Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do on a Weekend Getaway

The capital of its namesake Autonomous Community, Valencia is considered the third largest city in Spain, following the ever-popular Madrid and Barcelona. However, while these two attract hordes of endless tourists, Valencia enjoys a quieter profile, often flying under the radar of most travelers coming to Europe. Big mistake, given the city’s diverse appeal that make it a surprisingly versatile destination.

On one hand, the Old Town takes visitors back to the city’s golden era as an important trading hub, while its modern side showcases some of the best avant-garde architecture in all of Spain. Not to mention its prime location on the Mediterranean, offering quick access to some major and popular seaside resorts – like Alicante or Benidorm. Whether for a special weekend getaway or as an addition to your longer coastal adventure, Valencia is a place you’ll want to visit!

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Valencia 2-day travel guide and discover the best this Spanish city has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Valencia in 2 days.

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Valencia – Flights from the UK

Although this is the third largest city in Spain, Valencia is only served by the 10^th busiest air hub in the country. In fact, it doesn’t even sit at the top of its own Autonomous Community ranking, falling behind that of Alicante. Nonetheless, if you want to fly directly into the city, you’ll have to do so at Valencia Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly to Valencia from London–Heathrow (British Airways), London-Gatwick (Easyjet), London-Stansted (Ryanair), Bristol (Ryanair), Birmingham (Ryanair), Manchester (Ryanair), Edinburgh (Ryanair), Belfast (Ryanair) and East Midlands (Ryanair).

How many days do I need to visit Valencia?

Considering just how close and easy-to-access Valencia really is, along with the city’s pedestrian-friendly historic center and vast public transportation network, this has got to be one of the very best European destinations for a weekend getaway. You won’t even need to rush through things, as with 2 full days you’ll be able to check out the city’s top tourist attractions without the need to waste away any of your precious paid time off.

On the other hand, if you wish to explore the entire Autonomous Community, you can easily spend a week or so just visiting the main beach resorts and neighboring historic towns, checking out popular places such as Benidorm, Alicante, Sagunto, Xàtiva or the Albufera National Park.

Valencia 2-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

The best time to visit Valencia will depend on the goal of your trip. If you just want to spend a special weekend exploring a new city, then go during shoulder-season (Spring and Fall), when you can avoid the summer’s crowds and high prices. Plus, the weather will be just right – not too hot, not too cold! On the other hand, should you want to dip your toes at one of the many beaches located along the Balearic coast, then it’s best to visit in the Summer.

Lastly, one couldn’t write a proper guide without mentioning the Fallas Festival, the biggest celebration in the Valencian Community and one of the rowdiest traditional fests in all of Europe. Every single year, the streets are filled with music, color and pyro displays between the 1^st and the 19^th of March, building up to the spectacular burning of the “fallas” (giant figures made of wood and paper-mâché) at many of the city’s most prominent squares.

Documents needed for your trip to Valencia

Since Spain is part of the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to visit. You’ll just need your passport, which must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip.

However, keep in mind that starting in 2025, British passengers will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter any EU country.

Valencia 2-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Euro (€) as Spain’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Valencia 2-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Overall, Spain is an extremely safe travel destination – and Valencia is certainly no exception!

Be that as it may, as with any big (or small) city, it’s important to always use common sense and keep your wits about you. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas or riding public transportation. To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Plus, we recommend being especially cautious when ordering in restaurants located in touristy areas near the coast. Always make sure to check the price on the menu before ordering, otherwise, you might get an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives!

Where to sleep in Valencia – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Valencia 2-day travel guide then we got you covered!

Although inflation has definitely taken its toll in Europe, Valencia can still be regarded as somewhat of a budget-friendly(ish) destination for visitors hailing from Northern and Western Europe. Therefore, and though it’s not what you’d call a “cheap” place, expect prices for accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets to be much tamer when compared to what you may be used to.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – River Hostel
• € – Arena Zone Hotel
• €€ – Hotel Malcom and Barret
• €€€ – NH Valencia Las Artes
• €€€€ – SH Valencia Palace

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airport and the city center

Located about 10 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between Valencia Airport and the city center is by using lines 3 or 5 of the local metro system. Although these lines head to different parts of the city, both run through the city center, allowing you to get out at either Xàtiva or Colón. The ride will take about 25 minutes and the metro runs every day from 05h30 and 00h30 in intervals that range from 8 to 20 minutes. We recommend buying a TUIN Card for €1,00 and topping it up with a standard AB+ trip. This will take the total fare to €3,00 (including the card fee).

Alternatively, just go for bus 150, whose stop is located right outside the arrivals’ terminal. The route operates from 06h30 to 22h30, with a new bus leaving every 30 minutes. The final stop is located right in front of Mercado Central, in the Old Town. The trip will take about 40 minutes and can you get your ticket directly from the driver for €4,80. Payment in cash.

