Want to know how to plan a fun weekend in Valencia? Let me tell you how we did it. After a quick search for the best weekend getaway destination in Europe, we found the perfect option. The only rule was that the weather was warmer than in Croatia. Since the plane tickets were 30 EUR per person, there was no thinking involved. Immediately, we got our credit cards out and in 10min had three plane tickets for our beautiful Valencia trip. Let me show you how to plan your own budget friendly Valencia trip!
Table of content
- Arrival to Valencia
- Accommodation in Valencia
- Getting around Valencia
- What to see in Valencia
- Where to eat in Valencia
Arrival to Valencia
Our flight from Treviso to Valencia landed in the Valencia Airport, from which we took a direct metro to the city center. The great thing is that the first metro station is inside the airport, so getting to the city is pretty fast. We bought the metro tickets right at the station for around 4EUR. Later we found out that the card you get is reusable, so make sure to keep it! Next time you use the metro, slip it into the ticket machine and add money. Since we didn’t know this, we ended up buying a new card and paying more each time. For flights we mainly check Ryanair but also Aviasales.
Accommodation in Valencia
Cantagua Hostel was our home for the weekend. If you are looking for a stay in a hostel, I would highly suggest this one. Firstly the staff was super friendly, and everything was clean and cozy. Secondly, it was within walking distance from a restaurant district. The price we paid was 50EUR per person for an amazing 3-night stay. I will leave you a link to check out all the pics and more detail about the location of the Cantagua hostel.
Getting around Valencia
Since we were in Valencia only for a 3-day stay, we wanted to explore most of the city on foot to feel the vibe of Valencia. We even walked to the beach from the city center for around 6km. On the last day, we decided to take the bus since we were visiting the opposite part of the city. I would suggest using Google maps to track down which bus to use. Since it was very punctual and showed the exact route of the bus. You can buy the ticket on the bus, and it lasts for a limited amount of time. Another way of transport we used was the metro (to get back from the Playa de las Arenas beach).
What to see in Valencia
Valencia is a city that offers a lot of activities, specially cultural ones. The city has many beautiful houses and the architecture just amazed us. You can visit a great number of museums which will teach you more about the history and traditions of the city. For understanding what life in Valencia looks like today, the best option is to explore its streets and bars. I will give you a list of things to see in Valencia that we personally loved! If you are staying for more days and need more information about attractions to visit on your Valencia trip, you can find them here.
La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The most famous attraction in Valencia is the stunning complex named La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. This modern scientific and architectural center is situated right next to the former riverbed of the Turia river. The whole riverbed is now a beautiful park, perfect for recreation. A part of the City of Arts and Sciences is a lovely elevated park filled with indigenous species of Valencia named L’umbracle. Even if you will not be entering any of the buildings, just admiring this whole place from outside is stunning enough!
Mercado Central de Valencia
When in Spain going to a Mercado is simply a must! Filled with fruit, vegetables, all kinds of meat delicacies like the famous Serrano, places like these are the heart of any Spanish city. That is to say, Valencia is no exception with its stunning Mercado Central, a food lovers’ paradise.
Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas (Ceramics Museum)
Our favorite museum in Valencia was the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas or the Ceramics Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum is worth visiting just for the building itself. On some days, the museum offers free access, so make sure to check it out.
CCCC – Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània
Another free attraction we visited was the CCCC Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània. CCCC is an exhibition and cultural center situated in a former convent from the 13th century. Since this kind of contemporary art is not our style, we did non enjoy it quite that much. However, if it is something you like, I am sure you will enjoy it.
Platja del Cabanyal
The beautiful beach named Platja del Cabanyal is a place to spend some time. Along the beach, you can find several restaurants and cafes which offer amazing views of the sandy beach and the Balearic Sea.
Mercat de Colón
If you are looking to try the croquetas, you will have to put Mercat de Colón on your must-visit list. Inside the Mercat de Colón, you can find the Bocados Cafe. A great place to grab a beer and some delicious croquetas. Here we tried the Valencian beer Turia, which I would highly recommend!
Where to eat in Valencia
I swear food is the only thing we spent our money on for the whole Valencia trip! Once you are in Spain, there is no better way to enjoy the culture than to dine like the Spanish! Most importantly, the late dinners and bars filled with happy and loud groups of friends are what Spain is all about!
Bluebell Coffee Roasters
We decided to start each day of our trip with a good brunch. Bluebell Coffee Roasters was our first brunch spot in Valencia, and it was amazing! Their coffee was one of the best we had, and their brunch did not disappoint!
Brunch Corner – La Virgen
Another brunch spot on the other side of Valencia is Brunch Corner – La Virgen. This cute brunch spot offers a brunch menu that includes yogurt with fruit, main course, coffee, and orange juice. You can get all of this for around 15 EUR. Therefore, it would be a shame not to start each day of your Valencia trip with a good brunch since the city has so many great spots!
Cafe ArtySana
Our last brunch place in Valencia was Cafe ArtySana in Russafa or Ruzafa. Here you can also choose a menu for only 12EUR. This brunch includes a juice, yogurt with fruit and a croissant, sandwich, tostada or a bagel, a dessert, and a coffee or tea! After this brunch, you will be ready to start exploring Valencia!
A restaurant we had to try was La Pepica, recommended by locals. It is situated right on the Playa de las Arenas. This traditional restaurant with over 100 years of history is famous for its seafood paellas and some beautiful views. Inside the restaurant, there are walls filled with pictures of their guests over the years. Since their paella was delicious, I would recommend trying it to anyone visiting Valencia! To sum up, your Valencia trip cannot finish without a paella, so don’t forget to add it to your list!
La Pepica
If you are having trouble deciding where to eat, head to Russafa. Russafa is an area filled with bars and restaurants. There you can take a walk and find a restaurant that you like. Since this is a popular place, many bars are full of people, and the energy represents a true Spanish lifestyle!
Explore more!
Spain is one of the best European destinations for a weekend getaway. The warm climate and lively streets are all you need for recharging batteries. To sum up, while visiting any of its cities, make sure to adapt to their rhythm. This means late dinners and cervezas in good company! Lastly, the only thing left to say is to have fun on your Valencia trip and enjoy siestas and fiestas! Click here for more European destinations on a budget.
