Valencia - Host of 32nd America's Cup 2007

The city of Valencia is immersed in a sea of changes and improvements. In recent years, the image of the city has undergone profound transformation and modernisation. Its designation as the host city of the America's Cup 2007 has added even more impetus - and funding to the projects in progress: The City of the Arts and Sciences, the Central and Cabecera Parks, the transformation of the port, the AVE (high speed train link), etc.

Valencia has been and continues to be a city of contrasts. With such modern and emblematic projects as the City of the Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava or the Palace of Congresses, by British architect Norman Foster, both coexisting without losing the juxtaposition of its modernity with the medieval side streets of the old quarter. The city is a meeting place for important trade - as demonstrated at the Valencia Trade Fair, one of the largest fairs in Europe in contrast to the popular street markets of the Plaza Redonda, right in the historical quarter. The modern festivals again contrasting with the celebrations of greater tradition like the Fallas or the Corpus Christi.

Valencia is a city that appeals not only to the occasional visitor but also to its residents. To cross its streets is to take a trip in time. The archaeological remains testify the passage of the centuries: from the Roman Valentia, passing through the medieval epoch, until arriving to the present time.

The list therefore, of its monuments of interest is ample: Cathedral with the tower "the Micalet", Basilica of the Virgin of the Abandoned ones, Towers of Serranos, Towers of Quart, Market, Central Market, Almudín, Real Atarazanas, Palace of the Generalitat, Corts Valencianes, San Miguel monastery of the Kings, and many other places. All of this without forgetting the numerous museums including: IVAM, San Pío V, The Beneficencia Museum, National Museum of Ceramics, The City of Arts and Sciences "Prince Felipe", Fallero, etc.

While progressing through the long list of sights to see, it is necessary to stop to replenish energy levels. To do this there is nothing better than the varied dining options the city offers: paella, arroz negro, arroz a banda, fideuà and all class of fish and seafood. In order to take a break along the way and to refresh yourself there's nothing better than horchata and fartons.

After the cultural musts, the Valencian nightlife offers a varied selection of bars, restaurants, pubs, concerts, nightclubs, etc. If the body resists then there's nothing better than to go to one of beaches of Valencia to see dawn.