Things to do near the Turia Gardens: section by section after your walk

The Turia Gardens are Valencia's great park: nine kilometres of green in the old riverbed, from Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences. You can walk, run or cycle them, and each section has something nearby for when the walk is over.

This guide covers things to do near each part of the Turia, from west to east, and where to eat, have a drink or stretch out the afternoon.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• Nine kilometres of park crossing the city under its bridges.
• To the west: Bioparc, Parque de Cabecera and the Carmen quarter.
• In the centre: the Serranos Towers, Viveros and the Fine Arts Museum.
• Along the Alameda: terraces, afternoon sessions and the Palau de la Música.
• To the east: Gulliver, the City of Arts and Sciences and, beyond, the sea.
• By bike: Valenbisi has stations near many of the entrances.

Cabecera and Bioparc

The western section starts at Parque de Cabecera, with its lake and rowing boats, next to Bioparc. It is the quietest stretch and the easiest with children.

• Bioparc: Valencia's zoo, with animals in recreations of their African habitats.
• Rowing boats on the Cabecera lake.
• For lunch: the Campanar neighbourhood, a few minutes away.

Serranos Towers and El Carmen

At the Serranos Towers, the city's medieval gate, you step straight into the old town.

• Serranos Towers: you can climb them to see the Turia and the old town from above.
• El Carmen: narrow streets, street art and bars.
• The Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen, ten minutes' walk away.
• For lunch: tapas in the centre. Here are the typical Valencian tapas.

Viveros and the Fine Arts Museum

The Viveros Gardens, beside the riverbed, are one of the city's prettiest parks. Next to them is the Fine Arts Museum, with works by Velázquez, Goya and Sorolla.

• Viveros Gardens: walks, shade and fountains.
• Valencia Fine Arts Museum, free to enter.
• To carry on: the Alameda is a few minutes away.

The Alameda and the Palau de la Música

Paseo de la Alameda runs parallel to the Turia, between bridges such as the Exposición and the Flores. It is one of the nicest places to end your walk.

• Palau de la Música, with concerts throughout the year.
• Terraces with views: at Palau Alameda, Àtic is a panoramic restaurant with a terrace open all year, for lunch, dinner or a drink after your walk.
• Afterwork and afternoon sessions: the afterwork in Valencia on Wednesdays and Thursdays and the weekend tardeo.
• Concerts in La Gran Sala: dates are in the concert agenda.

Gulliver and the City of Arts and Sciences

The final section reaches Gulliver Park, a giant lying down for children to climb over, and Calatrava's City of Arts and Sciences.

• Gulliver Park, free and perfect with children.
• City of Arts and Sciences: the Hemisfèric, the Science Museum and the Oceanogràfic.
• Palau de les Arts, with opera and dance.

To the sea

From the end of the Turia, Malva-rosa beach and El Cabanyal are a few minutes away by bike. For a complete outing, from the Turia to the sea in a morning.

Tips for the walk

• Early morning or sunset in summer; any time in autumn, winter and spring.
• Water and a hat in summer: some stretches have little shade.
• A cycle lane along the whole park, separate from the footpath.
• Use the bridges as landmarks: each connects to a different neighbourhood.

For more ideas, here is Valencia in autumn, things to do in Valencia at night and Àtic's rooftop in Valencia.

Frequently asked questions

How long are the Turia Gardens?

About nine kilometres, from Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences.

What is near the Turia Gardens?

Bioparc, the Serranos Towers and El Carmen, the Viveros Gardens and the Fine Arts Museum, the Alameda and the Palau de la Música, Gulliver Park and the City of Arts and Sciences.

Where can you eat near the Turia Gardens?

In the old town, by the Serranos Towers, or along the Alameda, where there are terraces with views such as Àtic, at Palau Alameda.

Can you cycle through the Turia Gardens?

Yes. There is a cycle lane along the whole route and Valenbisi stations near many entrances.

What can you do in the Turia with children?

Gulliver Park, the Cabecera lake with its rowing boats, Bioparc and the City of Arts and Sciences.

What is the best time to walk in the Turia?

In summer, early morning or at sunset. The rest of the year, any time; at sunset the light is especially beautiful.