Valencia for the day

xinran

Hello

I have booked a day trip to Valencia (thank you Ryanair 1p fares), going at the end of the month. I'm taking my husband and two boys (12 and 10), and we should have about 8 hours in the city.

I imagine we'll want to visit the cathederal and that fantastic looking Arts and Science museum, but I was hoping that some of you experienced folks out there might be able to offer some tips and recommendations. Any other "must sees" and ideas for (good value) places to eat?

Many thanks in advance.

blue_haddock

Giving you a quick bump as i'm also considering visiting valencia soon and could do with a few pointers

Pollycat

Personally, I'd trot down to your local library and get some travel books out.

We're going to Barcelona next Monday (also courtesy of RyanAir 1p flights) staying for 3 nights and I've spent a while deciding what we want to see and do so we can 'hit the ground running'.

You'll also need to find out opening times of places you want to visit.

Or you can try googling it.

I've found some really informative sites for Barcelona.

Polly

moonrakerz

This bus tour is excellent ! About 2hrs, but you can get on and off at will.

http://www.valenciabusturistic.com/valencia-ing.html

trisontana

moonrakerz wrote: »

This bus tour is excellent ! About 2hrs, but you can get on and off at will.

http://www.valenciabusturistic.com/valencia-ing.html

The bus tour will take you to the Arts and Science museum. Actually (it could have been a bad day) we found the science museum a tad disappointing, mainly because many of the "hands-on" exhibits weren't working. You could go next door to the aquarium, but you need to allow several hours to see all the exhibits. Even if you don't go inside the complex, the stunning architecture is worth the trip.

mahdlo

went to Valencia a couple of years ago and had a great time.

it's probably the only place i've ever visited without having a guide book but we were fine.

can't remember the names but squares and streets around the cathedral (which is impressive itself) were great for food, drink and people watching.
tapas are more along basque lines, i.e. canapes, in the main.

if you want to take in a football match, bear in mind Levante are also a Valencia team if Valencia themsleves aren't at home (we didn't know this and had no plan for getting last minute tickets!)

if you're there on a Sunday you MUST visit the beach (about £5 by taxi from the centre 2 years ago).
lined along it are a multitude of bars and restaurants serving enormous pans of paella mainly to local (large) familes.
this is a massive tradition in Valencia and you WILL need to book a table to avoid dissapointment. we made the mistake of shopping around when we should've just picked the first place! prices and quality didn't seem to vary much.
if not Sunday, i'd imagine the same places will still all be open but less busy.

trisontana

One of the Metro lines (which actually is a tram !) will take you right to the beach. This saves paying for a taxi.

sallysaver

Agree with Trisontana as regards the 'hands on' exhibits not working and of course disappointing for the kids. We went on a Sunday (more to fill the day in as most of the shops are closed) and I think it was approx 30 Euros for the ticket, but that got you into everything. We did spend the full day wandering so if you decide to do this, you will see little else of Valencia. The shuttle bus is just outside the airport main doors and will take you almost directly into the centre of town, as it stops at the Railway Station. When you get off the bus, walk straight ahead and you will be in the centre. Lots of traffic as is usual with a busy city. Sally

daveyjp

Valencia is a great city. I suggest a quick look at city centre - the railway station looks like something from central America and the bull ring is next door.

Public transport to the park with the museums (you can get a bus from near the railway station - good maps and guides at all bus stops, it was €1 per journey) - there's a big playground, walk to aquarium or museum (only time for one), beach, Paella in one the restaurants by the beach then back to airport.

deva

try a valor chocolate shop- excellent and not too expensive. the archiecture is one of the best things about the city so definatley have a ride round

xinran

Thank you for all the ideas. With your comments, I think I've now worked out both a sunny day and a rainy day itinery!

I e-mailed the tourist office in Valencia[EMAIL="Valenciainfoturistica@turisvalencia.es"] (infoturistica@turisvalencia.es[/EMAIL]), who were very quick to respond, and sent some useful downloads including maps.

They also mentioned a "Valencia card" which gives unlimited travel on the bus, trams and metro for 24 hours for 8 Euros each, as well as money off various attractions, including the Arts and Science museum.
I'm just trying to find out if it includes the trip to/from the airport.

Very much looking forward to it now.
Thanks again.