Ciutat Vella
A place to stay in the old town, near the cathedral, the Lonja and the Central Market, and to get around almost entirely on foot. It is lively at night, so choose your street carefully if noise bothers you.
Itinerary · Valencia
Valencia in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary for Valencia: old town, Lonja, City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Gardens and the beach, with practical tips.
- 3days
- 12stops
- 6Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for anyone visiting Valencia for the first time who wants to see the essentials without rushing. Each day focuses on one area: the first day, the old town; the second, the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens; and the third, the beach and El Cabanyal.
From Manises airport you have three options. Metrovalencia lines L3 and L5 connect the airport with the centre, with a train roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays and about every 20 at weekends. There is also a metropolitan bus to the centre with stops in Manises, Quart de Poblet and Mislata, where you buy the ticket on board. And taxis leave from the rank at the terminal exit; the centre is about 8 km away.
Tips
- Valencia is very flat and full of cycle lanes: hiring a bike is a comfortable way to get around, especially along the Turia Gardens and all the way to the beach.
- Book the Oceanogràfic, the Lonja and guided visits in advance in high season.
- Traditional paella is eaten at midday, and the authentic one contains chicken, rabbit and vegetables. Beware of those advertised as “seafood” at ridiculous prices in the most touristy areas.
- Try horchata with fartons, a Valencian classic, at a horchatería in the centre or in Alboraya.
- In summer the heat is fierce at midday: leave long walks for the morning and afternoon, and bring water, a cap and sun protection.
Day 1
Cathedral, Silk Exchange and Central Market
Catedral de Valencia y Micalet
Ciutat Vella
A Gothic cathedral mixing several styles, plus the Micalet bell tower, whose top gives views over the whole city. Start early: the climb is a spiral staircase and queues are shorter in the morning.
Plaza de la Virgen
Ciutat Vella
The most pleasant square in the old town, a short step from the cathedral, with the Basilica of the Virgin of the Desamparados and the Turia fountain. A good spot to pause for a coffee on a terrace.
Lonja de la Seda
Ciutat Vella
A former merchants' exchange in civil Gothic style, a World Heritage Site. The hall of spiral columns is the highlight of the visit.
Mercado Central
Ciutat Vella
A Modernista market right opposite the Lonja, with hundreds of stalls of fresh produce. A good place to try fruit, cured meats and horchata nearby.
Day 2
City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Ciudad de las Artes
Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex brings together the science museum, the Hemisfèric and the Palau de les Arts. Get there from the centre by bus or bike, and allow time to stroll among the buildings and pools.
Oceanogràfic
Ciudad de las Artes
Europe's largest aquarium sits inside the same complex and recreates different marine ecosystems. It works well for families; book ahead in high season.
Jardín del Turia
Jardín del Turia
The old riverbed, turned into a green park of about nine kilometres that wraps around the centre. You can walk or cycle it, and it is the best way back towards the old town.
Parque Gulliver
Jardín del Turia
A large playground shaped like a reclining giant, inside the Turia Gardens. If you are travelling with children it is a must-stop; if not, you can see it in a few minutes in passing.
Day 3
Malvarrosa Beach, Cabanyal and the Marina
Playa de la Malvarrosa
Malvarrosa
Valencia's city beach: wide sand and a long seafront promenade, with beach bars and restaurants. You can reach it by tram or bus from the centre, and it is a good place to spend the morning.
Barrio de El Cabanyal
El Cabanyal
A seafaring neighbourhood of houses with colourful tiled façades, a short step from the beach. It is very quiet and has neighbourhood bars ideal for lunch, with tapas or rice dishes.
Marina de València
Marina
The former America's Cup harbour, now a promenade area with buildings such as Veles e Vents. At sunset it gives a good view of the port.
Paella by the sea
Malvarrosa
Paella was born in the Albufera, and the coastal area has many rice restaurants. Order Valencian paella and book for midday, as some only make it to order.
Valencia
Where to stay in Valencia
El Carmen
A lively neighbourhood with bars and restaurants, inside the old town. Ideal if you want a bohemian setting and to be a few minutes from the towers and the cathedral.
Ruzafa
A modern area with a vibrant food scene, well connected to the station and the centre. A very good option if you want to dine well and go out at night.
Itinerary · Valencia
More Valencia itineraries
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Valencia in 5 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Silk Exchange and Central Market
- Day 2 City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens
- Day 3 Malvarrosa Beach, Cabanyal and the Marina
- Day 4 Serranos Towers, El Carmen and Ruzafa
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7 days
Valencia in 7 days
- Day 1 Cathedral, Silk Exchange and Central Market
- Day 2 City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens
- Day 3 Serranos Towers, El Carmen and Quart Towers
- Day 4 Malvarrosa Beach, Cabanyal and the Marina
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Valencia?
Three days are enough to see the essentials: the old town, the City of Arts and Sciences and the beach. With more time you can add neighbourhoods such as El Carmen or Ruzafa and day trips.
What should I book before travelling on this 3-day itinerary?
It is best to book the Oceanogràfic and guided visits to the Lonja or the cathedral in advance, especially in high season. The rest can be decided as you go.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Yes, it is the best way. Valencia is flat, easy to explore on foot and by bike, and the metro, tram and buses reach every point on the itinerary.
Photo credits
- Catedral de Valencia: Fernando Pascullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Lonja de la Seda: Felivet, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
- Mercado Central: Felivet, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias: Diliff, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
- Jardín del Turia: Joanbanjo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Playa de la Malvarrosa: Manuel Martín Vicente from Spain, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons