Valencia getaway

3 Days City Trip Valencia

An unforgettable experience

Valencia, the hidden gem of Spain, invites you to a magical experience full of culture, gastronomy, and vibrant history.

Book a City Trip Valencia!

In Valencia, modern artworks by Calatrava in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies seamlessly blend with charming, ancient architecture. Lose yourself in the colorful Mercado Central, an explosion of taste, aroma, and energy. Delight your senses with an authentic paella, locally brewed horchata, or refreshing agua de Valencia.

Stroll through the Turia Gardens, a lush green landscape that was once a riverbed transformed into an urban paradise. Look up at the breathtaking Las Torres de Serranos or the futuristic shapes of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies.

Wrap up your trip with a walk along the stunning Mediterranean coastline as the sun sets.

In Valencia, you'll find the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. The city is a vibrant celebration for all senses, waiting for you to discover its beauty.

Start planning your trip today and let Valencia surprise you!

3 days City Trip Valencia

Rent a Bike

First of all you rent bicycles for the period of your stay in Valencia. What else?

Valencia has 300 days of sunshine a year. So we are not familiar with the typical Northern European problem that it can always rain at least once in a day.

Certainly on day 2 of this city trip, the bike is indispensable: a super nice bike ride through the Turia.

Arrange your bike right here!

Valencia Tourist Card

Very handy and you save a lot of money right away!

Travel for free on city buses, metros, trams and suburban trains, get free entry to municipal museums and monuments, and enjoy special discounts at Valencia's main tourist attractions with the Valencia Tourist Card.

Choose from 24, 48 or 72 hour cards, depending on your travel plans. Enjoy traveling on city and metropolitan buses, suburban trains and metro and tram zones AB, including the Valencia-Airport-Valencia (L3, L5) route.

Discover the city with free entry to municipal museums and monuments, such as the Lonja de Seda, also known as the Silk Exchange, the Serranos and Quart Towers, the Fallas Museum, the Almoina, and much more.

Enjoy discounts at major attractions in the city, including 10% off Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, 10% off Oceanogràfic, 12% off Bus Turístico, 50% off Marqués de dos Aguas, 10% off at the Cathedral and up to 20% off your tour.

Entrance Tickets for Day 2

On day 2 you will visit City of Arts and Sciences. A lot to see and to visit there!

Prepare well for your 3-day city trip to Valencia. Avoid queuing up to buy tickets.
Below you can simply order them from home and how not to worry.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

OK. We also find the Hop On Hop Off Bus somewhat touristy, but admittedly: you do see all the important things of the city in a very short period of time!

See the sights of Valencia at your own pace. With 24 and 48 hour ticket options, the hop-on hop-off concept means you can get off at the locations that most appeal to you, simply hopping on the next bus when you're ready.

There are 17 stops throughout the city where you can hop on and off as many times as you like. The real-time audio guide is available in English, French and German, among others.

The 1st day

On the 1st day in Valencia you will explore the old town (Ciudad Vella). You can do all that on foot, because everything is within walking distance and most of the center is car-free. The rest of the city center is largely car-free and is only accessible with a permit.

Valencian delights

Along the way you can enjoy numerous ‘Valencian delights'. You can enjoy the following local specialties:

6 – Mercado Central
Treat yourself to all kinds of delicacies that you can buy here. For example, a ‘bocadillo con jámon' (sandwich with raw ham) is not to be missed!

9 – Horchateria Santa Catalina
Try a horchata with fartons.

14 – Café de las Horras
This is usually very busy, but if you get a chance to sit down, order agua de Valencia.

20 – Plaza del Tossal
In the evening you can go to or around Plaza del Tossal for a delicious Spanish dinner.

Enjoy wandering through the nice streets of Barrio El Carmen during the evening. Enjoy the street art and settle down on a lovely terrace.

End your first day in Valencia. Tomorrow is a new day!

Below the map you will find an explanation of the numbers with Google Maps directions.

Click on the sequence number to get Google Maps directions.

