Valencia is Spain’s third-biggest city that is not just rich with orange trees but also prominent for being a heavenly place to tour and discover.
Always finding ways to improve and flourish as one of the fast developing cities in Spain, Valencia rechanneled its river and waterways to the edge of town and changed the previous riverbed into a brilliant green strip of park that is zigzagging through the city.
At the Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia, everything comes together.
Sports, recreation, museums, bio diversity parks, old churches, and colorful plazas.
You can enjoy walking, biking, hiking, people watching, and a chance to interact with the charming Spanish señoritos and señoritas of Valencia.
A gastronomic tour of the tapas and paellas in Spanish restaurants that line the area is also highly advisable.
It is an oasis of peace in Valencia but it is also full of interesting activities to experience.
A must when in Valencia, Spain!
Best time to visit Valencia, Spain ?
The ideal time to tour Valencia City in Spain is from April to May during the so-called “shoulder months”.
It is around this time when this sweet spot brims with warm climate and void of too much crowds.
All in all, the city brags a Mediterranean atmosphere with reliably average climate.
Normal high temps around this time usually range from 60° in the wintertime to 80° all the way to the peak of summer.
Wintertime is likewise really agreeable – between the mid 40s to mid 60s – and the city is pretty much visitor free.
The only drawback is some attractions reduce their hours of operation.
Best things to do in Valencia, Spain
These are my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Valencia .
Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas
The rococo facade of the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas intrigues and fascinates every traveler.
Situated below the niche that houses the Madonna del Rosario, on either side of the main entrance is the allegory of the two “rivers” of the community of Valencia, Turia and Jugar, which refer to the title “Marques de dos Aguas”.
The sculptures were created and designed by Hipolito Rovira and created to protect the Marquis showing the forms of its composition and the torment of man and the artist.
The tour is guided by an amiable and learned Spanish guide who will explain not only the rooms of the building (as we see it today), but also the collection of ceramics.
He leads guest to a walk in history, art, economics and costumes in a tour that lasts almost an hour and a half, very pleasant, and stimulates the curiosity and interest of the visitor.
Valencia is full of amazing things to see and it’s hard to make a list, but it is safe to say that this is one of the most fascinating.
In addition to the interesting works on display, another noteworthy feature is the constant attention given by countless restorers to preserve and keep everything in good condition.
Each room is unique, majestic, and a delight for the eyes.
The Chinese lacquer painted walls, the bureau of any kind, lounges that were carefully decorated and painted, stucco ceilings, each room with its style and its theme are all unparalleled.
Do not miss, the coaches, the German dollhouse ceramic, the museum’s collection of old ceramics, musical instruments, kits, jewelry, hair clips and combs with finery, the beautiful vintage kitchen, with objects that are truly remarkable and of course needless to say the main hall that is fully decorated with tiles.
My favorite stuff to do in Valencia
Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados (Basilica of the Virgin of the Abandoned)
Known as the Basilica of the “Virgin of the Abandoned” is located in the old part of the city.
The important cathedral of Valencia City has a trapezoidal shape and located inside the royal chapel with a dome that was painted by Antonio Palomino.
The famous Basilica has a sober banner that is dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
It is always very crowded but worth a visit for the beautiful fountain that is located in the front of the square.
The church itself has a high artistic value and it is not for the unusual circular and exaggeration of the stucco, but the religious feeling that you breathe inside that gives it an added value and makes it unique.
It is a must to see and observe the devotion of its pilgrims and to understand the city of Valencia.
Fun things to do in Valencia
Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia
If you go to Valencia you should definitely rent a bike and ride along the park of the Antiguo Cauce del Rio Turia.
It is a great idea to explore the park in the river bed.
There are many people who do sports, families, children’s games, making it a complete playing field.
It’s really a nice place that is worth to travel in full starting from the Bioparc up to the City of Arts and Science.
Along the way, going from the City of Arts at Bioparc, you can admire the Palau de la Musica, the various bridges, some really interesting sites and streets(Exposicion, Flores, Aragon, etc.) and Gulliver.
