English
English
Contents
Travel itineraries perfect for your travel style
Valencia is the place to be for every kind of traveler, and a Hop-on Hop-off tour is the easiest way to dive right in! Whether you're wandering solo, geeking out over history, or wrangling the whole family, these buses whisk you through legendary landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and unexpected gems, letting you see Valencia sights to see your way, at your speed.
Solo travelers
Families
History buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day at Bluebell Coffee, a charming specialty coffee roastery in the Ruzafa district. Try their chia pudding, salmon toast with beetroot hummus, or steamed bao buns paired with a velvety cappuccino for the perfect morning fuel.
Attraction: City of Arts and Sciences
A futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, the City of Arts and Sciences, represents Valencia's bold leap into the 21st century with stunning white structures that seem to defy gravity.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: C.C. Aqua
Highlights:
- L'Hemisfèric resembles a giant human eye and houses an IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laserium with a massive 900-square-meter concave screen offering breathtaking 3D projections and astronomical shows.
- The Science Museum features interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and immersive installations that make learning about science, technology, and nature exciting for visitors of all ages.
- The surrounding reflecting pools create stunning photo opportunities as the avant-garde architecture mirrors perfectly in the water, especially during golden hour when the sunlight bathes the white structures.
Pro tip: Purchase a combo ticket online to visit L'Hemisfèric, the Science Museum, and Oceanogràfic together for significant savings and skip-the-line access to all three attractions.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Eataly near the City of Arts and Sciences, offering authentic Italian dishes including fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seafood, all complemented by an extensive wine list in a cozy Mediterranean atmosphere.
Attraction: Oceanogràfic
Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanogràfic, spans 110,000 square meters and houses over 45,000 marine creatures from 500 different species, representing the world's major marine ecosystems from the Arctic to the Red Sea.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Oceanogràfic
Highlights:
- The Dolphinarium features spectacular shows where intelligent dolphins demonstrate their acrobatic abilities and playful personalities in a 26-million-liter tank, creating unforgettable memories for visitors.
- Walk through the underwater tunnel beneath the main aquarium where sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish glide overhead, creating an immersive 360-degree marine experience.
- The Arctic exhibit showcases beluga whales, walruses, and penguins in carefully recreated polar habitats, offering a rare glimpse into the icy ecosystems of the far north.
Pro tip: Visit during feeding times (check the daily schedule at the entrance) to witness marine life at its most active and hear fascinating insights from expert keepers about animal behavior and conservation efforts.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Valencia Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral built between the 13th and 15th centuries, Valencia Cathedral houses what many believe to be the Holy Grail, the actual chalice used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Plaza de la Reina
Highlights:
- The Chapel of the Holy Chalice displays the revered agate cup dating from the 1st century, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts from around the world who come to see this sacred relic.
- Climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete Tower, Valencia's iconic octagonal bell tower standing 51 meters tall, to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the city's terracotta rooftops and Mediterranean coastline.
- The cathedral museum showcases masterpieces by renowned artists, including Goya and Maella, along with stunning Renaissance frescoes that adorn the cathedral's intricate interior walls.
Pro tip: Attend Mass for a peaceful spiritual experience, then explore the cathedral before the afternoon crowds arrive and the Mediterranean heat intensifies.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at Cafe de las Horas, famous for serving Valencia's signature cocktail, agua de Valencia, in a beautifully atmospheric setting with traditional Spanish appetizers and a cozy street terrace perfect for evening relaxation.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Begin at Federal Valencia, a spacious Scandinavian-inspired café in a historic building with high ceilings. Enjoy eggs Benedict, avocado toast, hearty burgers, or delicious smoothies with excellent specialty coffee.
Attraction: Central Market (Mercado Central)
Europe's largest fresh produce market, housed in a stunning 1928 Modernist building spanning 8,000 square meters, features over 250 stalls bursting with Mediterranean colors, aromas, and local culinary treasures.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Mercado Central
Highlights:
- The architectural splendor features intricate tilework, stained glass windows, iron columns reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, and decorative references to Valencia's fertile orchards and gardens.
