Top 10 Tips for Visiting Valencia with Kids
Valencia has become a popular travel destination in 2017. While there’s plenty of information available for trips with your partner, friends, or colleagues, tips for visiting Valencia with kids seem to be lacking. But don’t worry, Kids Love Travel is here to fill that gap. Here are our top 10 tips for an unforgettable family trip to Valencia.
1. Dining Times in Valencia
When visiting Valencia with kids, you might be surprised by the local dining timetable. Valencians typically have lunch between 14:00 and 17:00 and dinner between 21:00 and 23:00. While some restaurants may have different opening hours, these are usually the more tourist-focused establishments, and fast food isn’t always the best option.
A must-visit is the alternative restaurant La Finestra in the up-and-coming Ruzafa area. This restaurant’s bestseller is the mini pizza (€1,60 each), and they offer a variety of small Italian dishes. Conveniently, La Finestra is open daily from 10:00-15:00 and 18:00-01:00! Another recommendation is ‘100 montaditos’, which translates to ‘100 small buns’: 100 buns with different toppings. Kids will especially love the sweet montaditos.
2. Beach Time in Valencia
Valencia is not only a city trip destination but also a beach destination! The city boasts a wide beach that’s perfect for a day out with the kids. The beach is divided into three parts: Las Arenas (closest to the city centre), La Malvarrosa, and La Patacona. Locals usually visit La Patacona, where you’ll find a few cafes, such as La Más Bonita. Las Arenas is also a great option for families, featuring a huge playground next to the America’s Cup and a sunny terrace for parents.
3. Cycling in Valencia
The city centre of Valencia is quite compact, meaning you don’t have to walk long distances to reach the city’s highlights. You don’t need a car or public transport to get around Valencia during a city trip. If you’d like to visit other areas, the beach (which isn’t connected to the city centre), or cruise through the beautiful Turia park, it is recommended to hire a bike.
4. Enjoying Valencia’s Natural Spaces
If you’re looking for some natural life in Valencia, head to the Turia park! This used to be a river, but after many floods, it was redirected and the drained part was transformed into a park. This 9-kilometre park starts at the Bioparc, Valencia’s Zoo, and ends at the modern building complex Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Even though Valencia’s city centre isn’t that busy compared to other Spanish cities, relaxing in the park is never a bad idea. For an even better experience, we recommend having a picnic in the park with fresh food and drinks bought from the city’s largest food market, Mercado Central.
5. When is the Best Time to Visit Valencia with Kids?
Valencia, a Spanish destination, boasts approximately 300 sunny days a year, making it a great place to visit at any time. However, it’s important to note that summers, especially August, can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Don’t forget to pack high factor sun creams for the kids! Another exciting but potentially challenging time to visit is during Las Fallas, from March 15 to March 19, when the city becomes incredibly busy with over a million visitors. This may not be the most suitable time for families with small children.
6. Experience Valencia’s Beautiful and Historic Buildings
As you stroll through Valencia, you’ll encounter many breathtaking buildings characterized by authentic balconies, tiles, and more. Many accommodations, such as Airbnb’s, are housed in these historic buildings. While there are many fantastic apartments, remember to check if these beautiful and authentic buildings have a lift. Climbing up seven floors with kids may not be the most practical option.
7. Enjoy Holiday Treats All Year Round in Valencia!
Many Dutch kids love ‘oliebollen’, a sweet deep-fried dough treat, typically enjoyed during New Year’s. In Valencia, this treat is available all year round! The Valencian version, known as the buñuelo, is a sweet deep-fried dough treat made with oranges and/or pumpkin and sprinkled with sugar. The best buñuelos in town can be found at El Contraste, where the popular churros are also sold.
8. Encounter Dolphins and Tigers
Children in Valencia have a fondness for zoos. They often visit L’Oceanografic, the largest aquarium in Europe. Another popular destination is the Valencian zoo, Bioparc. This zoo stands out because it replicates the animals’ natural habitats as closely as possible. For instance, the savannah has been recreated with antelopes, zebras, and giraffes living together.
9. Play with Gulliver, the Friendly Giant
In addition to picnicking in the park, children can also explore and climb in Turia park. Near the City of Arts and Sciences, you’ll find Parque Gulliver, a massive playground designed to resemble Gulliver from the famous tale. His hair serves as slides, and the ropes used by the Lilliputians to restrain him can be used for climbing. As a bonus, there’s a mini-golf course nearby.
10. Enjoy Water Fun!
A city trip to Valencia with kids is made even more exciting with some water fun. In the City of Arts and Sciences, older kids can try a see-through canoe or a water-walking ball during the summer. If you’re staying in Valencia for an extended period, you can visit the beach or the water park Aquarama for even more fun! Visiting Valencia in the colder months? You can hire pedalos just outside of the Valencian Zoo, in Parque Cabecera!
What do you think of our top 10 activities for kids in Valencia? Do you have any favorites? Would you like to read more about city trips with kids?
This guest blog is written by www.verrassendvalencia.nl.