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Unsurprisingly, given Valencia’s size and population, the city is properly equipped with an efficient and diverse public transportation system, allowing visitors to reach virtually every suburb of the city.

That being said, Valencia is served by a metro system, as well as by a vast and complex network of buses, trams and suburban trains (Cercanías). Nonetheless, the best option for tourists is definitely the Metro, so it’s worth getting a quick overview of this particular mode of transportation.

Valencia Metro – Maps, Times and Fares

Made up of 10 different lines (6 for the metro and 4 for the tram) spread across almost 150 stations/stops, the Metrovalencia network is essential to the city’s urban mobility. Not only does it cover the most central areas and other popular districts among tourists, but you can also use the metro to reach the outskirts of Valencia. This is particularly useful for those staying far away from the city center due to budget constraints. Plus, the system is integrated into Google Maps, meaning the platform will provide you with real-time information on which line to take and where to catch it to reach your destination.

As for running times, the metro operates every day between 05h30 and 00h30, with waiting times that can range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the line and the time of day.

Moving on to tickets, to use the Metrovalencia you’ll need to get a TUIN Card, a top-up card that costs €1,00 where you’ll load all your trips. When compared to regular single ticket prices (i.e. without TUIN Card), fares are much cheaper. Prices will also depend on the number of zones you cross, as the metro network is currently split between zones A, B and +. Here are the current fares for each ticket type:

• Zone A OR Zone B: €0,80 (€1,50 without TUIN)
• Zones AB: €1,20 (€2,80 without TUIN)
• Zones B+: €1,60 (€3,50 without TUIN)
• Zones AB+: €2,00 (€4,80 without TUIN) –> ticket for the trip between the airport and the city center

You can get your TUIN Card and top it up at any of the automatic machines located inside the metro stations. Alternatively, you can get a SUMA 10, a 10-trip carnet that can cost €8,00 (1 zone), €12,00 (AB) or €20,00 (AB+). On the other hand, if you plan on using the metro frequently, it’s worth looking into the daily and multi-day options available:

• SUMA T1 – 24 hours for zones AB: €4,00
• SUMA T2 – 48 hours for zones AB: €6,70
• SUMA T3 – 72 hours for zones AB: €9,70
• SUMA T1+ – 24 hours for zones AB+: €8,00
• SUMA T2+ – 48 hours for zones AB+: €10,00
• SUMA T3+ – 72 hours for zones AB+: €12,00

Lastly, and depending on how much you’re expecting to spend on tickets for tourist attractions, looking at the Valencia Tourist Card may also be worthwhile. This tourist pass not only includes unlimited travel across Zones AB+, but it also comes with free admission and discounts on many of the city’s tourist attractions. You can get your pass from Valencia’s tourism board official website (10% discount) or at any of the tourist offices located at the airport and across the city.

Valencia 2-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Valencia, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Valencia, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €7,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Valencia:

• Spain Free Tours
• Mamma Duck Tours
• Strawberry Tours

Valencia 2-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

Although there’s not a lot of time to steer away from the tourist path, you can still get a good sense of Valencia and visit its most popular landmarks in 2 days. Still, if you’re willing to make a few adjustments and the occasional detour, it’s perfectly possible to at least check out a handful of places that might otherwise fly under the radar.

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Valencia in 2 days:

Fallas Museum: While ideally one would get to experience the festival first-hand, if you can’t book your trip in March you can still visit this museum and get a pretty good idea of how important Las Fallas is for locals. Besides the insight into the festival’s cultural and historical significance, the best thing to do here is check out the dozens of traditional figures (known as “ninots”) that were spared from the annual bonfire.

Russafa: Despite being extremely popular with locals, this vibrant district often flies under the radar for most tourists. A rookie mistake, since Russafa boasts some of the best shopping in Valencia, featuring trendy boutiques, vintage shops, cozy coffee houses and charming bookstores – a hipster’s paradise! Besides, the architecture is also quite pretty.

Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània: Most often referred to by its acronym CCCC, this free museum focuses on contemporary art. However, and unless you’re really into this kind of art, the real highlight has got to be the majestic, fully renovated 13^th-century monastery where it’s housed.

El Cabanyal: Much like Russafa, very few tourists actually make it to this area, despite its trendiness among Valencians. Half-way between the city center and the coast, it’s worth stopping by to appreciate its quaint cobblestone streets and old buildings (they really look like they belong in a colonial Latin-American city) before making it to the beach.

