SEVEN DAYS IN VALENCIA!

The third largest city in Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years, Valencia is a must-visit city for all who love to travel. Follow along for a comprehensive guide for seven days of travelling like a local in Valencia! With Fallas already in full swing, it is no secret that millions of visitors are flocking to Valencia. So, let’s look at how you can make the most of your visit to Valencia, whether you’ve been here for a few months and want to truly see the city, or you’re here for only one week, this is how you can do it right in seven days.

Day 1 – Central Valencia & the historic centre: What better way to start than right at the heart of where it all began! Located in the centre of Valencia are some of the most breathtaking sights, from the architecture to the local florists. We recommend visiting ‘The Holy Grail’ in the chapel at Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, Quart Towers, and City Hall too. First, inside the Valencia Cathedral, you will find the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, known as the Holy Grail. Regardless of religion, this cathedral is beautiful inside and out. Next, the Central Market known in Spanish as ‘Mercado Central’. This is the largest market with fresh produce in Europe, and it has something for everyone. Afterwards, walk by the Quart towers (Torres de Quart) to see one of the two remaining gates of the old Valencia city wall, and snap a few photos of the Spanish flag on top. Lastly, make your way to the City Hall. This building is a marvel of architecture, and during Fallas, from now until 19 March, it attracts an impressive crowd right around 14.00h for the Mascletà: a 10-15 minute long firework show that will reverberate in your soul, you can’t miss it!

Day 2 – ‘Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias’: After your busy day in central Valencia, choose a slower-paced day at the City of Arts and Sciences, in the Southeast corner of Valencia. This cultural complex is located along the Turia riverbed and can be enjoyed with family and friends. Here, you can visit Europe’s biggest Aquarium, a digital 3D cinema, a science museum, an exhibit including operas, concerts, zarzuela, and ballet, an open-access garden, and live music, projections, and conferences. Afterward, take a stroll through the surrounding Turia Gardens, one of the largest urban parks in Spain. The park offers cobblestone walking paths, local restaurants, and public restrooms.

Day 3 – Beach day: Time for the beach! Situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is no stranger to beautiful beaches. Spend your third day exploring one (or two) of Spain’s beaches. If you are staying close to central Valencia, we recommend you head to ‘Playa Cabanyal’, about 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. Here, you will find a large expanse of clean, sandy beaches, lined with restaurants, shops, surfboard rentals, beach clubs, and local vendors. Whether it is 10 degrees Celsius or 25 degrees Celsius, there will be plenty to do. Other beaches to check out include ‘Playa Malvarrosa’, ‘El Saler Beach’, ‘Port Saplaya’, ‘Patacona Beach’, and ‘Garrofera Beach’.

Day 4 – Ruzafa District: Your day in the Ruzafa District can be as laid back or jam-packed as you desire! This neighborhood in Valencia is a unique mix of old-fashioned street life and insanely popular restaurants. First, you have to check out the Mercado de Ruzafa, with over 100 local vendors, you can buy your meats and veggies for the rest of your stay, or grab a coffee and a sweet treat. This market is known to be a local hotspot, and is the second largest in Valencia, after, of course the Central Market of Valencia. Then, stop for lunch at one of the many stylish cafes or restaurants lining the streets. Some of our favorites in the area include ‘Oli Bar’ and Huerta y Huerta. After lunch, you can shop at the locally owned boutiques, bookshops, or art galleries, then roam the streets to see what other interesting discoveries are in Valencia’s ‘hipster’ neighborhood. When the sun begins to set and you’ve still got some adventure left in the day, head down to one of the many bars or nightclubs in the area. We like Piccadilly, Rojo, and Café Pessoa. On day 4 you can truly enjoy a seamless blend of energy, culture, and relaxation, and structure your visit however you see fit!

Day 5 – Albufera Natural Park: If you haven’t heard yet, Valencia is famous for its paella! So, naturally, why not head to the very place where it was invented, at Albufera Natural Park? This urban oasis is surrounded by paddy fields and woods and is where visitors can go to discover the origins of Valencian cuisine. Here, you can take a boat ride, walk through the parks, shop for freshly caught fish, and of course, eat paella. The perfect getaway is just 10km from the city, and a perfect excursion away from the hustle and bustle of your 7 day itinerary in the city.

Day 6 – Attend a football match at Mestalla Stadium: For day 6, make your way to Mestalla Stadium, a short walk from the Aragó metro station. At the stadium, take your pick between attending a match or joining a tour through the stadium. As the eighth largest stadium in Spain, Mestalla hosts Valencia CF, the city’s famous football team. Guided tours are available on the Valencia CF website (https://www.valenciacf.com/en/mestalla-forever-tour). Check out their website for more information and for match schedules, to plan your trip as you see fit.

Day 7 – A full day of Fallas: If you are in Valencia currently or will be within the next two weeks, then you must end your 7-day excursion with a day full of Fallas events! Below is a simple, yet efficient list of must-do’s during Fallas!

La Despertá: Wake up to your neighborhood’s very own Fallas marching band.
Fallero monuments: Take a few hours to navigate around the city to marvel at the several hundred fallas constructed.
La Mascletà: Head back to city hall at 14.00h for a colorfully vibrant and loud firework show.
The Ofrenda de las Fallas: (17-18 March) Watch ‘falleros’ in traditional Valencian costume bring flowers to create the “Virgen de los Desamparados.”
Nit del Foc: (18 March) Especially long, beautiful, and crowded fireworks displays all around the city.
La Cremà: (19 March) Head back to the Ruzafa neighborhood to see all the Fallas burn in a ceremonial celebration.