Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Valencia?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Valencia?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Valencia, Spain? Most people spend two to three days in Valencia during their visit. After all, the cultural coastal city will let you learn about the history of the town, taste delicious cuisine, grab some drinks at a bar, and admire the wonderful scenery.
Valencia offers an idyllic climate with Mediterranean sunshine, palm-line plazas, and long stretches of sandy coastline. The Ciutat Vella (old town) is filled with historic architecture and striking cathedrals, but the city itself is full of a vibrant and youthful energy. It is the third largest city in Spain and it offers no shortage of sights and activities. It's also the birthplace of paella, so it has a long running culinary tradition that is not to be missed.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Valencia? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Valencia?
For many visitors, three days in Valencia would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the cultural coastal city to check out the amazing charming old town and terrific food. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Valencia
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Valencia Best Food, Traditions & History Tour ($120)
- Valencia guided tours - walking tours - ($164)
- Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument ($82)
The culinary scene in Valencia is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this coastal city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Two wineries tour with wine tasting ($131)
- Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market ($66)
- Authentic Valencian Paella Cooking Class ($75)
Valencia is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the coastal city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.
Don't miss La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències during your trip to Valencia, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pub Crawl Tour in the Old town of Valencia ($17)
The public transit in Valencia is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the coastal city quite easily and affordably. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Valencia, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Valencia: San Nicolás, Silk Museum and Santos Juanes Church ($16)
- Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
Valencia is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its impressive architecture and coastal setting, it's really hard not to fall in love with this city's beauty.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Valencia guided tours - walking tours - ($164)
- Complet Segway Tour Medieval + Gardens ($49)
- Boat Rental Without License in La Marina de Valencia ($152)
Is 4 days enough time in Valencia?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Valencia at your own pace to learn about the history of the town, taste delicious cuisine, grab some drinks at a bar, and admire the wonderful scenery. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Valencia, Spain
How to spend 4 days in Valencia
Having 4 days in Valencia will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the coastal city.
Because Valencia is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. It is the third largest city in Spain and it boasts a beautiful Mediterranean climate and a beautiful beachside setting.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Valencia Highlights on a Vintage Sidecar with local driver ($139)
- Shore Excursion: City Tour with Tapas in 11th Century Monument ($126)
- Boat Rental Without License in La Marina de Valencia ($152)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Valencia?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Valencia has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Valencia as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the historic old town, the cuisine, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Valencia
With 5 days in Valencia, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the coastal city has to offer.
Shopping in Valencia is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Valencia.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Valencia, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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