With the energy of Madrid, the warmth of Sevilla, and the artsy spunk
of Barcelona, Valencia is a smaller city that combines the best of its neighbors through a
mix of extremes. Layers of history unfold with a short walk through the city, whether from
the almost year-round extravagant costumes and sword slinging of the Moors-and-Christians
celebrations or from the menus dotted with regional dialect Valencià, both of which are
remnants from the clash of Moorish invaders and Catalan crusaders that left an indelible
mark both on the city’s culture and architectural landscape. Old city gates overlook the
plethora of church bell towers scattered throughout the city, while incredible
ever-changing street art and quirky architecture like the Art Deco theater shake up the
antique charm of plazas in the Ciutat Vella. Winding around the northern
boundary of the old city is the lush Jardín del Turia, and it’s hard to believe
that not long ago these grassy paths were instead the Río Turia, which was diverted after
the river flooded the city with 2m of water in 1957. Located along its former banks is a
mix of the best of the old city’s artistic treasures, a young and hip university area
bustling with student life, and the ultramodern, ultra-contrasting architectural marvel of
the City of the Arts and Sciences. Despite its beauty and respectable pedigree,
the town is anything but a reliquary of heartwarming buildings. Cuisine and culture are
matched with incredible beaches, and oranges and Valencian tomatoes will have any
produce-lover in rapture for weeks. Sticky paella dots nearly every table in town (as it
should; Valencia is its birthplace), while flamenco fills the smallest clubs. With all of
this authentic flair, be prepared to practice your Spanish—fewer tourists means fewer
English menus.