8 Super Fun & Budget-Friendly Activities In Valencia

Save some money while seeing several popular landmarks in Valencia.

Valencia is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Spain. Although it is the third largest city, it is often overlooked by tourists who flock straight to Barcelona and Madrid. Valencia has just as much to offer as its more popular counterparts and at a fraction of the price.

Budget-friendly activities in Valencia
Photo by Northleg Official on Unsplash

Scenic Bike Ride

Scenic Bike Ride
Photo by Pexels Tiago Alves Araujo

Renting a bike whether it is for a day, week, or month is a very economical way to get around the city. The most scenic biking route is in the Jardi del Turia which wraps around the city of Valencia and has a bike lane throughout the entirety of the park. Valenbisi offers a free 30-minute bike rental, afterwards the usual rate of €1.04 per hour will apply and €3.12 for each following hour.

Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de València)

Carrer de Sant Pius V, 9, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain

The Museo de Bellas Artes is a fine art museum featuring paintings dating back to the 14th century of Valencia. Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., the museum is open to the public with free admission. There are two levels and a small garden to explore. The paintings mostly depict the historical events of Jesus Christ as well as the royalty of the time period.

Valencia Cathedral

Pl. de l'Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

The Cathedral of Valencia is an impressive Gothic Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. For only €10, travelers can listen to various numbered audio recordings explaining each sight within the cathedral and historic events that took place. For €2, visitors can climb La Torre del Micalet for a scenic 360-degree view of the city. The tower started construction in 1381 and finished in 1429.

Cathedral
Photo: Pexels by Erika Lopez

Beach Day

A beach day in Valencia is the perfect way to save money while having plenty of fun. Boats and paddle boards can be rented for the day right on the beach. Pack or purchase a beach chair with straps since there are no rental beach chairs available onsite. The boardwalk also makes for a great scenic bike ride.

Climb the Torres de Quart and Torres Serranos

Torres de Quart: Plaça de Santa Úrsula, 1, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Torres de Serranos: Plaça dels Furs, s/n, 46003 València, Spain

The Torres de Quart and Torres Serranos were one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall – the Christian Wall which was built in the late 14th century. The towers were used as a prison for nobles between 15th and 16th centuries and are 10 minutes apart by foot. Mondays to Saturdays, the tower is open between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays it is open between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. General admission is €2 and for students, groups, children under 7, and families admission is €1. Sundays are free admission to the public.

The Torres del Quart valencia
Photo by Juan Puyo on Unsplash

Jardín del Turia

y San Pío V, y Paseos de la Ciudadela y de la Alameda, C. del Pintor López, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

La Jardin del Turia
Photo by Lynn Vdbr on Unsplash

The 9-kilometer-long Jardin del Turia used to be a river until 1957. After a devastating flood, the river was diverted south and then landscaped into what we know today. The park is wrapped around the city of Valencia and is perfect for runners to practice for marathons or competitions with a scenic view. For families, there are numerous playgrounds, one of the most popular being the Gulliver playground, the enormous attraction represents the protagonist of the story Gulliver’s Travels upon his arrival in Lilliput, a famous work by Jonathan Swift.

The Central Market of Valencia (Mercado Central de Valencia)

Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

El Mercado Central
Photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash

The Mercado Central is located in the El Mercat neighborhood, which explains its name. The market is open from 7:30am to 3pm Monday to Saturday. Fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, seafood, and bakery items can be purchased in one the 1,200 stalls available. Built in 1928, the building has an iconic stained window circular roof in the center.

Visit La Lonja De La Seda

Carrer de la Llotja, 2, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

La Lonja De La Seda was constructed between 1482 and 1533 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.  Between Monday and Saturday the entrance fee is €2, however, on Sundays it is free. For children from 7 to 12 years old, groups, retirees, and students it is €1.

Natalia Guerra

Contributing Editor

Natalia Guerra was born in Miami and comes from a Cuban background. Aside from her passion for travel writing and culinary arts, she also loves to step out of her comfort zone to live life to the fullest. Her lifestyle is being a digital nomad, working remotely as she travels the world one city at a time. Her favorite country has been Spain for its beautiful architecture and food, which reminds her of her Cuban culture.

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