City break in Valencia: 2 day Itinerary

If you’re looking for a city break in Valencia, 2 days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of this beautiful city!

Quick facts about Spain

How many days in Valencia do you need?

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city so there is quite a lot to see and do! However, it’s also a very walkable city, so it’s easy to see a lot during only 2 days in Valencia.

If you want more time to explore the city in depth, definitely extend your city break in Valencia!

Where to stay in Valencia

El Carmen neighborhood

El Carmen is a grungy but vibrant neighborhood filled with hidden streets, restaurants, and bars. It’s right beside the Old Town, so easily walkable to most major sights.

Ruzafa neighborhood

Years ago, Ruzafa was not a neighborhood anyone would want to go to. Now though, Ruzafa houses colorful buildings, unique restaurants, specialty coffee shops and vintage stores on every corner.

Ciutat Vella (Old Town)

The Ciutat Vella is close to all the major sights and the most historical part of the city. It’s also bustling with shops, especially on Calle de Colón. There is always something to see or do in Ciutat Vella.

Cabanyal neighborhood

This neighborhood by the beach has been very grungy in the past years but is now become the new hotspot for cool restaurants and bars. It’s a bit far from the rest of the city, but you’re easy walking distance to the beach and some of the best bars/clubs in Valencia.

Hostel recommendations

Cantagua Hostel – This chic hostel located next to Ruzafa has stylish interior and everything you need!

Home Youth Hostel – A vibrant hostel right in the heart of the Ciutat Vella

Budget hotel recommendations

ABCyou Bed & Breakfast – this very cute bed and breakfast is located in Ruzafa but right next to the Ciutat Vella

Hotel RH Sorolla Centro – Both near the center and near Ruzafa — this hotel’s location can’t be beat!

Dau Studios – Adorable studios in Cabanyal in case you want your city break in Valencia to be centered around the beach.

Day 1

Morning

Brunch in Ruzafa

Start your morning with a specialty coffee and amazing brunch in Valencia in the hipster neighborhood: Ruzafa! This up and coming neighborhood is full of brunch spots, unique bars, and colorful buildings. It’s also very close to the Old Town so you can explore the neighborhood a bit before seeing more of the city.

Morning/Afternoon

Visit the Old Town

The Old Town of Valencia or, ‘Ciutat Vella‘, is full of things to do. You can simply wander around the center and get lost in the countless streets, or spend your morning/afternoon visiting some of the biggest attractions in the old town, such as:

Exploring the Valencia cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral is right in the old town. In addition to being beautiful by itself, this cathedral also has a tower where you can climb 207 steps for a panoramic view of Valencia.

Plaza de Ayuntamiento

The main plaza of Valencia is the gathering place for many events, including Las Fallas!

Shop at Mercat Central or visit the Lonje de Seda

Explore the central market of Valencia to get some fresh produce or simply window shop, or go and visit the Valencia silk exchange!

Taste some churros during merienda

The Spanish have something called ‘merienda,’ which is snack time in the afternoon (maybe 4 or 5 pm) where you snack on something sweet.

Churros are originally from Spain and are really amazing! If you haven’t tried them in Spain you definitely should. Buñuelos, however, are kinda similar but native to Valencia so they’re a level up if you’re already tasted authentic churros.

Evening

Have drinks in El Carmen or Ruzafa

These two neighborhoods in Valencia are the most popular for bar hopping. El Carmen, in the northern part of the Old Town, is filled with various streets of bars, restaurants, and the ever presence of colorful graffiti. Ruzafa, in the south, was originally the hipster neighborhood but is now lively every night. Both neighborhoods are great so see which one makes more sense depending on where you stay!

Be sure and try an ‘agua de Valencia‘ while in the city. This regional drink is delicious, but VERY strong! It is basically orange juice and champagne with a bunch of other hard liquors mixed in. Drink with caution!

Day 2

Morning

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

This museum complex is home to a science museum, an opera house, an IMAX theater, and an aquarium. You can spend days exploring the various buildings, so plan accordingly! The complex is sometimes the symbol of Valencia and is a must do photo op.

Afternoon

Eat paella

You can’t visit Valencia without eating paella! This Valencian rice dish comes with many different variations. Try the typical paella valenciana for rice mixed with rabbit, peas, and chicken, or go for the seafood paella to celebrate your proximity to the Mediterranean.

Take a bike around the Turia park

After lunch, rent a bicycle to explore the Parque Turia!

The Turia park used to be a river, and now runs around the city centre. It’s common for people to go for a bike ride, jog, play sports, or picnic. There’s also a playground for kids that is shaped like the giant from Gulliver’s Travels.

Evening

Bike to the beach and have a cocktail

After exploring the Turia, take your bike to enjoy the sea air and possibly see the sunset colors, from a chiringuito or the ever popular Marina Beach Club.

Have more time to spend? Extend your city break in Valencia and take some time to explore outside the city!

Day 3 Itinerary for Valencia

Take a day trip to an amazing beach town or medieval city

You’re on the Costa Blanca coast and there are so many beautiful beaches and towns to explore! It would be a shame to spend the entire city break in Valencia. Some of the most popular day trips from Valencia are:

Dénia

A popular seaside village near Valencia that has really chill vibes. Many Valencianos go here on the weekends.

Xàtiva

An amazing castle town only an hour from Valencia! When you climb the castle you’ll have 360 degree views of the amazing landscape surrounding you.

Check out more amazing day trips from Valencia