Valencia Travel Guide: The Perfect Mix of Old & New

✨

This was my second time visiting Valencia, and somehow I loved it even more than the first.

There’s something about this city that feels incredibly balanced. It has beautiful historic streets, modern architecture, great food, wide beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, all without feeling overwhelming.

Valencia is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities in Spain. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or using it as part of a longer itinerary, I think it’s a city that’s absolutely worth experiencing.

✨ At a glance

📍 Time spent: 1 night

🗓️ When I visited: January

🚶 Getting around: On foot + public transport

👤 Travel style: Solo

🌊 Best for: Architecture, museums, food and a relaxed city break

✨Valencia (1 night)

Valencia was the final stop on my Southern Spain trip.

I had already visited the city before, so this time I focused on revisiting a few favourite spots while trying some local specialties I had missed on my first visit.

🌟Where I stayed

room00 Valencia Hostel

A great location for exploring the city on foot.

🌟What I did

Museu de les Ciències

This ended up being my biggest disappointment in Valencia.

Honestly, I thought the building itself was much more impressive than the museum inside.

The architecture is stunning, but the exhibitions didn’t really interest me. Out of all the science museums I’ve visited, this was probably my least favourite.

That said, I did get lucky enough to witness a chick hatching from its egg, which was genuinely special and unexpectedly became the highlight of my visit.

🌟Where I ate & drank

Café de Las Horas ⭐

This was easily one of my favourite discoveries in Valencia since the first time I visited the city.

I came here to try Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail made with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, vodka and gin.

It instantly became one of my favourite cocktails the first time I tried it.

The drink is refreshing, citrusy and much lighter than it sounds.

The bar itself is just as memorable. The interior is beautifully decorated with ornate details, making it one of the most photogenic places I visited in Valencia.

If you’re only stopping for one drink in the city, I’d recommend coming here.

Horchatería Daniel

No visit to Valencia feels complete without trying horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made from tigernuts (chufa) rather than dairy or nuts. It’s naturally sweet, served ice cold and is usually enjoyed with a fartón, a long, soft pastry made for dipping.

I’m glad I tried the traditional combination, but it’s probably not something I’d order regularly. Still, if it’s your first time in Valencia, it’s worth experiencing.

Brunch Corner – La Virgen

One of my favourite meals in Valencia.

I ordered the Eggs Benedict as part of their brunch menu, and everything was delicious.

The set menu offered excellent value for money, making it an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a good brunch in the city.

🌟What I loved most about Valencia

One of my favourite things about Valencia is the contrast between its different sides.

The Old Town feels traditional, historic and full of character, while the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias looks like it’s from another world.

I loved going from centuries-old streets to futuristic architecture within the same city. That contrast is what makes Valencia feel so unique.

🌟Would I recommend Valencia?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re interested in history, modern architecture, beaches or food, Valencia offers a bit of everything without feeling as overwhelming as Madrid or Barcelona.

It’s still one of my favourite cities in Spain.