Are you planning a getaway to Valencia but only have a weekend? No worries! In this post, we bring you a detailed guide so you can make the most of your three days in the city and discover things to do in Valencia in 3 days.
Valencia, known as the “city of the Turia”, is the third largest and one of the most important cities in Spain, not only for its population and economic activitiy, but also for its rich cultural, historic and gastronomic heritage. With one of the most extensive historic centres in the country, Valencia offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Join us on this journey to discover everything you can do in Valencia over a weekend.
Friday: first contact with Valencia
Your adventure begins in the heart of Valencia, where you can soak up its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. If you arrive in the afternoon, we recommend starting with a relaxed stroll through the San Francisco district, a charming area filled with impressive buildings. here, you’ll find the majestic Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the political centre of the city. This square is heavily influenced by early 20th century North American architectural styles, featuring grand modernist and monumental buildings.
In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, two landmarks buildings immediately stand out: the Valencia City Hall, an impressive 18th century structure, and the Central Post Office building, a modernist gem from the early 20th century. Just a short walk from the square, you’ll come across two more iconic sites, the Estació del Nord ( North Railway Station) and the Bullring. The North Station is a masterpiece of Valencian modernism, where you cand admire its beautiful mosaics paying tribute to the regions’s agricultural heritage. The Bullring, inspired by the Colosseum, was the largest in Spain during the 19th century and remains a key symbol of the city’s bullfighting tradition.
From here, you can continue along Calle Colón (Colon Street), Valencia’s main shopping avenue, until you reach the Mercado de Colón (Colon’s Market), another modernist landmark and a perfect place to sit on a terrace and enjoy a refreshing drink.
If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, we suggest heading to the neighborhoods of Ruzafa or Ensanche, both just a short walk away, although staying for dinner at one of the restaurants inside the Mercado de Colón is also a great option. Ruzafa, known for its bohemian atmosphere and diverse culinary scene, is perfect for trying one of its trendy restaurants or enjoying a drink in one of its cosy bars. For a quieter dining experience, Ensanche, one of the city’s more upscale and locally oriented districts, also offers an excellent selection of places to eat.
If you arrive in Valencia at night, don’t hesitate to take a stroll through the historic centre, admiring its illuminated squares and monuments before enjoying a delicious dinner in the area.
Saturday: History, culture and tradition
Saturday is the perfect day to dive into Valencia’s history and culture. Start your day with one of our guided tours, where you can explore the ciy’s main monuments. Highlights include Valencia’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Grial; Plaza de la Virgen, a space full of history and devotion; the Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe; and la Lonja de la Seda ( Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour, relax on a terrace and enjoy the sun along with the local cuisine.
In the afternoon, explore the Carmen neighborhood, one of Valencia’s most iconic and traditional areas. This maze of narrow streets and historic buildings hides gems like the Portal de la Valldigna and the Casa de los Gatos. If you’re a lover of art and history, among the palaces on the aristocratic Calle de Caballeros (Knights Street), you’ll fin the famous Church of San Nicolás, often called the “Valencian Sistine Chapel” for its stunning frescoes.
If you enjoy panoramic views, don’t miss the chance to climb the torres de Serranos or Quart, as well as the Miguelete, the cthedral’s bell tower, or the bell tower of the Church of Santa Catalina. if you prefer something more cultural, we recommend visiting the CCCC, a cultural centre housed in a ancient convent, or the Museum of Fine Arts, Spains’s second most important art gallery, located in the impressive Colegio de San Pio V.
End of the day having dinner at one of the charming restaurants in the Carmen neighborhood, and enjoy the lively nightlife around Plaza del Tossal, where you’ll find bars and pubs to suit every taste.
Sunday: nature, vanguard and the sea
Sunday is the perfect day to combine nature and modernity. Start your day with a bit of exercise by renting a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city and ride through the Turia Garden, the former riverbed transformed into a vast green lung running through Valencia. This scenic route will take you to the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the city’s most modern landmarks. This stunning architectural complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, includes the Palau de les Arts ( Valencia’s opera house), the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and planetarium), the Science Museum and the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe.
After exploring this futuristic area, head toward the sea. Enjoy the beaches of Malvarrosa and Patacona, where you can relax with views of the Mediterranean. You can’t leave Valencia without trying an authentic Valencian paella, and the maritime promenade is perfect for that. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Marina of Valencia, home to the picturesque “Veles e Vents” building, and then head to the famous Cabanyal neighborhood, one of the old fishing villages that still retains its traditional charm. here, you can try horchata, a typical Valencian drink made from tiger nuts, accompanied by a fartón, a traditional sweet pastry.
If you have a bit more time, a trip to la Albufera is a perfect way to round off your weekend. This natural park, just 15 km from the city, is home to a beautiful freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields. Take a boat ride and enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in Spain.
With all this, you no know things to do in Valencia over a weekend to enjoy a complete experience, combining culture, gastronomy, local life, and the sea.
