Old river bed

The Turia river bed gardens stretch for almost 9 kilometres through Valencia city.

The original river was diverted after a flood in 1957, and the former river bed now houses exuberant gardens and vegetation, games areas, cafes and much more.

Read more about river bed attractions below or choose a different type of attraction:

The gardens attract all walks of life including cyclists, walkers, acrobats, dancers, musicians and skaters. There is something for everyone! Turia Gardens is a pleasant, vibrant space, which is also central to the city’s culture with activities, exhibitions and fairs throughout the year.

A bike lane follows the entire course of the river bed from the City of Arts and Sciences right to the Headland Park (Parque Cabecera) and the Bioparc Zoo.

If you begin your visit at the City of Arts and Sciences, you’ll find a bicycle hire booth after about 10 minutes walk. Bicycles are rented at €5 per hour, or rent a 4 wheel bike/cart  for 3/6 people from €15/€20, which is suitable for the whole family. Open from 10am to 6:30pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

TIP! Too tired to pedal? Take the tourist train, which leaves from just in front of the bicycle hire booth. The train runs along the entire river bed for around €5 or contact us for group rates.

Around this area you will also find fountains, mini-golf and a children’s playground area. Every Sunday from June to September, special activities and games are organised here for children up to 14 years of age.

Pass by the Palau de la Musica along the river, which is flanked by a lagoon. Lunchtime on Saturdays, the lagoon’s fountain changes shape and colour in time with the music! This area is also popular with the skaters practicing their stunts.

A number of bridges cross the river. Two of the most striking are the Calatrava Bridge, designed by the same famous architect of the City of the Arts, and the Flowers Bridge.

TIP! Continue to the other end of the river bed and you'll find some of the best museums and architectural delights alongside the river; the Military History Museum, the church and convent of Carmen, the Museum of Fine Arts (St Pius V), and the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), to name a few.

Even if you break the trip up, we highly recommended you see the whole Turia river bed Garden. The Headland Park (Parque Cabecera) at the far end, is a delight for the whole family, where you can enjoy a drink in the bar or even rent a swan shaped boat and have some fun with the little ones.

TIP! In Valencia in May or June? Visit the International Fair from mid-May to mid-June! Found half way along the river bed near the Flowers and Calatrava bridges, there is an array of music, dance, food and drinks from a variety of countries and cultures. The fair has great tastes, great fun and is well-priced!