VALENCIA
Valencia
Valencia is a great city for a city break in Europe.
Barcelona is by far the most popular city in Spain for a city trip. Valencia is often a bit overlooked. Completely unfair if you ask us.
Valencia has everything to offer for a great city break. This bustling Spanish city has a beautiful, historic center, special architecture, a vast sandy beach and many restaurants and bars. Moreover, it is the city where the famous Paella comes from.
Valencia is a fairly compact city. A city trip of 3 days is therefore more than enough to discover the city.
Read our tips below for the best sights and activities during a city trip to Valencia. Use this guide to plan your next trip to Valencia.
Day 1, explore the old town of Valencia
Valencia is a city with two faces. Valencia really consists of two completely different parts, the old historic Valencia and the new Valencia. Spend this first day in Valencia in the historic center, which you can explore on foot at a leisurely pace.
1. Have breakfast at La Mercada Central in Valencia
La Mercado Central is the famous market hall of Valencia. It is one of the largest markets in Europe. Here you can stroll along the stalls full of vegetables, fruit and freshly caught fish. But it is also a place where you can eat well. So start the day here with a nice breakfast to start the day full of energy.
Address: Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 Valencia, Valencia
2. Visit the old Silk Exchange of Valencia,
La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda is the old silk exchange of Valencia, where many meters of silk used to be traded. You will not find anything of this old silk in this old silk exchange, but the architecture of this building with the beautiful stained glass windows is beautiful. You will find this old silk exchange right next to La Mercado Central.
A ticket costs less than 2 euros. If you go on a Sunday, a visit to the silk exchange is completely free.
Address: C/ de la Llotja, 2, 46001 Valencia, Valencia
More valencia...
3. Admire Valencia's Town Hall, Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia
From the old silk exchange it is only a short walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia. On this square you will find the town hall and the post office, 2 beautiful buildings in Valencia. Moreover, there are also numerous shops on and around this square for shopping.
If you want a unique view of this square in Valencia, Ateneo Sky Bar Restaurant perfect. From this rooftop bar you have a great view of this square.
Address; Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 18, 46002 Valencia, Valencia
4. Climb El Micalet, the top of Valencia Cathedral.
EL Micalet is the name of the tower belonging to the Cathedral of Valencia. It is a fairly tough climb to the top of no fewer than 207 steps. But this effort is more than rewarded when you reach the top. The view from this tower is really spectacular.
An entrance ticket costs only 2 euros and can be bought at the box office.
With the Valencia Tourist Card you have free access to Valencia Cathedral and its tower.
BUY THE VALENCIA TOURIST CARD HERE.
Address: Pca. de la Reina, s/n, 46001 Valencia, Valencia
5. Visit the most unique fountain in Valencia at Plaza de la Virgen
Plaza de la Virgen is just around the corner from Valencia Cathedral. Walk under the Arco de La Calle de la Barchilla to one of the nicest squares in Valencia, with a very unique fountain.
Plaza de la Virgen is also a very lively place to visit in the evening, when street performers color the streets.
6. Street art in El Carmen, Valencia
El Carmen is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Valencia. You can walk straight into this district from the cathedral, where you can stroll through the picturesque streets. In this district you will find unique shops, but also many bars and restaurants. The perfect place for lunch.
FOOD TIPS
Thai Mongkut,delicious Thai food in a restaurant with a unique and hip vibe.
Address; C/ de la Corona, 8, 46003 Valencia, Valencia
L'Aldea, a typical Spanish restaurant with a real Spanish atmosphere.
Address; C/ de Quart, 17, 46001 Valencia, Valencia
Masa Madre, the best pizzas in Barcelona
Address; C/ de Baix, 20, 46003 Valencia, Valencia
Creperie Bretonne Annaik, a very cool and creative restaurant to visit with kids.
Here you can quietly enjoy your crepes, while the children sign the walls.
Address; Bordadores, 6, 46001 Valencia
After lunch, continue exploring the streets of El Carmen. This district is known for its street art and when you stroll through the streets here, you will be surprised by creative street art everywhere.
7. Torres Serranos
Torres Serranos are the famous towers in Valencia, which were once the gateway in the middle of the city walls. You will find these towers on the other side of the El Carmen district. You can climb these towers, from where you have a nice view over the El Carmen district.
Address: Plaça dels Furs, s/n, 46003 Valencia
Day 2, time to discover the unique, modern side of Valencia
After you have explored the old and historical part of Valencia, it is now time to discover the futuristic side of Valencia. This part of Valencia is absolutely unique and you will not see it anywhere else in Spain.
8. Turia Park
In the old riverbed of Valencia you will find Turia Park. This park of no less than 7 kilometers long is the largest and especially the nicest park in Valencia. There is plenty to do in Turia Park. Read more about the activities in Turia Park here.
We recommend that you rent a bicycle and cycle through the park towards Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
9. Explore the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is literally translated the city of Art and Science. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències can be found in the Turia Park, located in the old river of Valencia.
This futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is perhaps the most popular attraction in Valencia. The modern architecture of this building complex contrasts sharply with the historic buildings in Valencia's old town.
There is plenty to do in Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Admire the special architecture, visit the Science Museum and you can even kayak here.
BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR CIUTAT DE LES ARTS I LES CIENCIES HERE.
Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 Valencia, Valencia
After a morning of walking or cycling through Turia Park and exploring Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències it is probably time to have lunch. Valencia is full of restaurants and so there are also many places in the area around Turia Park where you can eat well.
FOOD TIPS
Camp de Turia, a fresh restaurant serving Spanish dishes with an international touch.
Address: C/ del Camp de Túria, 6, 46015 València, Valencia
HUB Les Arts, simple dishes presented in a luxurious way.