The Valencians use this place to run, relax, walk or ride a bike. It is really worth it.
This park-garden with a length of 9km is a bit woody but comes complete with rides for bike and various attractions in its course. The bridges you’ll see on the way are beautiful and some are very old ones.
It is very intriguing to think that it was the bed of a river, which was diverted to avoid recurrent floods.
If you have time, take a bike ride or walk its entire length!
It is one of the best highlights of Valencia City with lots of things to do and a chance to interact with the friendly locals of Valencia, Spain.
Popular Valencia tourist attractions
Bioparc Valencia
The Bioparc Valencia is a great program for the whole family.
It has a good variety of African animals and they are all well maintained in a well-built environment and with good space.
To get to the park, which is a bit far from the city center, you must take the metro and get off at approximately 1.
5 km from the main entrance.
Ticket prices are not low, but it is worth the beauty of the place and its animals.
The Bioparc is very nice and the kids will surely have a blast especially in Madagascar, where the lemurs are allowed to be free to jump and run around people.
The Bioparc is located in the park Cabecera at the end of the Turia Gardens.
It is accessible by bus 7, 17, 29, 61, 81, 95, or on the subway line 3 or 5 or from the bus stop of Nou d’Octubre with a mere 10-minute walk.
The nature park opens at 10 am but mainly mind the closing time that varies depending on the season from 18:00 pm up to 21:00 pm (only on summer).
Some animals in the last hour will not be in the pens so you should not go in the hours that are near the closing time.
The price of admission is € 23.
80 and children under the age of 4 are free.
The Bioparc is divided into four different areas;
Sabana, Isla de Madagascar, Busque Equatorial and the Humedales At the entrance you can make 3 souvenir photos that you can then decide whether or not to buy (all 3 at a cost of € 12.
00) between the statues of two monkeys.
The guides will also deliver a map with some information on the back in your language.
For relaxation you can sit in the restaurant café while the children enjoy their time at the playground area.
Inside you will also find, Kino Cinemas where you can watch two different representations Bioparc in a documentary (10 minutes) and / or the heirs of the Ark (50 minutes) to the allocated times and knotted on a sign and plastered with environmental ads.
The animals are actually divided by natural habitats that were reconstructed carefully and accurately.
It is well kept and clean and everything is very well organized.
The animals are found in large spaces to move and in some cases even among the visitors if there is no type of cage available.
In fact, walking through the trails you will have several chances of coming face to face meetings with animals, such as the lemurs who jump from one side to other or maybe even over your head!
All with the absolute safety even for a moment with the more ferocious animals (in this case but not fenced caged) but with the perception of them very close almost enough to touch.
At the exit you can cross the shop where you can buy a souvenir and to admire / buy your souvenir photo made at the entrance.
The Bioparc is a wonderful experience and for those who love animals it will remain in their memory to see all kinds of species that run around their own habitat in almost total freedom.
What else to do in Valencia ?
L’Iber Museo de Los Soldaditos de Plomo
A real gem in Valencia.
In this museum you can see thousands of soldiers of various military units in Spain in miniature format.
But not only that;
a part of the museum is dedicated to historical reconstructions to prehistory.
The museum of tin soldiers is a unique place and truly one of a kind.
It has a private collection of 90 thousand tin soldiers settled in all the exhibits that are displayed fantastically.
It is a joy for the young and old.
One of the highlights are the reproduced famous battles, characters from the past and areas that are devoted to ancient Rome, Egypt, and the rape of the Sabines.
There are also reproductions of football fields, circuses and prehistoric animals.
In short, it is a place not to be missed with an entrance fee that is totally affordable.
The construction and design of the building is also impressive.
It is an ideal museum for all fans of history, culture and art.
The museum proposes almost all the historical world events with the ‘exception to include people and roles from lead soldiers in very small scale.
Depending on the room you can see lots of reproductions of battles, such as the War of Independence, the battle of Austerlitz, the retreat of Russia, etc.
It is a great museum to spend an hour or more and have a great impression of the crafted work and the artist for each display.
