Combining urban life and a relaxed, seaside atmosphere, Valencia is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations on the Mediterranean coast. Propelling this renaissance is the new City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), a museum complex and modern architectural masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava, a local architect that is making an impression around the globe. Its deep multi-cultural roots, cosmopolitan flair, and pleasant climate make Valencia a true Mediterranean gem.

A city of contrasts, students enjoy wandering the medieval streets of the city center, exploring a range of architectural styles from Gothic to Modernist, or enjoying outdoor activities in the extensive parks and gardens that run throughout the city. The city offers world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping that can be enjoyed without the chaotic bustle of a larger metropolis.

Of course, one of Valencia's main attractions for tourists and locals alike is the miles of sparkling beaches just minutes from the city center. Easily reached by bus or metro, Valencia's beaches are well-equipped with paths for running, cycling, or rollerblading, plus numerous restaurants and bars that can be enjoyed day and night. Recently awarded the internationally prestigious Blue Flag eco-label, Valencia's clean beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and numerous beachfront activities.

Valencia's unique style and charm is capturing attention around the world. Chosen as the host of the 2007 and 2009 America's Cup, sailing's oldest tournament, Valencia is the first European host since the tournament's inauguration. Valencia has also been chosen as the site of a new Formula One urban circuit, and will host the European Grand Prix starting in 2008.

In addition to these modern developments, the traditional Valencian culture thrives throughout the city. The most popular cultural event is "Las Fallas", the festival held every March to celebrate St. Joseph's Day. The streets are filled with locals in traditional dress and regional foods like paella and horchata abound. Each neighborhood constructs large papier-mâché "ninots" (puppets) that are mounted, adorned with fireworks and burned. These whole constructions are called "fallas".

Valencia is also an ideal location for travel throughout the Mediterranean, Spain, and the rest of Europe. Equidistant from Barcelona and Madrid and a short ferry ride or plane trip from the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, Valencia's location leaves no shortage of convenient travel possibilities.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences): This breathtakingly modern architectural masterpiece was designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava and attracts over 4 million visitors each year. Located in the old Turia riverbed, the complex occupies over 3.75 million square feet and includes an interactive science museum, IMAX theater, planetarium, and the largest aquarium in Europe.

Port America's Cup: The busy port of Valencia has been transformed as the heart of the 32nd and 33rd America's Cup sailing tournament. With a 700-berth arena, restaurants, bars, and clubs, this is the city's newest hot spot, day and night.

Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum): One of Spain's finest art museums, here one can find works by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Ribera, Ribalta and Valencian impressionist artists such as Sorolla and Pinazo.

Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart: The only existing remnants of the ancient city walls, these well-preserved 14th and 15th-century towers were once the main entrances to the city.

Barrio del Carmen: With buildings and winding streets dating to Roman and Arabic times, this neighborhood charms visitors. The primarily Gothic Cathedral and Basilica of the Virgin are over 7 centuries old, and the Late Gothic silk exchange (La Llonja) was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Turia Gardens: The Turia River used to flow along what is now a 6 mile greenbelt and park that runs through the heart of the city. Museums, playgrounds, and gardens surround jogging and biking paths enjoyed year-round by visitors and locals alike.

Linguistically unique, many inhabitants of Valencia speak and understand both Spanish (Castellano) and the local dialect, Valenciano. Although students often notice many street signs and place names written in both languages, locals almost always speak exclusively Spanish. Some Spanish phrases to know before you go:

¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English? (formal)
¿Hablas inglés? Do you speak English? (informal)
(No) Hablo español. I (don't) speak Spanish.
Perdóname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. Pass (the response to perdóname).
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
¡Ayuda! Help!
¡Socorro! Help! (in an emergency situation)
¡Cuidado! Caution, look out!
¿Cómo está? How are you? (formal)
¿Cómo estás? How are you? (informal)
(Muy) Bien. (Very) Well.
(Muy) Mal. (Very) Bad.
Gracias. Thank you.
Por favor. Please.
Buenos días. Good morning.
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Me llamo... My name is...
Mucho gusto./Encantado. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from? (formal)
¿De dónde eres? Where are you from? (informal)
Soy de... I am from...
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
¿Dónde está el hotel? Where is the hotel?
¿Dónde está un teléfono? Where is a telephone?
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the restroom?
¿Cómo voy a...? How do I get to...?
¿Tiene usted...? Do you have...? (formal)
¿Tienes...? Do you have...? (informal)
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
¿Cómo se dice ____ en español? How do you say ______ in Spanish?
¡Vamos! Let's go!