Your route, day by day
Valencia in 3 days
Valencia in 3 days: Gothic old town, futuristic park and paella
Photo: Diego F. Parra / Pexels · Pexels License
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Day one for the cathedral, the market and the Silk Exchange; day two for the Turia Garden, the City of Arts and Sciences and the beach; day three for the Albufera lagoon and paella.
Day 1
Old town: cathedral, market & Silk Exchange
Morning
Breakfast at the Mercado Central (Mon–Sat), then La Lonja opposite.
Afternoon
The cathedral and the Micalet climb; on a Thursday, be at the Apostles’ Door at 12:00 for the Water Tribunal.
Evening
Sunset from the Torres de Serranos (closes at 19:00), then tapas in the old town.
Tip: Play the Valencia City Quest on this day: it covers the same streets.
Day 2
Turia Garden, City of Arts and Sciences & the beach
Morning
Walk or cycle the Turia Garden to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Afternoon
The Oceanogràfic (book for your date) or the science museum.
Evening
Malvarrosa beach and dinner on the seafront.
Tip: On a budget? Skip the Oceanogràfic: the architecture is free to see outside.
Day 3
Albufera, paella & Ruzafa
Morning
EMT bus 25 to El Palmar and a boat trip on the lagoon.
Afternoon
Paella in El Palmar, then back to town to see the Estació del Nord.
Evening
Dinner in Ruzafa.
Tip: Paella is traditionally a lunch dish in Valencia.
Where to stay for this route
This plan works best from a central base. Here is each area in one line, with a link to live hotel prices there.
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Ciutat Vella· our pick
Best for first-timers · $$$
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Eixample & Colón
Best for shopping and quieter nights · $$$
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Ruzafa
Best for foodies and couples · $$
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City of Arts and Sciences
Best for families · $$
Budget for this itinerary
The cathedral (€12), the Micalet (€3), La Lonja and the two gates (€2 each) add up to about €21 per adult (2026). The Oceanogràfic costs about €36–43 more. The market, Plaza de la Virgen, the Turia Garden and the beach are free.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Valencia?
3 days covers the big highlights at a comfortable pace if you group sights by area, as in this plan. Add a day if you want a day trip or more museum time.
What should I book in advance?
Anything with timed entry: Mercado Central, Valencia Cathedral & the Micalet, Turia Garden, City of Arts and Sciences. Check the official sites for current prices and release dates.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Each day is built around one area, so you can swap whole days around, for example to put an indoor museum day on a rainy day.