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After a few months of travel in Latin America, I was so excited to be back in Barcelona for a month, which gave me enough time to plan a week-long trip somewhere else in Spain where I could easily get to by a short train ride. The first time I visited Valencia was when I was in college and had a girls' trip in Costa Dorada, and on a whim decided to get on a train and head to Valencia to spend 10 hours there. As we were harshly limited by train departure times, we had to do a speed run and visit as many places as we could. We, of course, did a bad job and didn't see much, due to lack of planning and, honestly, we just had no idea even how to find out where to go. This time I wanted to do a better job and researched it properly, so I'd know how to spend my time in Valencia and to go to places that are worth seeing!
Staying connected in Spain
This time was basically my first time in Valencia, and here's exactly how I spent my 3 days there, which I think was a perfect itinerary that I wouldn't change:
- •Day 1: Ciutat Vella (Old Town), El Carmen
- •Day 2: Ruzafa, Turia Gardens, Quatre Carreres
- •Day 3: El Cabanyal, La Malvarrosa, Albufera
Day 1: Old Town, Central Market & Gothic Architecture
Morning: Central Market (Mercat Central) & Historic Sights
Highlights:
- •Central Market
- •La Lonja de la Seda
- •Central Cathedral
- •Horchatería Santa Catalina
Start your 3 days in Valencia itinerary in the heart of the historic center (Ciutat Vella). I strongly recommend visiting Mercat Central, one of Europe's largest indoor fresh food markets housed in stunning Modernist architecture. But under one condition: you have to go in the morning, once they have just opened. Timing is all that matters; otherwise you'll have a terrible experience walking in the crowds. If you managed to be there right after you wake up, grab a seat at Central Bar and order some Michelin-quality tapas made from fresh-source products right from Europe's largest fresh produce hub. Central Bar is a tapas bar owned by Ricard Camarena, one of Spain's most respected contemporary chefs. He holds two Michelin Stars and a Green Michelin Star for his nearby flagship establishment, Ricard Camarena Restaurant. I ordered {insert later}
Recommended time to visit: Weekdays, early in the morning to avoid lines. I wouldn't recommend visiting on the weekends. I ended up arriving on the weekend and couldn't get a spot at the bar, so I decided to stroll around and enjoy the market architecture and gain some appetite. I found a place right in the square where I got a table at Gran Mercat and had my tapas and café con leche in comfort.
Afterwards, grab fresh orange juice made with local Valencian oranges and sample artisan jamón. When I travel, I love to look a little deeper and learn a bit of history. I usually read a book or two on the area I'm traveling to, to get more cultural and historical context, and Valencia was no exception. Sharing with you my exact steps to get the best immersion while you're wandering around Valencia landmarks.
Just across the plaza, stroll down to La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 15th-century Gothic architecture. During that time, Valencia secured its dominance and served as an important trading port, particularly for high-quality silk.
What There Is to See at La Lonja de La Seda
The Trading Hall (Sala de Contratación)
- •Walk around eight spectacular twisted columns that shoot up from the floor like massive palm trees
- •Find golden Latin inscriptions in gold lettering high up on the frieze, running along all four walls. They remind merchants to trade honestly, stating that those who don't charge interest or deceive will gain eternal life
The Pavilion of the Sea Consulate (Consulado del Mar)
- •Look straight up to see a dark, intricately carved wooden ceiling plated with gold paint, which has been rescued and brought from Old City Hall.
- •Spot a massive original wooden seat where judges resolved maritime disputes and contract arguments.
Orange Tree Courtyard (my favourite part)
- •A serene, open-air garden filled with aromatic orange trees, stone fountains and carved benches.
- •A perfect place to just sit there for a moment and look at Gothic facade details and gargoyles surrounding the inner walls.
Walk to Valencia Cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen, home to what many historians recognize as the official Holy Grail. Climb the Miguelete Bell Tower for 360-degree panoramic views across the tiled rooftops of the city.
