A 3-Day Guide to Valencia: A City That Steals My Heart Twice🇪🇸❤️

A 3-Day Guide to Valencia: A City That Steals My Heart Twice🇪🇸❤️

Eleonora Francesconi
Valencia is a city that has captured my heart not once, but twice. It’s the perfect destination to break free from routine, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, and indulge in the beauty of both modernity and the sea. The city's coastline and the stunning Oceanográfico aquarium are key highlights. Whether you're into history, architecture, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean vibe, Valencia has it all. If you have only 3 days to explore, don’t worry...you’ve picked the right city!
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Day 1: Discover the Historic Heart of the City

Valencia is a Spanish city where the sun rises early, but the locals start their day around 9:30 or 10:00 AM. Begin your exploration by wandering through the charming streets of the “Ciutat Vella”, the oldest part of the city.

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I started from Plaza de Toros, where my hotel was located, and made my way to Plaza Ayuntamiento. From there, I explored the distinctive streets of the city, leading me to Plaza de la Reina, the Miguelete (Valencia's iconic bell tower), and the Santo Graal.

Plaza Ayuntamiento has been pedestrianized for several years, transforming it into a lively space filled with tourists, street musicians, and entertainers, a magical atmosphere.

Plaça de l'Ajuntament
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Don't miss👇

👉 Don't miss the "Horchatería Santa Catalina", the oldest horchata shop in Valencia.

Horchata is a traditional Valencian drink made from water, sugar, and the milk of the underground tuber known as chufa. It’s best enjoyed with "fartones", soft, sweet buns made specifically for dipping into the horchata.

 👉Also, make sure to check out "La Casa de los Gatos" 🐈, a small street art piece located at number 9 on "Via Museo". It’s a house for the neighborhood cats in "El Carmen", and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them!

Reel 👇

Casa dels Gats
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👉 If you're visiting during "Las Fallas", the famous festival held in March, you’re in for a spectacular experience filled with parades, fireworks, and traditional celebrations.

I missed it but I saw some typical Valencian masks around the streets of the city!

Day 2: Exploring Science and the Sea

OceanogrĂ fic
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The second day is perfect for a visit to the futuristic "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias" (City of Arts and Sciences), a modern architectural masterpiece.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
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To get there I Recommend taking a leisurely walk from the old town. You’ll pass through the "Jardín del Túria", a sprawling park created along the old riverbed of the Turia River, which now spans over 9 km and features lush gardens, sports fields, fountains, and more. It’s a lovely walk that will lead you right into the heart of the modern city.

Don’t miss the "Oceanográfico", Europe’s largest aquarium. Plan to spend at least 3 hours here—it’s well worth it.

Reel👇

Tips 👣🍔:

👉 If you don’t want to walk, you can rent a bike or electric scooter via the city’s bike-sharing program. The dedicated bike lanes in the park make it a perfect route for cycling.

 👉The Oceanográfico has limited food options, but there’s a large shopping mall nearby (just across a roundabout) with plenty of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. Don’t forget to check out "1000 Montaditos", a Spanish fast-food chain known for its affordable bocadillos (sandwiches). If you go on a Wednesday or Sunday, they’re only €1 each!

Day 3: The Beach Day You’ve Been Waiting For

No trip to Valencia is complete without a visit to the beach.

"Playa de Malvarrosa" is the city’s most famous beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or even a walk on the sand. The beach is a bit further from the city center, but you can easily get there by metro or bus. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic walk that takes about an hour, passing through neighborhoods that remind me of Mexico and Havana.

Just breath 🌊

Take time to explore the promenade or simply relax by the sea to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. You’ll quickly understand why the beach is such an integral part of Valencia’s charm.

Malvarrosa beach (Valencia)
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Additional Information

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👉 Accommodation:

I recommend staying in the old town, as it’s easy to explore on foot and close to restaurants, bars, and shops that stay open late. Both times I visited, I stayed at "Pensión Alicante", an Italian-run guesthouse located in a prime central location. It’s clean, offers both shared and private rooms, and has a friendly, helpful staff.

👉Food

You should try the typical “paella valenciana” or the “arroz” with a cup of sangria!

I suggest you this restaurant👇

👉Getting to the City from the Airport:

The city is easily accessible from the airport via metro. There are two metro lines that connect the airport to the city center: Line 5 (Aeropuerto/Torrent Avinguda - Neptú) and Line 3 (Aeropuerto/Palmaret - Rafelbunyol). Trains run every 15–20 minutes, and the ticket costs around €4.50–€5.

👉 Public Transport Tips:

Valencia is very walkable, but if you don’t feel like walking too much, you can use the metro, buses, or bike-sharing services to get around.

Valencia offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and seaside relaxation. With just three days, you can experience the essence of the city while soaking in its beauty, culture, and cuisine.

Enjoy your trip!♥️

Reel👇

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleonora Francesconi
My Red Suitcase is my loyal travel companion, always by my side during spontaneous, anticipated, planned, and dreamed-of journeys. I love planning, organizing, and savoring every moment of my trips, no matter how short. If you like my guides leave me a tips if you want 😘 Feel free to reach out for more information; I'd be absolutely happy to share helpful tips to ensure these cities find a place in your memories and stay forever in your heart!
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