Valencia short break day one, morning
Begin your short break in Valencia in the
historic centre. Narrow, cobbled streets form an antique labyrinth, transporting visitors to medieval Valencia. Romanesque, baroque and Gothic styles meld at
Valencia Cathedral, which draws visitors with its architectural mix and
Christ’s chalice in the
Holy Grail Chapel. Shop for hand-embroidered shawls and delicate table linens at
Plaza Redonda before walking to
Lonja de la Seda, the medieval Silk Exchange. The soaring stone columns of the Lonja stretch from floor to ceiling like strands of twisted yarn. Across the street the
Central Market sells produce and paella ingredients, an ideal stop for a takeaway lunch.
Start: Historic centre
Nearest metro stop Pont de Fusta
Afternoon
Walk across the Turia Gardens, formerly the Turia riverbed, toward the blue dome of the
Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts). Behind golden, 17th-century walls reside some of Spain’s most precious artworks by Valencia natives Vicente López and Joaquín Sorolla and Spanish legends Velázquez and Goya.
Start: Museum of Fine Arts
Nearest metro stop Pont de Fusta
Evening
Medieval history meets modern nightlife in the Carmen district. Feast on small plates of chorizo and Spanish cheeses at tapas bars along
Calle Caballeros, washed down with Valencian wines from Alto Turia or Utiel. Before returning to your Valencia hotel, indulge in energetic salsa and flamenco shows over drinks on
Calle Juan Llorens. And take your time. Valenciano pubs and restaurants are open late into the night.
Start: Carmen district
Nearest metro stop Pont de Fusta
Valencia short break day two, morning
Travel along the Turia Gardens to the
City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic museum complex designed by Valencia-born Santiago Calatrava. The intricacies of the solar system fill projection screens at
L’Hemisferic, while 45,000 sea creatures swim, sway and glow mysteriously in Europe’s largest aquarium,
L’Oceanografic. Principe Felipe Science Museum houses interactive genetics games and light displays. Afterward, visitors relax at
Umbracle, a peaceful park of elegant palms and floral plantings sheltered by Calatrava’s towering white arches.
Start: City of Arts and Sciences
Nearest stop Autopista del Saler at Avenida del Instituto Obrero de Valencia
Afternoon
Visit Mediterranean
Las Arenas Beach, a great, golden strand where you can sunbathe and swim surrounded by by rolling surf. Las Arenas joins
Malvarrosa Beach on the north, both of which claim Valencia’s top resort hotels. Sip chilled glasses of
horchata, a milky drink of tiger nuts, or
Agua de Valencia, a refreshing combination of fresh orange juice and cava.
Start: Las Arenas Beach
Nearest metro stop Las Arenas
Evening
After the sun sets, visitors stroll the
Paseo Neptuno, a beachside promenade in Las Arenas, for people-watching and dinner.
Pepica has been a Valencian favourite for decades, serving up steaming dishes of fresh seafood paella since 1898 indoors or on its beachfront terrace. The restaurant was once a favourite of Ernest Hemingway – photographs of the famous author cover the walls.
Start: Pepica Restaurant, Paseo Neptuno
Nearest metro stop Las Arenas