1	Plaza de Ayuntamiento
2	Ayuntamiento de Valencia
3	Edificio de Correos y Telégrafos
4	Estació del Nord
5	Plaza del Toros
6	Mercado Central —> Local delights
7	La Llotja de la Seda
8	Iglesia y torre de Santa Catalina
9	Horchateria Santa Catalina —> Try Horchata with fartons
10	Plaza de la Reina
11	Catedral de Santa María de Valencia
12	Plaza de la Virgen
13	Basilica de la Virgen
14	Museo de la Almoina
15	Café de las Horras —> Enjoy Agua de Valencia
16	Las Torres de Serranos
17	Plaza del Carmen
18	Centre del Carme Cultura Contermporánia
19	Casa de los Gatos
20	Plaza del Tossal —> Your well-deserved Spanish dinner
21	Barrio El Carmen (the blue shaded area)

Plaza de Ayuntamiento

Central and iconic square The Plaza de Ayuntamiento in Valencia, Spain, is a central and iconic square that holds significant historical, cultural, and architectural value.Plaza de Ayuntamiento has been a focal point in Valencia's history for centuries. It has witnessed numerous important events and serves as the city's administrative center. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings that showcase a range of architectural styles, including neoclassical and modernist designs. The Ayuntamiento (City Hall) itself is ...

Ayuntamiento de Valencia

Discover the Heart of Valencia: the City Hall The City Hall of Valencia is a beautiful and historic building that is home to the city's government and a variety of cultural institutions. It is a popular tourist destination, and its clock tower is a landmark of the city. Dating back to the 14th century, this iconic landmark has witnessed the city's evolution through the ages.The building's facade is made of Valencian limestone and features a ...

Edificio de Correos y Telégrafos

Plaza de Ajuntamento X Go to Google Maps Accomodations nearby Ayuntamiento de Valencia

Estació del Nord

North Train Station: A Valencian Treasure Estació del Nord is a stunning modernist train station in Valencia, built in 1917. It is a masterpiece of Secessionist architecture, with a façade that is awash in colorful mosaics and ceramic tiles. The interior is just as impressive, with a soaring iron nave and a grand vestibule that is decorated with wrought iron, mosaics, and stained glass. Estació del Nord is more than just a beautiful building. It ...

Top 10 best hotels in the Downtown of Valencia

Mercado Central

Mercado Central The building is considered on of the masterpieces of Valencian modernism. It was built from 1914 to 1928. The architects of the building were trained at the Barcelona School of Architecture. It was rehabilitated and restored in 2004. The market has around 1200 stalls selling food such as fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, meats and Jamón, both for domestic consumption and to supply restaurants in Valencia, with which it is crownd as the largest ...

La Llotja de la Seda

La Llotja de la Seda The building was home of the Silk Exchange of House of Merchants, a chapel and the Sea Consulate of Valencia. It is an emblematic building of the Valencian Golden Age (15th century) and represents the commercial revolution during the late Middle Ages, the social development and prestige achieved by the Valencian burgeoisie. The building is a symbol of the power of the city to attract merchants in difficult times caused ...

Plaza de Toros de Valencia

A Neoclassical Masterpiece Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Valencia? Then look no further than Plaza de Toros de Valencia, one of the most iconic bullrings in Spain. Built in the Neoclassical style, this stunning bullring is inspired by the Colosseum in Rome and the Arena of Nîmes. It is a work of art in its own right, with its four levels of porticoes and its 52-meter-diameter arena. Plaza de Toros ...

Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina

A timeless gem Prepare to be enchanted by the extraordinary blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture that adorns the church and tower. With its stunning façade adorned with intricate carvings and delicate stonework, Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina stands as a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of its creators.Find tranquility and peace amidst the bustling city as you enter the serene interiors of the church. Fantastic view point As you ascend the spiraling staircase ...

Barrio El Carmen

Valencia getaway Barrio El Carmen A curated experience in and around Valencia Barrio El Carmen El Carmen is on of the six neighborhoods of the Ciudad Vella district, which is the historical center of Valencia. It is an ancient neighborhood which grew between two walls: the Muslim one (11th century), limited it on the east and the new Christian wall (14th century) protected it from the west. The Barrio El Carmen received its name fromt ...

Plaza de la Reina

The Kilometer Zero of Valencia Plaza de la Reina is the Kilometre Zero of Valencia, which means that all distances in Valencia are measured from this point.It has a rich history dating back to Roman times, has been an essential part of Valencia's urban landscape for centuries and has witnessed numerous historical events. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings and landmarks, including the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, which dominates the skyline. The ...

