Valencia: City Highlights Bike Tour & Turia Gardens Ride

Summary

Valencia’s old streets, Turia park breeze and modern art rides

See Valencia’s lively plazas and hidden corners by bike with a local guide leading the way. Feel the breeze as you ride through Turia Gardens, pause at playful sculptures, and marvel at modern architecture in the City of Arts & Sciences—all with stories and small surprises along each stop.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re suddenly in the middle of somewhere new? That’s how it started—standing with a group by Plaza del Ayuntamiento, bikes lined up, our guide Marta waving us over. The city was already humming even though it wasn’t that late—someone selling oranges by the corner, a couple arguing gently in Valenciano. We set off through these narrow lanes where sunlight kept flickering between balconies and laundry lines. Marta stopped at a square to point out the cathedral (I probably wouldn’t have noticed the Roman stones if she hadn’t), and I remember the faint smell of coffee drifting from a tiny café. My Spanish is bad but I tried to say “gracias” anyway—she smiled.

After winding through old Valencia, we rolled into this long green ribbon—the Turia Gardens. It used to be a river, apparently; now it’s all trees and playgrounds and people jogging past us with dogs that looked happier than most humans I know. There was this moment when we passed the Palau de la Música—the fountain out front was catching sunlight in a way that made me want to stop for ages. Kids were climbing all over this wild Gulliver sculpture (it really does look like he crash-landed there). I didn’t expect to laugh so much just watching them.

The last stretch took us toward those futuristic buildings—the City of Arts & Sciences. They almost don’t look real against the sky, all white curves and glass. Marta explained how Santiago Calatrava designed them (she said his name with this little pride in her voice—I guess locals feel something about it). We peeked into L’Umbracle’s gardens too; smelled like wet earth after watering. The ride back felt slower somehow—maybe I was just tired or maybe it was not wanting it to end yet. I still think about that light on the riverbed path sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valencia city and park bike tour

• Choose tour language
• Bike through old city center
• See city hall explained by guide
• Visit cathedral, basilica, and Roman street
• Bike through 9 km Turia park
• See Santiago Calatrava bridge
• View flower-covered bridge
• Visit Palau de la Música and fountain
• Explore Gulliver playground
• Tour City of Arts and Sciences
• Visit L'Umbracle botanic garden
• See Valencia Oceanografic aquarium
• Return to city center

Top questions

How long is the Valencia highlights bike tour?

The route covers around 9 km through Valencia’s city center and Turia park.

Is there a guide during the Valencia bike tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the entire tour and shares stories at each stop.

Are bikes and helmets included?

Yes, use of bicycle and helmet are both included in your booking.

What languages is the tour available in?

You can choose English, Dutch, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic or Russian when booking.

Does the tour include stops at City of Arts & Sciences?

Yes, you’ll visit and learn about City of Arts & Sciences during the tour.

Is lunch or food included on this bike tour?

No meals are included; you may want to eat before or after your ride.

Are infant seats available for children?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families with young kids.

What should I bring on the Valencia bike tour?

You’ll get a bike and helmet; bring water and comfortable clothes for cycling.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable bicycle fitted for you at departure, a safety helmet if you want one, plus an experienced local guide who shares stories as you go—from city center squares to Turia park’s gardens—all at an easygoing pace before returning downtown together.