Just 24 hours in Valencia
With so much to discover, 24 hours just doesn’t seem fair! There is so much to see and do here in Valencia, I would say you need a minimum of four days to really get to know the city. But, if all you do have is one day, here is Encantada’s recommended itinerary.
Early morning
Aim for an early wander around Mercat Central which is one of Europe’s biggest and most spectacular art nouveau food markets. This place is absolutely full of hustle and bustle where locals and tourists alike go to do their grocery shopping or simply soak up the atmosphere with its aromas, sounds, colours and tastes.
There’ll you will find Central Bar one of Chef Ricard Camarena’s popular haunts. Stop here for breakfast or “Almuerzo” (early brunch) for some great and interesting tapas. Unfortunately, they don’t take reservations and so try to get there early or, if you do have to queue, it’s definitely worth the wait though.
Morning - Midday
From here I would meander through the colorful and narrow streets of Barrio del Carmen, stop for coffee at Plaza de la Virgen with views of the Basilica Cathedral. Do a quick dive into the Silk Museum Museo de la Seda where you find a charming courtyard and see the most beautiful ornate gothic ceilings and mosaic floors. Leaving Carmen, I would make sure you walk past El Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas the detail in the stonework is just incredible.
Late Lunch
I would aim for a quick late lunch at La Alameda and eat a bocadillo and have a nice cool cerveza in the open air at Kiosko La Pergola – you can’t get much more local this place. I always go for the “Super BonBon”, a messy heaven of sliced pork, garlic and parsley mushrooms, melted cheese and alioli.
If you fancy something a little fancier I recommend Bocado which is close by in La Alameda and also delicious.
IF however you prefer to take the time to have a paella and perhaps cut some things off this list, I would head to Gran Azul which is near La Alameda and does insanely good rice dishes in a really nice setting.
Afternoon
Continue the walk through Turia Park or El Rio, until you arrive at the Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias here you will see some of the most breathtaking modern architecture designed by celebrated Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
Evening
End the day with a wander around Russafa, particularly around Calle Puerto Rico and Calle Denia, here you will find a great selection of small independent shops, bars and restaurants. If you don’t end up dining in a spot that tickles your fancy en route, then I suggest Restaurant Maipi or right opposite Taberna Pare Pere El Cantonet, both small, charming and iconic Valencian dinner spots.
If you have a surge of energy and fancy some drinks and some fun atmosphere, I highly recommend Café Berlin to round off the evening. Here you can expect a cool crowd of both Valencians and expats.
Enjoy!