Valencia – The City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia is a beautiful Spanish city located on the Mediterranean coast. It is known for its stunning architecture, sandy beaches, and delicious food. Valencia is the perfect destination for a family vacation, as there is something to keep everyone entertained. From exploring the city’s many museums to spending a day at the beach, and strolling through the breathtaking parks.
Language Spanish
The currency Euro
Best time to visit Valencia
The best time to visit Valencia is in the spring or fall, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, the city is lovely in the summer as well, when the weather is warm and sunny.
The beaches are definitely a major draw in the summer months, but be aware that it can be quite hot and much more crowded. If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to pack light, airy clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
Valencia is a great city to visit year-round, but spring and fall are definitely the best times to go. We visited in September and the weather was beautiful, it was very pleasant but yet still had some hot days, we had one day of rain and the rest we could have honestly spent every day at the beach the weather was so good, without the summer crowds.
Getting to Valencia
To get to Valencia, you can fly to the city’s airport, which is located around 11km outside of the city center, you can find some budget flights here with Skyscanner. You can also take a train or bus from other major Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. Trains run frequently from Madrid and take as little as 1.5hours or if traveling from Barcelona allows for a 3-hour journey.
Getting around Valencia
Valencia is easily explored on foot, as most of the attractions are located in the city center. However, there is also an excellent public transportation system that can be used to get around.
The city has a metro system, as well as buses and trams. The Metro system is easy to navigate, so you shouldn’t get overwhelmed. Trams are a great way to get to the beaches, the kids will love riding the tram, which is a great way to see some of the city’s sights. A ride on the metro is also a great option for getting around, as it is quick and efficient. As mentioned the city is easily seen by foot, but renting a bike is another option and the city is well equipped for cyclists, you can hire bikes from where they have stations throughout the city.
Where to stay
There are many great places to stay in Valencia, depending on your budget and preferences. There are a number of hotels located in the city center, which is convenient for exploring all of the sights. However, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, there are also a number of Airbnbs located throughout the city.
For those on a budget, there are a number of hostels located in Valencia, which are a great option for exploring the city on a budget and with easy access to transport.
No matter what your budget or preferences, there is plenty of accommodation options, Valencia is more budget-friendly for travelers compared to Madrid and Barcelona.
If you are looking to stay one, two, or more nights, you can book here with Booking.com
If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel here with HostelWorldwide.
What to pack for a trip to Valencia
When packing for a trip to Valencia, be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. It is also a good idea to pack light clothing, as the weather is usually warm, be sure to take a light jacket for some of the cooler nights.
Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit if you are planning on spending any time at the beach. And of course, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all of the beautiful sights of Valencia.
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Here is a suggested 10-day itinerary for an amazing trip to Valencia with kids.
On Day 1 of your trip to Valencia, start your adventure at the City of Arts and Sciences. This massive complex is one of Valencia’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is easy to see why. The Hemispheric is an interactive museum that offers a unique experience for all ages. The underwater tunnels at the Oceanografic are a must-see, and the IMAX cinema offers some of the best 3D movies around.
If you are visiting in summer be sure to have some fun in the water walking balls and small boats or bodyboards they have for hire for a small fee, the kids had a heap of fun running in the water balls, my husband and daughter tried out the little boats, while our son tried the boards.
Tip: best to be wearing flip-flops (or have a spare pair of shoes) in case you fall in, Riley fell into the water and had very wet shoes, but was a load of fun and laughs.
Day 2
Spend the day at the beach. Valencia is home to some of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Whether you want to relax in the sun or try your hand at some water sports, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to enjoy a refreshing drink and some delicious food while you’re there. Be sure to keep your belongings safe if you are going to go swimming.
Day 3
Visit Mercado Central, Valencia’s famous market. This is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You’ll also find plenty of fresh produce, so be sure to stock up on snacks for the days ahead. You will be in ore of all the seafood on hand, be sure to try some, we ate some oysters during our visit and they were so fresh and delicious. After your bellies are full take some time to stroll around the streets of the city center, there are some unique stores to be found.
Day 4
If you like shopping, Valencia has some nice shopping centers not too far from the City of Science, a short walk (about 10min) you will find CC Saler, I did quite a bit of clothes shopping here at the store C&A and they have many well-known brands stores like H&M, Zara and many more and here you can too find a major supermarket Carrefour.
Another short (15min) from the city of Science you will find the Aqua Multiespacio shopping center, here you will find some great restaurants to eat in, and it even has a cinema if you want to catch a movie in Spanish, this center is much smaller then CC Saler, but they do have a Lego center which will sure bit a hit for the kids.
Day 5
Go on a day trip to Xativa. This beautiful town is located just a short drive from Valencia, and it makes for a great day trip. Wander through the narrow streets, stopping to admire the architecture and check out the shops along the way. Be sure to visit the castle for some stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Day 6
Explore some of Valencia’s best museums. The Museum of Fine Arts and the National Archaeological Museum are both definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for something a little different, the Museum of Chocolate is also a lot of fun and sure one the kids would enjoy, the Chocolate Museum is however about a 30-minute drive from the center of Valencia.
Day 7
Take a walk through Parque de Cabecera. This large park is perfect to spend the day strolling around, enjoying a picnic or some lunch with surrounding cafes, it’s also home to a number of attractions, including an aviary and a botanical garden, and a not to miss visit to the Bioparc Valencia. This unique zoo is home to a number of endangered species, and it’s a great place to learn about conservation. The kids will also love getting up close to the animals.
Day 8
Get back into the center to see Two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. The building was once used as a silk exchange, and it’s now home to a museum. The museum is interesting, but even if you don’t go inside, the exterior of the building is definitely worth a look.
Visit the Plaza de la Virgen. This square is home to the stunning Valencia Cathedral, as well as a number of other historical buildings. Spend some time walking around and admiring the architecture, and make your way to the top of the Cathedral of Valencia for sweeping views of the city.
Dating back to the 13th century, this Gothic building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia. The exterior is impressive, but the real highlight is the interior, with its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Be sure to take the elevator to the top of the cathedral for stunning views of Valencia. Then stop for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants that surround the square.
Day 9
Spend some time strolling through one of Spain’s largest parks The Turia Gardens – the former riverbed passes by the city’s main attractions and it’s a great place to spend a day with the kids with over 9 kilometers of green space, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind. A great place to rent a bike and cycle along the many paths, the gardens are perfect for a morning walk or an afternoon picnic. Kids will love exploring the many bridges and playgrounds along the way.
Be sure to stop in at Gullivers Park for some fun your kids will no doubt be ready to let off some steam. A short walk from the city of Arts through the Turia Gardens you will be met with the unique Gullivers Park, where they can run around and play to their heart’s content. There are also a number of rides suitable for younger children, making it the perfect place to finish off your day.
Day 10
End your trip by relaxing and taking it easy, stroll through the beautiful parks again, the parks are well worth a second visit, pure tranquility, and finish off with a visit to one of Valencia’s many amazing restaurants for a delicious meal. Buen provecho!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation destination that has something for everyone, look no further than Valencia. This beautiful Spanish city has it all, from stunning architecture and sandy beaches to delicious food and fun activities for kids. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored.
Use this suggested 10-day itinerary to plan the perfect trip to Valencia with your family. You’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are exploring more of Spain, be sure to spend some time in Barcelona, another great city full of history.