After 9 months of living in the capital of the Valencian community, I can affirm that there are many reasons why Valencia is worth visiting. The quality of life, joy, ideal weather, and unique identity are mirrored in this handcrafted 2 days in Valencia itinerary.
Within it, I hope to guide you through one of my favourite European cities and one of the best Slow Travel destinations. Whether you are interested in history, Spanish culture, lively atmosphere, nature, or leisure, there is something to fit your taste in Valencia.
This isn’t your regular travel guide but a blend of local tips, hidden gems, and famous places to understand what makes Valencia stand out from the rest of Spain while diving into local culture. Ready?
After 9 months of living in the capital of the Valencian community, I can affirm that there are many reasons why Valencia is worth visiting. The quality of life, joy, ideal weather, and unique identity are mirrored in this handcrafted 2 days in Valencia itinerary.
Within it, I hope to guide you through one of my favourite European cities and one of the best Slow Travel destinations. Whether you are interested in history, Spanish culture, lively atmosphere, nature, or leisure, there is something to fit your taste in Valencia.
This isn’t your regular travel guide but a blend of local tips, hidden gems, and famous places to understand what makes Valencia stand out from the rest of Spain while diving into local culture. Ready?
A local and unique 2 days in valencia Itinerary
When is the best time to visit Valencia?
The area offers enjoyable weather all year long, but if you are planning to only spend 2 days in Valencia, it is crucial to wisely choose when. The humid and cold season happens from December to February, with rain, cold temperatures, and wind.
However, from March to June and August to December, temperatures range between 17 and 30 degrees. Most days are sunny, and undertaking this Valencia itinerary during these days almost ensures ideal weather.
I highly discourage the months of July and August from visiting Valencia. During this time, summer crowds arrive, and the heat is unbearable, making it hard to sleep or enjoy the full day. Plus, line queues tend to get very long, and each beach centimetre is rapidly occupied by a towel.
Best Months to visit Valencia: March – June and September – December
The area offers enjoyable weather all year long, but if you are planning to only spend 2 days in Valencia, it is crucial to wisely choose when. The humid and cold season happens from December to February, with rain, cold temperatures, and wind.
However, from March to June and August to December, temperatures range between 17 and 30 degrees. Most days are sunny, and undertaking this Valencia itinerary during these days almost ensures ideal weather.
I highly discourage the months of July and August from visiting Valencia. During this time, summer crowds arrive, and the heat is unbearable, making it hard to sleep or enjoy the full day. Plus, line queues tend to get very long, and each beach centimetre is rapidly occupied by a towel.
Best Months to visit Valencia: March – June and September – December
Key Cultural Events
Las Fallas (March 15-19): Valencia’s most famous festival, where giant sculptures are displayed throughout the city before being burned during the last evening. Expect fireworks, music all over the city, and a unique atmosphere.
Feria de Julio (July): A month-long summer celebration featuring concerts, bullfights, open-air cinema, and the famous “Battle of Flowers,” where participants throw flowers at each other in a colourful parade.
9 de Octubre (October 9): Valencia’s regional day, commemorating the city’s reconquest from the Moors. The celebrations include parades, historical reenactments, and the tradition of gifting “mocadora” marzipan to loved ones.
Las Fallas (March 15-19): Valencia’s most famous festival, where giant sculptures are displayed throughout the city before being burned during the last evening. Expect fireworks, music all over the city, and a unique atmosphere.
Feria de Julio (July): A month-long summer celebration featuring concerts, bullfights, open-air cinema, and the famous “Battle of Flowers,” where participants throw flowers at each other in a colourful parade.
9 de Octubre (October 9): Valencia’s regional day, commemorating the city’s reconquest from the Moors. The celebrations include parades, historical reenactments, and the tradition of gifting “mocadora” marzipan to loved ones.
Where to stay in Valencia for 2 days?
On a budget
For my fellow backpacker and Slow Traveller on a budget, I got you! Valencia isn’t the cheapest place to stay in Europe, but you can still find options for less than 25 euros. The two I go by are The Venue Hostel and the River Hostel.
Obviously, this is a shared dormitory choice and might not suit every taste. However, they are both central, and the second one offers a shared kitchen to save even more coins. They are clean and convenient, with all the utilities needed.
For my fellow backpacker and Slow Traveller on a budget, I got you! Valencia isn’t the cheapest place to stay in Europe, but you can still find options for less than 25 euros. The two I go by are The Venue Hostel and the River Hostel.
