Valencia in 2-3 days
DAY 1
It’s all about the beach. Take a stroll down to Playa de la Malvarossa or one of the city’s other beaches to soak up some sun and get wet in the Med. There are dozens of seafood restaurants lining the beach selling Valencia’s trademark seafood paella and loads of other dishes for lunch or dinner, or try one of the bars for a cold beer or cocktail.
DAY 2
Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, taking time to wander among the giant shell-shaped buildings. The Oceanographic Park, Europe’s largest aquarium, is well worth a visit. After an afternoon siesta, head into the Plaza de la Reina and surrounding streets for a tasty local feed and then sample the night life with a bar crawl.
DAY 3
Wash away your hangover with a quick morning swim or head straight into the old town for a wander amongst the charming cobbled streets and historic buildings. Don’t miss the Plaza de Toros — you can have a peek inside even when bullfights are not scheduled, and the attached museum is worth a look. Also make sure you visit the Central Market, the silver merchant’s guildhall and the Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral.
In one week
With a week to spend, it’s easier to see all of Valencia’s sights and really slip into the vibe of the city. Follow the three-day itinerary before tacking on extra time at Valencia’s Mediterranean beaches as well as another day or two really coming to grips with the charming old town and the nightlife in the Barrio del Carmen.
You might also want to check out some of the city’s other musuems in the City of Arts and Sciences, drop it on the Formula 1 track, take a sailing trip departing the port or visit the Biopark, a 70,000 square metre animal park that has no barriers or fences.
Remember, the city becomes a ghost town between 3pm and 5pm for siesta, so take a nap too to charge up for the night ahead!
