Valencia is a city that balances the gritty charm of a port against a balmy Mediterranean climate; dazzling, futuristic architecture with acres of parkland; modern coffee shops with traditional horchater­as. Our guide encompasses all this and more: a lead soldier museum, places to eat paella, fusion-inspired tapas and seaview bars. With mild winters, long summers, golden beaches and an abundance of food and drink, the question you should ask yourself is not so much why visit Valencia as what's stopping you?