Valencia Weekend: Market Food, Modern Design and the Beach

Destination: Valencia, SpainCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 3rd October 2026
Valencia works for a weekend split between city streets and the sea. Start with market food and the old town, then follow the Turia gardens to modern architecture and finish with a beachside paella lunch.
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Saturday — Market Food and the Old Town
Image of Mercat Central

Mercat Central

Marketplace, Market Shopping
Start Saturday with breakfast at the Central Market. It closes at 3pm and is shut on Sundays, so put it first. Browse the fruit, seafood, ham and cheese counters beneath the tiled dome, then walk across the square to the silk exchange.

La Lonja de la Seda

The silk exchange is directly opposite the market. Step into the main hall to see its twisting stone columns and the scale of Valencia’s medieval trade. About an hour makes a good visit. Walk north through the old centre afterwards, with lunch around Plaça del Tossal or Plaça de la Reina.
Image of Catedral de València

Catedral de València

Place of Worship, History Landmark
Visit the cathedral in the afternoon, including the chapel of the Holy Chalice. The Miguelete tower has a separate ticket and 207 steps for a view over the roofs. Afterwards, walk from Plaça de la Reina to Plaça de la Verge and into El Carmen, stopping for horchata along the way.
Sunday — Turia Gardens and the Sea

Pont de les Flors

Begin Sunday at the flower-lined bridge, then join the Turia Gardens below. Walk east through the former riverbed past the Palau de la Música and Gulliver Park to the City of Arts and Sciences. This stretch is about 2.5 kilometres along park paths. A hired bike is another easy way to follow the route.

City of Arts and Sciences

Walk around the pools and white buildings, including the Hemisfèric and science museum. This route takes in the architecture from outside; an aquarium visit needs several hours of its own. After the walk, take a taxi to the seafront for your booked paella lunch.

La Pepica

Book a Sunday lunch table at this longstanding rice restaurant on Passeig de Neptú. A table around 1.30pm gives you a morning in the Turia gardens before a meal beside the beach. Choose a rice dish to share, then continue north along the promenade towards Malvarrosa.

Malvarrosa Beach

Walk north along the seafront from Las Arenas to Malvarrosa. Finish with a swim in warmer months or a walk beside the water and a drink on the promenade. The old town is several kilometres inland, so take a taxi or public transport for the return.