Valencia is the kind of city that surprises you—combining sunny Mediterranean beaches, orange tree-lined streets, striking modern architecture, and a historic old town full of energy.
With only 3 days in Valencia, you can stroll beside ancient walls, sample paella where it was invented, and pedal through sprawling lush gardens all before sunset.
You can even squeeze in a sunset boat ride in Albufera Natural Park, or admire the world’s largest aquarium at Oceanogràfic.
In this article, you’ll find smart ways to make the most of your short stay, local dishes worth tasting, and insider tips for the best walks, museums, and plazas.
Each suggestion is something I’ve tested myself, from biking through Turia Park to catching the best views from Torres de Serranos.
Forget tourist traps—get ready for honest, practical advice to help you shape an unforgettable visit to Valencia.
Day 1: Old Town, Markets & Historic Marvels
Explore Valencia’s old town on foot to uncover centuries of history. From mediaeval towers to vibrant squares and tasty snacks, each stop offers something unforgettable for your first day in this city.
Morning: Dive Into Valencia’s Historic Heart
Begin your walk at the towering Torres de Serranos, one of the city’s ancient gates, still guarding the old town.
Climb up for a panoramic view of the rooftops and winding streets below. Stroll into the bustling El Carmen neighbourhood, where lively street art meets Gothic facades.
Don’t miss a peaceful moment at Plaza de la Virgen. Here, you’ll spot fountains, locals enjoying coffee, and the mighty Valencia Cathedral. The Cathedral is renowned for its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
Dare to climb up El Miguelete, the cathedral’s bell tower, for sweeping city views. The winding staircase is worth every step, especially on sunny mornings. As you wander, look for hidden murals and sculptures tucked along narrow lanes.
The energy in this area is different from anywhere else you’ll visit during your 3 days in Valencia.
Midday: Market & Lunch
Head to the heart of local life at Mercat Central.
This Art Nouveau market bustles with chefs, shoppers, and stalls piled high with oranges, jamon, and spices. It’s a sensory overload, but an essential stop on any culinary adventure.
For lunch, try a classic Valencian dish at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena—an easy spot inside the market. Sample fresh seafood, Spanish tortilla, or olives from local vendors. Snack on horchata or pastries from a nearby stall.
Right across from the market, visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The twisted columns and vaulted ceilings of this medieval silk exchange offer a cool retreat.
Check opening times; schedules change during local holidays.
Pros & Cons Box – Lunch at Mercat Central
| Pros | Cons |
| Local ingredients | Crowds at noon |
| Affordable options | Limited seating |
| Vegetarian friendly | Early market close |
Afternoon: UNESCO Heritage & Chill
After lunch, step inside La Lonja de la Seda and marvel at the elegant architecture and palm-shaped columns. This spot gives you a real taste of Valencia’s medieval power and wealth.
The orange trees in the courtyard smell sweet in spring. Walk a few minutes to Torres de Quart, another iconic city gate.
The towers still show scars from old battles. The climb is short, and the views offer photo opportunities of the old town’s rooftops.
Take some time to relax in a shady park or café. Try a glass of Agua de Valencia, a local cocktail with orange juice, cava, and a splash of spirits. Save heavier drinks for later—you still have tapas to hunt for in the evening.
Evening: Tapas & Sunset
As day fades, tapas bars fill up across the old town. Look for Bodega La Pascuala near Plaza del Carmen if you want giant bocadillos and friendly local service.
Many bars offer small tapas plates like patatas bravas, marinated seafood, or Iberian ham.
Settle down at Café de Las Horas for another Agua de Valencia and a relaxed, local vibe. Some bars fill up fast, so arrive early if you want a seat outside. Tables on plazas are great for people-watching.
If you’re in the mood for a view, return to the Plaza de la Virgen for sunset, where the golden hour lights up cathedral stones.
Day 2: Arts, Science & The Seafront
Valencia’s architectural showpieces and seafront charm take center stage on day two.
You’ll explore striking modern spaces, sample fresh Mediterranean flavors, and wind down in a lively neighbourhood known for its creative spirit.
Morning: City of Arts & Sciences
Start your day at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this complex is one of Valencia’s icons. The white buildings curve and tilt, giving the whole area a sci-fi feel.
You’ll want to snap photos everywhere you look. Visit the Oceanogràfic València, Europe’s largest aquarium.
Arrive early to beat the queues. Inside, walk through giant tanks in shark tunnels and check out the dolphin show. Kids and adults both love the penguin exhibit.
If art is more your thing, head to the Museu de les Ciències. Interactive displays make science fun. For a quick art fix, consider squeezing in a visit to the nearby Institut Valencià d’Art Modern—perfect for catching a glimpse of Spain’s modern art scene.
Quick Guide
| Site | Best For | Hours (approx) |
| Oceanogràfic | Marine life, families | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Museu de les Ciències | Science fans, kids | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Art Modern Museum | Modern art enthusiasts | 10:00 – 19:00 |
Midday: Riverside Lunch & Park Time
After the morning rush, head toward the Turia Gardens, Valencia’s green corridor, built into a former riverbed.
These gardens stretch for miles and make for a peaceful stroll. You’ll find locals jogging, playing soccer, and having picnics.
For lunch, detour just north to Restaurante Copenhagen. It’s a popular spot for creative Mediterranean dishes with plenty of veggie options.
If you want something more casual, try Dulce de Leche Boutique for sandwiches and excellent pastries. Both are easy to find on Google Maps.
Grab a gelato and relax under orange trees or at one of the café terraces. The park has playgrounds if you’re traveling with younger kids and plenty of benches for a midday break.
Top Tips
- Bring a refillable water bottle—public fountains are scattered throughout the park.
- Weekend food markets sometimes pop up around the Puente de las Flores.