- Wander among vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables (especially Valencia oranges, tomatoes, and beans), seafood, cured hams, artisan cheeses, spices, and the fascinating live eels that captivate every visitor.
- Stop at Central Bar, run by renowned chef Ricard Camarena, for gourmet tapas, assorted dishes, and sandwiches that showcase the market's freshest seasonal ingredients.
Pro tip: Arrive before 9am when the market is at its liveliest and vendors are most enthusiastic about offering tastings of local products like horchata, paella ingredients, and regional specialties you won't find outside Spain.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at La Riua, a highly-rated family-owned restaurant in the Old Town serving traditional home-style Valencian paella in a moderately priced, authentic setting with rich ochre-colored rice cooked with chicken, rabbit, and beans.
Attraction: La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange)
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of late Valencian Gothic architecture built between 1482 and 1533, La Lonja symbolizes Valencia's Golden Age as one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Mercado Central
Highlights:
- The Sala de Contratación (Trading Hall) features magnificent twisted columns that soar toward the vaulted ceiling, creating a cathedral-like space where silk merchants once negotiated contracts worth fortunes.
- The Pavilion of the Consulate housed Spain's first marine merchant tribunal, with original 15th-century furnishings and a richly decorated ceiling that showcases the building's historical significance.
- The Court of Orange Trees (Patio de los Naranjos) offers a serene escape with fragrant citrus trees, Gothic arches, and peaceful gardens perfect for contemplation.
Pro tip: Look for the Latin inscription running along all four walls of the Trading Hall, which translates to beautiful poetry about honest commerce and the dignity of merchant work.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Turia Gardens
One of Spain's largest urban parks, stretching 9 kilometers through Valencia's heart, the Turia Gardens transformed the former Turia River bed into a lush green oasis after the devastating 1957 flood.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Palau de la Música
Highlights:
- Gulliver Park features a giant 70-meter recumbent figure where children (and playful adults) can climb onto fingers, hair, and legs, then slide down like Lilliputians in this whimsical playground.
- The gardens connect Bioparc's realistic African savannah on the west to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences on the east, passing 18 historic bridges from different architectural periods.
- Rent bikes, segways, or tandems to explore the flat pathways perfect for running and cycling, with numerous bars and cafés offering extensive terraces for refreshment breaks along the way.
Pro tip: Visit the Serranos Towers viewpoint at the edge of the gardens for stunning panoramic views over the historic center and the park's tree-lined pathways stretching into the distance.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to Vermudez for excellent Spanish tapas in a busy, cozy atmosphere with a large selection of vegetarian options, and don't miss the French toast with horchata and hazelnut ice cream for dessert.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Dulce de Leche Boutique, a cozy café chain popular with locals offering numerous sweet and savory options like toasts, quiche, delicious sandwiches, coffee, juices, and eye-catching cakes.
Attraction: Torres de Serranos
One of Valencia's best-preserved medieval gateways, the Torres de Serranos were built in Valencian Gothic style between 1392 and 1398 as part of the city's defensive walls, designed by master architect Pere Balaguer.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Serranos
Highlights:
- Climb to the top of these imposing twin towers for stunning views of Valencia's old town, the Turia Gardens below, and the terracotta-tiled rooftops stretching to the Mediterranean horizon.
- Explore the Gothic architecture featuring seven gates, polygonal towers, and decorative elements, learning how these fortifications protected Valencia from attack while serving as the ceremonial entrance for ambassadors and kings.
- Discover the towers' fascinating history as a prison for nobility between 1586 and 1887, and their role as a safe depository for Prado Museum artworks during the Spanish Civil War.
Pro tip: Visit on the last Sunday in February to witness the Crida ceremony, when the Fallas Queen welcomes all Valencians and visitors to begin the city's famous fire festival at the feet of these historic towers.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Brunch Corner in the heart of the old town, just next to Plaza de la Virgen, for delicious breakfast, brunch, or lunch with huge portions, a friendly atmosphere, and outdoor seating with historic views.
