Valencia guide (not only) for 4 days: What to see and where to stay
In my opinion, Valencia is one of the most pleasant Spanish cities to travel to. It lies on the Mediterranean coast and, although it is the third largest city in the country, it still retains a relaxed atmosphere without the overcrowded streets typical of Barcelona or Madrid. It offers an ideal combination of history, modern architecture, beaches and great gastronomy. You will also be thrilled by the accommodation in Valencia.
Valencia
In this guide, you will find the best of what I recommend seeing and experiencing in Valencia, from monuments, through districts and parks, to tips for trips and practical advice, including tips on accommodation.
Accommodation in Valencia
There is plenty of accommodation in Valencia. I have selected those that are highly rated and, in my experience, ideal for walks around the city and for a holiday near the sea. Let yourself be inspired:
1. Cheaper apartment with top price/performance ratio
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very good rating and great location, so you will be within walking distance of the main sights and restaurants
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ideal if you want to be in the center and also have an apartment with a kitchen
2. Beautiful accommodation in Valencia, in the historical center
- highly rated hotel and ideal location in the city center
Caro Hotel Valencia
3. Mid-range hotel near the beach
PAMPHYLIA HOTEL – Malvarrosa Beach
- highly rated hotel right on the beach
PAMPHYLIA HOTEL – Valencia
Find accommodation in Valencia according to your preferences:
>> Available accommodation in Valencia <<
Valencia – Historical Center
I like to say that the historical center of Valencia is compact and ideal for exploring on foot. Most of the sights are only a few minutes’ walk from each other, hidden in narrow streets full of cafes and restaurants. So you don’t have to worry about transport in the center if you find accommodation in Valencia right in the center.
What not to miss:
- The Valencia Cathedral is the place where, according to tradition, the Holy Grail is stored.
- Plaza de la Virgen is one of the liveliest squares in the city and be sure to visit it.
- Plaza Redonda, a small circular square with shops that women will especially appreciate.
- The Town Hall and the Northern Railway Station are examples of rich urban architecture.
Valencia – city center
The Silk Exchange (Llotja de la Seda) is, in my opinion, the main monument in the city center. We can find it in UNESCO and it is a symbol of Valencia’s commercial past. The Silk Exchange is worth a visit from the inside as well. It was originally used for trading silk and still reminds us how important a trading center Valencia was.
Valencia
My tip: If you want to understand the local history in depth, take a free walking tour of the historical center – an ideal introduction to the city. If you are satisfied with the guide, a symbolic contribution is expected, but it is not mandatory.
Church of St. Nicholas: Sistine Chapel of Valencia
One of the most impressive monuments in the city is the Church of Saint Nicholas, often called the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. The interior is richly decorated with baroque frescoes that cover almost the entire ceiling. Admission is symbolic and includes an audio guide, thanks to which you will better understand the meaning of the individual frescoes.
Valencia – Church of St. Nicholas
Markets and gastronomy – what to taste in Valencia?
Central Market
In my opinion, it is one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe. You will find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and local specialties here. We recommend tasting Manchego cheese and especially our favorite Jamón Iberico ham, which you can have cut into a paper cone here.
I recommend:
- If you want to enjoy your meal in peace, head to Central Bar, where they prepare tapas, sandwiches and typical Valencian drinks.
- But if you are looking for a market with more bars and restaurants, head to Mercado de Colón instead.
Valencia – Mercado de Colón
Where was Paella created? Albufera Natural Park
Just a few kilometers behind Valencia lies a quiet area full of rice fields, forests and a vast lagoon. Albufera Natural Park is an ideal place for those looking for peace, beautiful nature and a slow pace. It offers romantic sunsets, boat trips, bird watching and a number of hiking trails. What you may not know, Albufera is the home of paella, one of the most famous Spanish dishes.
- Paella is usually eaten for lunch, or as a social dinner on weekends.