San Miguel de los Reyes Monastery: Located about 3 km away from the Old Town gates, this magnificent worshiping site is one of Valencia’s most impressive buildings. According to some historians, rumor has it that the famous El Escorial – near Madrid – was actually based on this monastery’s style and design!

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

As mentioned above, 2 days is just the perfect amount of time to experience the very best Valencia has to offer if you keep up the pace! That said, and with a full 48 hours in the city, you can check out the most important churches, gates, markets and other landmarks in the Old Town, take a stroll through the charming (yet overlooked) districts of Russafa and El Cabanyal, visit the modern wonders at the megalomaniac City of Arts and Sciences, stop for a drink at Malvarrosa Beach and maybe even catch a Valencia CF game at Mestalla! It may seem like a lot to see in such a short period of time – but it’s perfectly doable.

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Valencia in 2 days:

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – Day 1: Old Town

To no surprise, your first day in Valencia will be dedicated to exploring the historic city center, known locally as Ciutat Vella. A beautiful maze of pedestrian streets, ancient façades and monumental stone churches in beige hues, the Old Town has all the best features of typical Castilian and Aragonese architecture. You’ll kick things off by entering this district through the iconic Serranos Towers, the most famous and impressive of all the former gates to the once-walled historic center. Once inside, start by strolling through the neighborhood of El Carmen, once the stronghold of the city’s Moorish population and where traces of Islamic influence remain visible. Along the way, take a few minutes to check out the Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània. Most often referred to by its acronym CCCC, this free museum focuses on contemporary art. However, and unless you’re really into this kind of art, the real highlight has got to be the majestic, fully renovated 13th-century monastery where it’s housed. Next up, make sure to visit the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir de Valencia (€11,00). Despite its austere and modest exterior, the church houses some of the city’s most spectacular frescoes, earning it the nickname “the Valencian Sistine Chapel”. When hunger strikes, head to Mercado Central, Valencia’s largest market, where you can sample some of the best local delicacies.

Back at it with a full stomach, a visit to Lonja de la Seda (€2,00) is a must, as this is arguably the biggest tourist attraction in Ciutat Vella. It may look like a castle, but the building actually functioned as a medieval trading hub, where silk merchants conducted business before exporting their goods across Europe. Besides the standard visit, local authorities also organize free guided tours to the building’s tower, where you can enjoy great views of the downtown area. These special visits take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11h00, 12h00 and 13h00. Note that a reservation is required, and the only way to book is by calling +34695500290. As you continue exploring, stop by the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas (€3,00). While the imposing residence now houses a ceramics museum that might not appeal to everyone, the real highlight is touring and walking through the many rooms and halls while aweing at the lavish, ornate decoration. A true testament to the prominence and wealth of the family that once lived here. Nearby, don’t miss out on the Church of Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri. Unfortunately, this National Monument is only open to the public during mass times, but its impressive exterior and gigantic dome are still worth looking at nonetheless.

On the other hand, for what is likely the most captivating museum in the Old Town, visit the La Almoina Archaeological Museum (€2,00), the result of two decades of excavation work that revealed the ruins of Valencia’s earliest Roman settlement. You can witness first-hand the remnants of baths, sanctuaries and colonnaded streets, before moving on to the Islamic section, where the excavated fortifications of the city’s very first Alcazar are on display. It’s mindboggling to think all of this was hidden underground for centuries. As the day winds down, cap off your first day in Valencia at Plaza de la Virgen, regarded as the most iconic and photogenic square in the historic center, and with a visit to the extraordinary Valencia Cathedral (9,00€), perhaps the only building able to rival the Lonja de la Seda for its grandeur. Your admission ticket also grants access to the crypt museum, where you can view what is believed to be the Holy Grail used by Jesus at the Last Supper. While authenticity is always hard to verify when it comes to this kind of things, management always makes sure to prominently feature the chalice for a major marketing boost. For an additional €2,50, you may also climb El Miguelete – the cathedral’s imposing bell tower – and take in the views.

First day wrap-up:

• Serranos Towers
• El Carmen
• Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània
• Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir de Valencia
• Mercado Central
• Lonja de la Seda
• Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas
• Church of Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri
• La Almoina Archaeological Museum
• Plaza de la Virgen
• Valencia Cathedral

Where to eat in Valencia – Best restaurants in the Old Town

• El cremaet (Spanish traditional)
• Restaurante Asador de Aranda (Spanish traditional)
• La Riuà (paella)
• El Tostadero (bocadillos)
• Tasca El Botijo (tapas)
• Bar Castilla (tapas)
• Casa Ucraniana (Ukrainian)
• Dulce de Leche (bakery)
• Valentino gelato (ice cream)
• Mercado Central (market)

Valencia 2-Day Travel Guide – Day 2: Russafa, El Cabanyal and the City of Arts and Sciences

