Valencia Day Trip Itinerary By Car Rental – Things to do Valencia, Spain

With many medieval towers and churches that sit next to contemporary buildings, Valencia is one beauty that has been long hidden behind the glamour of Madrid and Barcelona. Being Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia is a treasure trove for lovers of old and modern architecture. Visitors to this beautiful city can expect sunshine, good food, spotless beaches, coastal mountains, and plenty of things to do. With remains of both its Roman foundations and its Moorish history, it manages to strike the right chords with the wanderer in you. While Valencia is a popular holiday destination because of its clean beaches, it is also a great place to live. You will also find plenty of cute cafes and restaurants ready to serve you both traditional Valencia dishes and other Spanish favorites.

One day in Valencia is enough to explore its art and culture, only if you manage your time well. In this post, we have curated a Valencia one day itinerary that will let you experience the true colors of the city. You can also reserve a rental car for your trip to Valencia as it will allow you to explore the city at your pace and schedule.

Visit Valencia Cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral is a Roman Catholic parish church that dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries and is also said to hold the Holy Grail. Valencia Cathedral, alternatively known as Saint Mary’s Cathedral, is a historic site with its unique charm. The exterior of the cathedral is quite impressive, thanks to the Door of the Iron- a Multi-storey entrance with exquisitely detailed carvings. The interior of the cathedral features a variety of architectural and design inspirations, including Gothic and Baroque. The choir area in the cathedral is one of the grandest regions, featuring classic paintings, large stained-glass windows, and golden décor. You can also climb to the top of the Miguelete bell tower and take in the views of the city.

Check out the Plaza de la Virgen

Visit the Plaça de la Mare de Déu (Plaza de la Virgen)- a landmark public plaza, which is arguably one of the most famous spots of Valencia, and a must-visit. In the plaza, you will find the impressive city cathedral, the pink basilica, along the gorgeous Turia fountain. The square is surrounded by historic architecture along with various eateries and tapas bars. You can have a quick bite or full-fledged lunch here at any of the restaurants or cafés at the square.

Explore the City of Arts and Sciences complex

Cutting through the center of Valencia, The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic set of six buildings located along the banks of River Turia. The complex was constructed in the 1990s and spans over two kilometers. There are also many public parks between the buildings, which will give you a chance to relax. With architecture that you cannot find elsewhere, These buildings are the top attractions in Valencia and are considered a must-see for visitors.

You can visit the L’Hemisferic, built to look like a human eye. It also contains a 3D projection cinema where you can watch a film in your language. The complex also has a planetarium, the Prince Philip Science Museum, a botanical collection, an open-air oceanarium, an opera house and theatre, and an exhibition space along with a sports arena.

Admire Torres de Serranos

The most popular part of Valencia’s history is its Christian Wall. Built-in the fourteenth century, it is still standing tall. An interesting feature of this wall is its twelve gates. Head to Plaça dels Furs, where you can find one of the old city gates named Torres de Serranos. And marking the twelfth, it is one of the most spectacular ones. Often claimed to be one of the best-preserved structures and monuments in Valencia, it is a significant landmark of the city. Add this location to your itinerary if you are looking for Medieval architecture, for which Valencia is known. You can also check out the Torres de Quart if Torres de Serranos strikes your fancy.

Take a dip at Malvarrosa Beach

Most of the people come to Valencia just for relaxing at its clean beaches. So, make sure you at least check out one of its many beaches during your day trip to Valencia. Playa de Malvarrosa is the most popular, which begins at the port and is split into different sections, including Playa de las Arenas, Playa Cabanyal, and Patacona. Malvarrosa beach has been awarded a blue flag thanks to its cleanliness and facilities. Chill and relax with a swim at Malvarrosa Beach as even during the busiest seasons the beach is rarely full of tourists or locals. You can also enjoy a few drinks or have food at any of the bars or restaurants that line the promenade.