Obviously, this is a shared dormitory choice and might not suit every taste. However, they are both central, and the second one offers a shared kitchen to save even more coins. They are clean and convenient, with all the utilities needed.
More budget
For those with a bit more budget but still desire not to break the bank, a good compromise is the Hotel Hi Valencia Boutique. They have very decent standards whether you are alone or accompanied. Also located in the middle of the city, this is an ideal place for 2 days in Valencia.
For those with a bit more budget but still desire not to break the bank, a good compromise is the Hotel Hi Valencia Boutique. They have very decent standards whether you are alone or accompanied. Also located in the middle of the city, this is an ideal place for 2 days in Valencia.
The best places to eat in Valencia
What are the local specialities in Valencia?
Born in the Albufera’s surroundings, the most famous local speciality is the Paella. Cooked in a large fried pan, this is a veritable culinary orgasm. The original one is made with local rice, rabbit, white beans, chicken, and other veggies. This is a must-try if you are spending 2 days in Valencia.
Other rice-based dishes are well-known and deserve a try. The Arroz al Horno, composed of pork ribs, smoked bacon, black pudding, garlic, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes, is a true delight you should also try. The region is also famous for its seafood. If you are craving it, I advise the Esgarraet (codfish-based), Titaina (salty tuna-based), or codfish fritter with the Aiolï sauce.
Of course, above everything, you must sit at a terrasse and order tapas. This isn’t a particular dish but a term to define small portions. It is an institution in Spain, and you have a wide variety to choose from. Accompanied by a glass of wine, a beer, or any other beverage, it is the perfect way to Slow Travel in Spain and explore local traditions.
Born in the Albufera’s surroundings, the most famous local speciality is the Paella. Cooked in a large fried pan, this is a veritable culinary orgasm.
The original one is made with local rice, rabbit, white beans, chicken, and other veggies. This is a must-try if you are spending 2 days in Valencia.
Other rice-based dishes are well-known and deserve a try. The Arroz al Horno, composed of pork ribs, smoked bacon, black pudding, garlic, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes, is a true delight you should also try.
The region is also famous for its seafood. If you are craving it, I advise the Esgarraet (codfish-based), Titaina (salty tuna-based), or codfish fritter with the Aiolï sauce.
Of course, above everything, you must sit at a terrasse and order tapas. This isn’t a particular dish but a term to define small portions. It is an institution in Spain, and you have a wide variety to choose from.
Accompanied by a glass of wine, a beer, or any other beverage, it is the perfect way to Slow Travel in Spain and explore local traditions.
Best restaurant in Valencia
Casa Carmela
This is where one of the best wood fire-cooked paellas are! In the Malvarrosa neighbourhood, it might be the ideal stop after an evening or morning sea walk. They cook the original paella recipe like no one else, and you can savour it in an agreeable atmosphere for 25 euros per person.
Rincon 33
From 15 euros per person, this is a very affordable way to try the local paella speciality. They have a wide rice-based meal choice, located in the city center or Casco Viejo, and you should give it a try.
Bar Ricardo
Since 1947, this local bar has served some of the best tapas in town. Once you enter, you can choose between three atmospheres: the bar, inside tables, or the terrasse. Located downtown, a tapas with a beer or wine will cost you around 6-8 euros.
Casa Montana
In the neighbourhood of El Cabanal, this is the ideal place to relax during your 2 days in Valencia Itinerary and enjoy some tapas. The food is excellent, and I recommend tuna or anchovy-based tapas with a fresh Vermouth glass. Prices range between 5 and 8 euros for a drink and a tapas.
Casa Carmela
This is where one of the best wood fire-cooked paellas are! In the Malvarrosa neighbourhood, it might be the ideal stop after an evening or morning sea walk.
They cook the original paella recipe like no one else, and you can savour it in an agreeable atmosphere for 25 euros per person.
Rincon 33
From 15 euros per person, this is a very affordable way to try the local paella speciality. They have a wide rice-based meal choice, located in the city center or Casco Viejo, and you should give it a try.
Bar Ricardo
Since 1947, this local bar has served some of the best tapas in town. Once you enter, you can choose between three atmospheres: the bar, inside tables, or the terrasse. Located downtown, a tapas with a beer or wine will cost you around 6-8 euros.
Casa Montana
In the neighbourhood of El Cabanal, this is the ideal place to relax during your 2 days in Valencia Itinerary and enjoy some tapas.
The food is excellent, and I recommend tuna or anchovy-based tapas with a fresh Vermouth glass. Prices range between 5 and 8 euros for a drink and a tapas.
