Must visit in Valencia: Summary of see & do
(Scroll down for restaurant recommendationsπ¦ͺ)
This is a summary of our recent family trip to Valencia. It was our second time visiting this colorful city because it is a perfect destination for traveling with kids. The third largest in Spain, ValenciaΒ is a vibrant city with a rich history and offers lots of fun things to do to create lasting memories with the family. Also, the weather is beautiful even in winter!
Here is a summary of what not to miss when visiting Valencia.
π Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
One of the 12 treasures of Spain. Itβs great for exploring by foot or by bicycle. Also, the area around is a favorite place to many for picnics and weekend activities.
π Museu de les CiΓ¨ncies PrΓncipe Felipe (Science museum )
The largest aquarium in Europe.
Must see:Β The Jellyfish Exhibition
It’s best to purchase the tickets in advance online and combine Oceanografic + Science Museum+ Hemispheric, however, make sure to be there as early as possible, to have enough time to cover it all.
The combined ticket does not include Β 4D cinema in Oceanografic, as well as, the ticket for the space simulator in the museum, which is a fun thing to do.
π Bioparc Valencia
Visiting “Africa in Valencia” is exciting every time. This is a truly fascinating park with many causes for preserving different species.
Must see:Β The baby chimpanzee, born about 2 weeks ago.
According to their website, there is a promotional price for the tickets in February 2024 for the 16th Anniversary of the park. The ticket is just 20 euros + 1 euro (for Fondacion Bioparc ) if you buy online at least 24 hours in advance. The regular price for adults is 26.90 and for children is 21 euro.
Must see: Makena, the baby elephant (just recently celebrated 1 year’s Birthday) born in the park.
π Playa de la Malva-rosa
The famous Valencia beach is a 1 km long golden sand city beach with a stunning palm tree promenade. There is convenient transportation, restaurants, and shops.Β
It is a regular sight to see people swimming and sunbathing even in January, which is considered the coldest month!
π Gulliver ParkΒ
Fantasy park where children climb & slide on a massive play structure of the character Gulliver. Located in JardΓn del Turia.
The park is free, however, thereβs opening hours 10 am- 5:30 pm and also there is a limit of people accepted on the structure. Weekends are busier than weekdays, of course.
πBicycle ride along JardΓn del Turia
The Turia Park is 9 km long and I can hardly imagine a better place for all your sports and leisure activities with the kids. The former riverbed is crossed by 18 beautiful bridges.
πMercado Central
The largest fresh produce market in Europe. With all the beautiful ornaments, colorfully displayed food, and Meditteranean smell you can easily fall in love with it. When I went there back in 2016, I thought it was a tourist place only, but this time I realized many locals are shopping there and buying everyday groceries.Β
Itβs closed on Sunday.
Must try: Oysters fresh from the market
πTorres del Serrans
Valenciaβs medieval wall. Beautiful gothic architecture and rich history. Itβs worth climbing up the stairs for the view. (We left that for the next time)
πCiutat Vella
Β One of the largest historic centers in Europe and Unesco World Heritage.
Must See:Β
Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Virgen
Plaza del Mercado
San NicolΓ‘s, La “Capilla Sixtina valencianaβ
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
πDDL Boutique – Coffee/ Breakfast/Brunch
Casa Carmela – Best paella (reservations required)
Bar & Kitchen – Breakfast/ Bruch & Dinner
San Tammmaso-Β Italian Restaurant – cheese & cold cuts platter is fabulous. Excellent pizzas!
La Pappardella Italian Restaurant – PAPPARDELLE TARTUFO is a must try. They prepare it in the Parmesano Reggiano wheel (D.O.P 18 months) and it has a generous amount of truffle shaving.
For anyone interested, I can share the full list of restaurants given to me by our hotel.π
The list of places could extend a lot further, but what we loved and enjoyed the most is that the city isΒ very walkable and perfect for sports and leisure activities!
