Valencia in 2 Days Ideas
Looking for a beach getaway in Europe? A city that represents both modern and traditional architecture. Take a trip to Spain’s beloved third biggest city, Valencia. Here is some inspiration on what to do and see in Valencia in 2 days.
What to do in Valencia
- La Lonja de la Seda
- Central Market of Valencia
- Queen’s Square
- St Nicolau de Bari i Sant Pere Mártir
- Museo Nacional de Cerámica
- Chocolatería Valor
- Valencia Cathedral
- El Micalet
- Virgin Square
- Queen Sofia Palace of Arts
- Hemisféric
- Museu de les Ciéncies
- Ciudad de las Artes
- L’Oceanográfic
- Flexi Bikes
- Cafetería El Corte Inglés
Valencia Day 1
1. La Lonja de la Seda
*Note – If you’re using the Valencia Pass go to the Church of San Nicolás first because once you buy the tickets they will give you a printed voucher which will give you a free audio guide for La Lonja. It’ll save you a few euros!
The first stop is The Silk Exchange, or La Lonja de la Seda a UNESCO world heritage site.
You can grab an audio guide (which looks like a long telephone) and explore the grounds. The guide starts off by walking around La Lonja and then through the complex.
The site is split into a couple of parts, 1) The orange garden (the courtyard) 2) The main trading hall and 3) A Upper and Lower floor.
The main trading hall is where all the transactions and contract agreements took place which looks like a masterpiece with large twisted columns.
2. The Central Market of Valencia
Just around the corner from La Lonja de la Seda is Valencia’s famous grand Central Market which holds up to over 200 stalls!
The stalls sell a range of different Spanish specialities from Iberica Ham (which is amazing) to fresh fruit smoothies and even seafood.
The market opens from Monday to Saturday between 7:30 am to 03:00 pm.
I think the market is a great place to visit, especially if you’re interested in architecture because right in the middle of the market there are these beautiful dome windows.
I would say this is a nice place to grab a bite and walk around but there are no seating areas so you are going to have to go outside or just stand and eat.
3. Queen's Square
Whilst you’re enjoying your snacks from the Market you can stroll through Queen’s square.
The Queen’s square which translates to Plaza de la Reina is the main central plaza in Valencia. The Square is surrounded by Valencian historic buildings, outdoor cafes and shops.
There are so many little streets that are so pretty and are great to have a stroll through and explore all the shops. This might be one of the best places to buy souvenirs because I don’t remember seeing it anywhere else around the city that sold much.
4. Sant Nicolau de Bari i Sant Pere Mártin
About a 15/20min walk North West from the centre of Valencia you’ll find a small alleyway with a massive sign which will say “San Nicolás” and this will lead you to La Capilla Sixtina Valencia.
*Note – If you’re using the Valencia Pass go to the Church of San Nicolás first because once you buy the tickets they will give you a printed voucher which will give you a free audio guide for La Lonja. It’ll save you a few euros!
The Church of San Nicolás is a stunning gothic-style Catholic church in Valencia. The interior of the church is so unique with Gothic rib vaults which tell a story of Saint Nicholas’s and Saint Peter Martyr’s life.
The lunettes (which are the vaults on the ceiling) were stunning and if you pick up the leaflet it will explain the story of San Nicolás and Saint Peter Martyr. Definitely, a place to visit in Valencia.
5. Museo Nacional de Cerámica
The next stop is the Regal Ceramics Museum a beautifully restored palace-converted museum dedicated to ceramics-type art. The entrance fee for the museum was pretty cheap but the staff aren’t as friendly and if you have a big bag or backpack you’ll be asked to store them in lockers which need a Euro deposit so make sure you have some change.
There are new and old exhibitions held here which give you a good mix of old and new art and ceramics. Whilst we were there, there was an exhibition on Fans which were developed by designers from all over the world.
Above are pictures of the older rooms which you’ll see all over google and it’s beautifully maintained. There aren’t many signs around but I learnt the hard way that you’re not allowed to sit on the furniture which I should have known about.
6. Chocolatería Valor
As a nice little break, I would highly recommend stopping by Café Valor the staff are so friendly and they have a great selection of great ice cream and churros! The waiter recommended this warm chocolate for dipping the churros in and it was so so good.
7. Valencia Cathedral
After a nice break visit, Valencia Cathedral is a Gothic-style Catholic Church sat right in between Virgin Square and Queen Square. The interior architecture is absolutely stunning here, with stain-glass windows and a collection of treasures.
Interestingly, through the Cathedral, you can go to the Cathedral museum by following a few signs.
8. El Micalet
Something that you might have passed or seen from a distance without even knowing due to its height. El Micalet or Miguelete Tower is the iconic bell tower of Valencia Cathedral and a great sight to see in the city.
9. Virgin Square
Last but not least to finish the day is Virgin Square. A great place to relax right by the Turin fountains with surrounding restaurants and a place where you can get some Horchata!
Valencia Day 2
1. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The City of Art and Science is an area/complex based in the southeastern area of Valencia. It is considered one of the 12 treasures of Spain and you’ll see why! The complex holds a number of different buildings and structures including;
- L’Hemisfèric – An IMAX cinema
- Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe – An interactive science museum
- L’Umbracle – A open air garden structure
- L’Oceanogràfic – A oceanographic park, read my review of the park here.
- Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía – An Opera House
- L’Àgora – A concert and event hall
2. Hemisféric
There are a number of different buildings at the complex including the Hemisféric which is an IMAX, and 3D screening there are a number of different shows you can watch here but there are some timings so do download the Valencia Card app or check on their website for more info.
3. Museu de les Ciéncies
Right behind the Hemisféric is Museu de les Ciéncies aka the science museums. I love visiting science museums when I get the chance because they tend to be more interactive than other types of museums. Even if you’re just into your architecture this is a great place to visit. There are several floors of exhibitions and interactive elements but I would personally say that there were elements that were a bit outdated and you could tell that things were a bit worn down. Other than that it was fairly empty and spacious when we went so we didn’t really have to queue.
4. Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
You can spend the entire day here exploring all the different places and one of those being Palau de less Art Reina which is an opera house and performing arts centre.
5. L'Oceanográfic
L’Oceanografic is quite a big space and there is quite a lot to explore. I would recommend spending 3-4 hours here and timing it with the free show at Delphinarium. Find out more about my experience at L’Oceanografic here.
6. Flexi Bikes
Opporsite the river from the Museu de les Ciéncies is Flexi Bike which is a bike rental stand where you can rent a range of things including Electric bikes, Paddleboards and even boats! I would say from what I have seen this place is expensive for rent but it’s in a very convenient location if you only want to rent for a few hours.
We rented electric scooters for 2hours which was caps till 8pm and scooted all the way around Jardins del Túria. It’s a great way to see the Park because it was absolutely huge.
7. El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés is the biggest department store group in Europe with 3 branches in Valencia. If you make your way to the top floor of El Corte Inglés where the cafeteria is which had an amazing rooftop viewing deck too if you’re looking for a view spot.
I absolutely fell in love with Valencia, there is so much more to do there than I expected and definitely more beautiful.
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