Top things to do in Valencia
Ciudad de las ciencias
One of the most emblematic places to visit when staying 2 days in Valencia. This is a gem of architecture containing a giant museum, aquarium, concert hall, 360 cinema theatre, and more.
While I am absolutely not for visiting the aquarium or any other structure displaying animals out of their natural environment, the other buildings are worth seeing. It offers a colourful and imposing mix of white and blue with numerous basins.
One of the most emblematic places to visit when staying 2 days in Valencia. This is a gem of architecture containing a giant museum, aquarium, concert hall, 360 cinema theatre, and more.
While I am absolutely not for visiting the aquarium or any other structure displaying animals out of their natural environment, the other buildings are worth seeing. It offers a colourful and imposing mix of white and blue with numerous basins.
Turia
The Turia park is one of my favourite places to hang out and wander in this Valencia Itinerary. In the past, Turia was a river passing in the middle of the city but after the floodings in the 60s’, the local government decided to reroute it outside at the city’s border. Then, the dry river bed was transformed into a long park for locals to stroll.
Nowadays, this is the ideal place to Travel Slowly, attempting one of the numerous free activities organised within it: sports, arts, dance, and many more.
The whole park is wonderful, and in Turia gardens, flowers blossom along the way, giving you a nature break. The path leads to la ciudad de las ciencias, ideal to connect two different points you would like to visit.
The Turia park is one of my favourite places to hang out and wander in this Valencia Itinerary. In the past, Turia was a river passing in the middle of the city but after the floodings in the 60s’, the local government decided to reroute it outside at the city’s border. Then, the dry river bed was transformed into a long park for locals to stroll.
Nowadays, this is the ideal place to Travel Slowly, attempting one of the numerous free activities organised within it: sports, arts, dance, and many more.
The whole park is wonderful, and in Turia gardens, flowers blossom along the way, giving you a nature break. The path leads to la ciudad de las ciencias, ideal to connect two different points you would like to visit.
Old town - Casco Viejo
You cannot miss the old town in the city centre, also called Casco Viejo, when visiting Valencia in 2 days. Walking in its ancient streets gives the impression of being in an open-air museum with a century-old building facade and well-preserved historical places.
If you don’t know How to Slow Travel and get the best out of your journey, my advice is to lose yourself in this maze. Surprises will happen along your way. However, here are some key marks and things to do in this Valencia itinerary:
- Catedral de Valencia
- La Lonja de la Seda
- Placa de la Reina
- Torres del Seran
- Placa del Ayuntamiento
- Plaza del Toro
- Museo nacional de cerámica (the door is a wonder)
- Portal de Valldigna (with street art revealing the floodings)
You cannot miss the old town in the city centre, also called Casco Viejo, when visiting Valencia in 2 days. Walking in its ancient streets gives the impression of being in an open-air museum with a century-old building facade and well-preserved historical places.
If you don’t know How to Slow Travel and get the best out of your journey, my advice is to lose yourself in this maze. Surprises will happen along your way. However, here are some key marks and things to do in this Valencia itinerary:
- Catedral de Valencia
- La Lonja de la Seda
- Placa de la Reina
- Torres del Seran
- Placa del Ayuntamiento
- Plaza del Toro
- Museo nacional de cerámica (the door is a wonder)
- Portal de Valldigna (with street art revealing the floodings)
Hidden gems in valencia
Now that we have seen where probably most tourists will go, it is time to turn our attention to the local and hidden gems in Valencia. These places don’t figure in most Valencia itineraries and are off the beaten path. Here are my personal recommendations of things you should include and plan to visit during your 2 days in valencia.
Now that we have seen where probably most tourists will go, it is time to turn our attention to the local and hidden gems in Valencia. These places don’t figure in most Valencia itineraries and are off the beaten path.
Here are my personal recommendations of things you should include and plan to visit during your 2 days in valencia.
La Fábrica de Hielo
During the evening, this is a place where locals go to have a drink, dance, and eat tapas. Built out of old containers, it had a unique charm in Valencia.
The atmosphere is chill, and almost every day, local bands play in front of the crowds, ensuring a memorable moment. Located right in front of the beach, this isn’t a spot tourists usually go to, but you will be warmly welcome.
During the evening, this is a place where locals go to have a drink, dance, and eat tapas. Built out of old containers, it had a unique charm in Valencia.
The atmosphere is chill, and almost every day, local bands play in front of the crowds, ensuring a memorable moment. Located right in front of the beach, this isn’t a spot tourists usually go to, but you will be warmly welcome.
