Valencia – between enthusiasm and alienation

After our exploration tour, we're now sitting on the train to Barcelona and thinking about Valencia: a city that impresses us on the one hand, but irritates us on the other. Much of it is top-notch – clean, verysecure, well organized. But there were also situations that gave us a"not welcome"-feeling.

But first things first:

Valencia feels incredibly clean and safe. The infrastructure works really well, there are many recreational opportunities, the parks are well-maintained, and the beaches are expansive. We explored the city at all hours of the day – on foot (according to my sports watch, we walked about 75 km) and by public transport – in working-class neighborhoods, gentrified areas, the tourist center, and in areas that others would describe as "run-down" (we skipped La Coma/Paterna).

The result: Much of it is surprisingly civilized and orderly—almost exemplary. You'll also be quickly reprimanded if you've done something "wrong."

What struck us as very positive

In bullet points, because otherwise the picture would be diluted:

• Clean streets and functioning infrastructure
• Excellent cycle paths: mostly two-lane, cleanly separated from car traffic
• Hardly any honking, aggressive drivers - in 6 days we only noticed one negative
• No unpleasant situations in crowded public areas; instead of insults, a lot of consideration

• Parks: relaxed atmosphere, no “problematic” groups
• Metro at night: civilized people, not rioting drunks
• Young women can wear very scanty clothing at night without appearing threatened - a real feeling of security
• Public toilets very clean and often free
• Lots of restaurants, little vacancy, lively city centers - even after 9 p.m.
• Large beach areas including beach volleyball, gay-friendly areas and even nudist beaches
• Clean waste management: open garbage containers everywhere, regular collection (sometimes several times a day)
• Many playgrounds and sports fields, lots of greenery - overall a relaxed atmosphere
• Hardly any cigarette butts or broken glass on the street - almost like in Singapore

In short: Valencia is, in many ways, the opposite of many German cities. Hardly any trash, hardly any cigarette butts, no broken glass on the sidewalks. No unpleasant encounters in crowds with unpleasant groups. And when things do get crowded, instead of harassment, there's a great deal of consideration. In many ways, it's almost as strict and clean as Singapore—only more Mediterranean.

But there is also the other side.

We had several situations where we felt like we weren't allowed to belong—like we weren't welcome in the city.

1. Unwanted in the café because of laptop

I was once complimented on leaving a café because I had unpacked my laptop. They had a "laptop ban" in place at certain times. I must have missed the sign behind the bar. The consequence: out. No discussion. The café was empty, my wife was at the hairdresser's, and I wanted to pass the time, enjoy Spanish pastries like turrón, and do some work. But of course, I accepted this consistent behavior. They could have told me politely.

2. Deadly sin photography

While I was photographing a two-lane bike path, an elderly woman cursed me in the middle of the road. I was standing ten meters behind her, but my camera alone was enough to trigger her aggression. She wouldn't have been recognizable in the photo, wearing her bike helmet and hood, had she not explicitly turned to me and cursed me.

In a pleasant old town district (El Cabanyal), I was photographing house facades on a completely deserted street. A woman suddenly appeared on her balcony and shouted something in Spanish; shortly thereafter, about five doors down, an older man on the street, who had also just come out of the door, cursed me. Just like that.

3. Deadly sin: boarding the bus incorrectly

We felt it most clearly on the bus: We committed the cardinal sin of all things and boarded with our suitcases in the middle after our arrival for purely logistical reasons. The front seat was not possible due to construction work. The driver stopped the bus, and a nearly three-minute speech in Spanish followed. The entire bus looked contemptuous. When a woman finally explained to us in English thatalwaysThe tone had long been set by the fact that I had to board at the front. This wasn't a hint; it was a tribunal. We agreed: this tone, this manner, this prolonged insult was completely inappropriate and degrading. I certainly wouldn't have treated my guests like this in my "business."

The aftertaste that remains

Such scenes leave their mark. They aren't dangerous, they're not criminal behavior—but they humiliate us and tell us: please leave, don't stay. You feel watched, reprimanded, out of place.

And it fits the overall picture: Valencia is safe, orderly, but also provincial. English is rarely spoken, and there's hardly any international flair. Many expats we met keep to themselves. And move on after two years. We understand that a little bit. Because compared to other cities and in other parts of the world, this climate somewhat spoiled our enjoyment of this otherwise magnificent city.

Too often, we encountered suspicious glances, especially from older people, as if we had trespassed on their territory – even when we were simply standing at a bus stop, walking into a café, or meeting them in the supermarket. I would like to explicitly point out that we are always very courteous, respectful, and friendly. Our motto is: you always see each other at least twice in life. And we treat people accordingly, whether in our homes or at places where we are guests.

Conclusion:

Valencia is a city where many things shine: clean, safe, and livable. Those who appreciate order, peace, and functioning structures will love it. But don't expect to immediately become part of an open, international scene here. Behind the shiny surface, there's an aftertaste: the feeling of not being truly welcome.

Disclaimer

We're aware that not everyone in Valencia reacts this way. Many are friendly, open, and helpful. But we do get the impression that there's a noticeable group—mostly older residents—who have difficulties with strangers. Perhaps fear of housing or change also plays a role.

We're now in Barcelona, and here we don't experience these problems at all. The atmosphere is more international, more diverse, and you simply blend in without constantly standing out as an "outsider."