Valencia is a really nice city. It is not so crowded as touristic Barcelona and it is also very green. That's why I think this city is perfect to explore with children. I'm taking you on our five-day trip.
Bioparc
Valencia city
Highlights ⚡️
- The beach; the beach is located on a long boulevard with restaurants. It was not that busy (mid June) and clean. We rented a daybed for €7 and an umbrella for €8. We ate a delicious brunch at Boa Beach and got some ice cream after our beach day! 🏖️
- Ciutat de las Arts i les Ciencès; if you Google Valencia, you will immediately see a picture of this place. Nice place to stroll around, and the kids can try out some science games in the museum. In addition, you also have L'Oceanogràfic here - a huge aquarium. 🐠
- Bioparc; zoo inspired by Africa. We were here for three hours and my daughter loved it. 🦒
- Big indoor shopping malls; I noticed that there is a lot to do for kids in the various shopping centers. For example, you have a Lego experience in the Aqua mall, where children can play Legos. There is also a trampoline park there, where of course I couldn't get my daughter to leave. 🛍️
- Turia park; right through the city you will find the Turia park. It is a beautiful park with different trees and flowers. For the bigger children you have the Gulliver playground, and for the smaller children there are plenty of other playgrounds where they lose some energy. 🌴
Valencia city
Mercado Central
Beach
Location and transportation 🚗
From the airport we chose to take a taxi to our hotel. You can easily take public transport from the airport, but with a small child (2.5 years) luggage and a buggy, we did not feel like it. Where I used to think I would order an Uber, they are strict in Valencia when it comes to transporting a child in a child seat (very good of course!). So we took an airport taxi and we paid €45 to the Primus hotel.
I chose the Primus hotel because of the location and the swimming pool. I couldn't find many good hotels with a large swimming pool, and I do think that that is nice with a little one. The location of this hotel is behind 'Ciutat de las Arts i les Ciencès' with three large indoor shopping centers nearby.
In Valencia, the best way to get around is by public transport or by bicycle. I considered renting a car, but there are several low-traffic streets and Valencia is also very walkable. From our hotel we walked in about an hour to the center (but through the beautiful Turia park, so it was no punishment) and in half an hour to the beach. To the zoo, we took the bus that stopped in front of the door. A bus ticket costs €1.50. If you do plan to do everything by public transport, it is best to purchase a Valencia Tourist Card. This allows you unlimited travel by public transport.
MDV - Mi Dulce Vida
When food = life 🍛
Valencia is the city of paella, so we had to taste it. The original paella is made with rabbit, but fortunately you also have paella with seafood or just vegetables. Of course, we also ate tapas because that's what you do in Spain! This mom also took a glass of sangria – it was my holiday too 😉.
In the center you will find Mercado Central. A large market hall where the locals do their shopping. As a tourist you can admire the beautiful dome of the hall and get a fresh fruit juice.
Spaniards have dinner quite late, so most restaurants don't open until around 8pm. Yet I found a number where we could join earlier, and which are also child-friendly.
Child-friendly restaurants in Valencia:
Brunch
Diner
Ciutat de las Arts i les Ciencès
L'Umbracle
Valencia city
Good to know 🙋🏽♀️
🪪
Spain is part of the EU, as a Dutch citizen, you can visit Valencia with your passport or ID
💰
You pay here with Euros
💸
Pocket money; about €300 for 5 days (1 adult + 1 child)
☀️
The best time to travel is from April to October, where it can get very hot from June to September!
💦
You can drink tap water in Spain. “Agua potable” means drinking water
🚕
In Spain it is best to use the taxi apps Cabify and Free now
📱
Use Google Translate if people don't speak English
🧳
If you are going to combine your trip with the beach, I recommend max. 5 days. If you plan to only do sightseeing, then 2-3 days is more than enough
🍊
Fun fact: Valencia is the city of oranges!
Five days flew by and we enjoyed it so much. Valencia is highly recommended as far as I'm concerned, for any age 😃.
Ciao,
Nathalie
Hey you! Just wanted to let you know that this blog contains affiliate links. If you take action (i.e. make a purchase) by clicking one of the affiliate links, I'll earn some coffee money, which I promise to drink while supporting you in your journey! You do not pay a higher price.