Now that you’ve explored Valencia’s historic center, the final stage of your getaway will be spent discovering the city’s secondary districts – away from the crowds and the pressure of having to hop from one attraction to the next. This is a day to take it easy, which is why you’ll start by heading to Russafa. Despite being extremely popular with locals, this vibrant district often flies under the radar for most tourists. A rookie mistake, since Russafa boasts some of the best shopping in Valencia, featuring trendy boutiques, vintage shops, cozy coffee houses and charming bookstores – a hipster’s paradise! Besides, the architecture is also quite pretty. From there, head east to the Fallas Museum (€2,00). While ideally one would get to experience the festival first-hand, if you can’t book your trip in March you can still visit this museum and get a pretty good idea of how important Las Fallas is for locals. Besides the insight into the festival’s cultural and historical significance, the best thing to do here is check out the dozens of traditional figures (known as “ninots”) that were spared from the annual bonfire. Close to the museum, in the Penya-Roja district, it is now time to visit the inevitable City of Arts and Sciences, a colossal project inaugurated in 1998 that is now considered is a marvel of modern architecture. Although stunning, its construction came at a steep price, costing the government over €1.2 billion (more than 4c the original budget).

Be that as it may, the complex houses several museums and attractions worth exploring, including the Science Museum (€9,40), dedicated to interactive and technological exhibits; the Hemisfèric (€8,90), an enormous immersive 3D digital cinema; and the Oceanogràfic (€35,90), considered the largest aquarium in Europe. Other notable spaces include the Umbracle (an urban garden), the Ágora (a conference and events center) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (an opera house and performance venue). If you’re planning to visit more than one attraction, there are several combo tickets that will help you save some money compared to paying individually for admission. Tickets can be purchased online through the complex’s official website. After visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, continue your journey toward the coast, passing through the district of El Cabanyal. Much like Russafa, very few tourists actually make it to this area, despite its trendiness among Valencians. Half-way between the city center and the coast, it’s worth stopping by to appreciate its quaint cobblestone streets and old buildings (they really look like they belong in a colonial Latin-American city) before making it to the beach. Lastly, all there’s left to do is sit by one of the many terraces and cafes overlooking Malvarrosa Beach, the city’s most popular, as the sun sets. If you’re visiting in Summer and want to enjoy a swim, just reverse the itinerary for the day, starting off at the beach in Malvarrosa.

Second day wrap-up:

• Quarter of Russafa
• Fallas Museum
• City of Arts and Sciences
  • Science Museum
  • Hemisfèric
  • Oceanogràfic
  • Umbracle
  • Ágora
  • Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
• District of El Cabanyal
• Malvarrosa Beach

Where to eat in Valencia – Best restaurants in Eixample, Penya-Roja e Malvarrosa

• Restaurante El Trovador (Spanish traditional)
• Casa Carmela (Spanish traditional)
• Bodega “La Pascuala” (Spanish traditional)
• La Pepica (paella)
• Casa Roberto (paella)
• Casa Montaña (tapas)
• La Finestra (pizza)
• Hamburguesería Goiko (hamburgers)
• Chocolatería Valor (churros)
• Bunyoleria Xurreria El Contraste (churros)

Got more than 2 days in Valencia? Then you might want to check out the best day trips from the city

Albufera National Park: Rice paddies in Spain? You betcha! After all, this national park is the birthplace of the iconic paella, Spain’s most famous dish. Beyond its culinary heritage, Albufera is famous for its delicate ecosystem of freshwater lakes, rare birds and untouched nature. The best way to explore is by going on a boat ride through the region.

Xàtiva: Overlooked by its striking hilltop castle, Xàtiva is a picturesque village with a lovely town center and a surprisingly rich history. Besides its importance as a vital commercial hub during the Roman Empire, it’s also the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI (the Borgia Pope), one of the most controversial figures in religious history.

Sagunto: Another destination known for its imposing castle/fortress, Sagunto is also home to several archaeological Roman ruins, including a well-preserved ancient amphitheater. However, this is most of all a great day trip for visitors wishing blend culture and relaxation, as the sandy beaches of Port de Sagunt rank among the best in the region.

Benidorm: A name that speaks for itself. For long an extremely popular destination for beach-goers hailing from all across the Old Continent, Benidorm is the quintessential southern European beach resort. Sun, sand, sea and a raucous nightlife – an often-necessary escape from the everyday grind.

Requena: We cap it off with a day-trip for wine lovers, since Requena is considered the oldest wine-producing region in Valencia. In fact, legend has it the process dates all the way back to Roman times! Furthermore, the charming town center is reason enough to visit, meaning you don’t have to be a connoisseur to make your visit worthwhile.