Valencia is one of those cities that unfairly sits in the shadow of its big sisters, in this case Madrid and Barcelona. And while we absolutely love these cities, Valencia is somewhere that still feels comparatively undiscovered. Mass tourism is yet to fully take hold, which means the charming historic sites never feel too overcrowded, the foodie scene is delightfully authentic and the nearby beaches still have a charmingly-traditional seaside feel. And from the pristine streets of the UNESCO-listed old town to the opulent avenues of the centre, and to markets, beaches and museums in between, we have you sorted for a very memorable 24 hours in Valencia.
Early Morning
Breakfast at the Central Market
If you only have 24 hours in Valencia then there’s not a minute to waste, so make sure to set those alarms early and head out to the bustling central market in the North Ciutat Vella. Housed in an old Art Nouveau train station, the market is as beautiful as it is functional. The network of characterfully-cluttered stalls sell everything from freshly squeezed orange juice (from Valencian oranges, naturally) and freshly-baked bread to Spanish wines, olive oils and local spice mixes. There is also a small on-site cafe in the heart of the market that offers a delicious breakfast; however, if it’s a little too busy then you can opt for one of the outdoor terraced cafes that surround the market.
Late Morning
Sightseeing in North Ciutat Vella
As soon as you’ve quenched your morning appetite and savoured a fresh cup of coffee, it’s time for a spot of good-old sightseeing, and you’re in the right place, as all of our favourite sites are right here in the North Ciutat Vella. Just across the street you have the Lonja de la Seda, a beautiful medieval silk exchange with a courtyard of orange trees and an interior filled with huge twisting marble pillars. You’re also close to the bustling square of Plaza de la Reina and the piercing Santa Catalina Church and Tower, which you can climb to the top of for panoramic views across the whole city. Make sure to pop across to the nearby Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas to admire the seriously impressive Baroque facade of this palace turned ceramics museum. Heading further north, you soon reach the serene, car-free square of Plaza de la Virgen, which is home to important sites like Valencia’s Cathedral and Basilica. For an extra walk you can keep heading north to the edge of the walled city, where you are greeted with two huge turrets called the Torres de Serranos, the oldest remnants of the ancient walled city of Valencia.
Lunchtime
Did Someone Say Beach?
After all that sightseeing you’ll be ready for a sit down and a change of scene and what better way to do so than to kick back on Valencia’s long sandy beach. Located about three miles away from the centre, the lovely beach and port are best reached by car, but you could also rent a bike or electric scooter (the locals’ favourite way to get around) and head down the River Turia, a dry river bed turned pristine park. Lunchtime is the perfect opportunity to tuck into a traditional paella. Valencians are believed to have created the original recipe and the beach area is teeming with restaurants that are self-proclaimed institutions on the matter. Popular spots La Pepica and La Paz specialise in seafood and paella (and seafood paella) and have a lovely atmosphere and traditional design. For a little post-lunch R&R you have plenty of options: laze on the golden-sand beach, grab a poolside lounger in the upscale Marina Beach Club or, if you’re visiting during colder months, take a leisurely stroll down the beachside promenade. Our 6 best beaches in Valencia.
Afternoon
Discover Contemporary Valencia
Next up: a deep dive into Valencia’s contemporary gems. Perched between the beach and the centre is the City of Arts and Sciences, one of Europe’s largest cultural complexes. The institution’s incredible Avant-Garde architecture is the postcard of the city and features a great range of entertaining sites, including an opera house, open-air aquarium and gardened esplanade. You could easily spend a whole day here, but as you’re tight on time, a whistle-stop walk around the grounds is probably best. Then head west to Rusaffa, a once downtrodden neighbourhood that has since turned into a hip, trendy area filled with independent shops, bars and restaurants. From here you’re just a short walk north to the main part of town, so you can meander back to your hotel to enjoy a bit of down time before getting spruced up for the evening ahead.
Evening
Dinner in the South Ciutat Vella
Merging seamlessly with the northern portion of the old town, the South Ciutat Vella is alive with a vibrant hum of activity in the evening. Most of the action centres around the Plaza de Ayuntamiento, a beautiful square filled with opulent modernist buildings, a huge fountain and plenty of greenery. Spilling out from the square are a network of elegant avenues where you can find some of the city’s best restaurants, including Navarro (high-end creative tapas) and Karak (fusion tasting menus). After dinner, head back into the North Ciutat Vella to close out your 24 hours in Valencia in style: sampling Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail, which contains an intoxicating mixture of gin, vodka, sparking wine and fresh orange juice. Cafe de Las Horas, tucked away just off the bustling Plaza de la Reina, does an exquisite Agua de Valencia and its opulent, antique design is like nowhere else in the city.