The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Valencia Itinerary

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by Brittany Scott-Gunfield


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Valencia is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain, with a rich history reflected across the architecture as well as many cultural events keeping the city alive day and night. Planning a 2 to 3 days in Valencia itinerary is an excellent way to experience all there is on offer here.

There is an abundance of things to do in the city and plenty more to eat and drink within the fantastic restaurants and bars lining seemingly every street. This guide will take you all over to experience the best the city has to offer.

How Many Days in Valencia?

As the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona respectively, it’s difficult to say exactly how many days to spend in Valencia.

While over 2 days, you can see the city centre’s historical buildings, eat some incredible food and experience the city’s nightlife, 3 days are ideal to do all of that, but at a comfortable pace so you can really get a sense of life in the city.

If you’re going for one of the many spectacular events, such as Las Fallas, you’ll definitely want 4 to 5 days in the city. This will ensure you can see the sights of the city as well as take the time to peruse the amazing works of art on display on every street corner.

Porta dels Serrans
Porta dels Serrans

Getting To & Around Valencia

Getting to Valencia is very easy, with bus companies Alsa and Flixbus able to take you from other cities in Spain (such as Madrid, Seville and Barcelona) and other European countries, and many different airlines serving Valencia airport. You can view bus schedules here.

Valencia airport is not too far outside of the city and is well connected to the centre via metro line 3 or 5 to Xàtiva, the closest stop to Valencia-Nord train station, or bus line 150 to Angel Guimerá, also very central.

It is, of course, easier to take a taxi or pre-booked transfer directly to your accommodation, and it’s only a 15 to 20-minute drive to the centre. You can fly to the airport from most major European cities, including London, Rome and Palma de Mallorca.

Valenciano is the main language of the city although they do of course also speak Castillian Spanish, and most signs are in both languages so it’s easy to navigate yourself around with public transport.

Valencia has three main train stations, Nord, Joaquín Sorolla and Cabanyal. Valencia Nord is the closest to the centre and has services to other towns and cities within the region, although Joaquín Sorolla is located just behind it, serving cities outside of the region. You can view train schedules here.

Valencia-Cabanyal is nearer to the beach, just 15 minutes on the train from Valencia Nord. It’s also possible to reach the Port of Valencia via public transport.

If you plan to use public transport a bit during your trip to Valencia (and you generally will if you’re following this itinerary), then it can be worth it to purchase the Valencia Tourist Card.

This includes unlimited access to the city’s transportation network along with access to a number of museums and historic sites – such as La Lonja de Seda and the Fallas Museum to name a few.

The train prices in Spain can vary greatly, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid very expensive fares, as they may have sold out of the cheaper tickets on the day of your planned journey.

If you’re only staying in Valencia for a few days, it’s not necessary to rent a car as the city has excellent public transportation, however, if you’re planning to spend a longer time around the Valencian region, a car is almost essential to reach some of the more rural attractions. You can browse car rental options here.

Port of Valencia
Port of Valencia

2 to 3-Day Valencia Itinerary

When you sit down to think about everything there is to see and do in Valencia, it can actually be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken the city down into areas and highlights, so you can make the most of your time in Valencia.

Day 1 – City Centre Highlights

Although Valencia is a big city, many of the great sights to see are very close to the city centre so if you’re seeing Valencia in 3 days, you can easily walk around them in your first day.

If you would like to learn more about the history of the city there are a number of tours available such as this walking tour, this bike tour and this hidden gems and tapas tour.

Town Hall

The city hall, or Ajuntament de Valencia, is a grand building located in a huge square in the city centre.

Situated in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, it was first built in the 18th century and refurbished in 1934, this great landmark gives its name to the large square to its front, which makes a great starting place to get your bearings in the city.

The square has various small flower markets, a beautiful fountain that’s lit up at night, and an ice rink in the centre, with bars, cafes and shops surrounding the square.

If you visit during the Fallas festival in March, this large square houses the largest of the sculptures made for the festival, and sees a daily huge firework display, mascleta, before the final big bonfire on the last day.

If you want to be close to the action though, you’ll have to arrive very early; crowds fill all of the neighbouring streets as everyone tries to get the best view.

Don’t be alarmed by small crackles as you walk through the streets of Valencia, even if it’s not Fallas, there are often children playing with firecrackers in the streets!

Valencia Town Hall
Valencia Town Hall

Central Market

A short walk up from the main square, you’ll arrive at a beautiful Art Deco marketplace. Constructed in 1928, the Mercat Central (Mercado Central in Castillian Spanish), is an absolute must on your trip, and not just for the architectural beauty.

The market is home to a little taste of Valencia, with small stands of fresh produce, as well as dried meats and cheeses, chocolates and liqueurs. Try the typical Valencian drink Orxata (horchata) with Fartons, and taste the free samples as you wander around the stalls.

You probably won’t want to carry shopping around on your day out, but come back here before you leave to pick up some Spanish chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage) and local spirit Flor d’Azahar to take a taste of Valencia home with you.

Visiting the Central Market is one of the best things to do in Valencia if you’re interested in learning a bit more about the regional cuisine and want to experience Spanish market culture as a whole.

