The sweet smell of oranges greeted me the moment I stepped out of the train station. I walked slowly toward my rented apartment, suitcase wheels humming over cobblestones, while the citrus trees lining the street reminded me that I had arrived somewhere special.
I came to Valencia for four days, in hopes of experiencing a lot in a slow, relaxed pace. But if you only have Valencia in 3 days, don’t worry. That’s plenty of time to experience the city’s historic sites, its famous park, its local food culture, and a stretch of Mediterranean coast on a fabulous day trip.
This article shares what I did, what I loved, and how you can shape your own slow travel experience without cramming in too much. Valencia rewards you for walking, pausing, and looking up. And it’s exactly the kind of city that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Let’s take it one day at a time.
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Valencia in 3 Days Itinerary
Let me first reassure you that three days in Valencia is enough to experience the essence of the city—especially if you travel with intention. It’s not about rushing from one attraction to the next, but choosing where to linger, what to taste, and how to soak in the local life.
Here’s what this itinerary includes:
- A slow walk through the historic Old Town and its timeless landmarks
- A dive into Valencia’s rich food culture at local markets and hidden restaurants
- Time to explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
- Time by the beach
- And a day trip to a gorgeous place
Let’s begin.
Day 1 – Wandering Through History: Valencia’s Old Town
Morning: City Walls, Towers & Sacred Spaces
I always like to begin in the oldest part of a city. Valencia’s Old Town—Ciutat Vella—is compact and the keeper of many of its must-see attractions.
I started my morning at Torres de Serranos, one of the original medieval gates that once protected the walled city. I climbed the stone steps slowly, the way I always do when I travel solo, stopping halfway up to look over the rooftops with my camera in hand. The view helped me orient myself—and imagine the city centuries ago. The other famous tower that offers the same experience is Torres de Quart.
From there, I meandered along the winding streets, passing some ancient remains of the Old City Wall toward Valencia Cathedral, pausing in the Plaza de la Virgen, where locals were already gathering on benches and in café chairs.
The cathedral’s mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles says a lot about this city—layered and lived-in. Don’t miss climbing the 207 steps of the Bell Tower, El Miguelete, which will reward you with one of the best views of Valencia.
Walk the full exterior of the Cathedral, as behind it, through a passage that leads you to a smaller square called Plaça de la Verge with a beautiful fountain.
Just a short walk away is Plaza de la Reina, a livelier square surrounded by palm trees and pastel facades. It’s worth lingering here, even if just for the people-watching and the morning light stretching across the plaza.
Then it’s back to wandering through Valencia’s maze of streets. I especially like the ancient streets near Portal de Valldigna, and the 15th-century archway to the old Arab quarter.
If you love street art, make your way to the El Carmen district of Old Town. Walk along Calle de Guillem de Castro for the best ones to scout out.
Afternoon: Flavours and UNESCO Site
When hunger called, I made my way to Mercado Central, one of Europe’s oldest—and most beautiful—covered markets. The stained-glass windows and domed ceilings felt more like a cathedral than a grocery hall. I walked slowly, taking stock of all it’s offerings from jamón, olives, and freshly sliced oranges.
For lunch, I ate at Central Bar—a traditional tapas restaurant that has limited seating around its bar and open kitchen tucked into a corner of the market. Expect a wait in line to get a coveted seat, but it’s worth it.
I had the only vegetarian option, a warm bocadillo with roasted vegetables and local cheese. I sat beside Jose, who works at City Hall, and he told me he comes here two to three times a week for lunch. It’s his favourite place— good prices and good food, he said as we toasted our wine glasses, and he was right!
Travel tip: Spaniards eat lunch later than we North Americans do. So be ready to scout out a restaurant you would like to try, and arrive between 1 and 1:30 pm.
Just across the street is the Lonja de la Seda—the old Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I wandered through the cool, vaulted halls, looking up at the twisting stone columns and letting the light and quiet of the place settle over me. In the 15th century, this was a hub of trade and wealth, but today it feels like a small sanctuary tucked into the city.
Next, walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where you’ll find L’Ajuntament de València, or City Hall. Grab an ice cream at Lucciano’s and watch the lively energy of the crowds while admiring the elegant architecture surrounding the square.
If you love architecture, I recommend you visit the Ceramics Museum. This former palace just might be my favourite thing to see in Valencia.
As the day softened into early evening, I found myself in the nearby Plaça de Sant Nicolau—a small, shaded square tucked behind the main streets. With its leafy trees, a few worn benches, and the soft presence of the Church of San Nicolás watching over it, it felt like a perfect spot to sit for a while with a glass of wine.
