Valencia in 3: The Ultimate Weekend Guide
Explore the vibrant culture and flavors of Valencia.
03 May 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Valencia, Spain offers a wide range of attractions for tourists, such as the city's stunning Gothic architecture, cozy restaurants and cafes, and picturesque beaches. A visit to the impressive City of Arts and Sciences is a must-do, showcasing futuristic buildings, a planetarium, and an IMAX cinema. And no trip to Valencia would be complete without trying the famous traditional dish of paella, enjoyed alongside a glass of refreshing Sangria.
Travel plan
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- 1. Start with a tasty breakfast at La Petite Brioche, a cozy café with delicious croissants and coffee.
- 2. Head to the historic Valencia Old Town to visit landmarks such as Mercado Central, La Lonja de la Seda, and the Cathedral of Valencia.
- 3. Take a leisurely stroll in Plaza de la Reina, one of the most iconic squares in Valencia, and the perfect place to enjoy the Spanish sun.
- 4. Head to the Central Market for lunch. Try the Spanish Paella, freshly made with seafood and locally sourced vegetables.
- 5. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, an urban complex devoted to science, culture, and entertainment. Enjoy a concert in which music plays on an acoustic shell in the open air.
- Stay at a hotel located in the center of Valencia to make your stay comfortable and accessible.
- 1. Take a tram to Las Arenas beach, famous for its long stretch of sand and clear waters.
- 2. Grab a bite to eat in the many beachside cafes, or pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand.
- 3. Rent a paddleboat or kayak at Malvarrosa Beach to explore the coastline and crystal clear waters from a different perspective.
- 4. Ride a bike through the Jardines del Turia, a park that runs through the heart of Valencia. This riverbed is an active cultural hub that connects the city centre to the sea.
- 5. Take a sunset stroll in the marina, or sit back and watch the yachts sail by with a glass of Sangria.
- Stay at a hotel with panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea for a great experience.
- 1. Start the day with creamy hot chocolate and glazed churros at Horchateria el Siglo.
- 2. Take a tour of the olive groves and Wineries of Terres dels Alforins who vouch for genuine wine with no preservatives.
- 3. Go on the Mercado Central Wine & Tapas Tour. Experience a unique selection of local tapas and wines, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
- 4. Explore the hip neighbourhood of Ruzafa, and sample local street food at the Mercado de Ruzafa. You’ll find a sprawling selection of gourmet food, coffee and direct-from-the-source produce.
- 5. Wind down with some live music in one of Valencia’s many popular bars and dance clubs.
- Once in Valencia, you will never want to leave!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Valencia by plane is to fly into Valencia Airport. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Iberia offer flights to Valencia from cities throughout Europe.
Car
Driving to Valencia is a great option if you want to explore the surrounding areas. From Madrid, take the A-3 motorway south towards Valencia. The journey takes around 3 hours depending on traffic.
Train
One option for travelling to Valencia by train is to take the high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid. The train journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes and arrives at Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station.
Boat
If travelling internationally, you can take a ferry from the island of Ibiza to the port of Valencia. The ferry takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes from Ibiza town to Valencia Port.
Bus
Travelling to Valencia by bus is a cost-effective option. There are many bus companies that operated a direct service from other cities in Spain. Companies such as ALSA have routes from Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga among other cities.