Attraction: IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art)
Spain's first modern art museum, IVAM, houses 18,200 square meters of galleries dedicated to 20th-century European avant-garde and contemporary art movements from Abstract and Pop Art to European Informalism.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: IVAM
Highlights:
- The permanent collection features works by internationally renowned artists, including James Rosenquist, Richard Hamilton, Robert Rauschenberg, Tony Cragg, Antoni Tàpies, Yves Klein, Alexander Calder, and Cindy Sherman.
- The Julio González collection showcases the pioneering Spanish sculptor's innovative ironwork and abstract forms, forming the core of the museum's original holdings acquired before opening.
- La Sala de la Muralla gallery features remains of Valencia's 14th-century medieval ramparts discovered during construction, offering a unique fusion of contemporary art and archaeological heritage.
Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday for free admission, and check the website for temporary exhibitions featuring cutting-edge contemporary artists.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia's most famous beach, Malvarrosa, stretches 1.8 kilometers of fine golden sand along the Mediterranean, named after the hollyhock flower plantations that once replaced the 19th-century swampland.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Las Arenas
Highlights:
- The wide, open beach (60 meters at its widest point) offers excellent swimming conditions in calm, azure waters, with Blue Flag status recognizing its exceptional water quality and environmental management.
- Enjoy outdoor activities including beach volleyball courts, fitness courses, cross-fit classes, a marked channel for surfing and paddle surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and even diving at the Malvarrosa Reef.
- The bustling promenade features restaurants serving authentic Valencian paella with sea views, cafés perfect for sunset drinks, and a modern tram line connecting the beach to the city center.
Pro tip: Rent a bike and cycle along the coastal path to explore neighboring beaches like Patacona, or arrive around 6:30pm to watch the spectacular Mediterranean sunset paint the sky in golden and pink hues.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Pepica, a legendary beachfront paella restaurant open since 1898, where Ernest Hemingway dined frequently, still cooking paella the traditional way over live wood fire with stunning Mediterranean views.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Brunch Corner, offering an extensive menu with hearty breakfast options, full lunch items, and sandwiches to go, all served by friendly staff in an unbeatable city center location with huge portions that kids will love.
Attraction: Bioparc Valencia
An immersive wildlife park recreating authentic African habitats across 100,000 square meters, Bioparc Valencia eliminates visible barriers to create the sensation of walking through the African savannah, Madagascar forests, and equatorial jungles.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Bioparc
Highlights:
- Observe majestic lions, playful lemurs swinging through trees, towering giraffes, enormous elephants, curious hippos, and vigilant meerkats with their designated "sentry" lookout in naturalistic habitats that prioritize animal welfare.
- Experience the Junior Zookeeper program where children step into the shoes of real zookeepers, learning about animal care, feeding park residents, and assisting with daily tasks under expert staff guidance.
- Watch spectacular animal feedings and the birds of prey show, where eagles and hawks demonstrate hunting skills with dazzling aerial displays, accompanied by live commentary from expert zookeepers sharing fascinating facts.
Pro tip: Arrive when the park opens at 10am to see animals at their most active during morning feeding times, and download the park map to plan your route around the daily keeper talk schedule.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Lokal Mediterranean Kitchen near the City of Arts and Sciences, offering Mediterranean dishes, craft cocktails, and small plates with great wine selections in a cozy, brick-lined, trendy atmosphere perfect for families.
Attraction: Oceanogràfic
The largest aquarium in Europe, designed by architect Felix Candela, Oceanogràfic spans the equivalent of 15 soccer fields and holds 42 million liters of water, enough to fill 16 Olympic swimming pools with 45,000 marine creatures.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Oceanogràfic
Highlights:
- Watch the mesmerizing dolphin shows in the 26-million-liter dolphinarium where intelligent marine mammals showcase acrobatic leaps, synchronized swimming, and playful interactions that delight children and adults alike.
- Explore ten distinct marine ecosystems, including the Mediterranean, Arctic Ocean, tropical waters, Red Sea, and mangrove swamps, each meticulously recreated with native species from penguins to beluga whales.