Mercat de Cabanyal
Please do me a favour and don’t go to the Central market! Products are overpriced since you can have them for half the price if you know where to go. A good alternative to see what local people consume is the Mercat de Cabanyal.
You can eat breakfast, the famous pintxos, or whatever you feel like. A genuine atmosphere with delicious local products for a discounted price, what do you say?
Please do me a favour and don’t go to the Central market! Products are overpriced since you can have them for half the price if you know where to go. A good alternative to see what local people consume is the Mercat de Cabanyal.
You can eat breakfast, the famous pintxos, or whatever you feel like. A genuine atmosphere with delicious local products for a discounted price, what do you say?
Jardin del Real
Although located near Turia, few people know about el Jardin del Real after spending 2 days in Valencia. It is a very well-kept hidden gem in Valencia where you can easily wander for one or two hours or even have a picnic far away from the city’s buzz. The budgerigars’ sounds and flowers will create an ideal moment to remember.
Although located near Turia, few people know about el Jardin del Real after spending 2 days in Valencia.
It is a very well-kept hidden gem in Valencia where you can easily wander for one or two hours or even have a picnic far away from the city’s buzz. The budgerigars’ sounds and flowers will create an ideal moment to remember.
Patacona
Located just before the Malvarossa up North, the Patacona is the beach to go to when visiting Valencia for 2 days. Far away from the crowds in la Malvarrosa, it offers a more intimate experience with palm trees providing the most needed shadows.
Many locals go there to practise some activities, and you will probably witness a real show around you. The walk alongside the sea is also enjoyable, and you can stop at several points to have a café con leche, taking your time.
Located just before the Malvarossa up North, the Patacona is the beach to go to when visiting Valencia for 2 days. Far away from the crowds in la Malvarrosa, it offers a more intimate experience with palm trees providing the most needed shadows. Many locals go there to practise some activities, and you will probably witness a real show around you.
The walk alongside the sea is also enjoyable, and you can stop at several points to have a café con leche, taking your time.
Jardin de las Hespérides
Outside the downtown area is another underrated garden and well-kept hidden gem: el jardin de las Hesperides. Surrounded by orange trees and ancient buildings, you can immerse in this peaceful atmosphere and better understand the local culture. It is an accessible spot with the metro.
Outside the downtown area is another underrated garden and well-kept hidden gem: el jardin de las Hesperides.
Surrounded by orange trees and ancient buildings, you can immerse in this peaceful atmosphere and better understand the local culture. It is an accessible spot with the metro.
Museo fallero de Valencia
You might have heard of the Fallas before coming to Valencia for 2 days. This giant celebration lasts a week, and the entire city is partying. The key events are the Fallas, designing a group of structures, getting burned at the end, except the winner, designed by a jury.
The Museo Fallero de Valencia gathered all the winners from the past years. This is a true immersion into one of the most important Valencia events, and it offers a glimpse into this unique week.
You might have heard of the Fallas before coming to Valencia for 2 days. This giant celebration lasts a week, and the entire city is partying. The key events are the Fallas, designing a group of structures, getting burned at the end, except the winner, designed by a jury.
The Museo Fallero de Valencia gathered all the winners from the past years. This is a true immersion into one of the most important Valencia events, and it offers a glimpse into this unique week.
How to get around Valencia in 2 days?
Considering it is the third most populated Spanish city, Valencia is human-sized, and it’s easy to move around. Many different options are available, from local transportation to renting a bike. The common point of these is a very affordable price.
Bike
The bike might be the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around when staying 2 days in Valencia. The company in charge of the city bike is called Valenbisi and offers a self-rental model.
The rate starts at 4 euros for a full day, but you cannot exceed 30 min per ride. However, to overcome this limit, you can lock a bike at any station and retake it to restart the clock. Valencia offers many bike lanes, and I strongly advise you to do it.
The bike might be the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around when staying 2 days in Valencia. The company in charge of the city bike is called Valenbisi and offers a self-rental model.
The rate starts at 4 euros for a full day, but you cannot exceed 30 min per ride. However, to overcome this limit, you can lock a bike at any station and retake it to restart the clock. Valencia offers many bike lanes, and I strongly advise you to do it.
Metro,Tram, Buses
If the first option isn’t convenient, you can also use the metro, bus, and tram system to move around your Valencia Itinerary. The different prices can be seen here, and one ticket costs between 2 and 3 euros depending on the package you choose.
