Planning to spend a week in Valencia? – Let me share some local tips and suggestions to help you make the most of it.

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One Week in Valencia Spain

Is Valencia worth visiting for a week?

Valencia is definitely worth visiting for a week. While most travelers typically visit Valencia for a day or a weekend, many others enjoy this Spanish destination enough to plan a full week-long itinerary across the region. I can assure you that if you add a few day trips from this list and explore some hidden gems from this map, even a week won’t be enough to see it all. However, if you’re planning to spend the entire week in the city itself, keep in mind that three days in Valencia are enough to see the main landmarks. But even within the city, you’ll find plenty of lesser-known museums to explore (you can check them out in this post), so there’s more than enough to keep you busy for a week.

On a personal note, I’ve lived and traveled across the Valencia region for 15 years, and I still keep discovering new hidden gems in its surroundings. So don’t expect to see everything in just one week. That said, seven days in Valencia is a great opportunity to go beyond the typical city break and explore some of the most unique landmarks the region has to offer.

Curiously enough, I got the idea of writing this post while flying from Valencia to Belfast for our exciting 8-day trip to the Emerald Isle. That day, I had a wonderful Irish family sitting next to me. They were returning from their epic week in Valencia and were kind enough to provide me with local tips on Ireland. So, I realized there might be way more travelers planning to spend the whole of their summer holidays in Valencia. If you are one of them – this local´s one-week itinerary might be handy to make the most of your Valencia week.

one day in valencia spain
One week in Valencia: The Old City Center

Where is Valencia?

Valencia is located on the eastern coast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most visited Spanish capitals: it usually appears on every Spain Bucket List right after Barcelona and Madrid. Due to its coastal location, the city is a popular stop for the Mediterranean Cruises in Spain. Years ago you could easily find Valencia on the list of the most underrated Spanish cities, but not any longer. Nevertheless, Valencia is still way less touristy than the nearest Barcelona.

Get this ultimate Valencia City Pass to make the most of your time in the city!

Together with the provinces of Alicante and Castellon, Valencia forms the autonomous community of Comunidad Valenciana (or The Valencian Community in English). In order to make the most of your week in Valencia, make sure to scroll through my Valencia blog section, to discover even more regional gems.

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One week in Valencia: Las Fallas Festival

What is Valencia known for

You have probably heard by now that Valencia is internationally famous as the birthplace of Spanish paella, which is still a favorite meal for the locals on Sundays. But there is more to the story. Valencia was once the birthplace of a few famous Spaniards in history: painters Joaquin Sorolla and Vicente Benllure, the writer Vicente Blasco Ibañez, the movie director Luis Garcia Berlanga, and the composer Vicente Martin y Soler. Also, don’t forget the architect Santiago Calatrava (who created The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia) and the scandalous Borgia family (check the full list of Valencia sites related to them).

The fans of the beautiful Spanish cathedrals will be delighted to find out that Valencia is an official home to the Holy Grail (the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper), one of Christianity´s most elusive relics. Like most of the Spanish Bucket List destinations, Valencia ranks globally for one of the Top Spanish Festivities in Spain –  Las Fallas Festival (taking place every March).

As an epic coastal destination, Valencia is known for the biggest number of high-rated beaches in Spain (marked with a blue flag, a top local award). Some of the Valencia beaches are located within the city, like Playa Malvarrosa and Playa Cabanyal, others could be an easy Valencia Day Trip, like my favorite Benicasim.

blasco ibanez valencia museum
One week in Valencia: Visiting the Museum of Valencian Writer Blasco Ibañez

How much time do you need in Valencia

While most travelers plan to spend one day in Valencia, or a maximum of a weekend in Valencia, the city has way more to offer. Especially, if you add a few Valencia day trips into your itinerary – even spending one single week in the area might not be enough. An interesting alternative is to plan a 7-day Valencia Road Trip.

Best area to stay in Valencia

The best area to stay in Valencia mostly depends on your sightseeing plans. If your travel goal is to enjoy a Valencia city break – pick central locations for your accommodation, like MYR Puerta SerranosCosmo Hotel Boutique, or Helen Berger Boutique Hotel. In case you plan to do at least one Valencia day trip by train – hotels near the train station might be for you (since these are also quite central), like the stylish Vincci LysZenit Valencia, or the budget-friendly Hotel 19-30 Valencia. If you plan to rent a car and do some hiking near Valencia or Valencia Day trips, booking a hotel in the old city center might not be the best idea: you will lose time in traffic and pay for the overpriced parking. I really like the modern neighborhoods near the city of Arts and Sciences: Sercotel Valencia Alameda 41 or AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott.

