You'll find your way around the airport easily, and there's a metro station right there. When we arrived at midnight, the metro was waiting for passengers, so don't expect a strict departure schedule. You're in Spain, after all. You know the classic Spanish "mañana"—everything has its time, no need to rush. 😄

After arriving at the airport, hop on the metro and head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. If you're traveling light, arrive early, and don't mind carrying your things with you, you can head straight to the sea. Head to Malvarrosa Beach.

Practical tips for traveling around Valencia:

• The easiest way is to buy a SUMA/Móbilis card at the machine in the metro station upon arrival and load a time-based ticket onto it. For a four-day stay, a 72-hour SUMA T3+ might be useful, which is valid for zone AB+ and includes the trip from the airport. It's a physical card, so you don't need any app. After the 72 hours, you can buy any additional tickets individually.
• Keep in mind that you might encounter a Spanish-only interface on the ticket machine, so it's handy to have a translator ready on your phone.
• When riding the tram, remember to tap your card on the validator before boarding.
• Of course, you can also buy single tickets depending on how much you travel during the day. Furthermore, Valencia is very easy to explore on foot, and if you want to enjoy the city a bit differently, you can also rent a bike - you'll find instructions on day 3.

Malvarrosa is a long urban sandy beach where you can perfectly relax and catch your breath after an exhausting journey. Extensive sandy beaches await you, reachable by tram 😉. Their sheer scale will make an incredible first impression, one you wouldn't expect compared to Greek beaches. From May to October, you can go swimming; the sea is full of waves and endless fun awaits. In cooler months, enjoy a walk along the vast coastline. Take off your shoes, stroll by the sea, and grab something delicious at one of the beachside restaurants or bars. It's the perfect spot for your first day in Valencia.

Continue to the La Marina de Valencia port. You will be surrounded by boats, modern buildings, promenades, and the sea. Take a stroll along the harbor, stop for a coffee or a bite to eat, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere for a while. Wander into the nearby streets, where you'll surely be intrigued by the original colorful houses.

Start at one of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia. The Torres de Serranos are a former city gate, and this is exactly where you enter the historic center. Climb to the top for a view of Valencia from above. Then, continue on foot towards the heart of the old town.

Just a short distance from the towers, the pleasant Plaça dels Furs opens up. Stop for a moment and look around. It's a nice spot where you can realize just how close you are to Valencia's historic center, yet it's usually not as busy as the main squares.

Walk over to Plaça de Manises, one of the nicest squares in this part of Valencia. The area is full of historic buildings and palaces, and it's definitely worth stopping here for a moment. From here, you'll be just a short distance from other major landmarks.

Plaça de la Mare de Déu and Plaza de la Virgen are the same square, just in different languages. The first name is Valencian, the second is Spanish. It's that well-known square in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, next to the cathedral.

In the middle of Plaça de la Mare de Déu (Plaza de la Virgen) you will find a striking bronze fountain that depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by eight female figures. These symbolize the eight irrigation canals that brought water from the Turia River to the Valencian fields.

The fountain is not just a beautiful ornament for the square, but also a reminder of the importance of water for agriculture and the traditional irrigation system around Valencia. Stop by for a moment and notice the details of the statues – they are the ones telling part of the city's story. Plus, it's a photogenic spot.

If you're lucky and it's open, definitely take a peek inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, which is one of Valencia's most important churches. We weren't so lucky, but we enjoyed the celebrations in traditional costumes right in front of it.

While wandering the streets of the old town, look up and take a look above you. Passatge d'Emili Maria Aparicio Olmos is a passage that leads from Plaza de la Virgen to Plaza de la Almoina.

Now the main highlight of the day awaits you – the Valencia Cathedral. Explore the area around the cathedral, and if you have time, know that it is one of the most important landmarks in the historic center. Construction began in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque, and over the centuries it has incorporated elements of various architectural styles – from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Inside, you can also visit the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, where a relic believed to be the Holy Grail is kept. 

Tip: You can also enter the cathedral during times reserved for services, when admission to the temple is free. However, if you want to explore the cathedral as a tourist, including the museum, expect an entrance fee. Check the current times and prices before your visit.

And if you love views, don't miss El Micalet, the cathedral bell tower and one of the symbols of Valencia. There are 207 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. The climb is quite demanding and definitely not for everyone – you'll need to take a few breaks along the way. 😅 But you'll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Valencia's historic center and the surrounding area.

Tip: If you don't feel up for the climb, don't feel bad at all. The cathedral itself is worth a visit, and you won't completely miss out on high-altitude views – Valencia offers other places where you can look out over the city.

Afterward, take a break for coffee or a bite to eat. The historic center is perfect for just sitting and watching life go by.