For art lovers, walk 10 minutes north to the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museo de Bellas Artes), housing works by Goya, Velázquez, and Sorolla.
Evening: Tapas Crawl in El Carmen
Spend your evening wandering through El Carmen's winding cobblestone alleys. Sample local dishes like Esgarraet (cured cod with roasted red peppers) and drink a glass of Agua de Valencia (cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka) — be careful with this drink, it only feels like a fresh juice, but it's quite strong, and on top of that it's served in a 0.5L pitcher, so pace yourself! I had to drink it alone and, well, I had to reconsider cycling back home and took an Uber instead.
My favourite tapas places in El Carmen (I recommend booking but they sometimes have a seat for 1 at the bar):
Day 2: Exploring the City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a postcard-looking architectural highlight that absolutely can't be missed. Designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, it's Valencia's landmark complex.
But you should definitely know some insider tips on how to actually visit it: in which order to visit the buildings, and what to actually skip. As the whole visit might take you up to a full 6 hours, and during your 3-day stay, I would save some time for other things.
Here's the best way to do it:
- •Get tickets in advance via their official website, or if those are sold out, you can get them via GetYourGuide (with free cancellation)
- •Visit only Oceanogràfic — it has the most spectacular things out of all buildings: Europe's longest underwater tunnel (70 meters), where sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and bull rays glide directly over your head.
- •Science Museum (Museu de les Ciències) could easily be skipped — it's mostly geared for children, and some displays lack English translation. It's pretty astonishing for such a central city highlight to have such a sad condition, but it is what it is! Same goes for Hemisfèric (mostly dated movies for children) — if you really want to see a movie, it's better to see a new premiere in IMAX with popcorn.
- •Arrive at City of Arts and spend 20 minutes just walking around the area. Walk along elevated pedestrian alleys framed with shallow reflection pools and crisp white concrete — every structure reminded me of some organic life (an eye, a skeleton, a water lily, a helmet), standing in sharp contrast to rigid, boxy modern architecture.
Browse Valencia experiences
Day 3: Coastal Charm — El Cabanyal Beach & Albufera Sunset
Morning: Maritime District & El Cabanyal
Explore El Cabanyal, the historic fisherman's quarter known for its colorful tiled Modernista facades. Stroll down Playa de la Malvarrosa and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Afternoon & Evening: Sunset Cruise or Lake Albufera
Conclude your trip with a romantic excursion out on the water.
Top-rated experience
Getting Around Valencia: Public Transport & Travel Tips
Navigating Valencia is straightforward thanks to its flat terrain and compact layout.
Public Transit Options
MetroValencia: Efficient metro connecting the airport (Lines 3 & 5) directly to the city center (Xàtiva or Carrer de Colón) in 20 minutes.
EMT Buses: Extensive bus coverage connecting Old Town to the beach districts.
Valenbisi (Bike Sharing): Valencia features over 160 km of dedicated bike lanes, making cycling through the Turia Gardens one of the best ways to get around. I got a weekly pass for Valenbisi for only €13 and was getting around mostly by bike, since it's fast and very convenient — you're not dependent on traffic, and it's pretty cheap.
Taxi is on the pricier side here; for a 10-minute ride, I paid €10–15, which, compared to the bike price, the bike wins!
Top Day Trips from Valencia for Extra Days
If you have a 4th or 5th day in Valencia, consider these top-rated day excursions:
1. Cuevas de San José (Subterranean River Boat Tour) — 4h
Explore Europe's longest navigable underground river in Vall d'Uixó.
Pro tip
2. Montanejos Thermal Springs — 8h
Swim in natural 25°C (77°F) thermal waters surrounded by limestone canyons.
Travel note
3. Albufera Natural Park — 4h
The birthplace of authentic Paella! Take a traditional wooden boat ride across Lake Albufera and dine in the village of El Palmar.