Valencia 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Valencia

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Horchateria Santa Catalina, a traditional Valencian café known for its horchata (tiger nut milk) and fartons (sweet, large bread rolls).

  • Visit the City of Arts and Sciences: This iconic complex is a must-visit. It includes six buildings: The Opera House, The Science Museum, The Hemisfèric, The Umbracle, The Oceanogràfic and The Ágora. Spend your morning exploring these fascinating structures.

  • Lunch: Head to El Quart for a taste of traditional Valencian cuisine. Don’t miss the Paella Valenciana, a local specialty.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Central Market (Mercado Central), one of Europe’s oldest and most impressive food markets. Then, stroll around the historic quarter, including the beautiful Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

  • Evening: Relax at a riverside terrace in Ruzafa neighborhood. La Taverna del Turia is a popular choice with locals and tourists alike.

  • Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel Malcom HospitaUrbana, a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Beach and Modern Valencia

  • Morning: Spend your morning at Playa de la Malvarrosa, one of Valencia’s most popular beaches. Grab breakfast at Café de la Playa.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Museu de Belles Arts) and the Institute of Modern Art (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern).

  • Lunch: Try Tot Cannelloni, an eatery famous for its fresh pasta dishes.

  • Afternoon: Explore the charming Ruzafa neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art, trendy shops, and cafes.

  • Dinner: Dine at Akuarela for a modern take on Valencian cuisine.

Day 3: Day Trip to Albufera and Sagunto

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Albufera Natural Park, Europe’s largest lake. Join a boat tour to learn about the local fishing industry and visit a rice farm if possible.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional paella at one of the restaurants around the lake, such as El Racó de Can Alfonso.

  • Afternoon: Head to Sagunto, an ancient Iberian town with a rich history. Visit the Roman Theatre and the Castle of Saguntum.

  • Dinner: Return to Valencia for a farewell dinner at Botero, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Valencian is the local language, but Spanish (Castellano) and Catalan are also widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas.

  • The public transport system in Valencia is extensive and efficient. The Metro, Buses and Tram are all part of the Valencia Transport Consortium (Metrovalencia).

  • Tap water in Valencia is safe to drink from the tap.

Tips:

  • To fully enjoy Valencian cuisine, try dishes like Arroz Negra (black rice), All i Pebre (garlic and pepper sauce) and Fideuà (a paella made with noodles instead of rice).

  • Don’t forget to visit a Horchateria in the evening for some refreshing horchata before bed.

  • The beach is a popular spot during summer, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.