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 Valencia by Bike

Our Favourite Way to See the City

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If you really want to get a feel for Valencia?

we found that there is hardly a better way than by bike. The city is wonderfully flat, which makes cycling easy and relaxed. And running right through Valencia is the Jardín del Turia, a huge green park created in the former riverbed of the Turia. It is now one of the city’s most popular places to cycle. Our day did not start on the bikes, though. We parked the car at Parking C. Buenas Aires and headed to *Hotspot Valencia* to rent our bikes. From there, we simply planned a route through the city and set off.

First stop: Musgo Bazar

On the way to Hotspot Valencia, we passed Musgo Bazar, a fun shop that immediately caught our attention. It has that kind of atmosphere where you just want to have a little look around, even when you did not plan a shopping stop.

And honestly, those spontaneous stops are part of what made the day so enjoyable. We were not trying to tick every sight off a list we were just seeing where the ride took us. Plaza de la Reina From there, we continued towards *Plaza de la Reina*, right in the heart of Valencia’s historic centre. It is one of those places where the city suddenly feels wonderfully lively: old buildings, cafés, people coming and going, and the cathedral rising above the square. We naturally slowed down here to take it all in. The cathedral and its famous Micalet tower are the main highlights, while the terraces around the square make it a great place to stop for a while. Plaza de la Reina is also one of the central places recommended for experiencing Valencia’s historic centre. For us, the best part was simply being in the middle of the old city, taking in the atmosphere before jumping back on our bikes.

A little break at Café de las Horas

After a bit more cycling, we stopped at Café de las Horas, one of Valencia’s most famous spots for Agua de Valencia. This refreshing cocktail, made with orange juice and sparkling wine, is a real Valencia classic and the café is particularly known for its own version.
The inside is just as memorable as the drink. With its colourful, theatrical and slightly extravagant décor, it feels like stepping into another world for a moment. We loved taking a little break here before getting back on our bikes.

From the city into the green: Jardín del Turia

Then we headed into the Jardín del Turia, and the atmosphere changed completely.

One moment we were in the busy historic centre; the next, we were surrounded by trees, palms and open space. The Turia Gardens stretch for around nine kilometres through the city, following the former riverbed of the Turia

This was probably one of our favourite things about Valencia: within minutes, you can go from historic streets to greenery, palm trees and wide paths made for cycling.

The story behind the park is pretty remarkable too. After the devastating flood of 1957, the Turia river was diverted away from the city, leaving its old riverbed available for a completely new purpose. The gardens were eventually opened in 1986.

And from a bike, it is such a pleasure. We did not feel the need to rush anywhere we just enjoyed the ride, the bridges, the greenery and the little moments along the way. It almost feels like leaving the city, even though you are still right in the middle of Valencia.

The grand finale: City of Arts and Sciences

Then, almost without noticing, the scenery changes again. After the green Turia Gardens, the *City of Arts and Sciences* suddenly appears in front of you. What a contrast.

We had gone from historic squares and old streets to futuristic white architecture and huge pools of water. The complex combines science, culture and entertainment, with highlights including L’Hemisfèric, the Science Museum, L’Oceanogràfic and the Palau de les Arts.

For us, it was the perfect ending. After cycling through the old city and the green heart of Valencia, we finished surrounded by buildings that almost look like they belong in a futuristic movie. And that contrast is exactly what made the route so memorable.

And perhaps that is what we loved most: you do not have to plan every minute. Just ride, take a wrong turn now and then, stop for a coffee and see what is waiting around the next corner. We hope you enjoy Valencia just as much as we did!