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Two of the top things to do in Valencia at the moment are to visit the City of Arts and Sciences and walk in the lovely Jardí del Túria (Turia Gardens) which are very close by. The Turia Gardens stretch the length of Valencia like a lovely green ribbon and separate the Old Quarter of Valencia from the new city.
Most popular places to access the gardens are from the nineteen bridges which cross the Turia Gardens and you'll always find steps leading down into the gardens. The bridge close to Torres de Serranos (Old Quarter) is called Puente de los Serranos. The bridge leads to Barrio del Carmen which is a very trendy area of the Old Quarter and definitely another of the top things to do in Valencia. The nightlife here is the best in Valencia!
If you're in the center of town near Plaza del Ayuntamiento, take the 81 bus from the square and head for the Calatrava Bridge. You can't miss the bridge, at night it's ablaze with lights and it's shaped like a Spanish comb and locally known as La Peineta - a Spanish comb.
The bridge has an ultra modern metro station below and it's designed by the famous local Valenciano architect Santiago Calatrava - hence the name.
During the hot summer months a walk through the Turia Gardens is very enjoyable and also one of the best ways to reach the City of Arts and Sciences. For a few minutes you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a very shady and green Valencian city park. Definitely one of the top things to do in Valencia especially if you're hot and tired and in need of recharging your batteries!
The Birth of the Turia Gardens
The disastrous floods in the city of Valencia in 1957 resulted in the Turia river being diverted south of the city. During the 1990s the entire area was regenerated and transformed into a 7 kilometer promenade of flowers, parks, ponds, fountains and sports facilities.
A stroll in the Turia Gardens is one of the top things to do in Valencia because you can easily reach other parts of Valencia. There's a metro stop nearby called Pont de Fusta which is close to Calatrava bridge.
This is where you can take the overground tram to Malvarossa beach - it takes only ten minutes. If you go by bus the journey takes about 25-30 minutes.
Valencia is an incredibly health conscious city with people of all ages jogging, roller-blading, riding bikes (in special lanes) and there are tours through the park on a little train.
Visiting the Turia Gardens is just one of the top things to do in Valencia. For example, as well as hiring a bike you can hire a 'bicycle and carriage for two' - great if you want to enjoy the park at your leisure. If you prefer, take the tourist train from Museo Bellas Artes through the Turia Gardens and onto the amazing City of Arts and Sciences.
Palau de la Música
Paseo de la Almaeda, 30 - Tel:34 963 375 020
It's a very enjoyable walk along the Turia riverbed and you'll pass lots of interesting sights along the way. One of the top things to do in Valencia is to visit the beautiful concert hall, Palau de la Música (Music Palace).
Palau de La Musica opened in Valencia in 1987 and is considered one of the best concert halls in Europe. An enormous glass dome covers the entrance and outside, cascading fountains leap up and down into a pool.
There are many top things to do in Valencia but visiting the Turia Gardens and the jaw-dropping City of Arts and Sciences is a truly incredible experience and one you will definitely enjoy.
In March 2008, more than 35,000 people enjoyed (either at the venue or on the large screen erected in the Jardín del Túria park), more than four hours of concerts by the groups “The Cure”, “Him” and “From First to Last” - all for free.
Hotels Near City of Arts & Sciences
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