Lonja de la Seda – Silk Exchange.

Stop by one of Valencia's most important landmarks. This 15th-century Gothic building recalls the era when Valencia was a major trading hub. Be amazed by the magnificent hall with its tall, spiral columns and take a stroll through the peaceful orange tree courtyard.

Here you'll get to see a different side of Valencia. This massive historic market is bursting with colors, aromas, fruit, vegetables, ham, cheese, fish, and other local specialties. Wander between the stalls and feel free to grab a little something to taste. And if you love the local cuisine, this is the perfect place to pick up something delicious for later.

In the afternoon, head outside the city center. 

Start at the monumental Valencia bullring. Even from the outside, you'll be struck by its massive circular red-brick structure, which somewhat resembles the Roman Colosseum. If you're interested in the history of Valencia, you can also take a look inside. Even if you're not planning on attending a bullfight, it's worth walking around the arena to see it from different angles, or you can go to a bullfight. 

Right next to the arena, you'll find one of the most beautiful train stations in Valencia – Estació del Nord. And watch out, it's not just a place where trains depart from. Upon entering, you'll be surprised by the beautifully decorated interior with colorful tiles, mosaics, and typical Valencian motifs.

You can also see mannequins in stunning traditional Valencian costumes, which commemorate the Fallas festival and the figures you might see in parades during these celebrations. Stop for a moment and take a look at the details of the decor. This station is definitely not just for a quick dash to catch your train.

Today, head to one of the must-see spots in Valencia. The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, and a journey through the underwater world awaits you. Walk between massive tanks, see sharks, rays, turtles, or jellyfish, and definitely don't miss the underwater tunnel. They even hold dolphin shows here. Set aside a few hours for your visit, especially if you're traveling with kids.

We had paella at the restaurant - you should try it too... it's delicious😀.

Buy your tickets for the Oceanogràfic online in advance and check availability.

🚲 Tip: Valencia is a great city for cycling. If you don't want to walk all day, you can rent a bike and ride through the former Turia riverbed all the way to the City of Arts and Sciences. You can use the city's Valenbisi system or one of the classic bike rental shops.

From the Oceanogràfic, head out to explore the entire City of Arts and Sciences complex. The futuristic white structures by architect Santiago Calatrava look as if they landed here from another planet. Walk around the individual buildings, enjoy their reflections in the water, and get your camera ready—you'll have plenty to photograph here.

Also take a stroll along L’Umbracle, an open-air garden filled with palm trees, greenery, and sculptures, which is part of the City of Arts and Sciences. By day, it's interesting mainly for its architecture, while at night it turns into a popular terrace with a bar and music.

Don't forget to check out L'Hemisfèric, one of the most striking structures in the entire complex. The building resembles a giant eye, and its reflection on the water creates one of the iconic views of modern Valencia. If you have enough time, you can catch one of the films or planetarium shows there. If not, at least walk around the building and enjoy its unusual architecture.

Keep going, and after the bridge, another gem will appear. This building is one of the most striking structures in the entire City of Arts and Sciences. It was designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2005. It serves primarily as an opera house and performing arts center – it hosts operas, ballet, concerts, and other performances. You can pay for a tour of the interior, or combine your visit with one of the shows. Plus, you don't need to worry about language barriers at the opera – they are often performed in their original language, and in the main hall, every seat has its own screen with text for simultaneous translation.

After exploring futuristic Valencia, head towards the historical center along the former Turia riverbed.  Along the way, you'll encounter the Pont del Mar. This historic bridge crossing the former Turia riverbed is for pedestrians only, and its staircases are adorned with statues. Take a walk across it and enjoy a moment of relaxation in the surrounding park. 

Continue a little further to the Puente de las Flores – Flower Bridge. As the name suggests, the bridge is decorated with an abundance of flowers all year round. Walk across the bridge and stop for a moment. After a day full of modern architecture, aquariums, and Valencian attractions, it's a lovely place to end your day.

Head to the city center and take a walk through the historic streets. You've already been to the square, but this time sit down for a coffee and some orange juice, since you're in the city of oranges 👌 and don't forget to buy a souvenir to remember it by.

Then head from the city center to the Jardín del Turia. The former riverbed is the perfect spot for a final stroll through Valencia – instead of busy streets, you'll find greenery, palm trees, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and several beautiful bridges. Relax in the park before your flight.

Continue through the park towards the Pont de les Flors and onwards to the Alameda metro station, located right in the area of the former Turia riverbed. From there, you can easily take the metro to the airport.

It's time for your departure. Double-check your belongings and documents, and make sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, at least 2 hours before your flight. You're definitely not here for the last time, so see you next time🤗!