Everybody has heard about Lonely Planet … probably the most famous tourism guides in the world.

They have chosen Valencia in their TOP 10 cities for 2011, Valencia is 1st European city in position 5th, after New York, Tangier, Tel Aviv and Wellington.

This is how they describe Valencia’s potential:
“Valencia sits coquettishly and again confidently along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. For centuries, it was overshadowed by larger Spanish cities – hard-nosed, commercially-minded Barcelona and Madrid, the nation’s capital. Not any more. While retaining its provincial charm, Spain’s third city now mixes with the international crowd. Host of a couple of America’s Cup yachting jamborees and an annual street circuit Formula 1 motor race, it’s also European Capital of Sport for 2011 and a favourite destination for conferences and congresses. Valencia enjoyed its golden age two full centuries before the rest of Spain”

More info here:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/valencia-and-murcia/valencia/travel-tips-and-articles/76165#