Catedral de Santa María de Valencia

The Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, popularly called “La Seu” is located right in the heart of the city, in Plaza de la Reina. On this place there was a temple dedicated to Jupiter or Diana in the Roman times. On this temple the cathedral was erected, during the Visigothic era. With the Arab conquest, it bacame the headquaters of the Balansiya Mosque, until the 13th century (the Reconquest) when it became a Christian ...

Horchatería de Santa Catalina

Horchata – the Valencian invention The Horchatería de Santa Catalina is a traditional Valencian horchatería located in the heart of the Barrio del Carmen, next to the Church of Santa Catalina. It is one of the oldest horchaterías in Valencia, with a history dating back to the early 19th century.The horchatería was founded in 1830 by Vicente Gargallo, who was a native of Manises, a town in Valencia known for its ceramics. Gargallo used the ...

Plaza de la Virgen

Square that meets the crossroads towards Madrid and Barcelona Plaza de la Virgen is a beautiful and historically significant square located in the heart of Valencia. It is one of the oldest squares in Valencia, with a history dating back to Roman times. It has been a central gathering place for centuries and features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque, reflecting the city's rich history. The square is named after the ...

Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

The Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, is a prominent religious monument in the city of Valencia. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, who is a beloved figure among Valencians. The local legend According to local legend, in the year 1409, a group of people found a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus in a ...

Museo de la Almoina

La Almoina Archaeological Museum is a unique and fascinating museum located in the heart of Valencia, a great place to learn about the history of the city. The museum is housed in a former Roman forum and baths, and it contains a wide variety of archaeological finds from the city's history, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Unearthed during the construction of an underground parking, this hidden gem revealed the city's rich past, spanning over ...

Horchata with fartons

Horchatería de Santa CatalinaAddress: Plaza Santa Catalina, 6, 46001 Valencia, Spain Horchatería El SigloAddress: Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 6, 46002 Valencia, Spain Horchatería DanielAddress: Carrer de la Pascuala Peris, 4, 46120 Alboraia, Valencia, Spain Horchatería VidaAddress: Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 86, 46002 Valencia, Spain Traditional drink from Alboraya Horchata is a refreshing and creamy beverage with a nutty flavor made from chufa nuts, also known as tiger nuts, sugar, and water. It is ...

Café de las Horas

The WOW-factor of the Ciudad Vella The café is located in a 19th-century building in the heart of Valencia, next to the Plaza de la Virgen. A famous and very popular café to have Agua de Valencia, a rich breakfast, lunch or a drink before dinner.The interior combines the classic turn-of-the-century Literary Café, the Parisian Café, the English Tea Room, and the American Coctail Bar. It has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere within its extravagant neo-baroque ...

Agua de Valencia

The iconic coctail of Valencia The history of Agua de Valencia is a bit of a legend, but the most commonly accepted story is that it was invented in 1959 by Constante Gil, the owner of the Café Madrid in Valencia. A group of Basque travelers who were regulars at the bar were bored of drinking the usual “agua de Bilbao,” which is a sparkling wine from the Basque Country. They challenged Gil to create ...

Las Torres de Serranos

Las Torres de Serranos is one of the two fortified gates of the medieval wall of Valencia that still remained out of the 12 original gates. The juries of Valencia entrusted the construction of the towers to the master Pere Balaguer, who was inspired by other Gothic gates with poligonal towers. The works began on April 6, 1392 and finished on 19 March, 1398. Its main use for a long time was to serve as ...

Plaza del Carmen

Plaza del Carmen The plaza is named after the Carmen Calzado church and convent, which was built in the 17th century. Later the convent gave the name to the whole neighborhood, El Carmen. The square is located in the Barrio del Carmen, one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Valencia. The square is located in the heart of the old town, just a short walk from the Central Market and the Cathedral of ...

Centre del Carme Cultura Contermporánia (CCCC)

The converted monastery The Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporánia (CCCC) is an old convent rehabilitated for cultural use. Its aim to host a wide spectrum of contemporary art. The building is made up of several parts such as the medieval chapel, the Valencian Gothic cloister, the Renaissance cloister and the new church, today the parish church of Santa Cruz, a baroque facade and bell tower and many other. In the first half of the 19th century ...

