Planning a weekend away in Valencia? Here are our monthly recs!
I’m sure you already know that Valencia is one of the most popular cities in Spain. It’s no surprise that it’s the sixth most-visited city in the country. And for all the right reasons! If I had to move, Valencia would definitely be on my top three picks. Why? Well… all of that wouldn’t fit in a post, so I’ll stick to the structure of our monthly mini guides for now!
Basically, the city is known for its beauty, beaches, food, culture, and festivals. Whatever you’re into, Valencia has something for you. Trust me, it does. Plus, it’s easy to get there by train, plane, bus, or BlaBlaCar. You can even take the high-speed AVE train. So download the app, book your tickets, and get ready with these recs for your weekend away in Valencia!
The classic go-to: Horchata
Horchata is one of the most popular things in Valencia, especially when the heat kicks in. It’s made from chufa (tiger nut), and it has a sweet, super refreshing taste. The usual way to have it is ice-cold with some fartons, which are soft, elongated pastries perfect for dipping. You can find it in lots of places, but the best way to enjoy it is at a traditional horchatería—just like the locals do. You could try one at Horchatería Santa Catalina, but honestly, from what I know, it’s not that hard to find good horchata!
The can’t miss spot: La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is one of those places that truly leaves an impression—even if architecture isn’t usually your thing. Its futuristic buildings and bold, sci-fi-like design make just walking around the outside an experience in itself. But if you decide to go inside, you’ll find Europe’s largest aquarium, a hands-on science museum, and an impressive IMAX cinema. It’s a great spot to spend the day, and you should not leave the city without visiting it! You can buy the tickets here, and the prices vary depending on the venue you want to access.
The walker’s dream: Parque Nacional de la Albufera
The Parque Nacional de la Albufera is just a few minutes from Valencia city. If you have a date and need to score some serious points, trust me and don’t miss this place.
It’s a huge wetland full of nature, with a lake, rice fields, and dunes that make you feel like you’re in a different world. It’s perfect for boat rides, walking trails, and if you’re into photography, the sunsets here are amazing. Plus, it’s the birthplace of paella. Speaking of paella…
The foodie haven: Paella (Restaurante Navarro, and yes you got it right)
Valencia and paella are two words that simply work better together. La paella is one of this city’s star dishes, and it was actually born here. If the word doesn’t sound familiar, here’s a photo of what it looks like. Does that ring a bell?
That’s why it’s essential to recommend a place in Valencia where you can enjoy great paella: Restaurante Navarro. In addition to other traditional dishes, they serve a paella that will bring tears to your eyes (in the best way possible!).
Any suggestions for future mini-guides?
If you’d like me to put together a mini-guide on a specific city or region, just like this one or the previous one, in which we covered Lanzarote, feel free to drop me a message! For now, I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips for your weekend away in Valencia—I picked them out with lots of care! Adéu, amics!