Planning a 2 day trip to Valencia? Discover the best vermouth bars, restaurants, must-see attractions, and top places to stay for the perfect weekend getaway! I went to Valencia for the first time in August this year, and it was such a vibrant and fun city! If you’re planning a short visit, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time. I list the places I visited, and here you can check out my personal Google Maps list of the best restaurants and bars, with comments and more recommendations!
What to Do for Two Days in Valencia
With only two days and a clear focus on enjoying vermouth and tapas (lol), I spent my time walking around the city and soaking in its beautiful architecture, culture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 1: Afternoon Arrival & Tapas Adventure
I arrived in Valencia mid-afternoon and checked into Sweet Hotel Continental, a centrally located spot that was perfect for exploring the city on foot. After settling in, we took a walk around town and headed to Bar La Pilareta, famous for its vermouth and rich history, having been open since 1917. I would recommend this place a 100000 times over for their vermouth, wether you’re new to this drink or a fine connoisseur, it was SO GOOD. Also, this place is perfect if you’re on a budget! Don’t miss the morcilla (black pudding) – an amazing tapas that pairs wonderfully with their vermouth.
For dinner, we wandered to the El Carmen Quarter and discovered La Latería del Carmen. As the name suggests (lata = can in Spanish), it offers a wide selection of canned delicacies and tapas. We enjoyed a chilled bottle of Rioja, which was perfect for the hot evening. On the way back, we stopped at the beautiful Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where the fountain was lit up, making for a magical end to the first day.
Day 2: morning at the market and admiring architectural gems
Of course, I woke up and went straight to the covered Mercat Central de València, as I usually do when in Spain. It’s so much fun to wander between the stalls, admiring the beautiful and fresh produce, meat and fish in such a vibrant atmosphere! I must say it’s one of the most stunning markets I’ve seen in Spain. The beautiful stained-glass windows and metal structures make the market a true architectural gem. The big dome at the centre was really impressive and brought so much natural light in!
After grabbing a coffee and a bite at one of the market stalls, we headed to Parroquia Museo de San Nicolás. With its incredible frescoes and immersive free audio guide, it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Next, we passed through Plaza de la Virgen and visited the Reial Basilica de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats, where the phenomenal painted dome left me in awe! A bit further, we admired the amazing Catedral de Valencia before taking a much-needed break under the shade of the trees nearby – the midday heat was intense!
We found refuge from the heat at Tasquita del Mar in Ciutat Vella, where the air conditioning and cold vermouth were a blessing. We had anchovies, patatas bravas, and a tortilla sandwich – all delicious, with amazing aïoli to pair with. The interior of the bar was so cute, and the owners were very welcoming! They suggested we try Cazalla, a dry anise spirit very popular in the region of Valencia, which very much reminded me of pastis in the South of France! Needless to say, we had a great time lol and soon went back to the hotel to have a nap.
After a midday siesta back at the hotel, we left the Ciutat Vella Quarter for the El Cabanyal-El Canyalemar Quarter by the beach. I really wanted to go there for our last night to visit Bodega Anyora! As we arrived a bit early for our reservation, we explored a bit and stumbled upon Bar Lapaca, a cool and artsy bar with amazing vermouth and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s an area with an up-and-coming, creative vibe that I absolutely loved! It left me wanting more and excited to come back to Valencia again, hopefully staying in this part of town next time!
For dinner, we finally made it to Bodega Anyora, the spot I was most excited to try. The Mediterranean-inspired decor and cozy ambiance set the mood for a wonderful evening. The food was creative, fresh, and bursting with flavors, and the service was impeccable. Our server was so nice and attentive, you can really feel the passion of all the people working there. Though we skipped the vermouth (since we already had a drink at Lapaca) and rather went for a bottle of Rioja, I highly recommend trying a vermouth here – they’re known for their excellent selection.
Day 3: A Farewell with a Vermouth Stop
Before leaving, we made a quick stop at Bodegas Baviera, a family-run business that’s been open since 1870. The owners are extremely nice and passionate, and the large choice of wine, vermouth (and much more) is absolutely insane. We decided on some vermouth straight from the barrel – a steal at only €9 per liter!
Where to Stay in Valencia
For this trip, I stayed at Sweet Hotel Continental, amazingly located in the Old Town (Ciutat Vella). It’s just steps away from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which made for scenic nighttime walks. We paid €268 for two nights, which didn’t include breakfast but was still great value for the location.
Next time, we’d love to stay in the El Cabanyal-El Canyalemar Quarter, where we enjoyed drinks at Bar Lapaca and dinner at Anyora Bodega. This area has a cool, up-and-coming vibe with lots of artistic energy, perfect for soaking in Valencia’s creativity.
Valencia is such a wonderful city, filled with history, art, and incredible food. I hope you find these tips helpful for your own trip! Don’t forget to check out my Google Maps list for more recommendations on where to eat, drink, and explore!