Page 67 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 67
iStudy
2019/20
67
Valencia offers something that very few cities in the
world can – connection and separation. All in one city
you can find every possible type of activity, taste, smell,
sound and experience, and yet the city always manages
to maintain a sense of itself. Valencia has a very
particular atmosphere, created by the combination of
stunning weather almost year-round (picture yourself
on the beach playing volleyball in mid-December) as
well as a culture that adores spending time outdoors
with friends and family. The city is quite sharply
divided into neighbourhoods (barrios) and each one
offers something unique.
The Cabanal area features the popular Malvarrosa
Beach, a huge expanse of clean white sand ideal for
morning runs, lunchtime sunbathing and evening
drinks. It’s also one of the fastest rising areas, with new
bars, restaurants and attractions constantly arriving.
In this way it’s considered one of the coolest areas in
Valencia. Right next to Cabanal is the City of Arts and
Sciences collection, with famous architecture and
incredible museums. Slightly closer to the city is the
hipster Ruzafa area with fun coffee shops and amazing
brunch spots. And then of the course the modern city
centre and old town with 1000-year-old walls are all
in the mix. Every part of Valencia seems to cater to a
different type of person, and yet it never feels like a
jarring combination. The harmonious relationship
between the wildly differing areas is beautiful. Valencia
offers all the same Spanish family and community
lifestyle as most cities in Spain, but it manages to blend
this comforting sensation of communal connection
with big city choice and glamour.
HOW VALENCIA IS DIFFERENT
2019/20
67
Valencia offers something that very few cities in the
world can – connection and separation. All in one city
you can find every possible type of activity, taste, smell,
sound and experience, and yet the city always manages
to maintain a sense of itself. Valencia has a very
particular atmosphere, created by the combination of
stunning weather almost year-round (picture yourself
on the beach playing volleyball in mid-December) as
well as a culture that adores spending time outdoors
with friends and family. The city is quite sharply
divided into neighbourhoods (barrios) and each one
offers something unique.
The Cabanal area features the popular Malvarrosa
Beach, a huge expanse of clean white sand ideal for
morning runs, lunchtime sunbathing and evening
drinks. It’s also one of the fastest rising areas, with new
bars, restaurants and attractions constantly arriving.
In this way it’s considered one of the coolest areas in
Valencia. Right next to Cabanal is the City of Arts and
Sciences collection, with famous architecture and
incredible museums. Slightly closer to the city is the
hipster Ruzafa area with fun coffee shops and amazing
brunch spots. And then of the course the modern city
centre and old town with 1000-year-old walls are all
in the mix. Every part of Valencia seems to cater to a
different type of person, and yet it never feels like a
jarring combination. The harmonious relationship
between the wildly differing areas is beautiful. Valencia
offers all the same Spanish family and community
lifestyle as most cities in Spain, but it manages to blend
this comforting sensation of communal connection
with big city choice and glamour.
HOW VALENCIA IS DIFFERENT