Casa de los Gatos

A miniature house The Casa los Gatos is a miniature house that serves as a home for the cats of the streets of El Carmen. It is located right opposite to the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporánea (CCCC) museum. The sculptor and craftman, Alfonso Yuste Navarro created it in 2003. Next to the Gate, the tile on the wall shows the water level of the flood in 1957 and another shows where the water level will ...

Plaza del Tossal

In the heart of El Carmen Plaza del Tossal is a lively and charming square located in the historic center of Valencia.It is surrounded by historic buildings and cobbled streets, which provide a glimpse into Valencia's rich past. The architecture and atmosphere give visitors a sense of the city's history and cultural heritage. The square is a favorite gathering spot for locals, especially in the evenings when the area comes alive with people enjoying drinks, ...

The 2nd day

On this 2nd day of your city trip to Valencia you will visit the modern architecture of the ‘City of Arts and Sciences'. But before that, have breakfast at Mercado Colón, without a doubt one of the most beautiful Mercados in the city. Then you cycle through Jardín del Turia. A special feeling, because you cycle on the bed of a river that in 1957 flooded the entire city by 1 to 1,5 metre.

When you arrive at the ‘City of Arts and Sciences' you can start to marvel at the beautiful architecture.
Have fun today. You'll be busy from now on!

After the visit to ‘City of Arts and Sciences', go to Malvarossa Beach and enjoy a beautiful sea view in the evening!

Alternatively, you can of course also choose to go back to the Old City, the ‘Ciudad Vella'.

Visits

Prepare well for your 3-day city trip to Valencia. Avoid queuing up to buy tickets.
Below you can simply order them from home and how not to worry.

Below the map you will find an explanation of the numbers with Google Maps directions.

Click on the sequence number to get Google Maps directions.

1	Mercado Colón —> Have a nice breakfast here
2	Jardín del Turia (the blue shaded area)
3	L'Oceanográfic —> Pay a visit
4	Museu de les Ciéncies Príncipe Felipe —> Pay a visit
5	Boating at the City of Arts and Sciences
6	Palau de Les Arts —> Pay a visit
7	L'Hemisféric —> Pay a visit
8	L'Umbracle
9	L'Ágora
10	Malvarossa Beach —> Have a nice meal at the beach or alternatively you can go to the Old Town ‘Ciudad Vella'

Mercado de Colón

Excellent food hall and meeting point Mercado de Colón is a stunning example of Valencian Modernism, and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Originally a market, it was converted into a food hall and leisure complex in the early 2000s. Today, it is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a number of cultural events. The building was built between 1914 – 1916. It is one ...

Malvarrosa Beach

A long and sandy beach Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Valencia, Spain. It is a long, sandy beach with calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is also lined with palm trees and a promenade, making it a great place to stroll, people-watch, or have a picnic. It is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months. Here ...

Bike tour at the Túria Gardens

Discover the 20 km of biking pathway! It's a great way to see the city. The Turia Gardens are located in the heart of Valencia, and they offer a unique perspective on the city's most famous landmarks. If you're looking for a fun, informative, and active way to see Valencia, then a bike tour in the Turia Gardens is definitely worth considering. The best way to know the Turia Gardens is to rent a bike ...

L'Oceanográfic

L'Oceanográfic de Valencia is one of the most famous complex of the city, the largest in its type in Europe, where different marine habitats (seas and oceans) are represented in an area of about 110,000 sqm, using 42 million liters of water. The salty water is pumped from the Malvarrosa beach. It is located in the dry Turia River bed converted into a beautiful park, integrated into the City of Arts and Sciences. It was ...

Museu de les Ciéncies Príncipe Felipe

The museum is dedicated to science, technology and the environment, located in the City of Arts and Sciences. Opened to the public in 2000. It has a total of 26,000 sqm of exhibitions, both temporary and permanent exhibitions. It also has classrooms and terraces, indoors and outdoors, which are used for educational workshops and activities. It is also a venue for various social and cultural events in the city. It has a view on the ...

Boating in the City of Arts and Sciences

Boating in the City of Art and Sciences There is a possibility to rent out different type of boats, kayaks, water bikes or electric sups in order to enjoy the boating experience on the small lakes around the Hemispheric in the heart of the City of Art and Sciences. The rental company that you can find under the L'Umbracle Gardens offers a variety of bikes and boats to rent, including city bikes, mountain bikes, tandem ...