- Walk through the shark tunnel where massive sharks, graceful manta rays, and schools of colorful fish swim overhead and around you, creating an immersive underwater experience kids will never forget.
Pro tip: Purchase tickets with optional 4D Cinema access for an extra thrill, combining 3D visuals with physical effects like wind, motion, and water sprays that bring marine adventures to life.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk through the complex.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: L'Hemisfèric
A spectacular building designed by Santiago Calatrava resembling a giant human eye, L'Hemisfèric houses Spain's largest IMAX Dome theater with a 900-square-meter concave screen and state-of-the-art projection technology.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: C.C. Aqua
Highlights:
- Experience three audiovisual shows in one room: large-format IMAX Dome cinema with breathtaking films, planetarium representations showing 9,100 stars and celestial phenomena, and laserium audiovisual spectaculars with surround sound.
- The building's eye-shaped design features a "pupil" (the projection dome), "eyelids" (toric vaults), and "eyelashes" (glazed grilles) that fold slowly, all reflected perfectly in the surrounding 24,000-square-meter pond, creating stunning photographs.
- Educational and entertaining shows rotate regularly, offering topics from space exploration and ocean life to dinosaurs and nature documentaries that captivate young minds while teaching scientific concepts.
Pro tip: Check the website for family-friendly show schedules that align with children's interests and age groups.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Walk to Chelsea Market-style dining near the City of Arts and Sciences complex, or try one of the family-friendly waterfront restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, and kid-approved pasta dishes with outdoor seating.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Begin at Art Y Sana in the hipster Ruzafa neighborhood, a vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian-friendly café with cozy atmosphere serving sandwiches, toast, smoothies, kombuchas, mimosas, matcha lattes, and incredible carrot cake.
Attraction: Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Spain's second-largest art gallery, housed in the baroque San Pío V Seminary College (built 1683-1744), the museum showcases 2,000 works spanning the 14th to 19th centuries, including masterpieces by Velázquez, El Greco, Goya, and Joaquín Sorolla.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: San Pío V (Museo Bellas Artes)
Highlights:
- Admire the exceptional Gothic paintings collection featuring medieval "Primitivos Valencianos" by artists like Jacomart, Nicolau, and Reixach, representing some of Spain's finest Gothic art.
- Explore dedicated rooms showcasing Valencian masters, including Joan de Joanes, the Ribaltas, Vicente López, Ignacio Pinazo, and extensive galleries devoted to Valencia's beloved impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla.
- Marvel at the magnificent 16th-century Renaissance Ambassador Vich's Courtyard, rebuilt within the museum in 2006, providing architectural splendor alongside the artistic treasures.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings when the museum is quieter, allowing children to appreciate the art without crowds, and admission is completely free, making it a budget-friendly family activity.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Palace Fesol, a family restaurant opened in 1909 and currently run by the fourth generation, famous among lovers of Valencian cuisine for authentic traditional paellas, rice dishes, and quality presentation.
Attraction: Albufera Natural Park
Spain's largest freshwater lagoon, located 11 kilometers south of Valencia's city center, Albufera Natural Park encompasses rice paddies, wetlands rich with biodiversity, traditional fishing villages, and the birthplace of authentic Valencian paella.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Take the Albufera Bus from Pintor Sorolla
Highlights:
- Enjoy a peaceful 45-minute electric boat cruise across the tranquil lagoon waters, gliding through natural canals while expert guides explain the area's ecology, native and migratory bird species, and traditional eel fishing techniques.
- Visit a traditional barraca, the distinctive fishermen's dwelling with thatched roofs, to learn how local communities have lived in harmony with the wetlands since ancient times.
- Walk the Mediterranean dunes of El Saler beach and explore the charming village of El Palmar, where paella was invented, and families still prepare rice dishes using centuries-old recipes.
