Enjoy the peaceful pathways and open green spaces of Valencia’s Turía Gardens. These grounds were created after the Turía River was diverted following a catastrophic flood in 1957. Today, the former riverbed is 110 hectares (272 acres) of public park that provides access to sculpted gardens, an African zoo, historic buildings and several museums.
Take the kids to see elephants, lions and endangered lemurs at the Bioparc Valencia, an African-themed zoo on the western edge of the park. Just east of the zoo are public sports facilities and playgrounds.
Go for a jog or get a workout in the gardens between the two bridges Puente d’Ademús and Puente de las Artes. Nearby, browse the Valencia Institute of Modern Art or stroll through the Valencia Botanical Garden. The park’s pathways cross the expanse of the grounds, all the way to Puente de los Serranos bridge. The Torre de Serranos, a former gate of Valencia’s medieval city wall, marks the edge of the Old Town.
Music events and jazz festivals are often held at the park’s concert hall, Palau de la Musica. Schedules and tickets can be found on the concert hall’s website. After a show, explore the tree-lined stretch of park out in front of the Palau and walk past symmetrical gardens, water features and colonnades.
Let the kids run around at Gulliver Park, an adventure playground with slides and props based on the well-known story, Gulliver’s Travels. To the east of the park, discover the numerous delights of the City of Arts and Sciences. Here you’ll find Spain’s largest aquarium, an interactive science centre and a huge rose garden.
Get to and around the Turía Gardens on foot. Public buses connect Valencia’s Old Town with various stops around the park. Alternatively, take the metro to the Alameda or Turía stops.