Palau de Les Arts

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is an opera house, performing arts center, and urban landmark that became highly symbolic, designed by the Valencian architect, Santiago Calatrava. It opened by Queen Sofía of Spain in 2005, its first opera staging was Beethoven's Fidelio in 2006. Plácido Domingo, the famous tenor has a special relationship with the opera house, he established a young singers training program there. Floating structure Calatrava used concrete, wood and ceramic ...

Make a Memorable Selfie

A Perfect Selfie Point The City of Arts and Sciences is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Taking a selfie at the Valencia sign is a great way to commemorate your visit to this iconic place. The sign is located in a beautiful setting, with the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences as a backdrop. This makes for a truly stunning selfie that ...

L'Hemisféric

L'Hemisféric was the first building open to the public in the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciéncies) in 1998. The building was designed by the iconic Valencian architect, Santiago Calatrava that represents a human eye. It symbolises the observation of the world that visitors can discover by audiovisual projections. The eye of wisdom The L'Hemisféric has an ovoid roof 100 meters long that contains the large sphere which is ...

Jardín del Turia

The Jardín del Turia is a public urban park located in the old bed of the Turia river, its length is around 10 km. It was founded in 1986, decades after the great flood (1957). In the 1960s the City Council planned the construction of motorways that would connect the port with the airport. After a citizen movement that protested against this plan, it turned towards into a place of leisure and nature for citizens.The ...

L'Umbracle

The L'Umbracle is part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia. It was opened in 2001. An open structure enveloping a landscaped walk with plant species indigenous to Valencia (among others rosemary, lavender, bougainvillea and palm trees). It has an outdoor gallery with sculptures by contemporary artists. Arches and palm trees It was designed as an entrance to the City of Arts and Sciences. It is 320 m long and 60 m ...

L'Ágora

The L'Agora is a large covered square designed by Santiago Calatrava, located between the City or Arts and Sciences and the L'Oceanográfic. The L'Agora was officially inagurated in 2009 to host the Valencia Open 500 ATP tennis tournament. The tournament is ended up in 2015, the Cloud 9 studio made the redesign directed by a Catalan architect, Enric Ruiz-Geli in 2018. He redesigned the building to hold a variety of events such as concerts, performances, ...

The 3nd day

The 3rd and last day is dedicated to strolling through the city and enjoying some special neighborhoods of Valencia.
Eating and drinking advice is not necessary today. You come across so many that it is best to make a responsible choice yourself.

We start in Ruzafa, the bohemian pearl of Valencia! Embrace the artsy vibe, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine in this vibrant neighborhood. Discover the charming streets, unique shops and vibrant nightlife, a true feast for the senses!

Then it's El Cabanyal's turn.
Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, El Cabanyal is a neighborhood with enchanting seaside allure. With its rich maritime history and colorful architecture, this vibrant neighborhood offers a delightful mix of tradition and modernity. Explore the picturesque streets, taste the exquisite seafood and feel the refreshing sea breeze as you immerse yourself in the authentic charm of El Cabanyal. Experience the true essence of Valencia's coastal spirit in this captivating and welcoming destination.

At the end of the day you have the same choice as yesterday. You can go to Malvarossa Beach or to the Old Town. Maybe you have found yourself a nice place where you would like to go during these three days. Plenty of choice!

Below the map you will find an explanation of the numbers with Google Maps directions.

Click on the sequence number to get Google Maps directions.

Barrio Ruzafa (the blue shaded area)

Barrio El Cabanyal (the blue shaded area)

Malvarossa Beach

—> Have a nice meal at the beach

Or alternatively you can go

to the Old Town ‘Ciudad Vella'

Or ……

You have seen plenty of options these days!

Enjoy!

Malvarrosa Beach

Barrio Ruzafa

Barrio Ruzafa Ruzafa is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood in Valencia. It is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Ruzafa is also home to a large number of artists and creative people, which gives the neighborhood a unique and bohemian atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a place to shop, eat, drink, or be entertained, Ruzafa has something for everyone. Visit the Mercado de Ruzafa, a bustling marketplace with stalls ...

Barrio El Cabanyal

Barrio El Cabanyal Barrio El Cabanyal is a charming neighborhood in Valencia, with a rich history and vibrant culture. It is a historic fishing district located in the Poblats Marítims district of Valencia. The narrow streets are lined with traditional houses, and the beach is just a short walk away. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore, and the area is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. If ...