Pro tip: Choose the sunset boat tour departing in late afternoon to witness the spectacular golden hour when the sky reflects in fiery colors across the calm lake waters; an experience that stays with you forever.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: Return bus to Valencia.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Central Market (Mercado Central)
Europe's largest fresh produce market in a stunning Modernist building, the Mercado Central spans 8,000 square meters, featuring over 250 stalls with vibrant Mediterranean life and aromas.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Mercado Central
Highlights:
- Children's eyes widen at the live eels swimming in tanks, enormous fresh fish on ice, colorful pyramids of oranges and tomatoes, hanging cured hams, and cheese wheels stacked high, creating a sensory wonderland.
- The architectural marvel features iron columns, decorative ceramic tiles depicting orchard scenes, stunning stained glass windows filtering colorful light, and soaring domes that make the market feel like a cathedral of food.
- Sample local specialties like horchata (a refreshing tiger nut drink), fresh-squeezed orange juice, traditional fartons (sweet pastries), and seasonal fruits while vendors enthusiastically share stories about their products.
Pro tip: Bring small change for purchases, let children choose one exotic fruit they've never tried before, and visit the Central Bar for family-friendly tapas showcasing market ingredients.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at Casa Carmela near Patacona beach, a legendary family restaurant running since the 1920s, cooking paella over an open wood fire the traditional way, with a theatrical kitchen you can watch and a charming garden for outdoor dining.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Stop at La Mas Bonita, a Mediterranean-inspired café serving great breakfast, rich specialty coffee, appetizing pastries and cakes, and some of the best homemade cinnamon rolls you've ever tasted.
Attraction: Bioparc Valencia
An innovative wildlife park eliminating visible barriers between visitors and African animals, Bioparc recreates authentic habitats using zoo-immersion design where families can observe elephants, lions, gorillas, and exotic birds in naturalistic environments.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Bioparc
Highlights:
- Walk through the Madagascar exhibit where playful ring-tailed lemurs leap through trees just meters away, creating magical moments as children observe these acrobatic primates in lush forest settings.
- Experience the African savannah section where giraffes tower overhead, zebras graze peacefully, rhinoceros wallow in mud pools, and lions rest in the shade while educational talks provide fascinating conservation insights.
- Cool off at the outdoor children's playground (when open) and explore self-guided discovery paths using activity sheets that include animal-spotting challenges, quizzes, and scavenger hunts, keeping kids engaged.
Pro tip: Pack sunscreen, hats, and water bottles as much of Bioparc is outdoors, and bring binoculars for children to spot distant animals and birds in the expansive naturalistic habitats.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Visit Boa Beach on Malvarrosa, a trendy beachfront restaurant between touristy spots offering good breakfast, brunch, and lunch options with beautiful interior design, ocean views, and kid-friendly Mediterranean dishes.
Attraction: Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia's most iconic beach, stretching 1.8 kilometers of fine golden sand, Malvarrosa features calm waters perfect for families, Blue Flag certification for environmental excellence, and a vibrant promenade buzzing with activity.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Las Arenas
Highlights:
- Children can build sandcastles, splash in the gentle Mediterranean waves with lifeguard supervision, and play on the beach volleyball courts or designated children's game areas on the town sports field.
- The beach offers accessible features for families, including showers, umbrella and sun lounge rentals, refreshment kiosks, special access for people with reduced mobility, and unguarded parking with over 100 spaces.
- Stroll the wide promenade lined with restaurants serving paella and fresh seafood, ice cream shops, playgrounds, and bike rental stations perfect for family cycling adventures along the Mediterranean coast.
Pro tip: Bring beach toys, arrive before 11am to claim a prime spot with shade, and rent paddleboards or kayaks from vendors for active water fun that older children will love.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: City of Arts and Sciences
This revolutionary architectural ensemble designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela opened 1998, transforming a diverted riverbed into futuristic cultural district featuring sculptural white structures.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: C.C. Aqua
Highlights:
- L'Hemisfèric's iconic ocular architecture houses IMAX dome cinema, planetarium shows projecting 9,100 celestial objects, and laser spectaculars displayed across 900-square-meter concave screens.