- Rent a bike if you want to cover more of the gardens quickly.
Evening: Ruzafa Vibes + Drinks
As day turns to night, make your way to Ruzafa. This artsy district is packed with vibrant street art, indie shops, and cafés.
Walk around and spot the murals; they’re everywhere and regularly change, so you get something new every time. For dinner, try Canalla Bistro.
The eclectic menu changes often, but you’ll usually find everything from bao buns to grilled octopus. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Reserve a table – locals love it. After dinner, Ruzafa shines with evening life. Sip inventive cocktails at La Bella de Cadiz or order a classic gin and tonic at Café Berlin.
Both bars offer unique atmospheres: La Bella feels like a living room lined with curios, while Berlin is classic and casual.
Local hint: Many bars in Ruzafa serve small complimentary snacks with your drinks—don’t fill up at dinner; save room for surprises!
For those finishing their night late, walk over to Ubik Café; it’s a bookshop-bar hybrid popular with locals, especially for its cozy vibe and literary cocktails.
Day 3: Beaches, Gardens & Local Life
Soak up Valencia’s relaxed coastal atmosphere, wander lush gardens, and end your stay with a taste of real local life.
There’s time to slow down, explore neighborhoods off the usual path, and enjoy traditional flavors unique to this region.
Morning: Chill by the Sea
Start with a walk along Malvarrosa Beach, the city’s favorite sandy stretch.
It’s lively year-round, and on sunny mornings, locals come out for skating, volleyball, or just a barefoot stroll. The wide promenade is lined with palm trees and has a friendly, family vibe. Bring a towel—if the weather is warm, take a swim.
Life here moves quieter in the morning, making it easy to find a peaceful spot close to the water. There are plenty of beach bars, called chiringuitos, where you can grab a coffee or juice.
Tip: For great people-watching, sit on a bench near the ice-cream stall.
Kids zip by on scooters, and fishermen prep their gear while seagulls hover overhead.
Midday: Seaside Lunch & Horchata
Lunch by the sea is a must during your 3 days in Valencia. For something authentic, walk toward Playa de la Patacona and try Casa Carmela, famous for wood-fired paella since 1922.
Even if you tried paella earlier, their version—served with a thin, crispy base called socarrat—is worth seeking out. After lunch, take a short stroll inland to taste horchata, a sweet, cold drink made from tiger nuts. Locals pair it with fartons, soft pastries dipped into the horchata.
Try Horchatería Daniel at Mercado de Colón or in Alboraya, just a quick ride away.
Quick Choice Table
| Beverage | Where to Try | Notable Pairing |
| Horchata | Horchatería Daniel | Fartons |
| Café con leche | Any chiringuito | Croissant |
Don’t miss this light, refreshing treat—it’s Valencia in a glass.
Afternoon: Hidden Gems
Turn away from the busy beach and head to the Turia Gardens, a 9km-long green belt built in the old riverbed.
Walk or rent a bike for a shady escape under orange blossoms and olive trees. The park links many city highlights, but you’ll always find quiet corners.
Detour into the Cabanyal district. Once a fishing village, this neighborhood still feels different from central Valencia.
The houses are cheerful and covered in tiles, and you might spot neighbors chatting in the doorways or hanging laundry across the street.
Explore tiny bar terraces and local bakeries here. If you want a snack, pick up empanadillas from Dulces Ramos, a shop that’s been open for decades.
Final Night: Tapas Crawl or Rooftop Farewell
For your last night of 3 days in Valencia, you have two excellent choices, depending on your pace. If you love food adventures, join a tapas crawl in El Carmen district. Ask about Casa Montaña in the seaside Canyamelar area, known for its classic Spanish tapas and wide sherry selection.
Be sure to secure a reservation in advance, given the popularity of this historic location. Prefer city views? Reserve a table at the rooftop bar of Ateneo Sky Bar, just off Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Arrive before sunset to catch a 360° panorama over the rooftops.
This is ideal for a relaxed sendoff with a drink and some light bites.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Tapas Crawl | Social, affordable, sample many dishes | Can get crowded, less calm |
| Rooftop Farewell | Scenic, quieter, memorable sunset | Limited food options, pricier |
Final Thoughts: Valencia in 3 Days, Perfectly Packed
Three days in Valencia allow you just enough time to discover the city’s contrasts—old town charm, futuristic architecture, and sandy beaches. Each day feels like discovering a new aspect of the city.
Travel tip: Valencia is flat and pedestrian-friendly.
Bring comfortable shoes, and expect to walk a lot, especially in Ciutat Vella and the Turia Gardens.
Are you unsure of how to navigate the city? The metro is quick, but cycling is surprisingly easy. Valencia’s public bicycles are everywhere. Walking along the riverbed park is a highlight.
Must-try local eats:
- La Pepica for classic paella by the sea
- Central Bar by Ricard Camarena in Mercado Central for fresh tapas
- Horchatería Santa Catalina for an authentic horchata and fartons pairing. Each place is easy to find and is loved by both locals and visitors alike.
| What to Pack for 3 Days in Valencia | |
| Refillable water bottle | ✔️ |
| Sunscreen | ✔️ |
| Lightweight layers | ✔️ |
| Camera or phone with good storage | ✔️ |
| Sunglasses and hat | ✔️ |
A sprinkle of Spanish goes a long way; “por favor” and “gracias” still bring a smile. You will notice that the city’s tempo is slower in the afternoon and vibrant at night.
Tapas bars start to fill up after 8 PM. If you need a break, Malvarrosa Beach is a quick tram ride away, perfect for sunsets.
Just remember to save some appetite for churros, as the city’s street stands make a delicious batch. For more itinerary inspiration, check out detailed guides for 3 days in Valencia or compare local perspectives with this unique local itinerary.