Valencia is a perfect destination to visit all year round. The hot summers are great for swimming and lounging on the beach and the winters are fairly mild offering a perfect escape from the cold weather back home.
Valencia is located on the South Eastern coast of Spain and it’s conveniently close to other destinations such as Barcelona, Alicante and Madrid. It’s a perfect place for those looking for an authentic Spanish city, delicious cuisine and stunning architecture. We also found it more affordable than some more popular destinations in Spain.
We decided to spend a weekend in Valencia. In our opinion 2 days is a perfect amount of time to see the top attractions and have some time to relax too. We have put together a short guide covering the top things to see during a weekend in Valencia. Hopefully it will help you plan your trip!
Jump to:
- Exploring Valencia Old Town (Day 1 – Morning)
- Enjoying the Nature in the Botanical Gardens (Day 1 – Afternoon)
- Exploring the Science Museum and City Gardens (Day 2 – Morning)
- Chilling on the Beach (Day 2 – Afternoon)
Exploring Valencia Old Town (Day 1 – Morning)
Our first stop during our weekend in Valencia was the Mercat Central (Central Market), one of the most famous markets in Europe. It opens early at 7am with locals and tourists gathering to buy fresh produce. The market is massive, featuring almost 300 stalls. You can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, get some freshly baked pastries, try local Paella, or grab a drink in one of the little bars. The building was constructed in 1914 and is a stunning display of Valencian Art Nouveau.
A short walk away from the market, you can discover the charming Llotja de la Seda. It’s one of the famous examples of Valencian gothic architecture and it’s listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Originally it was used as a hub for silk trading, today it is a beautiful, well maintained attraction to get a glimpse into the past.
We enjoyed walking through the peaceful court garden with orange trees everywhere. When inside we walked into the main trading hall that featured multiple columns, a high painted ceiling and Latin inscriptions. Another highlight was going inside the tower that used to serve as the debtors’ prison. The entrance costs only €2 per person.
The Cathedral of Valencia was next on our list. The cathedral was built in a gothic style and it features the Chapel of the Holy Chalice which is believed to be home to the legendary Holy Grail. There is also a museum where you can see pieces of art by famous artists such as Goya or Maella. The tower is known as El Miguelete and it offers panoramic views of the city. Entrance costs €10 per person, with an additional €2.50 to go up to the tower.
Next, we headed to Plaza de la Virgen where we sat in the shade and enjoyed the view of the Cathedral and the surrounding buildings. It’s a vibrant square with many historical sites around it such as Turia Fountain, and The Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken.
Enjoying the Nature in the Botanical Gardens (Day 1 – Afternoon)
We stopped off for lunch at Almalibre Açaí House Valencia. The food was delicious and really affordable. We especially recommend their brunch deal where you get an orange juice, coffee and loaded toast for less than €6.
In the afternoon we visited Torres de Serranos, which is located conveniently in the old town. The fortified medieval towers used to defend the city, now they offer the best views of Valencia. The entrance costs €2 per person but it’s free on Sundays.
We ended the first day of our weekend in Valencia in the Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia. Similar to other attractions, the entrance was very affordable – only costing €4 per person. It’s a historic garden dating back to the 18th century that offers a place to relax in the middle of the city. We enjoyed strolling through the thematic zones and seeing desert succulents, tropical plants, and beautiful flowers.
Exploring the Science Museum and City Gardens (Day 2 – Morning)
We started our second day in Valencia with a visit to the famous Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. It’s a great place to explore art, science and nature in one setting. We walked around the complex that stretches for over 2km, and admired the futuristic architecture. You can walk around the outside for free but entrance to the science museum will cost you around €8. As it’s located slightly further away from the city, we caught a local bus there.
Getting public transport is really easy in Valencia, and you can just tap your credit/debit card when you come on board. A single journey is around €2.
Afterwards we decided to explore Turia Gardens which is an enormous park that used to be a river. The gardens were created after a catastrophic flood in 1957. It’s one of Spain’s largest urban parks stretching for almost 10 kilometers. There is a cycle lane going through the park so a great option is to rent a bike.
From the gardens we walked to Mercado de Colón. This market might feel small compared to the Central Market but there are plenty of places to try some local food and shop for souvenirs. We decided to grab lunch here, and then headed to see the Ajuntament de València (Valencia City Hall). It’s a beautiful building right in the heart of the city. Inside it’s really well decorated with massive chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Entrance is free of charge but there are security checks in place.
Chilling on the Beach (Day 2 – Afternoon)
Playa de la Malvarrosa was the perfect spot to end our weekend in Valencia. We reached it easily by bus from the center of the city. Bus number 93 stops just in front of the beach.
The beach stretches for almost 2 kilometers and is popular with both tourists and locals. There was plenty of space on the beach, and you could rent sunbeds for around €9 per person. The bustling promenade along the beachfront offers lots of cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s also a great spot to spend your evening.
We hope our Valencia itinerary has inspired you to visit this amazing Spanish city and if so helps you plan your trip!
