One of my favorite cities in Spain, Valencia, located on the eastern coast of the country, is also among the most charming cities. Like Barcelona, it has become a popular destination for digital nomads. But what if you only have one day to tour the city? Don’t worry! Here, I’ve listed the best things to do in one day in Valencia.
Best Tours for Your One Day in Valencia:
1. Cathedral, St Nicholas and Lonja de la Seda Tour
2. Valencia Guided Family Walking Tour
3. Complete Tut Tuk Tour around Valencia
4. Oceanografic, Hemisferic and Science Museum Ticket
5. Traditional Paella Cooking Class and Dinner
1. Visit the City of Arts and Science
This futuristic complex featuring several buildings is the top attraction to visit in your one day in Valencia. Here are some highlights of what you can see there:
The Hemispheric: Without any doubt, the most iconic spot in Valencia is a giant eye-shaped building called The Hemisferic. It holds inside a cinema and planetarium where you can watch 3D films about space and nature.
The Oceanografic Aquarium: This is the largest aquarium in Europe and one of the top attractions in Valencia. With over 500 species of marine life from around the world, the Oceanografic is a must-visit for anyone interested in sea creatures.
Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds and get a good view of the dolphin show.
The Science Museum: With interactive exhibits on science and technology, a visit to this museum is one of the best things to do in Valencia. It’s great for both kids and adults.
Pro tip: The museum can get crowded, so try to arrive early or late in the day for a more relaxed experience.
You can visit the above attractions for an attractive price with a single ticket for the three. Book an Oceanografic, Hemisferic, and Science Museum Combo here
The Arts Palace: This building is home to Valencia’s opera and performing arts center. Even if you’re not attending a show, it’s worth admiring the architecture and taking a walk around the outdoor pool.
2. Explore the Turia Gardens
The Turia Gardens pass right by the City of Arts and Sciences, making it easy to visit both attractions on the same day.
The Turia Gardens is located on what used to be the bed of a river that was diverted years ago. The park spans over nine kilometers and is one of the largest urban parks in Spain.
In recent years, this area has transformed into an important cultural hub in Valencia, hosting events like concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. The Puente de la Exposición bridge connects the park to the City of Arts and Sciences.
3. Stroll through the Old Town
On one day you can easily navigate on foot the historic center. I recommend starting early, as it can get crowded later in the day due to the compact size of the historic center. Additionally, the area is full of narrow streets and uneven pavement, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes.
Since all of the main sights are close by, it’s easy to visit them all. Depending on your pace, it would take around 2-3 hours to explore the following main sights:
Valencia Cathedral:
This beautiful 13th-century cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Micalet bell tower for panoramic views of the city.
Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Market):
This stunning Gothic building was once the city’s silk exchange and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great example of Valencia’s wealth during the medieval period.
Torres de Serranos (Serranos Towers)
These towers from the 14th century are the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe and were part of the city’s fortifications. Climbing to the top for great views of the old town and beyond is one of the unmissable things to do in Valencia.
Plaza de la Virgen:
This beautiful square is in the heart of the old town. Historic buildings, including the Cathedral and the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, surround the square. It’s a great spot to sit and people-watch.
Mercado Central:
Other of the best things to do in Valencia is a visit to the central market. While not a historic building per se, this market hall dates back to the early 20th century and is one of the largest markets in Europe.
The Mercado Central of Valencia, same as the Mercado Central of Alicante, are masterpieces of the so-called “Valencian Modernism“. It’s a great place to pick up local produce and souvenirs.
If you want to learn more about the rich history, art, and culture of Valencia, a tour of its historical center is a must-do activity. During the tour, you will discover Valencia’s iconic landmarks. Book a Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour here.
Another way to explore Valencia is on a tour that caters to the enjoyment of everyone in the family, especially the kids. Take part in activities for the children and enjoy a fun day of sightseeing through the most emblematic sites of this beautiful city.
