Valencia is one of the most visited cities in Spain, following places like Madrid and Barcelona. It has over 2000 years of history to uncover and more than enough attractions to see if you’re spending 2 days in Valencia. Many of the top things to see in Valencia are located within the old town. You’ll also find more modern attractions as well as nature spots further away from the historic sites. Valencia is a city that you should take the time to explore at a leisurely pace. But if you only have time to spend 2 days in Valencia, you should have no problems visiting the key points of interest here.
Being the birthplace of paella, Valencia has acquired a name for itself as a top culinary destination in Spain. Beyond its gastronomy though, the city is home to unique festivals, a mixture of medieval and modern architecture, and beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed throughout the year. This is one Spanish city that has pretty much everything, so at a minimum, spending 2 days in Valencia is a must.
Things to do during 2 days in Valencia
Valencia Cathedral
One of the first things to do during 2 days in Valencia is to visit Valencia Cathedral. This iconic landmark in Valencia dates back to the 13th century and was built on the site of a former Roman temple which was later turned into a mosque. Inside the cathedral, visitors have the opportunity to look at some of the most important pieces of art from the first Spanish Renaissance and to explore the museum.
Apart from this, Valencia Cathedral is perhaps most famous for being home to the Holy Grail. The chalice is on full display to the public, and both archaeological studies and documentation have led historians to point to it being used during the time of Jesus. In the peak months there’s usually a queue outside the cathedral but that disappears very quickly.
Admire the views from the top of Miguelete Bell Tower
Before exiting Valencia Cathedral, don’t forget to purchase a ticket for the Miguelete Bell Tower. The tower was completed in the 15th century and sits at just over 50 metres high, providing a stunning view of Plaza de la Reina and the rest of Valencia below. To get to the top you’ll need to climb 207 steps as there’s no elevator access available. Tickets for the tower can be purchased inside the cathedral and aren’t included with the cathedral entry fee.
The Silk Exchange
If you’re planning on spending 2 days in Valencia, you can’t miss La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited attractions in Valencia, and entry is completely free on Sundays and public holidays.
The building dates back to the end of the 15th century and it was originally intended as a place for trading in silk. It’s a perfect representation of the wealth and prestige of Valencia during this time period as a mercantile city. The exterior of the building and the inner courtyard are impressive, but it’s the main hall that everyone comes to see with its unique columns and high ceilings.
Visit the markets
During your 2 days in Valencia, make sure you visit at least one of the markets in the city. Mercado Central is the most popular market in Valencia and it’s located in the heart of the historic centre. There are almost 300 stalls inside and it’s the largest fresh produce market in Europe, so it’s certainly worth walking around.
Mercado de Colon is another fantastic market in Valencia to add to your itinerary. This market is known for its shopping and gastronomic experiences rather than having produce stalls set up. When it was built in the 20th century it was meant to meet the needs of the wealthier members of society who lived in the neighbourhood. There are several restaurants here that are popular with the locals, especially on weekends.
Torres de Quart
Although most people visit Torres de Serranos, we found it to be incredibly busy. Instead, we decided to stop at Torres de Quart which was located closer to our rental apartment. Torres de Quart, together with Torres de Serranos, are the only entrances to the medieval city that remain today. These towers were built in the 15th century and were inspired by Castell Nuovo in Naples.
Torres de Quart were built with defensive purposes in mind, so today much of it is a hollow shell. However, the towers still show the scars of battle from 1808 when Napoleon’s troops attacked the city using cannons. Climbing to the top of Torres de Quart is one of the best things to do during 2 days in Valencia, and the view from the top is pretty spectacular.
Go souvenir shopping in Plaza Redonda
If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs in Valencia, make sure you stop by Plaza Redonda. This plaza is perfectly rounded and can be accessed from four different streets. It was built in the 19th century and was originally meant for small businesses. Today, there are still plenty of shops here but most of them sell souvenirs. You’ll also find a couple of restaurants in Plaza Redonda which seemed to be popular when we walked through it.
National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts
One of the best free things to do in Valencia is to visit the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts. Valencia is very well known for its ceramics industry, and the ceramics museum gives visitors a chance to look more closely at some intricate pieces. It’s also housed inside a palace so you can catch a glimpse of what life was like for the noble families of Valencia who grew in prestige due to the silk trade.
Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr
There are a lot of churches in Valencia, but one that shouldn’t be missed is the Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr. This church has been named the “Sistine Chapel” of Valencia due to its beautifully painted walls and ceilings. It has a history dating back to the 13th century, and in the 15th century it was remodelled in the Gothic style on the orders of the Borja family.
The Church of Saint Nicholas has recently been restored. When you enter you’ll be given an audio guide so you can learn more about the different parts of the church and the artworks on display here. If you have to choose between Valencia Cathedral and the Church of Saint Nicholas, I would definitely recommend picking this one.
Explore the old town
A big portion of your 2 days in Valencia should be spent exploring the streets of the historic old town. There are a lot of beautiful attractions spread around the old town, apart from the cathedral, and you’ll come across a lot of hidden gems down the narrow side streets too. I’d recommend starting your tour at sunrise if you can to avoid the crowds, especially if you want nice photos.
Some of the top places to visit in Valencia’s old town include: Plaza de la Reina, La Estrecha, Portale della Valldigna, Basilica de la Mare de Deu dels Desamparats, and Plaza de la Virgen.
If you don’t want to join a guided tour of Valencia, I’d recommend taking a self-guided tour instead. With Tours in Valencia you can download a self-guided audio tour right to your phone so you can explore the city at your own pace. We downloaded the tour that took us around the historic centre, but their foodie tour is also a popular option. Their app is free to download and you can find some helpful Valencia travel tips there too.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Outside of Valencia’s old town there are a lot of incredible places to visit. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) is one of the most important squares in the city. It’s surrounded by impressive buildings that mostly date back to the 20th century, with a large fountain and flower display in the centre. This is a very busy part of Valencia and you’ll find lots of shops and restaurants lining all sides of the plaza. Just a short walk from Plaza del Ayuntamiento is Valencia’s bullring as well.
Find some ninots
The most famous festival in Valencia is known as the Fallas Festival and it takes place every year at the beginning of March. This festival consists of giant papier-mâché sculptures depicting all sorts of people, including politicians. These sculptures are later burned to celebrate the arrival of spring and to pay tribute to the patron saint of the carpenter’s guild.
If you’re not in Valencia when the festival is on, don’t worry, you can still see the ninots up close. The Museu del Corpus is free to enter and is where many ninots are stored before and after the festival. This is a must-visit during any 2 days in Valencia, especially if you haven’t had time to see these impressive sculptures being paraded through the streets before.
Stroll along Paseo Maritimo
Taking a stroll along Paseo Maritimo is one of the top things to do in Valencia. This seafront promenade is lined with palm trees and is a great place to come if you want to try some fresh seafood. Even if you’re not planning to visit the beaches in Valencia, this area is very nice to visit near sunset and to wind down at after a long day of exploring the city.
A short walk from Paseo Maritimo is El Cabanyal. This district is directly linked to the fishing industry in Valencia, and there are still plenty of fishing huts, cabins, and tiled facades on display. It’s a very unique part of Valencia’s history to learn about, and the buildings make for some great photo opportunities too.
Little Venice
One of the most unique places to visit in Valencia is Little Venice. This is the nickname given to Port Saplaya which is a holiday village boasting colourful buildings, several restaurants, and a small harbour. It’s considered to be a hidden gem in Valencia and it takes no more than 15 minutes to get to by taxi. Many people choose to spend a day in this area since there are a couple of popular beaches that are easily accessible from it.
City of Arts and Science
From medieval buildings to modern architecture, Valencia has it all. The City of Arts and Sciences is a scientific and cultural leisure complex that’s spread across 2 kilometres. Many of the buildings here have become synonymous with the city, and this complex is one of the top rated tourist attractions in Valencia. It’s completely free to walk around the outside of the buildings, but if you want to go inside places like Oceanografic, which is Europe’s largest aquarium, or the Science Museum, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.
There are a few types of Valencia City Cards for tourists that either provide free entry into some attractions or offer discounted entry fees, so it may be worth looking into getting one of those for your trip.
