Valencia 10-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

   This ultra-modern architectural complex on the former Turia riverbed was designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela. If you don't want to pay the steep admission charges to the individual sights, you can wander around the complex and appreciate the architecture from outside for free.

2. Stop 2

   El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe

   A science museum designed to resemble a whale skeleton, it has interactive exhibits on three floors.

3. Stop 3 · 6 min walk

   L’Oceanogràfic

   The largest oceanarium in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, has seven sections devoted to different ecological zones. The building was designed by Félix Candela to resemble a water lily. Highlights include a dolphinarium, a walk-through shark tunnel, a shark tank (open for public diving), and spherical bird aviary. There are several restaurants on-site, and with so many attractions it’s easy to make this into an all-day affair.

4. Stop 4 · 8 min walk

   L’Umbracle

   A botanic garden landscaped with plants native to Valencia. The park also has the Jardí d'Astronomia (Jardín de la Astronomía / Astronomy Garden) and the Passeig de l'Art (Paseo del Arte / Art Promenade), which has permanent and temporary exhibits of large-scale contemporary art, mostly sculpture.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min walk

   L'Àgora

   A multi-use covered plaza, designed for sporting events, concerts, and special exhibits.

6. Stop 6 · 4 min walk

   Pont de l'Assut de l'Or

   The striking cable-stayed bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2008, crosses the dry Túria riverbed. At 125 m high, the bridge tower is the highest point in Valencia.

Eat · Paella: There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: paella valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), paella de marisco, with fish or seafood, or even paella mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular among locals.

1. Stop 1

   Cripta arqueològica de la presó de Sant Vicent Màrtir

   This Visigothic chapel has on display objects discovered during its excavation including a Visigothic altar, Roman mural, Muslim artifacts, and a sculpture of the early Christian Saint Vicente Mártir, who is believed to have been buried here.

2. Stop 2 · 5 min walk

   Llotja de la Seda

   This UNESCO landmark is considered to be one of the most significant secular Gothic buildings in Europe. It was built between 1482 and 1533 on the site of an earlier oil exchange. The Llotja consists of four distinct parts: the Sala de Contractació (Trading Hall), also known as the Saló Columnari (Hall of Columns); the Sala Consulado del Mar with its magnificent ceiling; the unfinished Torre (tower) with its debtor prison (temporarily closed to visitors), and the Pati dels Tarongers (Patio of Oranges).

3. Stop 3 · 4 min walk

   Església de Sant Nicolau

   Established in the 13th century, the church was expanded in several phases, culminating in the current 15th-century Gothic structure. During the late 17th century extensive Baroque renovations were carried out to the interior, the most significant of them being ceiling frescoes. This remarkable set of frescoes completely covers the vault of the nave and the presbytery, and illustrates the lives of St. Nicolás and St. Peter.

4. Stop 4 · 36 min walk

   Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis

   Founded in the 16th century, this massive Renaissance building is considered by some historians to be the early model for the more well-known El Escorial near Madrid. In 1835 the monastery was dissolved and came under control of the state; it was used for a time as a school, an asylum, and during the Franco period as a prison.

5. Stop 5 · 39 min walk

   Torres de Quart

   This medieval tower was part of the wall that surrounded the old city; the numerous pock-marks are from gun battles during the Spanish War of Independence from the French (1807-1814). Great views of the city can be had from the top.

6. Stop 6 · 10 min walk

   Torres de Serrano

   Built in 1392, this gate was also part of the ancient wall and for a time also served as a prison. The gate has been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but is still interesting. It is across the street from the park. This tower also offers excellent views.

Eat · Arròs a banda: A side dish of rice cooked in fish stock, usually served with alioli.

