Valencia: Spain's Coastal Gem

• HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesSí
  [SEE]
• NoNo
  [NOH]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-thyahss]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-DOHN/loh SYEHN-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHSS?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEHN. ee too?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahs een-GLAYS?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEN-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-REE-ah behr lah KAR-tah, por fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAR-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [SAH-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-REE-ah pah-GAR, por fah-VOHR]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah po-lee-SEE-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MEH-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [eh-STOY pehr-DEE-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [eh-STOY ehn-FEHR-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SO-loh eh-STOY mee-RAN-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-ma-SYA-doh KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs BAH-hahr ehl PREH-syoh?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OH-rah ehs?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah OO-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee MEH-dee-ah (DEEZ)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [AH-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [OY]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [DOHS]
• 3Tres
  [TREHS]
• 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [SAYSS]
• 7Siete
  [SYE-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [NWEH-veh]
• 10Diez
  [DYETH]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAHL ehs lah dee-rehk-SYOHN?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-dehs ehn-seh-NYAR-meh (ehn ehl MAH-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROH-ksee-moh (ow-toh-BOOS)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-YEH-teh (ah ....)]

Valencia, originally named Valentia Edetanorum, was founded by the Romans in 138 BC. It served as a retirement settlement for soldiers who had fought in the Roman army. The city's strategic location on the banks of the Turia River made it an ideal spot for trade and agriculture.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Valencia came under the rule of the Visigoths. In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the city, introducing significant architectural, cultural, and agricultural advancements. The Moors renamed the city Balansiya, and their influence is still visible in the city's layout and many historic buildings.

In 1238, King James I of Aragon reclaimed Valencia from the Moors. This marked a significant turning point in the city's history, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Valencia. The Christian conquest brought in a wave of settlers from Catalonia and Aragon, and the city began to prosper once again under Christian rule.

Valencia experienced a Golden Age during the 15th and early 16th centuries, becoming a major economic and cultural center in the Mediterranean. This period saw the construction of iconic buildings such as the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's wealth attracted artists, scholars, and merchants from across Europe.

The early 18th century brought turmoil to Valencia during the War of Spanish Succession. The city initially supported the Habsburg claimant, Archduke Charles, but was later captured by Bourbon forces loyal to Philip V. The subsequent Nueva Planta decrees abolished the Kingdom of Valencia's autonomous institutions, integrating it into a more centralized Spanish state.

The 19th century saw Valencia's transformation into an industrial hub. The development of railways and the expansion of the port facilitated trade and commerce. Despite political instability and social unrest, the city continued to grow, laying the groundwork for modern urbanization.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Valencia became the capital of the Republican government. The city endured significant hardships, including bombings and food shortages. Post-war, Valencia faced repression under Franco's regime but gradually recovered, eventually becoming a vibrant cultural and economic center in democratic Spain.

In recent decades, Valencia has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance. The construction of the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has become a symbol of the city's forward-looking spirit. Valencia continues to celebrate its rich history while embracing contemporary innovation and culture.

Valencia is well-connected both domestically and internationally. The city is serviced by Valencia Airport (VLC), which is about 8 km west of the city center. The airport handles flights from several major European cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center by metro (lines 3 and 5), taxi, or bus. Valencia is also accessible by high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid and other major Spanish cities, as well as by regional trains. Additionally, Valencia is well-connected by bus services and has a large port for those arriving by ferry or cruise.

Valencia has an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, and a metro system. The metro and tram lines are efficient for getting around the city and the surrounding areas. Buses cover areas that the metro may not reach. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable. For those who prefer cycling, Valencia has a public bike-sharing system called Valenbisi. Renting a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding regions, but parking in the city center can be challenging.

The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially in local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout Valencia, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Valencia is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any major city, it is important to take standard precautions. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas such as markets and public transport, as pickpocketing can occur. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Specific areas to be cautious in include El Cabanyal and some parts of Ruzafa at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Valencia has several hospitals and clinics that can provide emergency medical care. Pharmacies are also widely available and can assist with minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest embassy or consulate if you are an international traveler.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but stylishly. Light clothing is recommended during the summer, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. Avoid beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers. Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In social settings, a kiss on each cheek is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as paella and horchata. Don't tip excessively; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is sufficient.

To experience Valencia like a local, visit the Central Market (Mercado Central) to experience the vibrant food scene and fresh local produce. Take a stroll through the Turia Gardens, a park created in a former riverbed that stretches across the city. Enjoy the traditional festival of Las Fallas if you're visiting in March. For a unique dining experience, try the traditional dish of paella in one of the local restaurants. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and often willing to share recommendations and insights about their city.