Valencia Paella
Getting to the lagoon is very easy even without a car. EMT city buses number 24 and 25 run from the center of Valencia. Just get off at the Embarcadero or El Palmar stops and you can go straight to a scenic cruise on the Albufera lagoon.
The cruise can be easily combined with a walk in the surrounding area. There are countless hiking trails here. We chose an easy circuit of approximately three kilometers, which led from the bus stop to the marina and back. Along the way, we were lucky enough to observe a number of interesting bird species.
Beaches in Valencia and the port
Playa de la Malvarrosa
The most famous beach in Valencia is called Playa de la Malvarrosa and offers a wide strip of sandy space, swimming and a long promenade with restaurants. It is an ideal place to have sangria or traditional paella right by the sea. If you are looking for accommodation in Valencia near the beach, I gave you a tip for a hotel right here above.
Valencia – Malvarrosa
Marina de Valencia
Marina de Valencia is a modern port suitable for walking, cycling, dinner or a boat trip. It is a pleasant destination at any time of the year. However, in the main season, expect it to be quite lively here and you need to make a reservation in restaurants.
Museums in Valencia
I believe that Valencia will also please museum lovers. You can visit, for example, these:
- Archaeological Museum – history of the city from Roman times
- Museum of Fine Arts – one of the largest in Spain
- Interactive Science Museum – ideal for children and adults
- Ceramics Museum – you will be enchanted by the exhibition and the interiors themselves
City of Arts and Sciences Valencia
The ultramodern complex of buildings surrounded by water is undoubtedly one of the modern symbols of Valencia. I definitely recommend visiting it. This modern futuristic center is a popular destination for many tourists, so I recommend booking tickets in advance.
Valencia – City of Arts and Sciences
Biggest attractions:
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Oceanogràfic – the largest aquarium in Europe
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Science Museum
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3D cinema
Valencia – City of Arts and Sciences
Túria Park – Valencia
The former riverbed, now a nine-kilometer park crossing the entire city. An ideal place for cycling and running, but also for a picnic and pleasant relaxation in nature. About 18 bridges lead through the park and there is also a modern architectural gem of Valencia.
Valencia
The most beautiful view of Valencia: Torres de Serranos
Torres de Serranos is one of the original city gates. For a small fee, you can get to the top, from where there is one of the best views of the historical center of Valencia on one side and the park on the other.
Valencia
You might also be interested in:
- Weekend in Barcelona: 4-day itinerary
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- 7 tips for luxury hotels with a rooftop terrace in Barcelona
Tips for districts outside the center of Valencia
Ruzafa
Ruzafa is a popular district full of cafes, bars and restaurants. It is busiest in the evening, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If you want to dine in a popular establishment, a reservation is a must here.
Barrio del Carmen
Barrio del Carmen is a well-known bohemian part of the city with an artistic soul, medieval architecture and historical monuments. If you like art, don’t miss this place. It is also worth looking for accommodation in Valencia here if you want to live outside the main city center.
Day trip to Montanejos
If you are planning a longer vacation in Valencia, I recommend going outside the city as well. For example, to Montanejos, which is a mountain area with canyons and thermal lakes. An ideal trip for easy hiking when you want to escape from the city. You will also be pleased with swimming in natural pools.
Montanejos
My tip for Montanejos:
- We started the trip with a beautiful hike along the river and into the mountains. Then we had enough free time to swim in the thermal pools. But I can imagine that we would skip the walk and just come here to bathe in the thermal baths.
- Find the thermal baths where we bathed on the map: Fuente de los Baños
Valencia – transport
Valencia is flat and has over 150 kilometers of cycle paths. Transport by bicycle is therefore the cheapest and fastest at the same time if you choose accommodation in Valencia. I recommend renting local shared bikes – Valenbisi.
An alternative to cycling is local public transport – EMT buses and the metro.
If you are going outside the city, I recommend a train or renting a car.
Valencia is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It offers monuments, the sea, nature and modern architecture, all without extreme crowds of tourists. If you are looking for a destination that combines a city stay, beaches and an authentic atmosphere, Valencia is an excellent choice.
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