1. Stop 1

   Palau de Cervelló

   Built in the 18th century as the residence of the counts of Cervelló, this palace became the official residence for visiting royalty following the demolition of the Palau Reial de València. The building now houses a museum, the Municipal Archive, and the Serrano Morales Library. On the ground floor is an exhibit (in Catalan and Spanish) illustrating the historic events which took place here, and on the upper floor are the grand ballroom and Serrano Morales Library, with original murals and furnishings.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Casa de Sant Vicent Ferrer

   Sant Vicent Ferrer, the principal patron saint of Valencia, was born in this house in 1350. The house was renovated numerous times, and has a chapel, well, and 18th-century ceramic tile panels depicting the life of the saint.

3. Stop 3 · 11 min walk

   Torre de l'Àngel

   One of the few vestiges from Valencia's Muslim period, the semicircular 11th-century tower was once part of the Muslim city wall. It is now a private dwelling, but can be viewed through a fence.

4. Stop 4 · 5 min walk

   Centre Arqueològic de l'Almoina

   This extensive site was uncovered in 1985 during preparations for new construction, which was then cancelled. Excavations revealed archeological remains dating from the Moorish, Visigothic, and Roman periods. After completing excavations, the city of Valencia converted the site into an underground museum. Highlights include Roman baths, a Moorish courtyard, and various artifacts.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min walk

   Museu Nacional de Ceràmica

   This very ornate Baroque palace once served as the residence of the Marqués de Dos Aigües, and is now a museum. The ground and first floors showcase a collection of stagecoaches and period furniture, while the upper two floors house an extensive ceramics collection with a focus on historic Valencian pieces. Of particular note are Moorish ceramic tiles from the main mosque which was on the site now occupied by the cathedral, and six plates designed by Picasso. Photography permitted, no flash.

6. Stop 6 · 38 min walk

   Museu d'Història de València

   Housed in a former reservoir, this well-designed museum is dedicated to the developmental history of the city, from the Roman era until the present. Although labels are in Valencian and Spanish, booklets with English translations are available at the front desk. Constructed in 1850, the building is interesting in its own right as an excellent example of 19th century industrial architecture.

Eat · Arròs negre: Also cooked in fish stock, this rice dish is black because it contains squid ink, as well as squid or cuttlefish, peppers, and paprika.

1. Stop 1

   Museu dels Soldadets de Plom L'Iber

   In an old Gothic palace, this is the world's largest private collection of tin soldiers of about one million pieces. Figures represent periods of Valencian, Spanish, and world history.

2. Stop 2 · 20 min walk

   Museo Histórico Militar de Valencia

   Built in 1898 for an infantry regiment, the building now houses a collection of over 3,000 objects, most of them from the 19th and 20th centuries.

3. Stop 3 · 37 min walk

   Museu de l'Arròs

   The Museum of Rice of the City of Valencia is in the refurbished and restored old Serra’s Mill. It tells the story of the industrial process of rice processing, a cereal whose growth goes deep into the wetlands of the City.

4. Stop 4 · 57 min walk

   Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda

   The Moors introduced silk to Valencia, and it became a major hub of the silk trading route during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Valencian silk weavers' guild was established in the late 15th century, and in 1494 acquired this building, which remained the guild's headquarters throughout its history. The building was remodelled extensively during subsequent centuries, and was fully restored in 2016. Now a museum, it showcases various aspects of Valencia's silk trade and production.

5. Stop 5 · 17 min walk

   Museu de Belles Arts de València

   This 17th-century former palace houses over 2,000 pieces of art, with a primary focus on art of the 14th to 17th centuries. Highlights include an excellent collection of medieval altarpieces, a collection of engravings by the Italian artist Piranesi, and a handful of minor works by Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. Photography permitted, no flash.

6. Stop 6 · 14 min walk

   Institut Valencià d'Art Modern

   This museum focuses on Spanish and international modern art and photography, and hosts regular special exhibits, workshops, and lectures. A library, gift shop, and café are onsite. Photography permitted, no flash.

Eat · Fideuà: This paella-like dish, with short noodles and fish, was invented in Gandía and can be usually found in paella restaurants. It deserves a try too.