Valencia Central Market
Valencia Central Market

Plaça de la Reina and Valencia Cathedral

Continuing through the old town, with beautiful historic buildings all around, such as the la Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange – a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you’ll arrive in another square, the Plaça de la Reina.

This small square is lined with cute cafes, bars and restaurants and can be a great place to stop by to people-watch while you enjoy a delicious meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the infamous ice cream shop Llinares is located on the edge of the square; here you can buy ice cream of many different flavours, from anchovy to smoked salmon, olives or chorizo. It sounds strange but I know you’re curious!

The main attraction in this quaint square, however, is the Seu de València, or Valencia Cathedral. This thirteenth-century cathedral is a striking building to look at due to its ornate facade, large bell tower and colosseum-esque outer wall, but more interestingly, it’s said to house the real Holy Grail.

Although there are already more than 200 claims in Europe alone that one place or another houses the real chalice that Jesus drank from at the last supper, Valencia Cathedral seems to have the most supported claim. But whether you’re religious or not, or believe in the legend of the Holy Grail or the biblical description, or none of the above, it’s impossible not to feel some reverence in its presence.

You can see it for yourself any day of the week for €9, which also grants you access to the Cathedral’s museum, or enter for free on Sundays. Access to the bell tower costs €2.50 but can be worth it for an upclose view of the city skyline. You can also book a guided tour of the cathedral.

Just behind the cathedral, you can also enjoy the smaller and delightful Plaça de la Verge (Plaza de la Virgen in Castillian Spanish), which is another lovely square in the Valencia city centre.

Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral

Porta dels Serrans and El Carmen

Moving on from the Cathedral towards the north of the city, you’ll walk through some very attractive city streets with independent shops and cafes until you reach the main old city gate, Porta dels Serrans.

Built at the end of the 1300s, this gothic structure still stands strong in Valencia today, despite the city wall being knocked down in the 1800s.

Used as a prison before being converted to a safe place to store art during the Spanish Civil War, the gates have a rich history, making them an integral part of your Valencia itinerary.

The city gate is also at the edge of one of the most beautiful districts in Valencia: El Carmen. Stumble across more historic buildings and spot some spectacular street art as you walk through the streets, especially down Carrer de la Beneficència.

As you wander, keep an eye out for the strangely adorable House of Cats. It’s a two-foot tall facade of a house, complete with miniature plaque, fountain and garden, built onto a wall with a stone cat perched on top, located on Calle del Museu.

Exploring El Carmen
Exploring El Carmen

Eating in Valencia

Since Valencia is so full of life, there are great places to eat in every part of the city, and Valencian cuisine is quite something.

You can’t spend any amount of time in Valencia without trying the paella Valenciana (you can even take a paella cooking class), a dish of rural origin, complete with chicken, rabbit and snails (although the latter is less common these days), or the simple breakfast or side dish pan con tomate y alioli.

Arroz negro (black rice), a kind of seafood paella, tarmac-black due to the squid ink, is another coastal Spanish favourite, and of course, you have to have a taste of the classic patatas bravas. You can go on a food tour if you want to experience some of these dishes with a guide.

If, like me, you like to try the local beers, Mahou and Alhambra are Spanish classics, but while you’re in Valencia, you’ve got to try the local Turia!

Day 2 – Parks, Museums and the City of Arts & Sciences

Your second day in Valencia is the perfect time to explore the outer city. With museums, parks and trendy neighbourhoods, Valencia still has so much to offer.

Jardí del Túria and Gulliver Park

What better way to start your day than with a walk through the incredible Túria Park?

Located in a former riverbed that surrounds the northern part of the city, the park is full of life; you can see football matches, yoga classes, a music hall and many people looking to make their commutes prettier, as you walk through the orange trees and flowerbeds. You can also rent bicycles, tandems, segues and quadricycles for a faster route through greenery.

As you reach the end of the park, you’ll come across an unusual sight: the Gulliver Park. The Gulliver Park is a 70-metre figure of the character lying on the ground that has been designed as a play area.

Slide down his long legs, climb up his outstretched arms and play under his hair, this is a great activity for children and can be equally fun for adults too.

Turia Gardens
Turia Gardens

Fallas Museum

Just 500m from Gulliver, is the Museu de Faller. Home to a huge collection of sculptures created for the annual Fallas festival, if you’re visiting Valencia outside of March, you should definitely check out this museum to get an idea of the joint creativity and lunacy that the festival is known for.

Each year since 1934, all the sculptures except two are thrown on a huge bonfire in the main square on the last day, and the survivors are kept on display in the museum.

City of Arts and Sciences

Even if you’re just spending 2 days in Valencia, you cannot leave the city without planning to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, and luckily for us, it’s located just at the end of Túria Park.

This modern complex houses the incredible Queen Sofia Palace of Arts – a performing arts centre and opera house – along with the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe and a massive aquarium.

Entry to the museum and aquarium can be pricey, although both have extraordinary contents, so if you’re visiting Valencia on a budget, it’s not necessary to enter the museum, but you can simply walk around the grounds instead.