- Prince Felipe Science Museum's skeletal whale-inspired exterior contains interactive scientific installations, hands-on experimentation zones, and educational exhibits.
- Reflecting pools surrounding structures create mirror-perfect architectural duplications, transforming photography opportunities, especially during twilight golden hours.
Pro tip: Allocate time exploring exterior grounds, photographing reflections from multiple angles, and appreciating how Calatrava's biomimetic forms challenge conventional architectural aesthetics through nature-inspired sculptural innovation.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Marina Beach Club, offering a modern paella experience in one of the prettiest beachfront settings with a stylish restaurant or Chiringuito Beach Club seating right on the sand, serving duck paella with mushrooms and artichokes.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Cafe ArtySana in the Ruzafa neighborhood, a vegan-vegetarian-friendly café with cozy atmosphere serving sandwiches, toast, smoothies, kombuchas, mimosas, and legendary carrot cake in a hipster setting.
Attraction: Torres de Serranos
One of Europe's best-preserved medieval gateways, built in Valencian Gothic style between 1392 and 1398 by master architect Pere Balaguer, these imposing twin towers once formed part of Valencia's Christian defensive walls.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Serranos
Highlights:
- Ascend the monumental stone staircase (added in 1397) to explore the fortress interior, discovering how these seven-gated towers protected Valencia from attack while serving as the ceremonial entrance for kings, ambassadors, and official processions.
- Learn the towers' fascinating transformation from military fortification to noble prison (1586-1887), housing famous prisoners like the Duke of Gandia and Marquis of Dos Aguas in its Gothic chambers.
- Stand atop the battlements, enjoying panoramic views where Valencians gather each February for the Crida ceremony, opening the spectacular Fallas fire festival, a tradition connecting past to present.
Pro tip: Visit early morning when soft light illuminates the limestone cladding from Alginet, and bring a camera to photograph the Gothic polygonal towers inspired by Morella's Porta de Sant Miquel.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Fraunces Tavern, a historic landmark where revolutionaries once gathered, savoring Scotch Eggs, Slow-Roasted Chicken Pot Pie, and Shepherd's Pie served in an authentic colonial-era ambiance.
Attraction: La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange)
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece and late Gothic civil architecture jewel built 1482-1533, La Lonja symbolizes Valencia's 15th-16th century wealth and power as a dominant Mediterranean mercantile city trading silk fortunes.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Mercado Central
Highlights:
- Marvel at the Sala de Contratación, where silk merchants negotiated contracts beneath soaring twisted columns and vaulted ceilings, with Latin inscriptions along all four walls celebrating honest commerce and merchant dignity.
- Explore the Pavilion of the Consulate, housing Spain's first Consolat del Mar (marine merchant tribunal), with original 15th-century furnishings, richly decorated ceilings, and the central tower once imprisoning debtors.
- Wander the peaceful Court of Orange Trees, a walled courtyard filled with fragrant citrus groves offering contemplative escape where Valencia's merchants once conducted business outdoors.
Pro tip: Join a guided tour to learn how architect Pere Comte completed this Gothic marvel in just 15 years (1483-1498), and examine the intricate stonework celebrating Valencia's commercial golden age.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Valencia Cathedral
Built over a Roman temple, Visigothic cathedral, and Moorish mosque beginning June 22, 1262, Valencia Cathedral embodies 2,000 years of religious history with layers of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Plaza de la Reina
Highlights:
- Venerate the Holy Chalice in the Chapel of the Holy Chalice (built 1356-1369), the agate cup dating from the 1st century that many faithful believe is the true Holy Grail used by Jesus at the Last Supper.
- Ascend the iconic Miguelete Tower, the 51-meter octagonal Gothic bell tower begun in 1381 and completed in 1429, climbing 207 spiral steps to breathtaking city panoramas from the terrace where the largest bell dedicated to St. Michael rings.
- Explore the cathedral museum displaying Renaissance paintings, works commissioned by Pope Alexander VI, masterpieces by Maella and Goya, and the stunning Baroque Iron Gate designed by German architect Konrad Rudolf.