You pay little and the staff speaks well both English and Spanish and there are hundreds of thousands of statues.
There are various battles that have been played and are all really wonderful and accurate. Besides seeing small soldiers you can find; boats, tanks, famous historical figures and players.
To visit, especially if you are with family or kids!
Is Valencia worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Valencia is worth visiting. This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventures.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Plaza de la Virgen
Located at the center of the Plaza de la Virgen is the Fuente; a circular fountain with a male figure in the center (the river Turia) surrounded by eight nymphs (tributaries). It is the oldest square in Valencia that was born out of a Roman blog.
This plaza is very busy both day and night because it is surrounded by lots of bars and shops. It is located in the city center and is adjacent to the many points of interest of Valencia.
It is surrounded by the Santa Maria Cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgin de los Desemperado and the palace of the general.
It is the oldest plaza of Valencia where all throughout the day and until night becomes the center of city life and a meeting place for many young people and students.
It becomes more animated by many local and temporary performances and occasional live shows that regularly amuse the curious tourists and many from all over the world.
At the center stands its wonderful and artistic fountain that is very symbolic and neat. It is near major points of interest and dotted with other interesting architectural works.
It is a nice walk to do if you’re in Valencia and a good starting point from which to explore the hidden streets and attractions of the city.
What else to see in Valencia ?
Plaza del Mercado (Placa del Mercat)
Another site that must not be missed in Valencia City.
The area of the covered market is spread over a huge area, teeming every hour with hundreds of tourists in search of flavors and odors, not only in Spain, but all over the world, in fact there are so many stalls selling all sorts of objects and various spices for flavor and food.
If you want to, you can taste many typical Spanish products and spirits and there are also butchers and fishermen with very fresh products such as the famous red prawns that are huge and tasty.
The market is well organized and sellers work in harmony because the stalls are arranged in a logical and sensible way.
Prices cannot be classified as high because of the wide variety of choices depending on your budget.
It is the kind of place that will make you want to come and visit right after having lunch quickly because it is very picturesque and there are lots of things to sample and taste.
Popular places to visit in Valencia
Chapel of the Holy Grail
Inside the cathedral of Valencia, it is worth visiting the Chapel of the Holy Grail , located just to the right of the entrance.
The chapel is in masonry and contains the center that according to tradition, is the cup from which Jesus Christ drank at the Last Supper.
For anyone, this is a story that unites the many legends about the Holy Grail and its interesting history.
There are several places in the world that boast of preserving the true Grail, over Valencia, Scotland, Jerusalem and even the Italian Genoa.
Some people even say that it does not exist, but faith overcomes everything and being in the presence of such a relic makes you overcome skepticism that will move you deeply.
Things to do in Valencia with kids
Citta Delle Arti E Delle Scienze Valencia
Valencia City is very pretty and well-kept and the Citta Delle Arti E Delle Scienze Valencia is one of its finest attractions.
The part that visitors liked the most is the architectural structures of the complex especially the Oceanographic (aquarium) that is well thought out.
It is divided into sectors and with the opportunity to bring the visitor into the sea through the transparent tubes to admire the beauty of marine species.
This site is truly worth a visit if you’re in Valencia.
Things to do around Valencia
Central Post Office (Edificio de Correos y Telégrafos)
Overlooks the rich Playa del Ayuntamiento and mixes with the other important buildings constructed between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
On the front, there is an important sculptural group that dominates the entrance steps and atrium with high ceilings.
It is made more interesting by the number of mailboxes made in brass / wood with directions; mail for Valencia, extra-Valencia, Madrid capital and for Barcelona capital.
The antic tower or two-body, semi-circular, and semi-hexagonal is very attractive. Unfortunately, visiting hours are limited.
Valencia is a magnificent city in Spain that is blessed with good food, weather, and attractions that are all worth visiting and knowing.
You can travel through history as you stroll along its winding streets.
Every corner and site is replete with a glimpse of the past and interesting architecture.
It is a crime if you fail to visit Valencia if you’re in Spain.
