Valencia: 1 Day of Culture & Cuisine
Discover the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Valencia, Spain.
22 April 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Valencia, Spain is a city engulfed in history, with stunning architecture, sandy beaches and a thriving culinary scene. You can explore the city's iconic landmarks such as the City of Arts and Sciences, and indulge in a variety of dining experiences ranging from traditional tapas to modern, innovative cuisine. With its vibrant culture, pleasant climate and laid-back atmosphere, Valencia is the perfect destination for a memorable city break.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex with museums, an IMAX theatre, and an aquarium.
- Take a stroll through the charming old town, Barrio del Carmen, where you can get lost in narrow streets and colorful squares.
- Head over to Mercado Central, Valencia's iconic indoor market, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of local produce.
- Refuel with a hearty paella at Restaurante Levante, where the dish was invented, and savor the richness of saffron, seafood, and rice.
- Walk off your meal at Turia Gardens, a lush green space built on a dry riverbed that runs through the city center.
- End the day at Bodega Casa Montaña, a century-old wine bar in Cabanyal, with a glass of vermouth and some delicious tapas. Salud!
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.