Pro tip: Research the Holy Chalice's remarkable journey from Zaragoza to Valencia in 1437, and photograph the cathedral from Plaza de la Reina to capture the eclectic architectural styles from different centuries.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at The Villard inside the historic Villard Mansion, offering refined dishes like Eggs Benedict and Brioche French Toast in an elegant atmosphere with Italian Renaissance-style architecture, creating memorable ambiance.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Federal Valencia, a spacious café in a historic building with high ceilings and a modern Scandinavian interior, serving excellent coffee, hearty eggs Benedict, avocado toast, burgers, and delicious smoothies.
Attraction: IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art)
Spain's pioneering modern art museum, IVAM was designed by Valencian architects Carlos Salvadores and Emilio Jiménez, built within Valencia's historic Carmen neighborhood to revitalize the old quarter.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: IVAM
Highlights:
- Explore permanent exhibitions studying Julio González (1876-1942), the Spanish sculptor pioneering abstract iron sculpture, and Ignacio Pinazo (1849-1916), showcasing IVAM's foundational collection pillars acquired before the museum opened.
- Admire works spanning the 1914 historical avant-garde to contemporary art by Antoni Tàpies, Yves Klein, Jean Dubuffet, Alexander Calder, Cindy Sherman, and other internationally renowned 20th-century artists.
- Visit La Sala de la Muralla, a gallery with independent access displaying Valencia's medieval wall foundations from the 14th century, discovered during museum construction, fusing archaeology with contemporary exhibitions.
Pro tip: Check IVAM's website for free admission on Wednesday afternoons (4-7pm) and Sundays, and explore temporary exhibitions featuring cutting-edge contemporary artists alongside the permanent collection.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy authentic Valencian cuisine at Restaurante Levante near Bioparc, highly regarded for serving some of Valencia's best traditional paella valenciana with rabbit, chicken, and green beans cooked to perfection.
Attraction: Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Spain's second-largest art gallery, founded in 1913 and housed in the baroque San Pío V Seminary College (1683-1744), the museum preserves 2,000 artworks documenting Spanish artistic heritage from medieval Gothic through 19th-century masters.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: San Pío V (Museo Bellas Artes)
Highlights:
- Study the exceptional Gothic paintings collection representing medieval "Primitivos Valencianos" (14th-16th centuries), including masterpieces by Alcanyís, Nicolau, Jacomart, and Reixach, documenting Valencia's artistic golden age.
- Admire Renaissance and Baroque works by Valencian School masters like Joan de Joanes, the Ribaltas, Espinosa, and Vicente López, alongside international giants including Pinturicchio, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya.
- Examine the reconstructed 16th-century Ambassador Vich's Courtyard, one of Spain's most important Renaissance courtyards, rebuilt within the museum in 2006, showcasing architectural magnificence.
Pro tip: Dedicate time to the Joaquín Sorolla galleries celebrating Valencia's beloved impressionist painter, and visit the archaeological sections displaying the Lion of Bocairent and early Christian sarcophagus of San Vicente Mártir.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Albufera Natural Park
A 21,000-hectare wetland ecosystem 11 kilometers south of Valencia, Albufera Natural Park preserves Spain's largest freshwater lagoon, traditional rice cultivation fields, and the cultural heritage of fishing villages, maintaining centuries-old traditions.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Take the Albufera Bus from Pintor Sorolla
Highlights:
- Cruise the tranquil lagoon waters in traditional albuferenc boats, learning about historical fishing techniques, rice cultivation that transformed wetlands into agricultural wealth, and how Albufera sustained local communities since ancient times.
- Explore a preserved barraca, the distinctive thatched-roof fishermen's dwelling, experiencing how families lived harmoniously with the wetlands and examining authentic tools, furnishings, and fishing equipment from bygone eras.
- Walk through El Palmar village, where paella was invented, understanding how this iconic dish emerged from fishermen combining local rice, vegetables, rabbit, and whatever ingredients were available in resourceful culinary creativity.