1. Stop 1

   Casa-Museu Benlliure

   This was once home to two generations of the Benlliure family, headed by prominent Valencian artist José Benlliure. The early 20th-century residence has been maintained in three distinct sections, including the primary house with original furnishings and artworks, a lovely courtyard and garden, and a second building with a private study and more artworks.

2. Stop 2 · 15 min walk

   Fundación Bancaja

   The former 19th-century residence is a cultural centre which hosts excellent, well-curated temporary exhibits of contemporary art and photography, by Valencian, Spanish and international artists.

3. Stop 3 · 14 min walk

   Centre del Carme

   The former convent hosts rotating special exhibits showcasing local history, and historic and contemporary artists from Valencia and outside the region.

4. Stop 4 · 8 min walk

   Fundación Chirivella Soriano

   This well-preserved 14th-century Gothic palace houses a permanent collection of contemporary Spanish art, with rotating exhibits.

5. Stop 5 · 10 min walk

   Centre Cultural La Nau

   Built in 1498, this was once the library and main building for the University of Valencia. Today it is used by the university primarily as a venue for photography and art exhibits, and for classical music concerts.

6. Stop 6 · 10 min walk

   Galería del Tossal

   This unique underground gallery has been designed around the remains of a city wall from the Moorish period, complete with arches. The gallery is a venue for temporary exhibits of Spanish and international contemporary art.

Eat · All i pebre: A stew made of eel, a snake like fish typical from the Albufera, a lagoon near Valencia. You can drive to El Palmar and taste it there. Delicious, but a very special taste. You can find good paella, and other traditional dishes at the restaurants there too.

1. Stop 1

   Pont de l'Exposició

   Designed by Santiago Calatrava and built between 1991 and 1995, the bridge resembles a comb, hence the nickname 'La Peineta'.

2. Stop 2 · 24 min walk

   Jardí Botànic

   Established in 1802 by the University of Valencia, this lovely garden maintains extensive collections of plants from a number of different habitats. Most of the greenhouses date from the latter half of the 19th century, while the modern research centre was completed in 2000.

3. Stop 3 · 25 min walk

   Jardí de Montfort

   This formal Neoclassical garden was designed in the mid-19th century by Valencian architect Don Monleón for the aristocrat Marqués de San Juan. It was declared a 'National Artistic Garden' and is now maintained by the city of Valencia, which opened it to the public in 1973.

4. Stop 4 · 49 min walk

   Bioparc Valencia

   As far as zoos go, this is more animal-friendly than most. Focused exclusively on African fauna, the modern zoo has been thoughtfully designed to provide maximum space in natural settings for its residents. A special highlight is the walk-in lemur exhibit (no touching or feeding).

5. Stop 5 · 46 min walk

   Jardín de Viveros

   Established by the Moors in the 13th century as gardens for the royal palace (no longer standing), this pleasant and popular park is the second-largest park in Valencia, after the Turia gardens. The park includes a rose garden, sculpture garden, bicycle track, and aviary. During the summer various festivals are held here.

6. Stop 6 · 4 min walk

   Museu de Ciències Naturals

   The museum is divided into several segments, covering Valencian contributions to the sciences, the ecology of the Valencian region, and of course paleontology with the requisite dinosaur skeletons.

Eat · Llet merengada: A kind of milk-based soft ice cream with a cinnamon-lemon taste.

1. Stop 1

   Russafa

   Ruzafa (from Arabic رصافة – rusafa, or 'garden') was established in the 9th century as a Moorish pleasure garden, and evolved into a farming community. It was independent until 1877, when it was annexed by the city. Today the barrio is known for its cultural diversity, charming hipster shops and cafés, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

2. Stop 2

   Benimaclet

   Benimaclet (from Arabic بني مخلد – bani mahlad, or 'sons of Majlad') began as an Arabic farmstead, and was an independent farming community until 1878. Preserved are its central square and parish church, and charming pedestrian alleys. Due to its proximity to the University of Valencia, it is known for its large student population, many immigrant shops, and good bars and restaurants.