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One week in Valencia: Visiting Valencia Silk Exchange

Unique Tours in Valencia

Popular tours to enjoy Valencia city include Essentials and World Heritages Sites Walking TourCity Highlights Guided Bike Tour, and Segway Tour of Old Town. If you love Spanish shows – check Palosanto Flamenco Show and Flamenco Show with Dinner at La Bulería. To enjoy a care-free day trip during your week in Valencia, book one of these top-rated tours:

For more ideas check out my articles The Best Day Tours From Valencia and Adventurous Things to do in Valencia.

What to eat in Valencia

The most famous things to try in Valencia are paella and horchata. For more ideas, check out my posts Cute Cafes in Valencia and Traditional almuerzo in Valencia. If you dream of experiencing the foodie arena of Valencia, you might enjoy one of these unique tours: Daytime Tapas-Tasting Tour w/ Central Market VisitOld Town Tour, Wine & TapasTraditional Paella Cooking Class & DinnerValencia Street Food TourWine Tasting with Professional Sommelier, or City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas.

An Ultimate Itinerary for One Week in Valencia

Day 1 – Valencia´s Old Town

You should dedicate the first day of this Valencia weekend to the city´s Old Town area. You can check the full itinerary in my post about one day in Valencia. My personal favorites in Valencia city are Museo Nacional de Ceramica (one of the top Ceramics Museums in Spain) and San Nicolas de Bari & San Pedro Martir (or San Nicolas Church).

san nicholas valencia
One week in Valencia: Visiting San Nicolas Church

Day 2 – Modern Valencia: The City of Arts and Sciences

On the second day of your week in Valencia, do not miss the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. It is a modern complex of unique buildings created by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. The City of Arts and Sciences covers an area of 2 km and is located inside the former riverbed of the River Turia.

Actually, you might have already seen this futuristic architecture on screen since it has served as a filming location for Tomorrowland (2015), Westworld (2016), and Doctor Who (2017).

The most emblematic landmarks of the City of Arts and Sciences are:

Both places are absolute must-stops if visiting Valencia with kids ( you might even dedicate a full day to explore each of them).

Other popular experiences to enjoy around the City of Arts and Sciences are:

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One week in Valencia: Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe

Day 3 – Paella Cooking Class & Portsaplaya

Paella Cooking Class in Valencia

You can’t leave Valencia without trying a paella cooking class and immersing yourself in the heart of Valencia’s culinary tradition. As the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers the most authentic setting to learn local tips on preparing this iconic dish.

My recent paella cooking class with Eatwith was so much fun. The company entirely focuses on foodie experiences with locals around the world. While I have already tested an Eatwith Cooking Class in Madrid and Visited a Sider House near San Sebastian, this paella class was my first time cooking with locals at their home. It was such a unique experience – I highly recommend it to all international visitors as the best way of cultural immersion.

Such a hands-on experience is a great opportunity to make your trip to Valencia memorable while exploring region´s gastronomic heritage and embracing your culinary skills. Jose, the local chef, shared with me all of his secret techniques for mastering paella the way Valencians do. Additionally, I learned to prepare sangria with a creative twist and a few local tapas.

You can find the class I joined in Valencia here:

  • Any Day is Sunday: Tapas, Sangría and Paella cooking class in Valencia (check availability)

Other foodie experiences with locals in Valencia:

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A delicious paella we made with Jose during the cooking class with Eatwith
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Preparing the traditional paella in Valencia ( the authentic recipe always has rabbit & chicken, but you can ask Jose to make it vegetarian)
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Preparing Sangria – Check out the full video from this experience on TikTok and Instagram

An afternoon in Portsaplaya

Located only 20 minutes away from Valencia city center, Portsaplaya is often called by locals Valencia´s little Venice. It is one of the most colorful places in Spain, full of boats and vivid tiny houses, which slightly remind me of the vibrant Italian capital.

The easiest way to visit Portsaplaya is to go by car or to book an organized boat tour from Valencia. Another alternative is to go by bus to Portsaplaya or by metro to the nearest small town Alboraya (and then take a bus to Portsaplaya from there).

Aside from enjoying the seafront promenade, the most popular activity of Portsaplaya is a 90-minute boat tour (check availability).

You can combine your trip to Portsaplaya with a visit to Horchateria Daniel in Alboraya, one of the most iconic places in the region to try horchata, a traditional local drink and one of the popular food souvenirs from Spain.

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One week in Valencia: Visiting Portsaplaya
One week in Valencia: Horchata fartons
The traditional local drink “granizado de horchata

Day 4 – Albufera & Authentic Paella

Albufera is one of the most popular Valencia day trips since this place still preserves the authentic rural charm of the region. It is one of the few places where you can see the traditional Valencian countryside houses, called barracas.

