Three days in Valencia give you Gothic stone, futuristic architecture and the Mediterranean. This itinerary follows the city’s natural route: the old town, the green ribbon of the Turia and the sea.
Before you go
Book the Oceanogràfic online if you plan to visit, and check the dates of the Fallas (mid-March) – amazing, but the city is packed. On Thursdays at noon, don’t miss the Water Tribunal at the Cathedral.
Day 1: the old town
- Morning: the Cathedral and a climb up the Micalet, then the Plaza de la Virgen.
- Midday: the Gothic Lonja de la Seda and the Central Market opposite, for tapas at a stall.
- Afternoon: wander the lanes and street art of the Barrio del Carmen to the Torres de Serranos, and climb up for the view.
- Evening: dinner in the old town, then a drink on a terrace.
Tours and activities in Valencia
Day 2: the Turia Gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences
- Morning: rent a bike and ride along the Turia Gardens, past the old bridges and the Gulliver playground.
- Midday: lunch near the end of the park.
- Afternoon: the City of Arts and Sciences – the Science Museum or the Oceanogràfic.
- Evening: stay for the lights on the buildings and the pools at dusk.
Day 3: the beach and paella
- Morning: the tram to Las Arenas and the Malvarrosa, and a walk through the old fishermen’s quarter of El Cabanyal, with its tiled façades.
- Midday: a real paella valenciana by the sea – it is a lunchtime dish here.
- Afternoon: a lazy beach afternoon or a walk along the promenade to the port.
- Evening: dinner and drinks in Ruzafa, the city’s liveliest district.
Tips
- Eat late: lunch around 2 pm, dinner from 9 pm.
- Try horchata with fartons in the afternoon – read our food guide.
- Have an extra day? See our day trips from Valencia.
Still choosing a base? Read where to stay in Valencia and our picks of the 5 best hotels in Valencia.
