Valencia, the youngster of Madrid and Barcelona. Why do we go to Valencia? Because we wanted to escape from the heat of Madrid!
What is better spending the weekend at the beach in Valencia? 48 hours in Valencia and you can indulge in impressive architecture, excellent museums and the cute corners of the old streets that includes the cathedral, central market, and some fabulous dining experience.
48 Hours in Valencia
There are many things to do and see in Valencia, but I promise for 48 hours, you have seen the vital stuff. Valencia, it’s a city that we like, but at the same time it is a city that is entirely spread – we used the bus significantly for transportation. If the time is limited you have to choose between Valencia and Alicante, go to the last one! Valencia is beautiful; I could not find it’s soul in the streets. I’m glad that I visited Valencia city and I have seen the magnificent architecture of Arts and Sciences, which do drive us to Valencia, as the city wants us.
1. Beach Time
Important things first! The main reason for going to Valencia is personally to squeeze in some beach times also known as tanning time. There are no better things to do then hit the beach when the temperature is 32 degrees, and the sun is baking your skin. Indulging in the saltwater sea and enjoying those vitamin C. I recommend going to the city beach Malvarrosa
An easy catch with the bus 19 and 92 depending on your location. Remember in Spain that closer together the more love it is! Don’t get afraid when your neighbors are 30 centimeters away from your beach towel that is love in Spain.
If you want you can always escape a bit back on the beach and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Malvarrosa is a city beach, people of all ages and shapes, even topless sunbathing is without a problem.
2. Paella for Lunch
After a refreshing swim in the ocean and the hunger starts to kick in, it is time to seak rescue at one of the many beach restaurants housing seafood and paellas. We do recommend of course eating seafood; it is fresh and tasty.
3. Walk the Old Town & Visit the Central Market
We all love small cute corners and narrow cobblestone streets. That’s why you should walk yourself a bit lost in the old city. Walking around you can feel that the city has been the place for many interesting stories of the centuries.
The Central Market is for the eyes of the stomach. When you entered, the head starts thinking about what to cook, because the products are seasonal, fresh and incredible divine. It is built in the 1920s which means the memorable time for the art nouveau style, and furthermore, this is one of the largest food markets in Europe. When you enter the doors, look up and see the spectacular creations of mosaics surrounding the domes. Then grab some fresh fruits and get energized for the next adventure.
4. Walk 207 Steps of the Cathedral
The Cathedral has a fascinating story, and it all started with a Roman Temple and then a mosque, then the cathedral was built between the 135h and 15th centuries. It has a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements.
The Vatican even recognize the Cathedral as the holder of the possibly original Holy Grail. The highlight for the non-religious person is to climb the 207 steps of the cathedral that gives a magnificent view over Valencia.
5. Eat Yourself Around the World
In Ruzafa the crisp and vibrant neighborhood in Valencia (but not as cool as Malasana in Madrid) there is this fantastic little thing called Canalla Bistro, it is has a delicious tasting menu that takes you for a small trip around the world while being in Valencia – you will be going to New York, Japan, Mexico and more. It makes it all more interesting that the creator of it all is Michelin-starred chef Richard Camarena, that he has created an eclectic food concept. Honestly maybe my best food experience so far in Spain!
Remember to book a table!
6. The Torres de Serrano completed in 1391
Who doesn’t like to climb and explore when it’s 32 degrees, sun, and midday? Claim those stairs to the top and enjoy another viewpoint from the city, because it is always fun with different perspectives over a town, right? It is one of the main entrance to the old walled city, and if you ever wanted to be part of the Game of Thrones, this can be your moment to shine.
7. City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava and Félx Candela are the cool guys who have created a major tourist attraction for Valencia, including a science museum, IMAX cinema and planetarium, opera house and marine park. They all have unusual features, and they are all sculptured together in harmony as masterpieces of construction.
The ocean grafáfic is the biggest and most beautiful aquarium in Europe with more than 45 00 species. What did we do? We went there and had our Instagram pictures, and we returned to the beach. It is all awe-inspiring, but for being able to do the City of Arts and Sciences, you need time!
Final Saying of Valencia
We did not taste horchata either the Agua de Valencia, which is shame on us, but we loved spending 48 hours in Valencia as the perfect weekend getaway from Madrid. Valencia delivers a bit of everything for everyone.
Essential Travel Information
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