1 Day in Valencia: Must-See Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

Only have 1 day in Valencia and wondering what to see? You’re in the right place!

I live in Spain and have visited Valencia multiple times, so I’ve put together a practical itinerary to help you see the city’s highlights without wasting time.

From can’t-miss landmarks to hidden local spots, this Valencia 1 day itinerary covers all the must-see sights and is perfect for a quick visit.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or a quick return trip, you’ll get a solid feel for what makes the city so special. Here’s exactly how to spend one day in Valencia Spain!

Here’s a quick breakdown of my Valencia itinerary for one day, starting in the historic Ciutat Vella (Old Town).  Everything in this area is pretty close by and quick and easy to see.  

You might not have time to go inside every single thing but you should be able to at least pass by and take some photos.

Valencia 1 Day Itinerary at a Glance

• Plaza del Ayuntamiento
• Quick Stop at La Estrecha
• Breakfast at Horchatería Santa Catalina
• Plaza de la Reina
• Plaza de la Virgen
• Valencia Cathedral
• Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
• Mercat Central
• Torres de Serranos
• Lunch at La Pepica
• Stroll Playa de las Arenas or Playa de la Malvarrosa
• City of Arts & Sciences
• Flamenco Show (optional)

Start your day in the heart of Old Town at Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Plaza), the city’s main square and a great spot for photos. 

You’ll find a large fountain surrounded by flowers and colorful flower stalls scattered around the square. 

It’s a beautiful open space to stroll through before heading deeper into the historic center.

Next, make a quick stop at La Estrecha, one of the narrowest buildings in Europe–you might walk right past it if you’re not paying attention! 

It’s just over 1 meter (about 4 feet) wide, and a family used to live there with each person on a separate floor. 

You can’t go inside, but it’s a fun and quirky photo stop right in the middle of the Old Town.

Next, head to Horchatería Santa Catalina for breakfast.  This is a very traditional local spot where you have to try horchata–one of Valencia’s most famous drinks.

Valencian horchata is made from tiger nuts (chufas) and has a light, nutty flavor.  It’s totally different from the rice-based Mexican version.

They also have breakfast pastries and churros con chocolate on the menu to pair with your horchata drink.

Next, walk over to Plaza de la Reina (Queen’s Plaza), one of the most central and well-known squares in Valencia. 

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops, and you’ll also find one of the entrances to the Valencia Cathedral here. 

It’s a great place to stop for a few photos with the palm trees and city views.

Just a short walk away is Plaza de la Virgen, one of the most beautiful squares in the old town. 

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Valencia and where you’ll find the large Turia Fountain depicting the Roman god Neptune surrounded by eight female statues. 

You’ll also see the other side of the Valencia Cathedral, a small orange garden, and historic buildings all around. 

Then, make your way to get a closer look at Valencia Cathedral, which has a unique mix of architectural styles.

Part of the exterior kind of looks like a mini version of the Colosseum, and inside you’ll find what they claim to be the actual Holy Grail!

It also has a bell tower (known as Miguelete Tower or El Micalet) that you can climb for some of the best views of the city.

If you want to go inside, entry is around €9 and includes an audio guide, and there’s an additional small fee to climb the bell tower.

The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) is one of the most important buildings in Valencia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This 15th-century Gothic building looks a bit like a fortress, with tall stone columns and intricate details throughout. 

You can simply admire it from the outside or you can tour the inside for just €2, to see the impressive architecture and learn more about Valencia’s past as a center of the silk trade. 

Next, head over to Mercat Central (Central Market), one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe–it’s even bigger than La Boqueria in Barcelona! 

A visit here is one of the top things to do in Valencia and the building’s architecture is really impressive in itself, with stained glass windows and a massive domed roof. 

Inside, you’ll find rows of stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to jamón ibérico, local cheeses, and sweets. 

It’s a great place to sample local foods or grab some snacks–I love the fresh cups of strawberries or fruit to eat on the go!

Next, head up to Torres de Serranos, which are two giant stone towers that were once part of the old city wall and used as one of the main entrances to Valencia. 

You can climb to the top for just a couple of euros–the stairs are steep, but the views over the city and the nearby Turia Gardens are totally worth it. 

It’s a fun and quick way to take in the city from above and snap some great photos.

Next, grab a taxi or bus and head over to La Pepica, which is located on Playa de las Arenas beach.

This locally loved restaurant opens around 12:30PM and serves some of the best paella and rice dishes in Valencia.  And if there’s one food you have to try while in Valencia, it’s gotta be paella!

Valencia is the birthplace of paella and traditional Valencian paella consists of chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails–not seafood!

Tip: I’d also recommend pairing your meal with a glass (or pitcher) of sangria or Agua de Valencia, which is a traditional Valencian alcoholic drink made with vodka, gin, cava, and orange juice.

After lunch, take some time to walk along the beachfront promenade or dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea! 

Playa de las Arenas is right outside La Pepica restaurant or Playa de la Malvarrosa is just further down the beachfront promenade. 

The beaches in Valencia are super wide and open, with space for beach volleyball and all kinds of activities.

Next, grab a taxi or hop on the bus to head over to the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex full of ultra modern buildings that look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. 

The complex is pretty much the most iconic thing to see in Valencia and includes an opera house, a science museum, the Hemisfèric (an IMAX theater), and Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. 

It’s a huge outdoor campus and you can simply just walk around and admire the architecture of the massive buildings. 

Or if you want to visit any of the attractions, tickets are sold for each attraction individually or you can save a bit with a combo ticket. 

It’s a great place to visit in Valencia with kids–but even as an adult, I really enjoyed it!

The previous activities should take up most of your day in Valencia but if you’ve still got energy, consider booking a flamenco show for the evening.

While Valencia isn’t as famous for flamenco as regions like Andalusia, it’s still worth seeing–especially if this is your only stop in Spain. 

Palosanto has a show at 8:30PM, or you can check out La Bulería, which offers an 8:00PM performance that includes dinner. 

Follow these travel tips to make the most of your visit to Valencia:

• Consider purchasing the Valencia Tourist Card: If you’re on a budget, consider purchasing the Valencia Tourist Card, which is a travel discount card that has a 24-hour option.  It costs around 17€ and includes unlimited public transport, the airport train, and discounts to many major museums and attractions, including the City of Arts & Sciences.

I hope this 1 day Valencia itinerary helps you make the most of your short visit to this beautiful Spanish city! 

Even with limited time, you can still experience the highlights–from wandering the charming Old Town to seeing the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences or catching some sun at the beach. 

With a little planning (and maybe a taxi or two to save time), you can squeeze in a lot without feeling rushed. Enjoy your day in Valencia!

READ NEXT:

• 30 Fun Things to Do in Valencia for First Timers
• Where to Stay in Valencia: Best Areas & Hotels
• Valencia 2 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See, & Eat