Valencia, Spain's third largest city, is a vibrant and charming place, perfect for a holiday. Whether you're looking for culture, nature, gastronomy or just a place to relax, Valencia offers a wide variety of options.
1. Breakfast at the Central Market
Start your holiday in Valencia with a hearty breakfast. The Mercado Central, one of the largest markets in Europe, is the perfect place to do so. This modernist building, built in 1914, is not only a feast for the eyes, with its impressive architecture and colourful stained glass windows, but also a feast for the palate.
At the Central Market, you can find a wide variety of fresh produce: fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and seafood, as well as local products such as Iberian ham and cheeses. For breakfast, I recommend a toast with tomato and olive oil, accompanied by a coffee with milk. Or, if you prefer something sweeter, an ensaimada or a fartón with horchata, a typical Valencian drink made from tiger nuts.
2. Visit to the City of Arts and Sciences
After an energy-filled breakfast, head to one of Valencia's most iconic landmarks: the City of Arts and Sciences. This futuristic complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, is one of the city's biggest attractions and a symbol of its modernity.
The City of Arts and Sciences is made up of several impressive buildings, including the Hemisfèric, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Umbracle, the Ágora, the Oceanogràfic and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. You can spend hours exploring each of these attractions.
Hemisfèric: This is an IMAX cinema and planetarium with a varied programme, from documentaries to astronomical shows.
Príncipe Felipe Science Museum: An interactive museum that fascinates both adults and children, where you can learn about science and technology in a fun way.
Oceanogràfic: Europe's largest aquarium, home to over 500 marine species, including sharks, dolphins, penguins and many more.
3. Walk through the Turia Gardens
After visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, it's time to relax a bit in nature. Valencia has one of the largest urban parks in Spain: the Jardines del Turia. This huge green space, which stretches for nine kilometres, was created on the old bed of the Turia River, which was diverted after a major flood in 1957.
The Turia Gardens are perfect for a quiet stroll, a photo shoot, or even renting a bike and riding around the park. Throughout the gardens, you'll find fountains, children's play areas, sports fields, and a plethora of trees and flowers that make this place an oasis in the middle of the city.
An interesting stop on your walk along the Turia is Gulliver Park, a children's park inspired by Jonathan Swift's character, Gulliver. Here, children (and not so children) can climb and slide down the huge figures that represent the giant Gulliver tied to the ground.
4. Lunch in the Barrio del Carmen
The Barrio del Carmen is one of the oldest and most characterful neighbourhoods in Valencia. Its narrow cobbled streets are full of history, street art, boutique shops, and of course, excellent restaurants. This is the perfect place to enjoy a typical Valencian lunch.
Valencia is famous for its paella, and no trip to the city would be complete without trying this iconic dish. Although paella can be found in almost any restaurant in the city, in the Barrio del Carmen you will find several places that prepare this dish following the traditional recipe, with ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofón and, of course, saffron, which gives it its characteristic color.
If you prefer something different, you can also opt for other typical dishes of Valencian cuisine, such as arròs a banda (rice cooked in fish broth), all i pebre (an eel stew) or fideuà, a dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.
5. Visit to the Cathedral of Valencia and the Miguelete
After a delicious lunch, it's time to immerse yourself in Valencia's history and culture with a visit to its Cathedral, located in the heart of the historic center. Valencia Cathedral, also known as La Seu, is an impressive mix of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque.
Inside the cathedral, don't miss the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, which houses what is believed to be the authentic Holy Grail, the chalice used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. This sacred object has attracted pilgrims and curious visitors from around the world.
Next to the Cathedral is the Miguelete, a 51-metre-high bell tower. Climbing the 207 steps to the top can be a challenge, but the panoramic views of the city you'll get when you reach the top make the effort worthwhile.
6. Afternoon of shopping in the historic center
Valencia is also a great place for shopping, and the historic centre is the ideal place for this. From craft and souvenir shops to fashion and design boutiques, you will find everything here.
A must-see is the Plaza Redonda, a curious circular market where you can find all kinds of handicrafts, from ceramics to fans. It is also a good place to buy local products such as nougat or horchata.
Another highlight is Calle Colón, one of the city's main shopping arteries. Here you will find department stores, international fashion stores and small shops with unique products.
7. Sunset at Malvarrosa Beach
After a day of exploring, there's no better way to relax than with a stroll along the beach. Malvarrosa Beach is Valencia's most famous urban beach, and its wide promenade is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
You can walk along the sand, sit on one of the benches on the promenade or enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars while watching the sun set on the horizon. La Malvarrosa is a lively place, both day and night, and you will always find something to do.
8. Dinner at the Marina of Valencia
To end the day, I suggest a dinner at the Marina de Valencia. This modern marina has been transformed into a leisure and gastronomy centre, with a wide range of restaurants, bars and terraces with sea views.
Here, you can choose from a variety of cuisines, from Spanish tapas to international cuisine. However, since you are in Valencia, I recommend opting for fresh seafood or a nice plate of seafood rice, accompanied by a local white wine.
After dinner, you can take a stroll along the Marina and enjoy the nightlife. If you're feeling energetic, you can also explore some of the bars and clubs in the area.
9. A touch of nightlife culture
If you're still hungry for more after dinner, Valencia has a night-time cultural offering that you shouldn't miss. Depending on the day, you could attend a play, a concert, or even an open-air cinema session in one of the city's many cultural venues.
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, located in the City of Arts and Sciences, is Valencia's most important opera house, and often hosts opera, ballet and classical music performances. Another option is the Teatre Principal, in the city centre, which hosts plays, concerts and dance performances.
If you prefer something more informal, you can visit one of the bars with live music in Barrio del Carmen or Ruzafa, two of the liveliest areas of the city. Here, you can enjoy a drink while listening to jazz, flamenco or indie music.
Valencia is a city that offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy on a holiday. From its stunning architecture and rich history, to its beaches and delicious cuisine, Valencia has something for everyone. By following this itinerary, you will be able to experience the best of what the city has to offer, making your holiday unforgettable.