The Best Ways to Spend 3 Days in Valencia, Spain
Valencia may not have Madrid’s fame or Barcelona’s flash, but this coastal city wins over visitors with its history, street life, futuristic architecture, and, of course, food like the ever-popular paella. Spend three days here, and you’ll quickly realize it’s the kind of place where beaches and buzzing tapas bars all live a short bike ride apart. Here’s how to make the most of 72 sunny hours in Spain’s third-largest city.
Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
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Valencia’s most iconic landmark looks more like a sci-fi movie set than a cultural complex. While the architecture tends to steal the spotlight, what’s inside, like the shark-filled Oceanogràfic and the giant domed Hemisfèric, is just as worth exploring. Even if you skip the ticketed exhibits, walking the grounds is an experience in itself.
Climb the Miguelete Tower for a 360° View
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The Miguelete Tower, often just called El Micalet, offers a spectacular vantage point over the city. This bell tower, built in the 14th century, attached to Valencia Cathedral requires a 207-step climb to the top. The reward: panoramic views stretching from the historic city center to the shimmering coastline.
Spend Time at the Central Market
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Mercado Central is one of Europe’s oldest and biggest functioning food markets, still used by locals every day. It covers over 8,000 square meters and offers fresh fish, seasonal produce, Iberian ham, saffron, and snails. Some vendors speak only Valencian, but pointing works fine. It’s a great place to grab picnic supplies or sample an olive you didn’t know existed.
Wander Through Ruzafa’s Streets
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Ruzafa is one of Valencia’s liveliest neighborhoods. The streets here shift between old and new without trying too hard. Traditional markets sit near art galleries, and longtime locals share sidewalk space with students and travelers. You’ll find places to eat, shop, or sit for a while without needing a plan.
Try Horchata and Fartons Like a Local
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Valencia’s favorite summer drink isn’t sangria; it’s horchata, a cool, creamy blend made from tiger nuts (which are neither nuts nor tigers, by the way). Locals dip fartons, which are long, fluffy pastries, into the drink. Horchatería Santa Catalina is a popular stop, but smaller spots like Horchatería Subies offer the same combo without the line. Bonus: horchata is dairy-free and full of potassium, so technically it’s healthy.
Take a Bike Ride Through Turia Gardens
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Turia Gardens used to be a river. After a flood in 1957, the Turia River was diverted and the old riverbed transformed into a 9-kilometer greenbelt. Now it’s packed with runners, dog walkers, and teens practicing tightrope tricks between trees. Rent a bike and cruise from Bioparc Zoo all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences, passing fountains, playgrounds, and shady spots perfect for picnics.
Explore the El Carmen Neighborhood
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El Carmen combines centuries-old buildings with bursts of street art and late-night tapas spots. Highlights include the Portal de Valldigna (a stone archway from the 15th century) and quirky murals hidden around narrow corners. Museums like the Centre del Carme offer modern exhibits in old monasteries. After dark, bars spill into the streets and DJs pop up in unlikely places.
Feast on Paella in Its Hometown
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Valencia gave the world paella, and it takes that role seriously. The original version includes rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails, not the seafood mix often seen abroad. For a truly authentic experience, book a table at Casa Carmela or La Pepica near the beach. Locals eat paella at lunch, not dinner and many restaurants require a reservation or even a pre-order.
Check Out the Silk Exchange’s Gothic Grandeur
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The Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) might sound dry, but this 15th-century building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s architectural gems. Inside, you’ll find twisted stone columns, vaulted ceilings, and carvings that hint at medieval mischief (keep an eye out for a woman with bellows). The entry is affordable, and Sunday mornings are often free.
Cool Off at Malvarrosa Beach
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Malvarrosa is Valencia’s most accessible beach, and it’s surprisingly peaceful for being so close to downtown. Go early to beat the crowds or linger into the evening when locals gather for beers and volleyball. It’s also a great place to watch the sun dip behind the city’s skyline. The sand is fine, and the water is generally calm, while the promenade is lined with restaurants, bike paths, and ice cream kiosks.
Visit the Oceanogràfic Aquarium
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Step into Oceanogràfic and the first thing you notice is the scale: giant tanks, long tunnels, and creatures from every corner of the globe. One turn brings you face to face with sharks; another, a swirl of Arctic fish or a slow-moving ray. Beluga whales drift by, stealing glances from dolphin fans. Weekends pack in crowds, so book a ticket midweek if you want a quieter look at Europe’s biggest aquarium.
Sample Tapas at Casa Montaña
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Casa Montaña opened its doors in 1836 and never lost its charm. Barrels and old tiles set the scene in Cabanyal. Locals swear by the clóchina mussels, the grilled artichokes, and the vermouth poured slowly. Reservations help; walk-ins sometimes wait. Grab a seat at the bar if you can. The regular beside you will have an opinion, and odds are, they’ll point you toward the best plate you’ll taste in Valencia.
Spend an Afternoon at Albufera Natural Park
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Albufera is a vast freshwater lagoon and wetland just 30 minutes south of Valencia. This is where rice farmers first cooked paella over open fires. Today, visitors come for birdwatching, peaceful boat rides, and traditional meals in the nearby village of El Palmar. Rent a bike or take Bus 25 from the city center.
Catch a Match or a Tour at Mestalla Stadium
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If timing lines up, catching a match at Mestalla, home of Valencia CF, is a wild ride. The stadium has some of the steepest stands in Europe. If the game is not your thing, you can still take the Mestalla Forever Tour, which includes a walk through the locker rooms and a chance to sit in the manager’s seat.
Snack Your Way Through Colón Market
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Mercado de Colón is more of a gourmet food court inside a beautifully restored modernist building than a traditional market. Locals swing by for tapas, oysters, or a midday vermouth. Look up and be in awe of the glass and iron design by Francisco Mora, which makes this a must for architecture lovers, too. Head downstairs for sushi or upstairs for craft coffee.