Two days in Valencia

Valencia is a Mediterranean city by the sea which combines the tradition of its historic quarter with the innovation of the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences. Its numerous other attractions include its delicious gastronomy, its pedestrianised streets, its green spaces, its beaches…

You could devote the first day to exploring the more modern aspect of Valencia and its avant-garde architecture, including the City of Arts and Sciences. This is the city's newest symbol and the image by which many people now recognise it the world over. A visit to the complex takes up practically a whole day, as it includes the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Hemisfèric IMAX cinema and the Oceanogràfic Sea Park. You will also be able to see the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía from the outside and take a stroll over the fascinating L'Assut d'Or bridge.
 
A good time to start the visit is around 11 am. You can spend the morning at the Science Museum, as before you know it you'll have been there for at least two hours. The great thing about the museum is that it is interactive, so visitors can participate in numerous experiments and learn about science while having fun. After this visit, you could have lunch at one of the restaurants on the site. Alternatively, if you're keen to discover the city's more avant-garde and prestigious cuisine, you could choose one of the highly recommended restaurants serving creative cuisine, which also offer spectacular views of the City of Arts and Sciences.
 
The next stop is the Hemisfèric, an impressive cinema shaped like the human eye in which watching a film is transformed into a thrilling experience thanks to stunning 3D images and ultra high definition.
 
The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the underwater world at the Oceanogràfic Sea Park, one of the largest marine complexes in the world, offering close on 50,000 examples of 500 different species. In just a few hours you'll see sharks, dolphins, walruses and sea horses, as well as a few less common species such as enormous belugas.


Things to remember
 
There is a combined ticket providing all-day entry to the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Hemisfèric IMAX cinema and the Oceanogràfic Sea Park.
 
The films at the Hemisfèric last approximately 20 minutes.


Dinner in the historic quarter
 
The climate in Valencia is ideal for strolling, and this is an excellent option for the evening's activity. The best place to do this is the historic quarter, where there is always a lot going on and the streets are pedestrianised. The areas around the Plaza de la Virgen and Ayuntamiento squares are usually very lively and offer a wide choice of restaurants where you can have dinner. Temperature permitting, you could even dine at one of the numerous terrace restaurants.
 
In this area you'll also find examples of the city's traditional architecture such as the Cathedral, the Desamparados Basilica and the Palace of the Valencia Regional Government. After dining, you could go on to one of the night clubs in the Barrio del Carmen quarter, or even stroll over to have a look at the remains of the old city wall: the Quart and Serranos towers are both lit up at night.

The second day can be dedicated to discovering Valencia's maritime heritage. In the morning, you could pay a visit to the Marina Real, a large area by the harbour developed when the city played host to the America's Cup, and take a look at the Veles e Vents (Sails and Winds) building. The curious thing is that as you stroll around the harbour you will be walking over the spectacular urban motor-racing circuit that has hosted the Formula 1 European Grand Prix, the site of competitions among the world's fastest racing drivers.
 
There are several places nearby where you can stop and have light refreshments while gazing out to sea.  It's probably a good idea to do this before continuing on to the seafront promenade by the Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches. These are two large urban expanses of sand where you can cool off in the Mediterranean Sea without leaving the city. Afterwards, continue your stroll up the promenade until you get hungry. That will be the ideal time to sample some delicious Valencian paella at one of the numerous seafront terrace restaurants that you'll find along the way. There's no better way to enjoy this delicious dish than sitting on right by the sea.


Gothic Valencia
 
After lunch, why not spend the afternoon exploring Valencia's historic quarter in the daylight? It is full of Gothic-style buildings such as the Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage status, the Palace of the Valencia Regional Government, and part of the cathedral. At the cathedral, be sure to climb to the top of the Miguelete Tower for a stunning panoramic view of Valencia. A tour of the inside of the cathedral is also recommended.
 
A good route to follow would be to start at the railway station, next to the bullring, and then continue up the avenue of Marqués de Sotelo until you come to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square. The Silk Market and Central Market are both within easy reach of this square via María Cristina avenue. Next, continue to Tossal square then take Calle de Caballeros. This leads to the picturesque Plaza de la Virgen square, the site of the Palace of the Regional Government and the cathedral. Finally, head down Calle Serranos to Serranos Tower, which serves as the gateway to Serranos bridge. This spans the city's main green area, the Turia Gardens.
 
Taken at a gentle pace, this itinerary will offer you a tour of the historic quarter of Valencia in just two hours. You will even have time to take a look at the National Ceramics Museum. Its façade certainly merits a photograph, while the interior provides an insight into the ceramics tradition in Valencia.


Things to remember
 
You can book guided tours of the city at the tourist office.
 
Valencia is a very flat city, so exploring by bike is another pleasant option. Find out where you can hire a bike at the tourist office.