This plan mixes Valencia’s historic heart, its modern architecture and the Mediterranean coast, with each day focused on one area to keep getting around easy. Costs are rough per person in euros; meals and optional attractions are flexible.
Budget
About €140–€240 per person for the listed activities and meals, excluding accommodation and transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October, when days are generally pleasant and the city is less hot than in midsummer.
Ciutat Vella: old town and evening tapas
Spend the day among the old town’s landmark sights, with the central market and nearby lanes making a natural route.
Morning
See and climb El Miguelete
Explore the cathedral and, if you like, climb the tower for views over the rooftops. Allow about 5 minutes on foot from the cathedral to the next stop.
About €9Morning
Visit the Silk Exchange
Admire the striking Gothic hall of this UNESCO-listed former silk market. It is about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
About €2Afternoon
Browse the stalls at
Pick up fruit, snacks or ingredients for a casual lunch in this lively market. It is directly opposite La Lonja, less than a 2-minute walk away.
About €8–€18Afternoon
Stroll through and the old-town lanes
Take a relaxed wander around the square and nearby streets, stopping for a drink or a sweet treat. is about a 5-minute walk from the market.
About €0Evening
Tapas in El Carmen
Settle in for tapas and a relaxed evening among the old quarter’s lanes. From , it is around 10 minutes on foot to the restaurant area.
About €20–€35
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències and Ruzafa
Pair the city’s futuristic cultural complex with an easy evening in the nearby dining and nightlife district of Ruzafa.
Morning
Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
Walk around the dramatic architecture, reflecting pools and landscaped grounds. From the main complex, it is about a 5-minute walk to the next stop.
About €0Morning
Visit the Oceanogràfic
See marine habitats from around the world at Europe’s largest aquarium; allow several hours if you want to take it all in. It is roughly a 5-minute walk from the central complex.
About €38–€42Afternoon
Relax in the Turia Gardens
Enjoy a low-key walk or a break in the former riverbed park. From the Oceanogràfic entrance, the nearest gardens are about 10 minutes away on foot.
About €0Evening
Dinner in Ruzafa
Head to Ruzafa for dinner and a lively but laid-back neighbourhood feel. It is about 10 minutes by taxi from the gardens, or around 20 minutes by bus depending on the route.
About €30–€50
El Cabanyal and the seafront
Spend a breezy final day exploring the historic seaside neighbourhood, then enjoy paella and an evening by the Mediterranean.
Morning
Wander through
Explore this former fishing district, known for its colourful tiled façades and relaxed local character. Allow about 10 minutes on foot between the neighbourhood lanes and the market.
About €0Morning
Stop at the local market
Browse the produce and seafood stalls for a glimpse of everyday neighbourhood life. It is about a 10-minute walk from the main Cabanyal lanes.
About €0Afternoon
Walk along Malvarrosa Beach
Take a relaxed seaside stroll or find a spot on the sand. The beach is around 15 minutes on foot from .
About €0Afternoon
Enjoy paella by the beach
Make lunch the main event with a traditional rice dish; paella is usually served at lunchtime. It is about a 5-minute walk along the seafront from the beach access.
About €25–€45Evening
Watch the sunset from the promenade
Finish with a gentle walk and a drink beside the water. The promenade is about a 5-minute walk from .
About €0–€12
Good to know
Getting around
The old town is best explored on foot. For the Arts and Sciences and the beach, use Valencia’s buses, tram or taxis; allow extra time in summer heat.
Meals
Book ahead, and plan paella for lunch rather than dinner. Market hours and restaurant schedules can vary, especially on Sundays.
Tickets
Check current opening times and ticket prices for , La Lonja and the Oceanogràfic before you go.