Valencia is a historic city filled with amazing food, culture and people. You will be spoilt for choice when asking what the best things to do in Valencia, Spain are. This truly is a destination for food lovers, historians and sun-worshippers alike. This is my three-day guide to Valencia, the birthplace of Paella and home of the Spanish Sistine Chapel.
Here are some things to do and see in Spain’s 3rd largest city:
- The Historic Centre Of Valencia
- Central Market Of Valencia
- Parque Natural de la Albufera
- City Of Arts & Sciences
- La Malvarrosa Beach
- Parroquia de San Nicholas De Bari (Historic Centre)
- Silk Museum (Historic Centre)
- Santos Juanes (Historic Centre)
Day 1: Explore Valencia Historic Centre
The Old Town of Valencia should be the key focal point of your trip. You can spend hours strolling around the architectural delights it has to offer.
With it’s deep historical foundations (founded 138BC), you will be impressed by this unique city. I would recommend that you take a Free Guided Walking Tour. This is the perfect way to start your trip. Yes, this is completely free if you so choose. However, the idea is that you tip the guide at the end! Our guide was both funny and knowledgable, supplying interesting insights about all of the below locations. We tipped €10per person for two and a half hours.
- Plaza de la Virgin
- Unesco Heritage Court of Waters / Door of the Apostles in the Plaza de la Virgen
- Fountain of Turia (Plaza de la Virgin)
- Torres De Serranos
- Palace of Generalitat
- Central Market Of Valencia
- Cathedral Of Valencia
Valencia Cathedral Plaza of the Virgin Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados Door of the Apostles in the Plaza de la Virgen Central Market Torres De Serranos
Day 2: Visit The City of Arts & Sciences
If you fancy escaping the historic centre of Valencia (which I doubt you will), then this modern landscape is the place to go. Inaugurated in 2005 at triple the originally budgeted cost of €300 million, this area houses the cities more modern museums, along with some outdoor water activities such as paddleboarding.
If ever there was a rainy day in Valencia, the museums would be the place to go with the family. However, in my opinion this place has nothing on the old town. As you will see from some of the absolute gems if you read on.
Day 3: Discover The Paella Fields
If you happen to visit Valencia in the scorching summer heat, it can average around 32 degrees. A pleasant boat trip along the waterways of Parque Natural de la Albufera,can be very soothing.
As this was not the easiest place to get a feel for I have created a small separate article, to help you navigate the area. If you are interested in this excursion then click here to read this post.
Finish The Day At La Malvarrosa Beach
This is a great beach and I would make sure you pay a visit on your trip to Valencia.
I can be a little sceptical about city beaches. However, this is the second time I’ve had this view challenged now, the first being Santa Monica Beach in California.
This has a similar, cool beach vibe, with the addition of beach facing restaurants and bars. The beach was very clean and you could certainly spend a day here.
Day 4: Check Out Historic Churches & Museums
The Valencian Sistine Chapel
Earlier in the post, I referred to some ‘absolute gems’ and San Nicholas De Bari Church was one of them. Having been to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, I would say I was actually more in awe of Valencia’s own Sistene Chapel.
The decoration and artwork in this Church is a real spectacle. You may also be interested to know that the original story of Saint Nicholas is that of Saint Nic, the one that delivers gifts to children at Christmas.
Admission
The cost of admission is €8 and includes an audio guide, so you don’t have to stop gawping to read any relevant information. The ticket also includes entry for the Silk Museum and Santos Juanes, both of which have their own merits.
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Valencia
Valencia is a great place for a 3-day city break and it has something for everyone. However, my advice is to really engage with the historical town centre but if you must take a break from history and culture, go to the beach!
Valencia is the perfect destination for a long weekend or a short break during the week. However, you could easily spend more time here, for example, if I had my time there again, I would climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete Bell Tower and see the Holy Grail. The latter is located inside Valencia Cathedral.
I hope you have found some helpful hints and tips for your trip to Valencia. If you didn’t know much about Valencia, maybe I have inspired you to go. Either way, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
If you are looking to visit Valencia and looking to stay centrally. I recommend the L’Esplai Valencia Bed & Breakfast. You can read more about this hotel by reading our full review. Click the link here to do so.
- If you would like to travel more but struggle to save the money for holidays, you might find this post on how to save money for travel interesting.
- If willpower is the thing holding you back, try this post about increasing your willpower.
- Maybe you just find saving money to painfull, in which case I would recommend these genuine ways to save money without suffering.
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