Looking to spend only one day in Valencia, Spain? You can probably guess that I’m going to tell you that one day in Valencia is not nearly enough to experience this vibrant city.
I spent a month in Valencia with Remote Year, a program for people to travel and work remotely, so it’s hard to boil all the great things to do down to one single day.
But, I get it, you’ve only got one day, so here is your one day Valencia itinerary to really make it count. And of course, I’ll add some recommendations at the end in case you decide to spend more time here.
Important note: As a language teacher I have to point out that Valencià is the official language of the Valencian Community (region) and you will see it written and hear it spoken along with Spanish. As you are planning your trip you may see different spellings of the same place and this is why.
Breakfast at the Horchatería de Santa Catalina
Start your day with chocolate and churros at this horchatería. This café has been serving up breakfast and snacks for more than two centuries. The interior is beautifully decorated with hand-painted tiles.
It’s Spanish tradition to dip the fried churros in the very thick hot chocolate. If you want a uniquely Valencian tradition, order the horchata. This version is made from chufa (earth almonds or tiger nuts), not rice milk and is light and sweet. Iced breadsticks called fartons go with the horchata perfectly!
Visit the Silk Exchange
Valencia’s wealth was made in the silk trade and the Silk Exchange buildings (La Lonja de la Seda) are where all the action was. These Gothic-style buildings date back to 1483 and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You’ll need to take a second look at some of the naughty statues on the exterior facade representing sin!
Grab a Snack at the Mercat Central
The Central Market has all of the best Valencian specialties from produce to fish to tasty Spanish ham. This is where Valencianos do their shopping, so the prices and quality are excellent.
Make sure to get a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice made with the famous Valencian oranges!
Marvel at the interior of the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia”
The Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir has one of the most beautiful painted ceilings I’ve ever seen. It’s accurately called the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia”.
The 10 euro entry is pricey, but includes an audio guide and is worth the money.
Eat a paella lunch
You can’t come to Valencia without having paella. The Valencian version usually includes chicken and/or rabbit, not seafood like in Barcelona. See the video below for exactly how it’s made.
Although this dish is traditionally eaten on Sunday afternoons, the Masusa Paella Bar is a good option for tourists with limited time. They have lots of tasty versions of this Valencian classic.
Rent a bike
Valencia is a city that is all about biking! If you look at a city map of Valencia, you’ll see a distinct green belt cutting the city in two. This is a former riverbed-turned-park and has great paths for biking and running.
Additionally, Valencia has marked bike lanes all over the city, and is very flat, so it’s the perfect place for riding!
Even if you aren’t much of a cyclist, renting a bike here is easy and inexpensive. You’ll cover more ground this way and it’s hard to get lost. Reserve your bike rental and pick it up at one of the pick up points.
Another option is to do a guided city bike tour for around 25 euros. This bike tour goes all the way to the beach, but if that’s too far this bike tour should be very doable and still covers all the best places.
See the bike tour I did and more about the Valencia region on my YouTube channel!
Climb the tower
Hop on your bike and head to the Serranos Towers. For 2 Euros you can climb these towers that date back to the 14th century. If you don’t want to climb up, this spot is at least worth a stop for a photo, as the towers guarded a former entrance to the city and overlook a picturesque bridge.
Bike through the park and stop at Gulliver’s Park
If you are traveling with kids or are a kid at heart like me, you’ll want to stop along the route at this playground. Parc Gulliver is a huge (and I mean huge) statue of a reclined Gulliver from Gulliver’s Travels as he was tied up by the Lilliputians.
The park is free and has bathrooms, so stop here and take a minute to go down one of the slides. It’s one of the most imaginative parks you’ll ever see!
La Ciutat de Les Arts I Les Ciències
This futuristic complex is probably Valencia’s most iconic sight. A number of unique white buildings, vegetation, and fountains make up an area designed by visionary architect Santiago Calatrava.
If you are interested in art and architecture, it’s worth getting a guide to tell you about the project and how it nearly bankrupted the city.
There are films, performances, an acquarium and a science museum, but honestly, the biggest draw is just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.
You can rent a see-through kayak or a pedal bike to explore the pond from a different vantage point.
Valencia Marina and El Cabanyal Beach
Continue biking all the way to the water, swinging a bit north to go through the Valencia Marina, where you’ll see ferries and yachts waiting to sail.
Make your way past the marina to the beach. Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the sun and the bohemian-style architecture of the buildings along the coast in the El Cabanyal neighborhood.
Stop for a drink at La Fabricà de Gel, an old ice factory that has been converted into a bar and music venue. Vermouth is popular in Valencia, or try agua de Valencia (literally water of Valencia) which is a potent combination of orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin.
End the Day and Start the Night with Tapas and Drinks
Make your way back to the city center for a late dinner, which will probably still be early by Spanish standards, unless you are eating after 10:00 pm!
Valencia has no shortage of cute and trendy places to eat and drink. Try a tapas bar in the El Carmen neighborhood or head to the Ruzafa neighborhood.
Wherever you go is sure to be a great end to your day in Valencia!
What to see and do with more than one day in Valencia, Spain
Since you don’t have much time, consider getting an audio guide of sights in the city center. You’ll get more out of your day if you know what you are looking at.
The biggest event in Valencia is Las Fallas, which happens in March. Elaborate, painted statues are built and then burned in what can only be described as a loud and dangerous pyrotechnic display.
If you can’t make it to Las Fallas, the good news is that every year a few statues are voted on to be saved. They earn a spot on display at the Museo Fallero, the Fallas Museum, along with the pop art posters that are designed each year. Visit the museum to learn more about Las Fallas.
There are a number of great day trips from Valencia, especially for nature lovers who want to get out of the city. Consider heading to the town of Xàtiva, easily accessible by train, to see the spectacular castle there.
Most of Valencia’s museums and sites have discounted admission for children, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and more, so be sure to check if you are eligible for a discount before you buy tickets.
If you want to see lots of these museums and sites, it may be worth it to get the Valencia Tourist Card. A 24-hour card is 15 euros and includes public transportation, entry to the Silk Exchange, the Serranos Towers, and more. You even get a free glass of wine and tapa at El Corte Inglés department store!
Valencia is hot and there is not a lot of shade in the afternoon. Make sure to bring a hat or sun umbrella, sunscreen, and lots of water. It’s respectful and sometimes required to cover your shoulders when you visit churches, so keeping a light shawl or scarf in your bag is always a good idea.
The old town of Valencia has narrow cobblestone streets and is best accessed on foot. Plan on walking a lot and wear comfortable shoes.
Like other parts of Spain, almost all stores are closed on Sundays. Plan ahead for any groceries or things you will need.
The hours of most tourist sights are also reduced on Sundays, but the good news is that some of them are free if you go on this day.
Kristin has been a language and social studies teacher for over 15 years, teaching in international school on four continents. She has traveled to all 50 states and over 50 countries and loves to connect with people around the world. She is originally from Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