Address: Carrer Blas Gámez Ortiz, 5, 46013 Valencia, Valencia
Kamado Asian Food, a funky restaurant with (you guessed it) Asian dishes.
Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 16, 46013 Valencia, Valencia
10. Fish watching at L'Oceanografic, Valencia
L'Oceanographic is definitely a unique place in Valencia. One thing is certain; this aquarium is unlike any other aquarium you will ever visit. From the dolphin show, to the underwater tunnels to the unique trails, everything is special in this animal park. A visit to an aquarium is probably not at the top of your must do list during a city trip to Valencia, but it is a nice change from the city.
The Aquarium of Valencia is not very big, so you have certainly seen it here within 3 to 4 hours.
BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR L'Oceanografic, Valencia HERE.
Address: C/ d'Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 Valencia, Valencia
11. Sunset in Valencia
The sun usually shines in Spain. And that also means lots of beautiful sunsets. So find a rooftop bar for the perfect end to your day and enjoy a snack and a drink as the sunset turns the city pink.
If you are still in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències area, the Rooftop Bar 270ºfrom hotel Barcelo a nice place.
From this rooftop bar you have a great view over Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Address: Av. de França, 11, 46023 Valencia, Valencia
Day 2, shopping and relaxing on the beach
On this third day of your Valencia city trip, the pace is a bit more relaxed. After a morning of shopping in the hipster district of Valencia, you can relax on the large sandy beach of Valencia.
12. Rufaza, the hipster neighborhood of Valencia
Rufaza is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Valencia. The atmosphere here is unique and it is therefore a popular neighborhood among Valencia's hipsters. You will also find nice vintage shops and other unique and creative shops here. Rufaza is therefore the ideal place for a morning of shopping.
Haven't had breakfast yet? No worries, in the district of Rufaza there are many trendy places for your morning cup of coffee or a nice breakfast.
BREAKFAST TIPS
Cafe ArtySana,a colorful place for a healthy breakfast
Address: Carrer de Dénia, 49, 46004 Valencia, Valencia
Milk and Butter, pancakes, French toast and much more goodies in this bar that you can only describe as cute.
Address: C/ del Pintor Salvador Abril, 3, Bajo, 46005 Valencia
Hoja la, a green, trendy place, where you can eat delicious food and also buy flowers on your way out.
Adreca: Carrer de Dénia, 6, 46004 Valencia, Valencia
13. Palau Marques de Dos Aguas, perhaps the most beautiful building in Valencia
Palau de Marques de Dos Aguas is a beautiful, historic building that you will find in the vicinity of the Rufasa district. In Palau de Marques de Dos Aguas you can visit the Ceramic Museum. According to many, Palau is the Marques de Dos Aguas and one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia due to its special facade and impressive interior.
14. Relaxing on the beach of Valencia
The fine sandy beach of Valencia is a little further from the center. From the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències it is about a 40 minute walk. But it is easier to take the metro to the beach, which stops almost directly on the beach.
Valencia has a very nice beach, a vast and white sand beach.
Next to the beach there is a nice boulevard with shops and many restaurants.
The beach of Valencia is therefore the perfect place for lunch.
Haven't eaten paella yet during your visit to Valencia? As far as we're concerned, you can eat the best paella in Valencia on this beach.
FOOD TIPS
La Pepica, an unsociable eating shed, but with the most delicious paella in Valencia.
Address: Passeig de Neptú, 6, BAJO;DUP 6-8, 46011 Valencia
Boo Beach, An hip, beachy vibe with beautiful dishes.
Address: Passig de Neptú, 62, 46011 Valencia, Valencia
Casa Carmela, a typical Spanish restaurant with authentic Spanish dishes.
Address: C/ d'Isabel de Villena, 155, 46011 Valencia, Valencia
15. End the day with a Horchata and a Flamenco show, real Valencia
We will close the last day of your Valencia city trip with typical Spanish traditions.
You cannot leave Valencia without having drunk the typical Valencian drink Horchata. Horchata is a drink made from the tuber chufa. This tuber can only be grown in soil with special characteristics. You can find this soil in Valencia and that is why this drink is also a typical Valencian drink. You can taste horchata in many places in Valencia, but according to many, the horchata is one of themHorchateria Santa Catalina the best horchata in town.
Do you want to end your Valencia city trip in a festive way? Then visiting a typical Spanish Flamenco show the perfect place for this. Usually these are dinner shows, where you can enjoy the show with a snack and a drink.
BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BEST FLAMENCO SHOW IN VALENCIA HERE.
Visit Valencia
Valencia is the ideal city for a city trip, because it has a large airport. Daily flights arrive at Valencia airport from various destinations.
The airport is of course a bit out of the city, so from the airport you can take a train or taxi to the center of Valencia.
You can certainly visit Valencia by car. Please note that parking in Valencia is not cheap. You should think of amounts between 20 and 30 euros per day. There are of course also parking spaces outside the center or on the street that are cheaper or free, but pay attention to safety.
Explore Valencia
Valencia is a compact city, which means that you can easily explore Valencia on foot. Only the beach is really outside the center, but there is a direct metro connection to the beach from the center.
Another fun way to explore the city is by bicycle. Valencia is a city where cycling is really easy to do, especially when you cycle through Turia Park. There are variousproviders where you can rent bicycles,
You really don't feel like walking right now. Then theHop On Hop Off bus a good alternative. This will take you past all the highlights, including the sights that are just outside the center. TheHop On Hop Off bus is a good way to explore Valencia in 1 or 2 days.
Best time to visit Valencia
The best time to visit Valencia is the months of April, May, June or September, October.
In the summer months it can often be too hot and the city is often busy with tourists visiting Valencia.
Nice hotels in Valencia
All Valencia articles