Visit Valencia in 2 days

Where to Stay in Valencia

Location matters a lot in Valencia because the city is compact and most of the sights you’ll want to see—the Llotja de la Seda, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace of Valencia, the civic heart around the Ateneo Mercantil de Valencia—sit within or just beside the historic core. For a two‑day visit you’ll get the most out of your time if you base yourself where you can walk to several monuments and step out for tapas without losing hours to transfers.

The city is organized around the old medieval centre and the long green ribbon of the Turia gardens, with the financial and shopping grid of the Eixample and the lively, more bohemian pockets like Ruzafa a short walk away. Understanding that split helps: the compact old town is where the monuments cluster, the Eixample and avenues lead to transport hubs and the Turia park provides a calm, linear landmark you’ll cross frequently when sightseeing.

If you want to be closest to the Llotja de la Seda and the Cathedral and prefer wandering narrow streets, aim for the Ciutat Vella neighbourhood, especially around El Carmen and La Seu. For easy access to the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas and the cultural institutions near the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, choose the adjacent Eixample area where streets are broader and cafés open earlier. If you enjoy a lively food and bar scene with a short walk to the museums, the colourful Ruzafa district is a great alternative that still keeps the old town within 15–20 minutes on foot.

Transport tips are simple: Valencia’s metro and buses are reliable and the airport connects to the centre by metro lines, but for a two‑day stay you’ll mostly walk or take short taxi rides. Pick accommodation near a metro stop or the Estació del Nord/Joaquín Sorolla if you arrive by train. The Turia gardens make walking between districts pleasant and fast—use them as your orientation line.

For reassurance: prioritise quiet streets over a room that faces a busy plaza if you value sleep, and consider small guesthouses or apartments for a local feel. Whatever you choose, basing yourself in or just beside the historic centre gives you maximum sightseeing time, minimal stress, and easy access to the city’s best bites and cultural treasures.

Getting Around Valencia

Valencia is a joy to explore because the city’s transport is compact, well-signed and tourist-friendly — you’ll quickly get the hang of it. The backbone is Metrovalencia (a mix of metro and tram lines) complemented by frequent EMT buses and longer-distance Cercanías trains. Stations and stops are close to major sights, ticket machines have an English option, and many drivers and ticket agents speak a bit of English, so even if it’s your first time using a European system you’ll feel comfortable. Short walks between attractions are often the fastest way to soak in the city vibe 🚇.

Practical tip: decide early whether you want single rides or passes. A single ticket works fine for one-off hops, but if you plan several journeys buy a reusable 10-ride card (locally known as the Bonometro) or a day pass at machines, kiosks or EMT points. Many buses and stations accept contactless bank cards and mobile payments, which is the fastest option if you don’t want to fiddle with cash. Keep your ticket until the end of the journey — inspectors do pop up now and then 🎫.

Use Google Maps like a local: type your destination and pick the transit icon to see step-by-step combinations of walking, tram, metro or bus with real-time departure times. If you prefer fewer transfers, tap the route options to prioritize walking or fewer line changes. I always save a screenshot of the last connection if I’m heading somewhere with patchy signal, and Maps’ “depart at” feature is brilliant for planning museum visits around train times.

To save money, combine walking with public transport. The historic centre is delightfully walkable, so you might only need a short tram or bus trip once a day. If you’re sightseeing heavily, consider the Valencia Tourist Card which bundles unlimited public transport with discounts to museums and attractions. Small choices — taking a tram one stop, sharing a 10-ride card with a travel partner — add up over a few days 💡.

On my first visit I loved how easy a day was: we strolled from the Llotja de la Seda through the atmospheric streets to the Ateneo Mercantil de Valencia in under ten minutes, enjoying café windows and people-watching at Plaza del Ayuntamiento. When a sudden shower hit, we hopped on an EMT bus with contactless payment and were off to the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas in minutes — no stress, no queue, just quick shelter and a new museum to explore. You’ll find Valencia’s transport makes exploring relaxed and adventurous at the same time.

What to Pack for Valencia

Valencia is a strollable city of golden plazas, ornate palaces and surprising corners — I once walked 15 miles in a day chasing tiles and viewpoints — so packing smart beats packing heavy. Below are the essentials I always bring when I’m wandering between the Plaza de la Virgen, the Silk Exchange and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Each item has a quick why and a tiny anecdote so you know when it saved me.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required — e.g., New Balance 574 or ECCO Soft 7): Valencia’s cobbles and palace steps demand shoes with cushion and grip. I wore stiff trainers once and my feet rebelled by hour six; switch to a cushioned pair like New Balance 574 and you can easily be out for 10+ hours without limping. Why: prevents blisters, supports long days of wandering between landmarks.

2. Cross-body bag: I prefer a zippered, anti-theft cross-body that sits in front — Mercado Central and tourist plazas get crowded and I’ve seen people distracted while someone tried to unzip a tote. Why: keeps essentials accessible and safe, leaves hands free for photos and tasting horchata.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing for Valencia: Think light layers: breathable tee, a thin cardigan or light windbreaker for evenings, and a hat. Once I underestimated the late-afternoon sea breeze and a thin jacket saved me on a rooftop terrace. Why: Mediterranean sun + coastal breeze means warm days but cooler nights; layers keep you comfortable from morning to a sunset paseo.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E, 230V): Spanish sockets use two round pins — I forgot an adapter once and couldn’t charge my camera until the hostel front desk lent me one. Why: ensures you can plug in hotel chargers, hair tools, or camera batteries without hunting for replacements.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): I map my routes, take photos and use offline guides; by day’s end my phone used to die. A 10,000–20,000 mAh bank kept me topped up through a long day of photos and navigation. Why: keeps GPS, camera and e-tickets running when you’re out 8–12 hours exploring.

6. Small refillable water bottle & sunscreen (optional but highly recommended): I refill at cafés and fountains — staying hydrated mattered on a sunny plaza bench. Sunscreen saved a forehead after an unexpected sunny afternoon. Why: Valencia’s sun is strong; hydration and protection keep you comfortable and happy while you admire the architecture.