Start at Mercado Central and grab coffee and a tostada at Central Bar (run by chef Ricard Camarena). It’s lively and a true local breakfast spot inside the market; Mercado Central is usually open Mon–Sat (approx 8:00–15:00) and closed Sunday mornings — check seasonal hours.
Walk to La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) and the nearby Cathedral and climb the Miguelete tower for panoramic views — key Old Town sights and UNESCO-listed architecture. Typical winter opening for La Lonja and Cathedral is around 10:00–18:00, but hours vary so confirm before you go.
Try a classic horchata and fartons with a light tapas dish at Horchatería Santa Catalina in the Old Town; it’s a local institution for Horchata (typical opening ~09:30–20:00). Good for a light, authentic Valencian snack or lunch.
Cross into vibrant Ruzafa for independent shops, cafés and art galleries — this is where many Valencians eat and socialise. Many cafes open all afternoon; no admission cost, just enjoy a coffee and window shopping.
Check into the 2-bedroom apartment you booked (recommended neighbourhoods: Ruzafa for nightlife and eateries, Eixample/Colón for quieter, well-connected base). Budget: £600 total for 4 nights means roughly £150/night — you can find good 2-bedroom apartments or aparthotels in these areas at that price if you book in advance.
For dinner, try Canalla Bistro (Ricard Camarena’s casual spot) or do a tapas crawl in Ruzafa — many locals eat here and the scene is very lively. Typical dinner service starts 20:00; reservations are recommended for popular restaurants.
Finish the night with a drink at a local bar in Ruzafa or El Carmen. These neighbourhoods stay open late and are popular with locals, so it’s a good way to see Valencia’s evening culture. Bars typically stay open until midnight or later.
Have breakfast at a café in Ruzafa or head to Mercado de Colón for pastries and a relaxed start; the market has cafés open in the morning (often from 09:00). It’s a local favourite for a more upscale coffee break.
Spend the morning at the City of Arts & Sciences complex; Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium) is a highlight and typically opens around 10:00 in winter. Buy timed tickets online to avoid queues — expect to spend at least 2–3 hours here.
Head to Malvarrosa beach for a classic Valencian paella at La Pepica or Casa Carmela — both are longstanding favourites with both visitors and many locals who appreciate quality paella. Typical lunch service 13:00–16:00; paella is best ordered in advance for groups.
Walk off lunch with a stroll along the promenade and through El Cabanyal, the historic fishing neighbourhood with colourful façades and authentic local bars. No cost — comfortable shoes recommended.
Return to your apartment for a short rest (typical local rhythm) — a good window to freshen up before evening plans. Use this time to check opening times and book dinner if needed.
Dinner at Casa Montaña is tapas-focused and beloved by locals; note they open later (typically from about 16:30–01:00) and can be busy, so reserve ahead. It’s a great authentic experience for seafood and tapas.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast near your apartment in Ruzafa — grab a pastry and café con leche at a neighbourhood bakery. Locals favour taking their time at cafés on a February morning.
Visit Bioparc Valencia, an immersive zoo with excellent habitats and conservation focus; winter opening often starts around 10:00. Plan 2–3 hours for the main areas.
Lunch around the Turia Gardens or in the Cánovas area — choose a small tavern serving rice dishes or tapas for a local midday experience. Cánovas is popular with Valencians for casual lunches and cafés.
Spend the afternoon biking or walking the Turia Gardens and, if you like modern art, pop into IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno). Colón Street nearby has boutiques if you want to shop. IVAM and shops typically open afternoons; check IVAM hours (often 10:00–19:00).
Return to your apartment to pack and prepare for departure the following day; if you have a late-night flight/train, you can store luggage and take a last stroll through the old town.
For your final night choose a neighbourhood favourite recommended by your host — many Valencians point visitors to small family-run restaurants rather than the big tourist names. Ask for a place specialising in fideuà or local rice dishes; they tend to open for dinner from 20:00.