Valencia itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Valencia
7 stops · ≈ 6 h 37 minA late 15th-century masterpiece of Valencian civil Gothic and a UNESCO World Heritage site, La Lonja stands as a monument to the city's Golden Age of commerce. Its centerpiece is the majestic Contract Hall, where slender twisted helical columns soar 17 meters like stone palm trees into ribbed vaulting. The complex also features the serene Orange Tree Courtyard and the ornate wooden ceiling of the Consulate of the Sea.
Valencia Cathedral rose between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of a mosque, blending Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque in its three portals and chapels. The Chapel of the Holy Chalice holds the agate cup that Catholic tradition venerates as the cup of the Last Supper, and the Miguelete bell tower crowns the old town. One ticket covers the cathedral, its museum and the Grail chapel.
Cafe de las Horas is Valencia's legendary cocktail bar a couple of minutes from Plaza de la Virgen. Its theatrical interior mixes neo-Gothic vaults, Arabesque motifs, velvet, mirrors and chandeliers. It is considered one of the best addresses for Agua de Valencia, the signature cocktail of cava, orange juice, gin and vodka poured here for over thirty years. Daytime is quiet; evenings fill the bar to capacity.
One of the best-preserved medieval city gates in Europe, built between 1392 and 1398 by master builder Pere Balaguer in Valencian Gothic style. The twin pentagonal stone towers guarded the northern approach to Valencia, hosted royal ceremonies, and later functioned as a noble prison. During the Spanish Civil War, masterpieces from Madrid's Prado were stored here. Visitors can climb to the upper battlements for views of the old town.
Often called Spain's second art collection after the Prado. It runs from Gothic altarpieces of 14th–15th century Valencia to El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Sorolla and early Goya, with gilded altarpiece rooms and the 19th-century Valencian school as particular strengths. The museum occupies the seminary building of San Pío V, and entry is free.
One of Spain's largest urban parks, stretching 9 kilometres along the diverted dry riverbed of the Turia River following the 1957 flood. This lush green ribbon loops around Valencia's historical core, linking orange groves, fountains, cycling tracks, and sports grounds. It is crossed by 18 historical and modern bridges and culminates at the futuristic pavilions of the City of Arts and Sciences.
A masterwork of Valencian Modernisme in the Eixample district, designed by Francisco Mora Berenguer and built between 1914 and 1916. The national monument features soaring wrought-iron arches, exposed brickwork, and ceramic mosaics depicting local farming, oranges, and folklore. Beautifully restored, the airy hall is now a buzzing gastronomic hub filled with specialty cafes, tapas bars, and artisan horchaterías.
Reserve
7If you have time left — worth it too.
Arrive hungry at the Mercado Central: this stained-glass Modernista structure is where you'll find the city's freshest vegetables, plumpest fruit and most fragrant cheese. Inside, traders gossip beside piles of sun-ripened cherries while visitors marvel at tomatoes the size of teapots. Don't miss the cheesecake at Solaz – it's made by the team at the double-Michelin-starred Ricard Camarena Restaurant. Those who say this Spanish coastal city lacks any charm have perhaps never walked under the citrus trees as their petals fall onto the cobblestones, or listened to the murmur of the Valencian dialect among the stalls of the Mercado Central. Although it has spent years hiding in the shadow of larger cities, Valencia now offers a mix of Madrid's history and Barcelona's modern atmosphere at a slightly more affordable price.
The buzzing old-town district of El Carme is the site of medieval gates Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, once part of the old city walls. Its narrow streets are home to cafes, tapas bars, fashion boutiques and souvenir shops, and revellers crowd the terraces and dance floors of its many late-night bars. Museums include the Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, displaying 20th-century international works.
There once was a river that flowed along the northern edges of a city known as Turia. In 1957, the river burst its banks and caused enormous damage to the city and its inhabitants. Valencia's Turia Park is a dream for people who love to do outdoor sports.
Valencia's premier auditorium and concert hall, gracefully situated within the Turia Gardens parkland. Designed by architect José María García de Paredes and opened in 1987, the hall is celebrated for its pristine acoustics. A dramatic glass-vaulted facade reflects across a wide water basin with dancing fountains. It serves as the home of the Valencia Orchestra, hosting classical masterworks and jazz festivals.
The museum of the Las Fallas festival: every March Valencia burns hundreds of satirical ninot figures, but the best are pardoned by popular vote — the 'ninot indultat' — and moved here for good, a tradition going back to 1934. The halls display pardoned figures of all sizes from different years, festival posters and photos telling the story of the celebration. A small museum near Plaza de Montolivet.
Valencia's main city beach: about a kilometre of golden sand along a palm-lined promenade with cafés and paella restaurants. Lifeguards patrol in season, and there are volleyball courts and sunbed rentals. In the evening locals stroll the esplanade and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean, and the city centre is only a short tram ride away.
An extraordinary public playground nestled in Valencia's Turia Gardens, dominated by a monumental 70-meter recumbent sculpture of Lemuel Gulliver pinned to the earth. Visitors of all ages play the role of Lilliputians as they climb over his giant limbs, slide down folds in his coat, and explore rope ramps and ladders. Shaded by surrounding park trees, it offers a whimsical stop for families and travelers.
- Try the local dish, paella, in its birthplace.
- Purchase a Valencia Tourist Card for discounts on transport and attractions.
- Explore the Turia Gardens for a scenic walk or bike ride.