty companion, you'll be able to effortlessly zip through the city, discover hidden gems, and embrace the Valencia lifestyle at your own pace.
Find your favorite local market
Another thing we always recommend to our colivers to try out is to truly immerse themselves in the Valencia experience to take the time to discover and explore the city's local markets.
Valencia has some amazing local markets with fresh and tasty products which provide an opportunity to connect with the local community and indulge in the flavors of the region.
One such market worth exploring is Mercado de Ruzafa, conveniently located near Vivarium, where you can find many different seasonal products sourced directly from small local businesses, from farm-fresh produce to succulent seafood and high-quality meats.
Enjoy traditional "comida para llevar" options
If you prefer a break from cooking or want to sample traditional local dishes, Valencia's "comida para llevar" (takeout) shops are the perfect solution.
The city offers plenty of places that offer homemade, ready-to-eat meals that allow you to savor the local flavors without the hassle of cooking.
For example, Santa Marta, located near Vivarium, is one such shop renowned for its traditional fare. You'll be greeted by an enticing array of mouthwatering dishes prepared with love and care when you step inside. From the famous paellas to a variety of tapas and regional specialties, you'll find a wide selection of affordable meals, often priced below 5 euros per serving.
By exploring the local markets and shops, whether looking for fresh ingredients or food to-go, you will also connect with the city and establish a sense of routine during your stay.
Learn some basic Spanish or improve your level
Of course, something you have already probably concluded yourself - immersing yourself in the Spanish language can greatly enhance your experience in the city. Even though Valencia is a very international city and most locals speak at least some basic English, learning Spanish will add to your connections with locals and help you feel less like a foreigner.
By dedicating time to learning even the basics, you'll gain independence and a deeper sense of belonging - and the locals will appreciate it and gladly support you while you learn.
To practice and improve your Spanish skills, we often recommend our colivers to explore Valencia's language exchange events.
Our personal recommendations are Valencia Profunda, known for its unique approach to language exchange. We talked a bit more about them in this article, so feel free to check it out. Also, Discohike, where hikes in nature are accompanied by live music and language exchange, attracting a diverse mix of locals, expats, and remote workers are another event we love to recommend.
Even though a month of language learning is not enough to become fluent, just embracing the Spanish language and participating in language exchange events will enhance your proficiency and connect with people from various backgrounds, which will undoubtedly enrich your stay in Valencia.
Stay up to date with the local cultural and entrepreneurial agenda
Valencia is a vibrant and lively city, so, naturally, to embrace your experience in it fully, we recommend you stay up to date with numerous and frequent events happening in it. A lot of the spirit of the city is captured through its cultural or entrepreneurial scene, so discovering events and happenings will definitely help you get to know the city better and immerse yourself in it on a deeper level.
With numerous happenings taking place weekly, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore, connect, and truly experience the city during your month-long stay.
You can easily discover what’s happening in the city through reliable sources that curate Valencia's cultural and entrepreneurial landscape, and these are some of what we would recommend:
Agenda Urbana Valencia: Keep an eye on Agenda Urbana Valencia to stay informed about the city's cultural events. From art exhibitions and music concerts to theater performances and festivals, this platform provides a comprehensive overview of what's happening in Valencia's artistic scene.
Vitemprende and StartupValencia: To tap into the entrepreneurial side of Valencia, subscribe to the newsletters of Vitemprende and StartupValencia. These resources specialize in sharing information about networking events, startup conferences, workshops, and other opportunities that will connect you with the local entrepreneurial community.
By staying updated with the local cultural and entrepreneurial agenda and exploring what’s happening throughout the city, you'll have a chance to explore different neighborhoods and experience the city's unique vibe, as well as connect with locals, meet local artists, and discover innovative companies.
Join your favorite sports activities
Valencia is an ideal city for sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy staying active. If you’re not an active person, then it’s an ideal city to start exploring your active side. Whether you prefer hitting the gym, engaging in team sports, or practicing yoga in serene surroundings, there are options available to cater to your interests. Here are some recommendations for those who are looking for a sporty routine while staying with us for a month.
Atalanta: If you're looking for a boutique gym conveniently located right in front of your residence, Atalanta is a great choice. With its well-equipped facilities and personalized approach, it offers a premium fitness experience. Our colivers love Atalanta so we’re always happy to recommend it.
Basic Fit: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Basic Fit is also located just down from our coliving and provides a budget-friendly gym experience. It's a convenient choice for those looking to maintain their fitness routine without breaking the bank.
Now, if you’re not that sporty and you’re still exploring, or you enjoy a more casual sport routine (not a fan of the gym) or you want to combine it all, there are plenty of sports meetups happening throughout the city that you can recreationally join and enjoy.
For example, maybe you want to join volleyball meetups on the beach or a functional training session in Turia Park. If that is the case and you don’t know where to look, we’re there to help!
Lastly, if you're interested in practicing yoga and seeking tranquility amidst nature, Valencia Consciente hosts free yoga sessions every Sunday in Turia Park. It's a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate your mind and body while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Valencia is a green city with an active and healthy mindset. You will notice that people here love to stay active and play with different activities. That is why we think exploring some of the sporty events or solutions while staying in Valencia will let you use what the city has to offer to the fullest. In our coliving, there is always somebody who practices sports or likes to stay active, so you can always tag along with them if you’re new to the lifestyle.
Find your favorite café
If you like coffee or tea, finding your favorite café in Valencia can be a delightful way to switch up your work environment, recharge your batteries, and feel more connected to the city. With a sea of awesome cafés to choose from, you'll have the opportunity to find "the spot" that resonates with you and creates a sense of belonging.
We like to recommend these places:
Bastard Coffee
FlyingBean
Bluebell Coffee
Holbox
But we also recommend our colivers take a stroll through the city and explore spots themselves. If you happen to discover your favorite spot by yourself, it will make the experience even more enriching.
There are plenty of cafés in Valencia that offer unique atmospheres, excellent coffee, and a welcoming ambiance, making them ideal places to work, socialize, and feel like a local.
Explore, socialize, and get out of your comfort zone
Lastly, at Vivarium, we always recommend and encourage our colivers to embrace the spirit of exploration, socialization, and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Embrace the opportunity to connect with locals, forge new friendships, and indulge in unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Don't be afraid to venture out, try new things, and let curiosity be your guide. By doing so, you'll unlock a world of possibilities, discover the richness of Valencia's local scene, and create memories that will last a lifetime, and our Vivarium home and community will be your support and safety net while you do that.
