Free places to explore Valencia without spending a lot of money
FREE PLACES TO GET TO KNOW VALENCIA WITHOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY
Its rich history, fascinating culture, and exquisite cuisine have made Valencia one of the most visited Spanish cities. Tourists, whether families or large groups, from all over the world, are now part of the landscape of the capital of the Turia River. But that doesn't mean it has become a city untouchable for some budgets. Valencia offers countless activities and places you can visit for free. So, if you're planning a visit to this wonderful city but don't want to spend a lot, here are some of the most interesting and free places you can enjoy.
The Albufera Park
Just a few kilometers from the city, you can visit one of the most iconic sites, Albufera Park, for free. Of unparalleled beauty, it's known for its lake—the largest in Spain—its rice fields, and its typical shacks. It's the perfect place for hiking, strolling, taking a boat ride (for a modest fee), or enjoying the delicious local cuisine in one of the area's typical restaurants.
You can also observe the incredible variety of birds that inhabit the Albufera, in a peaceful and relaxing environment, or enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see.
The Turia Garden
It's the largest and most popular natural area in Valencia, and it's also free to visit. This impressive garden, a former channel of the Turia River, has become a true green lung for the city and a tourist attraction, both for the many activities that take place there and for the numerous points of interest it passes through. Among these, Cabecera Park and the City of Arts and Sciences stand out. In the former, you can enjoy large play areas for children or sail across the lake aboard one of the swan boats (this tour is not free).
The City of Arts and Sciences deserves a separate chapter. You do have to pay to enter some of its buildings, but a simple stroll through this ultramodern architectural complex, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, is a free experience that no visitor should miss.
Throughout your tour of this garden, you can also see some of the emblematic bridges that cross it, such as the Puente del Real (16th century), the Puente de las Flores, and other more modern ones such as the Puente de l'Assut de l'Or.
And if you're coming to Valencia with children, don't miss the enormous Gulliver, almost 70 meters long, where the little ones can race down its enormous slides.
Town Hall Square
This is one of Valencia's architectural icons, which you can also visit for free. An open, public space that houses some of the city's most iconic buildings, such as the City Hall itself (you can climb its iconic balcony for free) and the Town Hall. This square is a popular meeting place for both Valencians and tourists. In addition to admiring its architecture, you can enjoy the countless free cultural activities held there, especially during the Fallas festival, Christmas, or international events like the Valencia Marathon.
The Cathedral of Valencia
This is another of the city's must-see attractions that you can't miss. Built on the site of a former mosque, it is a landmark of Gothic art, but what makes it unique is that each of the facades and doors leading into the cathedral represent the three main artistic styles: Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. It also houses important relics, such as the Holy Chalice. Admission to the cathedral is free, but if you want to climb the Micalet (its popular bell tower), you must pay a small entrance fee. And if you're in this area on a Thursday, don't miss one of the city's oldest traditions, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Tribunal). Declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it takes place at 12 noon at the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Door of the Apostles) of the Valencian Cathedral.
The cathedral is located between the Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de la Virgen, and Plaza del Arzobispado, a perfect area for strolling and enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere and beautiful buildings, such as the Palau de la Generalitat.
The Central Market
It has become one of the most visited tourist spots, which you can explore for free in Valencia. This modernist building is one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe. Known for its variety of fresh produce, it has recently come alive, serving as a meeting point for all those who want to experience Valencia's culinary tradition firsthand. From its fruits and vegetables, to its salted meats, its cured meats, its fish, and the traditional horchata, you will undoubtedly find the most exquisite variety here.
In the Market Square itself, you can't miss one of the city's most iconic buildings: the Silk Exchange. Admission to this UNESCO World Heritage site is fee-based, but admiring its architecture from the outside is well worth it.
City Museum and Museum of Fine Arts
If you're passionate about history and culture, these two museums are a must-see on your visit to Valencia. The City Museum offers a chance to learn about Valencia's development from the Romans to the Middle Ages. Admission is free on Sundays and holidays.
The Museum of Fine Arts is the benchmark for art in the capital of the Turia River. It houses an impressive collection of works by artists such as El Greco, Goya, and Sorolla, as well as interesting temporary exhibitions that are well worth visiting. Admission is free every day of the week.
The beaches
Without a doubt, Valencia's beaches are another of the great attractions you can enjoy for free in the capital. The city boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and visiting its coastline is a must. Malvarrosa Beach is probably the most famous. It has a long promenade of several kilometers where you can enjoy the impressive views and sea breeze, walk, relax, or practice water sports. You can also try delicious Valencian cuisine in one of its many restaurants or beach bars, or admire the breathtaking panoramas from the Marina Real.
