Valencia 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Valencia Itinerary:

This itinerary balances historical exploration with modern attractions and local experiences. It’s a suggestion and you can always tailor it to your specific interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Charm

  • Morning: Arrive at Valencia Airport (VLC) or train station.
    • Transportation: Take the Aerobus from the airport to the city center (approx. 30 mins, €3 per person). From the train station, it’s a short walk to many hotels, or you can utilize the metro system.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic heart of Valencia in the El Carmen district:
    • Things to do: Stroll through the labyrinthine streets, admire the architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
      • Visit the iconic Cathedral of Valencia and its bell tower, El Miguelete.
      • Wander through the Mercado Central (Central Market) - a must-see for any foodie!
    • Where to eat: Enjoy traditional Valencian tapas at “Casa Montaña” or savor paella at “La Pepica,” a legendary beachfront restaurant.

Day 2: Science & History

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias).
    • Food: Grab a coffee and pastry at the cafe in the museum or enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
    • History:
      • Visit the historic center of Valencia, including the Roman ruins and the Torres de Serranos.
      • Explore the “Museo de Bellas Artes” (Fine Arts Museum) for a taste of Spain’s artistic heritage.
    • Food: Discover the modern Valencian cuisine at “Casa Carmela” in the Mercado Central, where you can enjoy a delicious paella dinner.

Day 3: The Beach & Parks

  • Morning: Relax and soak up the sun at Valencia’s beautiful beaches. Take a walk along the Malvarrosa beach promenade, build sandcastles on the beach, or rent bikes and explore the beach further.
    • Things to do: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the beachfront and savor the Mediterranean breeze.
    • Afternoon: Explore the “Jardín del Turia” (Turia Gardens) - a lush green park built in a former riverbed, offering stunning city views and serene walks.
      • Food: Dine at one of the many cafes along the beach for lunch, enjoying local delicacies like paella Valenciana at “Restaurante El Rinconcito” or fresh seafood at “El Pescador.”
    • Evening: Stroll through the Turia Gardens and enjoy the sunset views over the city.

Day 3: Valencia’s Treasures

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the stunning architecture of the City of Arts & Sciences, even if you don’t visit the exhibits, it’s worth a wander around the grounds.
    • Wander along the historic streets and discover hidden plazas and courtyards.

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the “Mercado del Mercado” (the old town market) - a great place to sample local Valencian cuisine and fresh seafood.

  • Day 4: Relax and enjoy the beauty of Valencia’s beaches.

    • Traditional Valencian Paella experience: Head to “El Carmen” for a classic paella lunch, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants specializing in this dish.

Things to know:

  • Markets: Visit the Mercado de Colón (a stunning Art Deco market) or explore other local markets for fresh produce and ingredients.
  • Beaches: Malvarrosa beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing and watersports.

Tips:

  • Try a “Paella Valenciana” cooking class: Learn to make this iconic dish yourself!
  • Explore the historic “El Carmen” neighborhood: This vibrant area offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, many of which specialize in traditional Valencian cuisine.
  • Visit the beachside on Sundays: The beachside comes alive on Sundays with locals enjoying their day off.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the beautiful architecture of the “Mercado de las Flores” (Flower Market) - a great place to explore local flowers and plants, and learn about traditional Valencian gardening practices.
  • Wander through the historic streets of Valencia’s city center.

Day 4: Modern Valencia & Culinary Delights

  • Explore: The “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” (City of Arts & Sciences) offers a variety of museums and attractions, including the science museum, the Oceanogràfic aquarium, and the Hemisfèric planetarium.

  • Consider: Taking a bike tour to see the city from a different perspective.

  • Where to eat:

    • Enjoy a traditional paella lunch at the beachside “Mercado de la Marina” (Marina Market) for fresh seafood and an authentic taste of Valencia.

  • Enjoy the “Mercado de las Artes” (Museum of Art)**: It’s a beautiful experience, but be sure to book in advance!

Day 4:

  • Things to See & Do:
    • Explore the historical “Valencia Cathedral” and learn about its rich past.
  • Things to do: Spend the morning at the “Museo de la Ciencia” (Science Museum) exploring the interactive exhibits, then enjoy a delicious lunch of paella while you relax at the “El Carmen” market.

Where to eat:

  • Enjoy traditional Valencian paella: You can’t leave Valencia without trying their famous dish! Try it at “Casa Montaña” for a taste of the best paella in the city.
  • Enjoy a variety of tapas: Explore the “City of Arts & Sciences” complex and enjoy the many restaurants and cafes offering small plates and snacks.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Options: There are many hotels near the City of Arts and Sciences, making it easy to access the attraction.

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in a hotel that’s within walking distance of “El Carmen” (and the Malvarosa) so you can enjoy everything the complex has to offer without having to worry about transportation.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences.

  • Explore the City of Arts & Sciences: A unique and modern architectural marvel, this complex offers a variety of experiences for visitors:

    • Valencia’s “City of Arts & Sciences” is a must-visit: Explore the futuristic architecture and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Ruzafa district or a local bar.

  • Food:

    • Try “El Rinconcito” for a taste of traditional Valencian cuisine.
    • Enjoy the “City of Arts & Sciences”:

Other tips:

  • Book your tickets online in advance: This will save you time and money!

  • Enjoy the local markets: Explore the “Mercado del Mercado,” which is known for its fresh produce and traditional seafood, a great place to enjoy fresh “paella” (a popular rice dish) and learn about the history of this iconic building).

  • Explore the “City of Arts & Sciences”:

  • The museum is a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

  • Enjoy “The Hemisférica” - visit the planetarium for a breathtaking experience:

  • Visit the “L’Oceanogràfic” (the aquarium) is a great option for a day trip: Enjoy the interactive exhibits and the impressive collection of marine life, but be sure to book tickets online!

  • Enjoy “Valencia’s City of Arts & Sciences” (a vibrant complex with museums, an aquarium, and other attractions)

Other things to consider:

  • Plan your visit: The “City of Arts & Sciences” has a lot to offer, so plan which areas you want to see.
  • Enjoy the unique architecture: The complex is renowned for its futuristic architecture, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
  • Learn about the history of the buildings: Each building in the complex represents a different aspect of science and technology and offers interactive exhibits and displays.

Stay tuned for more details on my next post: I’ll be sharing specific recommendations for what to see and do within the “City of Arts & Sciences” complex.