Valencia Like a Local: 3 Days of Must-Dos

The perfect way to start your trip is with a bike tour of the city. Enjoy the incredible Mediterranean sun while taking in the sights of the city. It will give you the opportunity to see the highlights of the historic center as well as Turia Gardens, an 11-kilometer park that runs through the city. After you have had time to cool down, head to Plaza de la Reina for lunch and a glass of Valencia’s famous aqua de Valencia. (Allow yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the traditional sobremesa after lunch).

Then, it's time to head to the Cathedral of the Holy Chalice. More than a beautiful church, this historic site features excavations from the Roman Road that once ran through the city. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the architecture and art, make your way to the bell tower for a stunning view of the city. Enjoy a little downtime before ending your night at one of the local restaurants. Keep in mind, most restaurants do not open until 8 pm.

Start your morning with a walk to Europe’s largest open-air market. This Art Nouveau-style building houses hundreds vendors selling everything from fresh produce to cava and the famous jamón ibérico. It’s the perfect place to take in the best of Valencia, architecture, and culinary treats. After the market, stroll through the ancient streets of the historic center, making your way to Plaza Ayuntamiento for a few pictures and some souvenirs. Head back to your hotel to get ready for the rest of the day’s culinary adventure: Albufera!

Just a 40-minute ride from Valencia, you will arrive at Albufera Natural Park, a serene and timeless escape deeply tied to Valencian tradition. This protected lagoon is the birthplace of paella. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride across the lagoon to see where the rice famous for making pallea is grown. Afterwards, continue to El Palmar for an elegant paella lunch or early dinner, prepared traditionally with locally grown rice and enjoyed at an unhurried pace before returning to Valencia in the evening.

Start your day with breakfast at Mercat de Colón. This national monument is another impressive example of the city's Valencian Art Nouveau architecture and my personal favorite spot in the city. Stroll through the posh Gran Via neighborhood to make your way to Museo de Bellas Artes, where you will find works by artists such as Francisco Goya and Joaquin Sorolla. Depending on the time, you can stop for a snack in Jardines del Real.

Then, head over the Pont de la Trinitat to visit Torres de Serranos. Having served as the main gateway to the ancient city, it is one of the few remaining parts of the ancient city wall. Once you have climbed to the top and taken in the views, enjoy some much-deserved downtime before spending your last night dining at one of Valencia’s rooftop restaurants, where you can take in a sunset that you won't soon forget.