Valencia, the vibrant Mediterranean city, blends its rich historical heritage with bold, cutting-edge architecture. This walking tour will guide you through the most iconic spots in the city, including the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, and the charming El Carmen neighborhood.
Valencia is best discovered on foot, and there is no better way to explore it than with an expert local guide. Book a GuruWalk free tour now, with no credit card required, and enjoy Valencia to the fullest.
📍 Tour Map and Route Details
The route covers a total distance of approximately 7 kilometers. Estimated time: 4–5 hours (not including stops for indoor visits and breaks).
Suggested Route:
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Oceanogràfic
- Turia Gardens
- Central Market
- Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)
- Valencia Cathedral
- Miguelete Tower
- Plaza de la Virgen
- El Carmen neighborhood
- Malvarrosa Beach
🏛️ Attraction Details
1. City of Arts and Sciences
This architectural complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, is one of Valencia’s modern icons. It includes buildings such as the Hemisfèric, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, where you can enjoy top-quality live shows. We recommend visiting the Hemisfèric for its digital projections and the Science Museum to interact with its educational exhibitions.
2. Oceanogràfic
Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe and is home to more than 500 marine species. Its facilities recreate habitats ranging from the Mediterranean to the Arctic. After admiring the underwater tunnel and the dolphin show, you can complete your maritime experience with a catamaran ride on the waters of the port.
3. Turia Gardens
This vast urban park occupies the former riverbed of the Turia and is ideal for walking or doing sports. If you want to explore its 9 kilometers at your own pace, choose the convenient bike rental. Along the route you will find playgrounds, fountains and rest areas that link the City of Arts and Sciences with the historic center.
4. Central Market
The Central Market, a Modernist gem filled with tiles and wrought iron, is one of the largest fresh food markets in Europe. After tasting fruit, cured hams and cheeses, extend your gastronomic immersion with a Valencian wine tasting led by local experts.
5. Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Silk Exchange was the city’s commercial hub between 1482 and 1548. To fully understand its history and the old silk trade, sign up for organized city excursions that delve into its Gothic legacy.
6. Valencia Cathedral
The Cathedral —or Seu— combines styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque and houses the Holy Chalice. After visiting the Main Chapel and admiring the Renaissance frescoes, you can hop on the sightseeing bus to comfortably reach other iconic neighborhoods.
7. Miguelete Tower
Attached to the Cathedral, the Miguelete Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of Valencia after climbing its 207 steps.
8. Plaza de la Virgen
Surrounded by the Cathedral, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken and the Palace of the Generalitat, this square is the historic heart of Valencia. The Turia Fountain, which represents the river and its irrigation channels, invites you to sit down and enjoy the local atmosphere.
9. El Carmen neighborhood
With its medieval walls, street art, vintage shops and nightlife, the El Carmen neighborhood shows the perfect blend of past and present. It is a great starting point for discovering hidden corners and emerging gastronomic hotspots.
10. Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa is Valencia’s most famous urban beach. Here you can ride a jet ski, rent a boat to explore the coast, or relax at the beach bars along the seafront promenade while enjoying an authentic paella by the sea.
💡 Practical Tips
Best time to do the tour
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for the pleasant weather
- Start early (8:00–9:00) to avoid the midday heat
- Avoid public holidays if you prefer fewer crowds
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water and snacks
- Camera
- Cash for entrance fees and purchases
Download the map
If you do not want to wander around like a lost tourist with a paper map in hand, we recommend joining a free tour with GuruWalk, which is the most fun and enriching way to get to know the city.
In any case, if you want to have the map on your device, you can download it completely free and take it wherever you like, in both JPG and PDF formats.
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Frequently Asked Questions from travelers visiting Valencia
¿Cuánto tiempo se necesita para completar el tour?
El recorrido básico toma entre 4 y 5 horas, pero recomendamos dedicar un día completo si planeas visitar los interiores de los monumentos y disfrutar de la playa.
¿Es necesario reservar entradas con anticipación?
Sí, especialmente para la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias y el Oceanogràfic. Otras atracciones como la Catedral o la Lonja de la Seda no requieren reserva previa.
¿El tour es accesible para personas con movilidad reducida?
La mayoría de las atracciones y rutas son accesibles. Sin embargo, la subida a la Torre del Miguelete implica escaleras y puede ser un desafío.
