Valencia 7 Day Itinerary

Valencia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Arrive at Valencia Airport (VLC).
  • Check-in at the centrally located Hotel Malcom, a modern and stylish hotel close to popular attractions.
  • Start your exploration with Plaza de la Reina. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Valencia, Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken (Mare de Déu dels Desemparats), and historic town hall (Ayuntamiento).
  • For lunch, head to Horchateria Santa Catalina for traditional Valencian horchata and fartons.
  • In the afternoon, explore Central Market (Mercado Central) and sample local delicacies like seafood rice.
  • End the day at Jardín del Turia, a beautiful park built on the former bed of the Turia River.

Day 2: The City of Arts and Sciences

  • Spend the entire day at City of Arts and Sciences.
    • Start with the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium with a vast variety of marine life.
    • Visit Hemisfèric, an IMAX cinema with a unique egg-shaped structure.
    • Explore the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and Umbracle.
  • For dinner, try Akuarela by Kauldi, offering modern Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of the City of Arts and Sciences.

Day 3: Old Town & Modernism

  • Head to El Carmen neighborhood in the morning. Wander through its narrow streets and discover beautiful churches, patios, and traditional houses.
  • Visit Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • For lunch, savor Paella Valenciana at Casa Montaña.
  • In the afternoon, explore Modernist Valencia. Visit Valencia Institute of Arts & Sciences (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern), Modernista House, and Central Post Office.

Day 4: Beaches & Oceanfront

  • Spend a relaxing day at Malvarrosa Beach. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand or try water sports like jet-skiing or parasailing.
  • Have lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, such as La Cova Fumada, known for its grilled fish.
  • In the evening, visit Poblado del Fuego (Fire City), a modern urban park with interactive fire installations and spectacular views of the sunset.

Day 5: Russafa & Malvarrosa District

  • Explore the bohemian district of Russafa. Discover vibrant street art, independent shops, and trendy cafés.
  • Visit Museum of Fine Arts (Museu de Belles Arts de València) for a taste of local and international art.
  • For lunch, try Taller de Tapas in the heart of Russafa.
  • In the afternoon, stroll around the charming streets of the Malvarrosa district.
  • Enjoy dinner at Bodega La Pepica, a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its seafood rice.

Day 6: Albufera Natural Park & Albufera Lake

  • Take a day trip to Albufera Natural Park. Rent a bike or take a boat tour to explore the beautiful lake and its surroundings.
  • Have lunch at one of the traditional restaurants near the lake, such as El Raco d’en Manel, where you can try authentic paella made with rice from Albufera.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last hours exploring any missed sights or revisiting favorite spots.
  • Head to the airport for your departure.

Transportation:

  • Valencia has an excellent public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi.

Things to Know:

  • Valencian is the local language, but Spanish and English are widely spoken.
  • Valencia operates on Central European Time (CET).
  • The best time to visit is from March to June or September to November for mild weather.

Tips & Recommendations:

  • Try other traditional Valencian dishes like fartons and fideuà.
  • Visit local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and traditional products.
  • Don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic Turia Man, a modern sculpture located in Jardín del Turia.