If the first option isn’t convenient, you can also use the metro, bus, and tram system to move around your Valencia Itinerary.
The different prices can be seen here, and one ticket costs between 2 and 3 euros depending on the package you choose.
2 days in Valencia - FAQ
Is there a Valencia tourist card?
Yes! This card can be a good option to save money, especially on transport when staying 2 days in Valencia. Plus, it includes entrance to the different most visited attractions. The tourist card costs between 13 and 22 euros, and it is definitely a good deal to look after.
Yes! This card can be a good option to save money, especially on transport when staying 2 days in Valencia. Plus, it includes entrance to the different most visited attractions. The tourist card costs between 13 and 22 euros, and it is definitely a good deal to look after.
Is Valencia a walkable city?
Absolutely! Although it might be better to rent a bike or use public transports, Valencia is a walkable city especially if you plan to stay in the centre of the city during your 2 day valencia itinerary.
Absolutely! Although it might be better to rent a bike or use public transports, Valencia is a walkable city especially if you plan to stay in the centre of the city during your 2 day valencia itinerary.
Are 2 days in Valencia enough?
The more, the better! I personally believe that a trip of 2 days in Valencia isn’t enough to visit and understand the city’s uniqueness, but not everyone has weeks of vacation. To me, a whole week would be ideal to stay in Valencia.
The more, the better! I personally believe that a trip of 2 days in Valencia isn’t enough to visit and understand the city’s uniqueness, but not everyone has weeks of vacation. To me, a whole week would be ideal to stay in Valencia.
What food is Valencia famous for?
Due to the proximity of the Albufera, a rice producer place, Valencia is famous for its rice-based food, including the famous Paella and Arroz al Horno.
Due to the proximity of the Albufera, a rice producer place, Valencia is famous for its rice-based food, including the famous Paella and Arroz al Horno.
Are 2 days in Valencia expensive?
It depends on what you are comparing Valencia with, but it is cheaper than Barcelona, Madrid, or any city in France or Italy. However, this is linked to where you stay, eat, and spend your time. 2 days in Valencia can be around 400 euros or less than 100 euros if cautious.
It depends on what you are comparing Valencia with, but it is cheaper than Barcelona, Madrid, or any city in France or Italy. However, this is linked to where you stay, eat, and spend your time. 2 days in Valencia can be around 400 euros or less than 100 euros if cautious.
Should I go to Barcelona, Seville, or Valencia?
If you can, you should visit the three of them. The comparison isn’t relevant since each city is in a different part of Spain. Barcelona is in Northern Spain, Valencia is in the middle, and Seville is part of Southern Spain’s hidden gems.
If you can, you should visit the three of them. The comparison isn’t relevant since each city is in a different part of Spain. Barcelona is in Northern Spain, Valencia is in the middle, and Seville is part of Southern Spain’s hidden gems.
Is there any World Heritage Site in Valencia?
Yes! Most of the buildings located in Plaza de la reina such as the Cathedral of Valencia from the 15th century are classified Unesco World Heritage.
Yes! Most of the buildings located in Plaza de la reina such as the Cathedral of Valencia from the 15th century are classified Unesco World Heritage.
Enjoy your 2 days in Valencia Itinerary
You now have a decent starter pack for your 2 days in Valencia. I hope it will be helpful for you to uncover the city’s charm and hidden gems thanks to these travel tips. Soon after I arrived to settle myself for the next 9 months, I fell in love with Valencia. Something floats in the air, making this place unique and appealing. Chances are, love at first sight happens for you too.
Two mere days aren’t much, and there is way more to discover in Valencia than what appears in this guide. It is hard to resume the soul and essence in a few lines. So, remember that magic happens when you let yourself go with the flow and immerse in local culture. You will probably see people behave differently, eat new things, and barely speak English, but this is the beauty of Slow Travelling in Europe!
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
You now have a decent starter pack for your 2 days in Valencia. I hope it will be helpful for you to uncover the city’s charm and hidden gems thanks to these travel tips.
Soon after I arrived to settle myself for the next 9 months, I fell in love with Valencia. Something floats in the air, making this place unique and appealing. Chances are, love at first sight happens for you too.
Two mere days aren’t much, and there is way more to discover in Valencia than what appears in this guide. It is hard to resume the soul and essence in a few lines.
So, remember that magic happens when you let yourself go with the flow and immerse in local culture. You will probably see people behave differently, eat new things, and barely speak English, but this is the beauty of Slow Travelling in Europe!
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