Albufera is one of the best places to try authentic Valencian paella or even take a paella-cooking class (check availability). Some of the most top-rated traditional restaurants of Albufera are Nou Racó, Cañas y Barro, L’Establiment, and El Graner. Another iconic paella place is Casa Salvador in Cullera (one of my vintage Spanish cookbooks Los Mejores Arroces de la Comunidad Valenciana has been issued by this restaurant – unfortunately, for now, it is extremely expensive on Amazon).

An Albufera boat tour at sunset is considered to be one of the most unique experiences of the Valencian Community. Plus, in February Albufera is usually visited by migrating flamingoes. So, if your dates overlap – prepare a good camera with zoom for bird-watching.

It´s easy to visit Albufera from Valencia. You can either go by car, or bus (number 24 or 25), or book one of the organized tours:

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One week in Valencia: Visiting Albufera
Casa Tipica Valenciana Albufera
One week in Valencia: Traditional Houses in Albufera

Day 5 – Day Trip to Jativa and the Borgia sites

The small town of Jativa (or Xativa in Valencian) is one of my favorite Valencia day trips by train. This town is known for the first recorded paper mill in Europe (1056) and its connection to the famous Borja (or Borgia) family. Two Popes of Rome from the house of Borja were born in the small town of Jativa. If you want to check more places related to the Borja in Valencia – check this Borja Route.

One of the most unique places to visit in Jativa is its castle, one of the dreamiest castles in the whole of Spain. You can check more details about my visit to Jativa in this post.

You can visit Jativa on your own by car or train from Valencia, or book an organized tour to visit Jativa and the village of Anna.

Xativa Castle - week in Valencia day trip
One week in Valencia: Visiting Jativa

Day 6 – Exploring villages of Valencia & Bocairente

The small town of Bocairente is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

However, Bocairente is also full of unique historical sites to explore: the historic quarter, the Moorish caves, the Ice caves, the Bullring, and the Parish church. You can check more inspiring photos from my visit to Bocairente in this post.

The easiest way to visit Bocairente is to go by car or to book an organized tour to Bocairente from Valencia.

Beautiful villages of Valencia Region - Bocairente
One week in Valencia: Visiting Bocairente

Day 7 – Hiking in the Valencia region

Most people visit the Province of Valencia in search of beautiful beaches and sandy coastlines. Therefore, you’ll be surprised to find out that there are actually many amazing hikes in Valencia that nature lovers simply can’t miss. 

The route of the hanging bridges of Chulilla is one of the most popular hikes near Valencia. The trail starts in the small town of Chulilla in the province of Valencia. To reach the trail you can go by car, or book one of the organized tours: Walking Tour of the Hanging Bridges of ChulillaChulilla Canyon Hike: private full-day tour, or Chulilla and the Hanging Bridges Day Trip. Unfortunately, the public transport connection between Valencia and Chulilla is really bad. You can check more details about the hike in this post.

The only warning – this hike gets quite busy on the weekends. So if you are looking for secret hikes in Spain – do not pick the trail of the Hanging Bridges (consider hiking in the nearest province of Castellon). There are more lesser-known hikes in the Region of Valencia ( blog subscribers, don’t forget your freebie with the ultimate Valencia Region Hiking Checklist).

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One week in Valencia: Hiking the trail Ruta del Aqueducto Romano de Peña Cortada
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Valencia Day Trip to Caves of San Josep – one of the coolest places for kayaking in Spain

Discover more local tips for visiting Valencia:

  • The Best Day Trips From Valencia (read it)
  • Valencia With Kids (read it)
  • Breakfast in Valencia – Cute Cafes You´ll Love (read it)
  • Spanish Eating Habits – Almuerzo in Valencia (read it)
  • Valencia Day Trip to Manises (read it)
  • Valencia Hidden Gems Blog Series (read it)
  • The Coolest Hikes near Valencia (read it)
  • Beautiful villages of Valencia – Bocairente (read it)
  • Top Valencia Day Trips by train (read it)
  • Madrid To Valencia Road Trip (read it)
  • Fun & Adventurous Things to do in Valencia (read it)
  • An Ultimate 7-day Valencia Road Trip Itinerary (read it)
  • Unique Valencia Gifts to Get Right Now (read it)
  • Hiking to Penyagolosa: one of the Highest Peaks of Valencia (read it)
  • The Borgia Sights in Valencia (read it)
  • An Ultimate 3 days in Valencia Itinerary (read it)

Need more help with planning your week in Valencia, let me know your questions in the comments below.

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