Pro tip: Choose the sunset boat tour to witness the magical "golden hour" when the sky transforms into fiery oranges and pinks reflecting across the mirror-like lake—the view immortalized by countless Valencian artists.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Savor authentic paella at Arroceria Maribel in El Palmar, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee restaurant serving spectacular seafood paella using rice grown in surrounding paddies and fresh ingredients from the lagoon's ecosystem.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Begin at Bastard Coffee & Kitchen, combining US and Mediterranean cuisine with homemade breakfast options from coffee with croissants to matcha pancakes, French toast with Valencia horchata, and homemade waffles in industrial decor.
Attraction: Central Market (Mercado Central)
A Modernist architectural masterpiece designed in 1914, the Mercado Central represents early 20th-century Valencia's commercial prosperity with an eclectic pre-Modernist style spanning over 8,000 square meters across two floors.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Mercado Central
Highlights:
- Admire the architectural innovation featuring iron column structures reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, colorful polychromed ceramic tiles, stunning stained glass panels, and a unique roof comprising original domes at different heights, flooding the interior with natural light.
- Wander over 250 stalls witnessing Valencia's living culinary tradition, where locals have shopped for fresh produce, fish, meat, and regional specialties for nearly a century, maintaining Mediterranean market culture.
- Taste local products unavailable outside Spain, including Valencia oranges from nearby orchards, tiger nut horchata, paella rice varieties, spices, live eels, cured hams, artisan cheeses, and traditional sweets.
Pro tip: Observe how the market functions as both a tourist attraction and working marketplace where stallholders earn their living, respecting local shopping customs and supporting Valencia's authentic food heritage.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at La Sastreria for seafood appetizers, tapas, fresh fish dishes, and paella prepared with Mediterranean flair in an atmosphere celebrating Valencia's coastal culinary traditions.
Attraction: Turia Gardens
Created after the catastrophic 1957 Turia River flood, these gardens transformed a proposed transportation corridor into one of Spain's largest urban parks, stretching 9 kilometers, introduced to the world in 1986 following citizen demands for green space.
Nearest stop:
Valencia Bus Turistic: Palau de la Música
Highlights:
- Cross 18 historic bridges spanning different architectural periods and styles, including the Serranos (16th century), Trinidad (15th century), and San José (17th century) bridges that once crossed the Turia River.
- Learn how public activism through the movement "El llit del Túria és nostre i el volem verd" ("The Turia riverbed is ours, and we want it green") successfully opposed highway construction, creating this green legacy for future generations.
- Explore the gardens connecting Bioparc's African savannah westward to the City of Arts and Sciences eastward, with the Palau de la Música, Gulliver Park, and sports facilities demonstrating urban planning excellence.
Pro tip: Walk segments designed by renowned architects like Ricardo Bofill (the noble area with orange and palm trees) and examine historical markers explaining the 1957 flood disaster that killed 81 people and prompted river diversion.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: City of Arts and Sciences
An avant-garde architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the City of Arts and Sciences began construction in July 1996 and opened on April 16, 1998, representing Valencia's architectural leap into the future, built in the former Turia riverbed.
Nearest stop: Valencia Bus Turistic: C.C. Aqua
Highlights:
- Examine Calatrava's distinctive architectural philosophy in structures like L'Hemisfèric (the eye of wisdom), the Science Museum's skeletal whale form, and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía opera house.
- Photograph the complex from multiple angles as white concrete structures reflect in surrounding pools, creating Instagram-perfect symmetry, especially during golden hour when Mediterranean light transforms the architecture.
- Understand the complex's evolution from the original 1991 budget of €300 million for three structures to the final cost three times higher as additional buildings were added over nearly a decade.
Pro tip: Visit the complex at dusk when LED lighting illuminates the white structures in changing colors, transforming the architectural park into a futuristic wonderland reflecting Valencia's modern identity.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at a restaurant near the City of Arts and Sciences complex, or return to the historic center for traditional Valencian dishes celebrating the culinary heritage you've explored throughout your 3 days in Valencia.