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 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
5-day itinerary for Valencia: old town, City of Arts and Sciences, beach, El Carmen, Ruzafa and a day trip to Xàtiva.
- 5days
- 17stops
- 8Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for anyone visiting Valencia for the first time who wants to see the neighbourhoods without rushing. The first three days cover the essentials: the old town, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the beach. The fourth adds the Serranos Towers, El Carmen and Ruzafa, and the fifth is a day trip to Xàtiva.
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.
- For Xàtiva, check the train times before setting out and climb to the castle in the morning, when it is less hot.
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.
Day 4
Serranos Towers, El Carmen and Ruzafa
Torres de Serranos
El Carmen
The former entrance gate of the Gothic city wall, which you can climb to see the riverbed and the city. It is the ideal way into the El Carmen neighbourhood.
Barrio del Carmen
El Carmen
The bohemian heart of the old town, with narrow streets, small squares and murals. Wander without hurry and step into the small shops and galleries.
Estación del Norte y Plaza de Toros
Ciutat Vella
One of the most beautiful Modernista stations in Spain, with tiles and ceramics, next to the bullring. A short while is enough to see both from the outside and through the concourse.
Ruzafa
Ruzafa
The city's most modern neighbourhood, with cafés, second-hand shops and restaurants serving creative cuisine. It is the best place for dinner and a drink at night.
Day 5 · Day trip
Xàtiva
Xàtiva
The town of Xàtiva is about 45 minutes from Valencia by Cercanías train from Estación del Norte. Climb up to its castle, which overlooks the valley, and stroll through the historic centre, with its quiet streets and squares, before grabbing something to eat and heading back. Wear comfortable shoes, because there are long slopes.
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.
Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal
For those who prioritise the beach and a more relaxed pace. It is about 20-30 minutes from the centre by tram or bus.
Itinerary · Valencia
More Valencia itineraries
3 days
Valencia in 3 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
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
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Is a day trip to Xàtiva worth it on a 5-day trip?
Yes, it is an easy getaway by train, with a very photogenic castle and a quiet historic centre, and it takes half a day without hiring a car.
How should I order the 5 days so as not to get tired?
Alternate intense days, such as the old town or the City of Arts and Sciences, with more relaxed ones, such as the beach or Ruzafa.
Do I need a transport card for this itinerary?
It is useful if you will use the metro, tram and bus every day, although much of the centre can be covered on foot or by bike.
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