Evening: Slow Squares and a Simple Dinner
From there, I wandered through the quiet backstreets until I reached Plaça Redona, one of Valencia’s most unique spaces. Perfectly circular, with buildings that gently curve around it and tiny passageways branching out like spokes, it’s unlike any other plaza in the city.
Just a few steps away, I tucked into a cozy dinner at Latte & Farina, a small Italian spot with both a terrace and an inviting interior. I chose to sit upstairs, at a table on the mezzanine that gave me a view over the restaurant and out the window to the street beyond. It was warm and welcoming—full of locals, always a good sign—and the food was as comforting as the setting.
I retraced my steps home, under the glow of the streetlamps, the city looked a little different, yet familiar.
Day 2 – Parks, Futurism, and Paella by the Sea
Morning: Cruise Through the Green Heart of the City
On my second morning, I picked up a rental bike and entered the ribbon of green known as Turia Gardens—a former riverbed turned into a nine-kilometre-long park that winds through the heart of the city.
What I loved most was seeing how the locals used it— jogged, children played, couples strolled slowly, and I—cruised by on the easy pathways.
Eventually, the futuristic shapes of the City of Arts and Sciences began to rise into view. The buildings looked like they belonged to another time entirely—sleek, white, curved forms surrounded by shallow pools that reflected the sky.
I didn’t go inside any of them; it’s not where my interests lie. But admiring the Hemisfèric, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, Museu de les Ciències, and the Agora from the outside was more than enough. I spent the entire morning here, going from one to the next and being in awe of its architecture.
👉Click here to purchase your tickets in advance to secure a time slot and avoid long lines.
Afternoon: The Beach and a Classic Valencian Lunch
From the City of Arts and Sciences, I followed the path that took me further east toward the sea. It was a gentle ride—flat and scenic—and before long, I reached the wide, breezy stretch of the Valencia beaches.
The beach had a relaxed feel to it. Locals were sunbathing, families picnicking, and the occasional street musician added a soft soundtrack to it all. I left my bike locked nearby and settled into a beachfront restaurant for lunch.
I ordered paella, of course. The real kind—Paella Valenciana—made with only vegetables (but you can choose the protein you’d like). It came in a large pan and a crisp white wine. With the sea in front of me and a cool breeze at my back, it was one of those meals that stays with you.
Evening: A Final Ride and a Gentle Wind-Down
After lunch, I walked along the boardwalk and lingered a bit by the water before making my way back—this time riding the entire length of the Turia Gardens from east to west. The light had shifted, softer and lower, and the park had taken on a golden hue.
I returned my bike and walked a few quiet blocks to dinner at a nearby neighbourhood restaurant. I don’t even remember the name now—just the kindness of the server, the locals speaking Spanish, and the comfort of a good meal after a long, lovely day.
Day 3 – A Coastal Fairytale: Day Trip to Peñíscola
For my third day, I left the city behind and headed north to Peñíscola—a seaside town that looks like it’s been lifted from the pages of a storybook. Perched on a rocky headland with whitewashed houses spilling down its slopes and the 13th-century castle towering above it all, Peñíscola is known as “the city in the sea.”
The old town is small enough to wander on foot, but it’s full of charm: narrow cobbled streets, bursts of bougainvillea, and views that stretch out over the Mediterranean. I visited the Castillo del Papa Luna, explored its stone corridors, and stood on its ancient ramparts where history meets sea breeze.
This little town has been the setting for films and series like Game of Thrones, but in person, it feels quiet, timeless, and easy to love.
I joined a group day trip tour from Valencia, which elevated my experience—transport, guide, and enough free time to explore on my own. This is truly the easiest way to visit.
👉 Click here to book the same Peñíscola day tour I took. It’s a relaxing, picture-perfect way to end your time in Valencia.
Final Thoughts on Spending 3 Days in Valencia
If you’re wondering whether three days in Valencia is enough—it is. You may not see everything, but you’ll leave with something better: a true sense of the city.
Valencia isn’t a city to rush, and that’s what makes it worth visiting. It rewards those who linger in its plazas, who walk slowly through its markets, and who trade checklists for small, meaningful moments—like the scent of oranges on an evening breeze, or the way sunlight filters through palm trees in the Turia Gardens.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. If you’re looking for fun festivals, consider March and April during Las Fallas, a cultural event unlike any other—loud, fiery, unforgettable.
Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially if you want it to reflect your style and pace. I offer personalized digital itineraries that are curated just for you—from accommodations to restaurants to daily plans.
✨ Let’s plan your Valencia experience together.
