Daytrip Valencia

Valencia is the perfect daytrip from one of Viva la Vida Buena’s stays. It fits perfect for a family trip as well a couple, for active people or lazy people, for culture lovers or culinary lovers. Valencia got it all!

If you got more time, truly consider to combine Valencia for a few days with our stays. There is so much to see and to do that you can easily spend a day or three or four. Especially when combined with the nature and rice reserve Albufera.

Transport

Valencia has a relatively small center and many one-way roads. Although the city is great for driving, it is a lot easier to park on the outskirts of the city and take public transport. In addition, there are few parking spaces in the center and the rates are high.

There are several P+R metro stations where you can park for free. By metro you can reach the center in 10/15 minutes. The subways leave often. In our opinion, Valencia Sud is the easiest place to park.

Although the city is perfect to explore on foot, the bus and metro are convenient options. From Valencia Sud, lines 1, 2 and 7 go into the city. For convenience, take line 7, which stops in the center, towards Maritim Serreria.

In the Valencia community often the local dialect Valenciano is spoken. Many sign and signals therefore are in Valenciano. Be aware 😉

In the morning

The old town is a great start for a day in Valencia. At first, get off at Colon metro station and you are in the middle of Valencia’s main shopping street Calle Colon. Here you will find all well-known brands. The beautiful boutiques are in the streets beyond Calle Colon, in the direction of the Mercado Colon. There, you’ll find more exclusive shops, trendy brands and the latest trends.

The old town

To explore the old town, get off at Xàtiva metro station. From there we head for Plaza Ayuntamiento.

• We start at Plaza Ayuntamiento. Here the town hall is located on a large square. You can visit the town hall for free, which is definitely worth it. There are many beautiful buildings around, including the old post office.
• From there we go to the Mercado Central. This is the fresh market of Valencia and here you can also have something to drink at a number of stands. The market is open until 2:00 PM, so be there on time.
• There is a beautiful church next to the market, but there are many here. Also enter the building opposite. That is the Lonja de Seda. Entrance is free and you get a glimpse into the splendor of the past. Trade was conducted here in the past. The entrance is at the rear.
• From the entrance you cross to Plaza Redonda. This used to be known for the haberdashery sold for the beautiful dresses they wear during las Fallas. There are still a few stalls.
• A few steps away is Horchateria Santa Cantalina. They are the well-known horchateria, a drink based on almond milk and very popular. Stop here for a drink and small rest.

After a short stop

We continue on Plaza de la Reina. Before, it more or less was not much more than a bus stop. Recently renovated this is the square you want to spend time. Therefore, we continue at Plaza de la Reina:

• On the furthest side is the most famous cathedral with a tower that you can climb. If you turn right around the cathedral you will arrive at the archaeological museum and a smaller church. You can walk into this pink church without entrance and it is nothing short of spectacular. There is almost always a service, very special.
• You now arrive at the Plaza de la Virgen square. From here you stroll through the beautiful streets towards the dry river Turia. That is towards the furthest side of the square. At the Turia you will find the Torres de Serranos. You can climb this and give a beautiful view of the city.
• Nearby is the Museo Casa de las Rocas museum. Here you will find everything about the world-famous Las Fallas parties (a kind of carnival) with beautiful costumes and floats.
• Another good choice is the Sistine Chapel of Valencia: San Nicolas de Bari. This church is unprecedented.

To close off with

Cross straight at the Torres de Serranos and walk into the Turia. This is a very large city park with playgrounds, sports fields and the Biosphere animal park on the northwest side. Great fun for children!

One of the main attractions of the park is the Ciudad del Artes y Ciencias. Walk southwards to the sea or take a bus. It’s quite a walk from the old town.

The City of Arts and Sciences is an attraction in itself. These modern buildings surrounded by water are nothing short of spectacular. For children, Hemisperic (cinema), the Arts y Ciencies museum and L’Oceanographic (dolphinarium) are great fun.

Another option is to take the Valencia Bus Turistic. A hop-on hop-off bus for a fun and fast way to explore the city. Check the website for the boarding points.

Above is a perfect mix for a daytrip to Valencia. Do you have spare time or would you rather do something else? Check out our post ‘More to do in Valencia‘.