🇪🇸 Valencia · Itinerary
3 Days in Valencia: The Perfect Itinerary
Three days covers Valencia at a relaxed pace — the old town first, the City of Arts and Sciences and beach next, then an Albufera day trip for paella. It’s flat and bike-friendly, with the Turia park, a green former riverbed, threading through the city.
Best for: City-and-beach travellers, solo women and couples wanting paella and architecture.
Get this as a free, personalised Valencia planWavvia tailors it to your dates, pace, budget and how you travel — solo, couple, family, LGBTQ+, accessibility needs and more.
Day 1: Old town
Based around Ciutat Vella
Morning
The Cathedral and its Holy Grail chapel, then climb the Miguelete tower for the view.
Afternoon
The Central Market and La Lonja silk exchange, then wander the Carmen district.
Evening
Dinner and bars in the hip Ruzafa barrio.
Day 2: Futuristic Valencia & the beach
Based around City of Arts & Sciences / Malvarrosa
Morning
The City of Arts and Sciences — the science museum and the Oceanogràfic aquarium.
Afternoon
Cycle or walk back through the Turia Gardens, then out to Malvarrosa beach.
Evening
A seafront paella at the beach — Valencia is its birthplace.
Day 3: Lagoon day trip
Based around Albufera Natural Park
Morning
Head to the Albufera lagoon, the rice paddies where paella was born.
Afternoon
A sunset boat trip on the lagoon and a long rice lunch in El Palmar.
Evening
Back to Valencia for a final evening in the old town.
Valencia itinerary tips
- The Turia Gardens — a park in the old riverbed — is the best way to cross the city on foot or by Valenbisi bike.
- Never leave bags unattended on Malvarrosa beach; otherwise the city is very relaxed.
- For Las Fallas (March) the city is packed and very loud with fireworks — book early and bring ear protection.
Where to stay in Valencia
Valencia is flat and walkable, with the Turia park (a green former riverbed) curving through it — base yourself in the old town or hip Ruzafa, with the beach a tram ride east.
Prices compared across Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and more on one map.
Valencia itinerary FAQs
Is 3 days enough for Valencia?
Yes — 3 days is a great length to see Valencia's highlights at a comfortable pace. It's best for city-and-beach travellers, solo women and couples wanting paella and architecture. The plan groups sights by area so each day flows naturally instead of criss-crossing the city.
How should I spend 3 days in Valencia?
Spend it like this: Day 1 is Old town (Ciutat Vella), Day 2 is Futuristic Valencia & the beach (City of Arts & Sciences / Malvarrosa), Day 3 is Lagoon day trip (Albufera Natural Park). Each day is built around one area to keep walking and transport to a minimum.
Which areas does this Valencia itinerary cover?
It's based around Ciutat Vella, City of Arts & Sciences / Malvarrosa, Albufera Natural Park — chosen so you explore one part of Valencia per day.
What should I know before visiting Valencia?
The Turia Gardens — a park in the old riverbed — is the best way to cross the city on foot or by Valenbisi bike.
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