3. Stop 3

   Tribunal de les Aigües

   The horta (Spanish: huerta), the fertile region surrounding Valencia, has relied on artificial irrigation since antiquity. The tribunal was developed to mediate disputes between farmers, and is believed to date back to Roman times; it has operated in its current form since the Moorish era. The court consists of nine representatives who meet in public and issue judgments on water rights and usage. Proceedings are conducted in Valencian and verdicts are issued orally.

4. Stop 4 · 49 min walk

   Cementerio General de Valencia

   In use since 1807, the cemetery has some interesting mausoleums and funerary sculpture and is the final resting place for a number of notable Valencians, including members of the artistic Benlliure family, painter Joaquín Sorolla, and writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. For visitors with a smartphone there is a helpful app (iOS and Android; Spanish and Valencian only) which describes walking routes and gives grave locations.

5. Stop 5 · 42 min walk

   Mirador Valencia

   The viewpoint is on the rooftop of a private social club, and offers excellent 360° panoramic views of the city.

6. Stop 6

   Street art

   Valencia has become a magnet for street artists both homegrown and those hailing from abroad, many of them internationally-renowned. Works range in size from smaller stencils to giant murals, with the greatest concentration in el Carmen (Carme). There are also clusters of great art in Ruzafa, Benimaclet, Cabanyal, and other neighbourhoods.

Eat · Bunyols: Fried doughnuts, sometimes round shaped, sometimes like rings. Widely available only during March during the Falles celebration. Dip them in hot chocolate. Sometimes they are too oily, so don't eat a lot of them or you will not be hungry again for several hours.

1. Stop 1

   Albufera Natural Park

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   Manises

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   Paterna

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.

1. Stop 1

   Manises

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

2. Stop 2

   Paterna

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

3. Stop 3

   El Puig

   Listed as a next stop from Valencia. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

Eat · Eat near the station before you leave. Plan dinner back in Valencia.

1. Stop 1

   Festivitat Verge dels Desemparats

   The day is devoted to celebrating the Virgen de los Desamparados, Valencia's patron saint. After a formal mass at 08:00 in the Plaça de la Virgen, a ceremonial procession transfers the effigy of the Virgin from the royal chapel to the cathedral next door. A second traditional procession begins at 18:30, in which the effigy follows a more circuitous route around the city centre, accompanied by showers of flower petals and dancing in the streets.

2. Stop 2

   Festa del Corpus Christi

   The city has been celebrating Corpus Christi since the late 13th century, and holding feast day processions since 1355. The main procession, known as the Cavalcada del Convit (Spanish: Cabalgata del Convite) begins at 12:00 and follows an itinerary established in the 18th century, which begins at Carrer de la Batlia, heads south along the western side of the cathedral to the Plaça de la Reina, and then up Carrer d'Avellanes and finally terminates at Plaça de l'Almoina.

3. Stop 3

   Els Focs de la Fira

   This energetic festival began in medieval Catalonia and is celebrated throughout the Catalán/Valencian-speaking region. Participants dress as devils with pitchforks and dance through the streets to drums, setting off fireworks and interacting with spectators. The route varies from year to year, but generally is in the area near the North Train Station and the Porta de la Mar. The many flying sparks can burn holes in clothing, so it's a good idea to wear older clothes or not get too close to the action.

4. Stop 4

   Nou d’Octubre

   This annual public holiday has been celebrated since 1338 and commemorates the date in 1238 when King James I of Aragón entered the city, freeing it from Moorish rule. In the week leading up to the 9th there are free concerts and parades around town, including a correfoc ('fire-running') which takes place on the preceding Saturday evening in the El Carme district.

Eat · Go back to a place that already worked.