Where to eat in Valencia
Mamma Pazzo
Wondering where to eat in Valencia? Look no further than Mamma Pazzo. This unique Italian restaurant in Valencia will have you amazed from the moment you walk in. On top of their quirky cocktails that are served in giant heads, their menu is full of surprises too and is based around fresh pasta and pizza. The Nonna Lucia di Pisa is a must-try and comes served on top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
All of their food and drinks are presented beautifully and the dining experience is unlike any other that you’ll find in Valencia. You may even be serenaded by a musician while you eat if you’re lucky.
Horchateria de Santa Catalina
Located a short walk from Valencia Cathedral is the iconic Horchateria de Santa Catalina. This traditional Valencian cafe is the place to go if you want to try horchata. They have a lot of other drink options on their menu, as well as plenty of tasty desserts. We visited for breakfast and tucked into some freshly made churros with chocolate which was a nice way to start the day.
SushiPunk
SushiPunk is a unique sushi restaurant in Valencia where all of the dishes come served on a conveyor belt. This means you’ll have to be on the lookout for the sushi you want or it might pass you by! All of the dishes are freshly prepared by the kitchen and there are constantly new plates being placed on the conveyor belt. You’ll find a good selection of vegetarian or seafood-free options as well, in case you’re not a fan of raw fish. Overall, we loved our experience at SushiPunk and found it to be the perfect restaurant for lunch.
Baool Burgers
Smash burgers are very popular now, and in Valencia there are a lot of spots to get your burger fix. Baool Burgers is an award-winning burger restaurant that has just opened a separate restaurant that focuses solely on smash burgers. The menu isn’t huge but all of the options sound amazing, and the smash burgers have that all important crisp factor to them. When paired with a side of fries, Baool Burgers is a great option for a late night bite to eat.
Unique cocktail bars in Valencia
Maison Lupin
If you’re a fan of cocktail bars, then you won’t want to miss Maison Lupin. This unique cocktail bar in Valencia is famous for their cocktails served in giant heads. They have everything from Lupin to Tintin and Queen Elizabeth II, and each cocktail is completely different from another. The interior of the bar is very cozy with colourful lighting that helps to add to the experience. Some of the cocktails even have quirky visual elements to their presentation as well.
La Catrina Cocktails & Rock
One of the most popular cocktail bars in Valencia is La Catrina Cocktails & Rock. If you’re spending 2 days in Valencia and you like listening to rock music while sipping on some expertly crafted cocktails, this is going to be your favourite spot in the city. They have a great cocktail menu, with plenty of classic drinks available. Their seasonal menu is also worth trying though, as you never know what concoction they’ll come up with next. In the warmer months you can enjoy your drinks on the outdoor terrace too.
Where to stay in Valencia
Happy Apartments Valencia
There are a lot of options for accommodation in Valencia. For people who enjoy staying in apartments rather than hotels, Happy Apartments Valencia can cater to all group sizes. We stayed in one of their studio apartments which is located a very short walk from Valencia Cathedral and sits close to Torres de Quart. The apartment is very spacious so it comfortably accommodates two people and features plenty of modern amenities and a small balcony.
The kitchen has a microwave as well as a dishwasher and everything you need to cook a nice meal. There’s also a small fridge so you can keep your drinks cool. Air-conditioning is available throughout the unit and the bathroom has a walk-in shower making it easily accessible.
We checked-in late at night so we were given instructions about how to obtain the key and what codes to use to get into the building. Everything went very smoothly and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay during our 2 days in Valencia.
>> See what’s available at Happy Apartments Valencia <<
Is 2 days in Valencia enough?
Spending 2 days in Valencia isn’t really enough time to explore the city in its entirety. However, for first-time visitors to Valencia, 2 days will allow you to visit the main attractions in Valencia and see outside of the historic centre too, if you don’t mind a busy schedule. Valencia is very hot in the summer, so I would recommend visiting in the spring or autumn when it’s less crowded and the temperatures are a little more pleasant during the day. Whatever you plan to do during your 2 days in Valencia is sure to make you want to come back to this beautiful Spanish city again.
If you have any questions about spending 2 days in Valencia or what things to see in Valencia, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form. You can also get in touch through Instagram and follow along with my travels there.
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