We thought it was about time to introduce you to Valencia. Don’t worry, we’ll skip the history lesson – though that would probably be interesting too. Instead, we went out and explored the city a bit. The result? A relaxed two-day tour that covers both the historic highlights and the modern corners of Valencia.

And if you’re craving even more – don’t worry, Valencia has plenty to offer. The city is ready for your discoveries!

At the bottom, you’ll find our routes to help you relive our exploration of Valencia – perfect if you’re planning a trip to the city yourself.

 

Valencia – Day 1

We started our day at Valencia’s central square – the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Here, you can admire the impressive architecture of the City Hall and the Post Office. Around the square, you’ll find not only lots of cool cafés and restaurants but also great shops and shopping streets like Calle Colón and Calle de la Paz. Perfect for a stroll and some shopping!

Next, we headed to the Mercado Central – one of the largest markets in Europe. It’s a great spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast or shop for fresh produce.

Right across from Mercado Central, you’ll find La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. This Gothic masterpiece is a real highlight and offers a fascinating journey back in time.

The Torres de Quart are one of the remaining city gates. These towers once marked the old boundaries of Valencia and today offer an intriguing glimpse into the city’s history.

Next up, the Cathedral of Valencia. Check out the Holy Grail and don’t forget to climb the Miguelete Tower – the view from the top is simply fantastic!

 

Only a stone’s throw away

Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral is the Plaza de la Virgen. This historic square is surrounded by significant buildings and is a great place to relax. One of these important buildings is the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados – a major religious site you shouldn’t miss.

The Torres de Serranos are another one of the old city gates you can climb for a great view of the city. From there, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the Jardín del Turia, one of the largest urban parks in Spain.

We wrapped up our first day in Valencia with a visit to the impressive concert hall at the Palau de la Música.

 

🌸 Culinary Tip for Day 1 🌸

 

Do what we did and enjoy a typical Valencian lunch at one of the many restaurants in the old town or the El Carmen district. For dinner, head to the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood for modern cuisine and tapas.

 

Valencia – Day 2

On the second day, we had four more attractions on the itinerary. That might sound like a little, but the destinations are spread out and really worth the visit. We started at BIOPARC Valencia, a beautiful zoo. After that, we headed to the Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis. This impressive monastery from the 16th century was built in the Renaissance style on the ruins of an earlier monastery. Originally serving the Hieronymite Order, today it’s a significant cultural monument and houses the Valencian Library (Biblioteca Valenciana).

Our next stop was the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències – an absolute highlight in Valencia. This stunning complex of futuristic architecture houses museums, an IMAX theater, Europe’s largest aquarium, and much more. It’s a place where science, art, and culture come together in a spectacular way.

To cap off our day, we went to Malvarrosa Beach. This popular city beach in Valencia is perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming in the sea, or just relaxing on the sand. With its long promenade and many bars and restaurants, it’s the ideal spot to unwind at the end of the day.

 

🌸 Culinary Tip for Day 2 🌸

 

Having lunch near the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias or right at Malvarrosa Beach is a great idea. For dinner, you can either enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the beachside restaurants or head back to the old town to round off your day with a culinary treat.

 

If you need more info about attractions, bus routes, opening times, or even prices, check out Valencia’s tourism portal for all the details.

 

We hope these tips will help you to master your everyday life as an expat even better! Do you have your own experiences or additional tips? Then please leave us a comment! We look forward to hearing from you and accompanying you on your expat adventure. Feel free to share this post with others who could benefit from the tips and stay tuned for more insights and inspiration from life as an expat.

Your Steffi and Marius