It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Valencia and is magnificent to see in person and walk around, admiring the brilliant white architecture – and have your photo taken next to the big VALENCIA letters.

You should also visit the Umbracle onsite. Meaning an area shaded by nature, this small structure is like a cross between a greenhouse and a ribcage, with plenty of greenery bursting out and opportunities for some amazing photos, with the linear structure framing the intriguing shapes of the flora.

Those who want to see this area with a guide, consider this tour with wine and tapas.

City of Arts and Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences

Ruzafa

If you’ve had enough walking for one day, head back to the central area of Eixample via tram or bus and stroll down to the trendy neighbourhood of Ruzafa – or walk for around 20 minutes directly from the City of Arts and Sciences.

Ruzafa is a really fun area of Valencia, with quaint streets of independent shops, a market, street corners bustling with diners and drinkers and an overall great atmosphere.

Make sure you walk down Calle de Cuba, as it has many colourful buildings along the street, an homage to the character of the Caribbean country.

On this street, you can also find my favourite shop in Valencia, Gnomo. It’s an independent art shop, with hundreds of amazing, creative knick-knacks that you never knew you needed.

Not far off is Ubik cafe, a bookshop-cum-resturant-bar-cafe, that’s definitely worth a visit too. You can enjoy from a choice of several local artisanal beers, or perhaps a vermouth, while picking up a book from their huge collection.

There is an English-speaking section, or you can find something that suits your level of Spanish (or Valencian!). You can also eat here, although Ruzafa is full of amazing restaurants, so it’s worth having a wander and see what takes your fancy.

After eating, you can finish up with a carajillo, stay for an agua de Valencia in one of the many bars, such as Cafe Berlin, or if you’re looking for a party, you can head down to la playa (the beach) to visit Valencia’s famous Marina Beach club and party into the night with views of the Mediterranean. They have great guest DJs and drinks but be prepared for long entrance queues.

Day 3 – Day Trip or Beach Day

While the city of Valencia itself still has numerous other activities to offer within the city, if you’ve got 3 days in Valencia, it can be a good chance to get out of the city and see something different. These are just a few suggestions for great day trips from Valencia:

Sagunto

A great day trip you can do from Valencia without the need of a car, is visiting the town of Sagunto. Just 30 minutes and a few euros on the train from Valencia Nord, this wonderfully old town has plenty to see in a day.

The town has a long history, beginning way beyond the year 0, and many of its old monuments remain. Sagunto castle sits on top of a hill, visible as you arrive into the train station, and still has many of its Roman ramparts.

It’s next to a Roman amphitheatre which has been restored and still hosts some events. Walking around the town you can see other very old churches and buildings, as well as the narrow streets of the old Jewish Quarter.

After your visit, head down to the Port of Sagunto for a paella valenciana, or take the train back to Valencia-Cabanyal, and walk a further 20 minutes to one of the best fish restaurants in Valencia: La Lonja del Pescado which overlooks the lovely Playa de la Malvarrosa.

It may not look like much from the outside, and even the inside is simple, but the fish is fresh, a very good price, cooked wonderfully and served with a smile.

Citadel of Sagunto
Citadel of Sagunto

Beach day at El Cabanyal

Valencia also has a great beach known as El Cabanyal, which is very easy to get to via metro to Passeig Marítim – Séquia de la Cadena. There are also several small shops around the beach with everything you need for a beach day, but bear in mind that they close on Sundays, except for the Día.

Coves de Sant Josep & Fanzara

If you have a rental car, you can drive around 40 minutes north to have a boat trip on the amazing underground river in the Coves de Sant Josep, or 1 hour towards Castellón to the small but incredible village of Fanzara. It is also possible to organise a guided tour.

It’s a popular attraction thanks to all the incredible murals lining the outer walls of the homes in this quaint village, which are updated and added to in an annual street art festival.

Benicassim

Benicassim is also only approximately an hour and a half driving or by train from Valencia, a small seaside town with a fantastic beach, bars and restaurants and regular festivals through the summer. Rock out at FIB or dance your worries away at Reggaeton Beach Festival if you want to spend some time in Spain full of music, sun and sea.

Benicassim
Benicassim

Where to Stay in Valencia

Cosmo Hotel Boutique – This quaint boutique hotel is a great choice for mid-range visitors to Valencia. Centrally located, they have a handful of comfortable and romantic rooms available, and have a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Vincci Lys – Luxury travellers will love this opulent hotel located in the heart of Valencia. They have a number of plush rooms to choose from, a location perfect for seeing all the city has to offer, breakfast each morning and plenty of other amenities to enjoy.

Macflats Ayuntamiento – If you prefer to have self-catering facilities, this aparthotel in the heart of Valencia has a range of apartments on offer suitable for families and smaller groups.

Home Youth Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this cool hostel located in Valencia’s old town. They offer both dorms and private rooms, have great communal areas and they even organise some social events for guests to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Valencia hotels!

Seeing all of Valencia in 2 days is virtually impossible, but it’s a great place for a city break thanks to the history, culture, weather, and of course, the food and drink. Fortunately, thanks to its excellent transport connections, it’s very easy to come back!

Are you planning a trip to Valencia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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