Book a Valencia Guided Family Walking Tour here
Other fun way to explore the city in two hours is by doing it on a guided tuk-tuk tour which accommodates up to 4 persons. This way, apart from the iconic landmarks you will stroll along the extense Malvarrosa beach, the harbor and discover even more.
Read more and book a Complete Tuk-Tuk Tour around Valencia here
4. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
No visit to Valencia is complete without trying the city’s most famous dish: paella. This rice-based dish is cooked in a large, shallow pan and typically includes a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices.
Several restaurants in the historical center serve the best paellas. My recommended ones are Borja Ascutia, La Cigrona, Restaurante Levante Plaza and Goya Gallery Restaurant. Just keep in mind that Spanish people have lunch in Spain between 2pm and 4pm.
You may also want to learn the secrets of the authentic paella Valenciana from a professional local chef in a warm and welcoming Valencian kitchen. Get this unique opportunity by booking a Traditional Paella Cooking Class and Dinner here.
Fideuà is another traditional dish cooked in a similar way to paella. However, the difference is that instead of rice, it’s made with noodles.
Valencia is also famous for its tapas, small plates of food that are perfect for sharing. Head to the Mercado Central for one of the best things to do in Valencia: going for tapas. Order a variety of dishes to share with your companions to get a taste of different flavors.
Some of the most popular options include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce), croquetas (small fried balls filled with ham or cheese), and grilled octopus.
If you are a seafood lover, be sure to try some of the fresh seafood that Valencia is famous for.
5. Try an Horchata
A day in Valencia is not complete without trying a horchata. This refreshing drink represents Valencian gastronomy worldwide and is made from tiger nuts. In fact, it is a very ancient beverage, as the tiger nuts found in ancient Egyptian tombs suggest that horchata was their drink.
Valencia has many horchaterías where you can enjoy a delicious horchata accompanied by sweet biscuits called fartons. One traditional place in the historic center is the Horchateria Santa Catalina.
I found this small stand just next to the main attractions at the City of Arts and Science.
How to Get to Valencia
By Plane:
Valencia’s airport is conveniently located only 8 kilometers away from the city center. It offers daily flights for domestic as well as international destinations.
By Train:
Valencia has two main railway stations:
Estación del Norte, which operates the local train network.
Joaquín Sorolla, which offers AVE high-speed rail services to important Spanish cities such as Madrid, Cuenca, Seville, and Córdoba. It also provides connections to other cities, including Barcelona, through ALVIA and EUROMED long-distance trains.
Book your Valencia train tickets in advance here
By Car:
Valencia is easily accessible by car due to its modern motorway network that connects it to cities on the mainland. The AP-7 runs north to south along the Mediterranean coast and provides a connection to Barcelona, while the A-3 connects Valencia to Madrid.
If you intend to go driving, I suggest using a reputable international company, such as Economy Bookings, for your car rental.
And if you are spending holidays in Valencia, consider the possibility of making a day trip to Benidorm which is only one hour and a half by car.
Book your car rental here and save up to 50%
When to Go to Valencia
The best time to visit Valencia depends on your preferences and plans.
Generally, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring has cherry blossoms and outdoor activities, while fall has autumn foliage.
Summer (June to August) is the peak season with warm weather, beach activities, and festivals, but it can be hot, humid, crowded, and some businesses may close in August for summer holidays. Be aware that August is the hottest month in Valencia with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F)
March in Valencia: Las Fallas
March is the month when Las Fallas de Valencia takes place, attracting tourists from all over the world.
A notable feature of the festival is the “ninot,” a papier-mâché figure that forms part of the decorations and scenes in the monuments. These figures, which are between 10 and 65 feet high (3 to 20 meters), are exhibited in the streets of the city before they are burned.
The festivities are accompanied by loud noises of firecrackers. Visitors can experience the explosions every day in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, making it an excellent destination to consider for a trip to Valencia in March.
