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2-Day Spring Valencia Adventure

⚖️Balanced Mix
2 daysspring

Experience the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful nature of Valencia in spring with this engaging 2-day trip plan.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Valencia, Spain, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Historic and Cultural Exploration
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~2 hours

Start your day by joining a free walking tour departing from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s a fantastic way to get the lay of the land and learn hidden stories about Valencia’s historic center.

Exploring the historic streets offers a rich glimpse into vibrant culture and stunning architecture. You'll typically encounter lively plazas, ornate buildings, and local stories told by passionate guides. Most walking tours include stops at iconic landmarks and opportunities to savor regional flavors in charming neighborhoods.

Book FREE walking tour
Late Morning

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral

Visit Valencia Cathedral located at Plaza de la Reina. Climb the Micalet tower for panoramic city views and check out the Holy Grail chapel.

4.6(33k reviews)~1 hours
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Early Afternoon

La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja de la Seda

Explore the Gothic silk exchange building on Carrer de la Llotja. Appreciate the intricate stonework and the historical significance of Valencia’s medieval trade.

4.6(29k reviews)~1 hours
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Afternoon

Mercado Central

Mercado Central

Browse fresh local produce and artisanal products inside Mercado Central on Plaça Ciutat de Bruges. It’s lively and perfect for tasting local flavors.

4.7(94k reviews)~1.5 hours
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Late Afternoon
Visit a Local Ceramic Workshop

~1.5 hours

Head to the Ruzafa neighborhood to visit a ceramic workshop. Watch artisans handcraft traditional Valencian ceramics or try making a piece yourself.

Evening
Try a Traditional Tapas Bar

~2 hours

Find a cozy tapas bar in the Barrio del Carmen district. Sample a variety of small plates with local ingredients and enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere.

Enjoy an authentic culinary experience by sampling a variety of small, flavorful dishes alongside local wines or beers. You'll typically discover a lively atmosphere where locals gather to socialize and savor regional ingredients prepared in traditional ways. The city's vibrant food culture and emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce make indulging in tapas a delightful and immersive activity.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Buñuelos de calabaza
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near Plaza del Ayuntamiento and try Buñuelos de calabaza, fried pumpkin doughnuts perfect with morning coffee.

Buñuelos de calabaza
Paella Valenciana
Lunch€12-18

Look for a traditional restaurant around Mercado Central and order Paella Valenciana, the iconic saffron rice dish with meat and seafood.

Paella Valenciana
Dinner
Seek out a tapas bar in Barrio del Carmen and try various small plates like Iberian ham, olives, and manchego cheese, paired with local wine.
€15-25
Walk as much as possible in the historic center for the best experience. For longer distances, use the metro or tram with tickets around €1.50. For taxis, apps like Cabify and Free Now are popular, charging about €1.20/km.
Hotel in Ciutat Vella (historic center of Valencia)
€35-50/night

Staying here puts you in the heart of Valencia's historic and cultural sites with easy access to walking tours and major attractions.

Day 2Nature and Modern Valencia
Morning

Turia Gardens

Turia Gardens

Enjoy a refreshing walk or bike ride along Turia Gardens, a lush green park that stretches through the city along the former riverbed. Enter via the street Paseo de la Alameda for easy access.

4.6(44k reviews)~2 hours
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Late Morning
City of Arts and Sciences

~2.5 hours

Explore the futuristic architecture and museums in the City of Arts and Sciences located in the eastern part of the city near Avenida del Profesor López Piñero. Look for the Oceanographic Museum within the complex.

Early Afternoon
L'Oceanogràfic

~2 hours

This is the largest aquarium in Europe situated inside the City of Arts and Sciences complex. Check out the diverse marine habitats and dolphin shows. Enter through the main entrance at the complex's northern side.

Afternoon
Sunset Photography at Albufera

~2 hours

Head south to the Albufera Natural Park, a serene freshwater lagoon about 10 km from the city center. Ideal for stunning sunset photography, access via Avenida de la Albufera or take a taxi or bus from central Valencia.

Capture breathtaking hues and tranquil reflections as the sun dips below the horizon. Travelers typically enjoy a serene atmosphere, perfect for experimenting with lighting and composition in natural surroundings. The region's expansive wetlands and vivid sunsets offer unique photography opportunities that highlight the area's natural beauty and peaceful ambiance.

Evening
Find a Local Seafood Restaurant

~2 hours

Search for a seafood restaurant in the Ruzafa neighborhood, popular for vibrant dining and local cuisine. Look for dishes featuring fresh fish and Valencian rice dishes.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Buñuelos de calabaza
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near Turia Gardens and order Buñuelos de calabaza, pumpkin fritters that are a delightful sweet treat, paired with a strong coffee.

Buñuelos de calabaza
Arroz a banda
Lunch€10-15

Look for a casual eatery near the City of Arts and Sciences serving colourful Arroz a banda, a local rice dish cooked with seafood stock and garlic; it's flavorful and filling.

Arroz a banda
Fideuà
Dinner€15-20

Find a local seafood restaurant in Ruzafa and try Fideuà, a noodle-based Valencian seafood specialty similar to paella but using short noodles instead of rice.

Fideuà
Use Valencia's metro and tram system for quick trips across the city and to the City of Arts and Sciences area. For Albufera, a taxi using apps like Cabify or Free Now costing around €1.2/km is convenient.
Hotel in Ciutat Vella (Valencia's historic old town)
€40-60/night

This central location is perfect for easy access to both nature spots and modern attractions, plus convenient transport connections.

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$43
Food / day$13
Transport / day$5
Activities / day$7
Daily total$68
Trip total$136

Accommodation based on $40 EUR converted to USD, food includes restaurant meals and street food, transport includes metro and occasional taxi, activities budgeted at $7 USD per day.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Public Transport: Metro, Tram, Bus, Cercanias trains available
Taxi Apps: Cabify, Free Now, Bolt, Uber are best
Languages: Spanish, Valencian, English commonly spoken
Best Travel Months: March to May and September to October
Healthcare Quality: Excellent healthcare services
Weather Warnings: Beware of heat waves and minor earthquakes
Tipping: Small tips of 5-10% in restaurants, not expected for taxis
Walkability: Excellent walkability with many attractions nearby
Food Scene: Excellent variety including street food and restaurants

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