24 HOURS IN VALENCIA

Valencia can be a small city but also large in size. It is the third largest city in Spain with up to 2.5 million people. It is known for the City of Arts and Sciences with futuristic structures and also home to the very first paella ever made! I spent 24 hours in Valencia and here are the top things to do and see.

Where To Stay

I stayed at Catalonia Excelsior Hotel. The hotel is cute, clean and in the city center. I loved that the moment I walked outside I was in the center of everything. This hotel is walkable to many attractions and only a 5 minute walk to the Central Market.

What To Do:

1. Central Market

The central market is a public market with hundreds of food stalls. It’s a great place to explore and eat tapas, best jamon and the freshest juices.

2. Climb El Miguelete Tower at the Cathedral of Valencia

El Miguelete is 2 euros and located inside the Cathedral of Valencia. There are a lot of stairs but when you get to the top it has beautiful views of the entire city!

3. Torres de Serranos

Torres de Serranos was constructed in 1392 and is one of the twelve gates that formed part of the city wall. As one of Valencia’s most iconic sights, this is worth a visit! Climb the gates and see views of the city!

4. Roam around Plaza de la Reina

Slow down and explore Plaza de la Reina. There is shopping and restaurants and lots of ice cream shops at the plaza.

5. Drink Horchata at Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is famous for their noble horchata drinks, founded in 1835!! A must visit for a place that has been around for this long! Horchata actually originated in Valencia and is worth a try! It’s located near the cathedral so stop by for a drink after your visit.

6. Eat Authentic Paella

You must eat paella when in Valencia!! Paella was created in the Valencian region of spain. Paella is served in many restaurants but the best one is at Arroceria La Valenciana.

7. Watch a bull fight show at Plaza de Toros

If you’re up for a bullfighting show you can purchase tickets at here.

8. Find Street Art

There is street art everywhere! Look around and enjoy the beautiful art surrounding you.

9. Explore Russafa and go to Cafe Dulce de Leche

Russafa is a section with colorful buildings and cute cafes. Definitely visit Dulce de Leche!! It’s the cutest cafe in Valencia and has the most amazing pastries!

10. Eat Jamon

When visiting Spain, you must eat Jamon aka ham. They have the best and you can find it at the Central Market or shops around town. It’s great for a snack and one of my favorites was at Beher.

Other Activities

Torres de Quart is a twin gothic style tower that was built in the 1400s as one of the city walls.

City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic and unique architecture built by architect Santiago Calatrava. I wish I had time to visit this beautiful building!

MORE SPAIN TRAVEL POSTS:

The Best of Madrid & 24 Hours in Madrid

3 Day Itinerary in Barcelona & Where to Eat in Barcelona

Tickets Bar: Fun, Innovative and the Best Restaurant in Barcelona

8 Reasons to Inspire you to Visit Javea, Spain

4 Day Itinerary in Mallorca, Spain

Comment below if you have visited Valencia!

 

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16 comments

  • Lena Elzayn

    December 20, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    All the food looks so good in Valencia! We’d love to do a 24 hour food tour here! Thanks for the fantastic guide. Have saved for when we visit Spain.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 20, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      A food tour in Valencia would be amazing!! You will love it Lena!

  • Michelle W

    December 21, 2016 at 10:08 am

    I used to live in Valencia- this is a nice roundup of things to do. Of course you need to go back though- there is SO much more 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 21, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      I definitely want to go back!

  • Mel

    December 22, 2016 at 12:56 am

    What a beautiful city. I like staying near the city center, too, if I am only going to be there for a short visit. It makes everything so much easier when you take the transportation issue away. The street art and the pastries are pretty great, too!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 22, 2016 at 11:39 am

      The city center is the way to go! I love being so close to everything

  • Tia Brown

    December 23, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Just sent this to some friends planning a trip there!!! This will Help so much!

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 23, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Thanks Tia!! Your friends will love it!

  • Liz Stephenson

    December 26, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Valencia is so special.
    The food just does it for me…. but totally agreee with staying central. I walk everywhere and when you are on the outskirts eventually it gets so tedious. Charming but tedious.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 26, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Staying central is key for me! It’s so convenient!

  • Christina

    December 28, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    So many choices here. I think there are enough activities for a long weekend in Valencia. My favorite would be the central market. I could spend days exploring the hundreds of food stalls.

    1. Tour de Lust

      December 28, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      Me too! I love any food market in Europe!

  • angkisland

    January 1, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    very fascinating. photos of the beautiful and interesting city, valencia was beautiful, thank you for a day fun

    1. Tour de Lust

      January 3, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      Thank you for reading!

  • Vlatko

    January 2, 2017 at 7:13 am

    how much is the cost for a one night in hostel?

    1. Tour de Lust

      January 3, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      I’m not sure about the hostel but my hotel was roughly $150 a night and it was perfect!

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