Valencia in 1 Day for Couples - Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts & Sciences) — modern architecture & reflecting pools
In Collaboration with ValenciaInBike. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A 3‑hour guided bike tour starting from Ruzafa that takes you to Valencia’s top highlights — City of Arts & Sciences, Turia Gardens, Serranos Towers, the historic centre (Plaza de la Virgen, La Lonja, Central Market), and returns through the Bullring and North Station. Designed for couples: relaxed pacing, photo stops and quiet moments to soak in the views.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with ValenciaInBike, inspired by the tour Valencia (Ruzafa): Guided Bike Tour of the city's highlights.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts & Sciences) — modern architecture & reflecting pools
- Turia Gardens — tranquil long park for romantic cycling
- Plaza de la Virgen & Basílica — historic heart with fountain and cathedral views
- La Lonja de la Seda & Mercado Central — UNESCO Gothic and lively market atmosphere
- Return via Plaza de Toros and Estación del Norte — photogenic facades
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting and 3‑hour guided bicycle tour around Valencia's highlights. Chosen start time: 15:00 (local).
Meet your guide and collect bikes — C. de Cuba 24 (Ruzafa)
Meeting point in the Ruzafa neighbourhood. Brief safety talk, bike fit and quick orientation before departure. Arrive 10 minutes early to choose bike type (standard or e‑bike) and store small bags.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to pick the best bike for you (e‑bikes are offered if you prefer a gentler ride).
- Ruzafa is lively — step inside the shop if it’s raining; staff will help secure belongings.
- Ask your guide for a quick photo here before you set off: the colourful Ruzafa façades make a great couple shot.
Cycle to the City of Arts & Sciences (ride)
A relaxed 15‑minute pedal from Ruzafa along bike-friendly streets toward Valencia’s futuristic complex — perfect time to settle into the ride and enjoy river-side lanes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ride slowly and side-by-side for a relaxed, romantic pace — Valencia's bike lanes are generally wide here.
- If you want a quieter approach, ask to cross the Turia using the pedestrian-friendly bridges away from traffic.
- Keep your camera handy: first glimpses of the Hemisfèric reflected in pools make atmospheric photos.
Explore exteriors of the City of Arts & Sciences (photo & stroll)
30 minutes around the Hemisfèric, Umbracle and Museu de les Ciències — admire the mirrored pools and sculptural architecture. Great spot for couple photos and a short rest on the benches.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for the best angle for a romantic photo — the low-angle reflections in the pools are especially flattering.
- Sit on the low walls near the pools for a quiet five-minute rest while your guide explains the architecture.
- If you want fewer crowds, head to the Umbracle walkway on the far side — it's more peaceful and leafy.
Pedal through the Turia Gardens towards Torres de Serranos
A scenic 15‑minute ride through the long Turia park, passing Gulliver Park and the Palau de la Música; this stretch showcases Valencia’s green heart.
Tips from local experts:
- Ride along the shaded Turia paths for a cooler, intimate route — perfect for holding hands while cycling two abreast.
- Wave or stop briefly at Gulliver Park for a playful photo if you like — the giant sculpture is fun even for adults.
- If mobility or tiredness appears, request a short bench stop under the orange trees; guides will adapt the pace.
Quick photo stop — Torres de Serranos (Serranos Towers)
A short exterior stop to admire and photograph one of Valencia’s ancient city gates — the stone towers offer a romantic historic backdrop.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand on the bridge for a wide shot that captures the towers and the park — golden light works beautifully here.
- If you’re comfortable, climb a few steps for a higher vantage — but check with your guide about accessibility.
- Listen to the guide’s 2‑minute history — it adds context that makes photos more meaningful.
Ride to Plaza de la Virgen (short transfer)
A calm 10‑minute pedal into the historic centre, arriving at one of Valencia’s most atmospheric squares.
Tips from local experts:
- Pedal slowly through the quieter side streets to take in the old‑town atmosphere hand-in-hand.
- Ask your guide for a scenic alley detour if you prefer cobbled charm (good for photos).
- Mind scooters and pedestrians in the historic centre — keep to the guide’s lead for safe navigation.
Plaza de la Virgen & exterior of Valencia Cathedral / Basílica de la Virgen
15 minutes to enjoy the fountain, cathedral façades and the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados — a charming, photogenic square.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand by the Turia fountain for a classic couple photo framed by the cathedral and basilica.
- For a quieter moment, step into the basilica vestibule to feel the calm away from the square’s bustle.
- If you love church music, ask the guide whether there’s a short organ or choir practice — it’s intimate and moving.
Short ride to Plaza de la Reina & Santa Catalina Church
Five-minute pedal to one of the busiest, most charming squares in the old town — lots of cafés and great cathedral views.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a quick bite after the tour, remember this square — it’s full of cozy terraces for tapas.
- Pause at the viewpoint near the cathedral entrance: it’s ideal for intimate silhouette photos.
- Keep helmets on while navigating the busy square; dismount where pedestrian signage indicates.
Plaza de la Reina — Iglesia de Santa Catalina (exterior)
10 minutes to admire the Gothic bell tower of Santa Catalina and the busy square ambience — a good spot to feel Valencia’s daily life.
Tips from local experts:
- Climb the viewpoint terrace near the church for a romantic panorama if you have time after the tour.
- Try a quick horchata or pastry at a nearby café (save it for after the tour if you plan to cycle more).
- The church’s narrow streets are photogenic — ask the guide for a low‑light angle to emphasize textures.
Plaza Redonda — quick stop (market & crafts)
5 minutes to enjoy the circular plaza with its craft stalls — a romantic little nook in the old town.
Tips from local experts:
- The round architecture makes a charming portrait backdrop — step into the centre for a unique photo.
- Browse the small craft stalls for a quick memento; pick something tiny to carry easily on the bike.
- Weekends are livelier — for a quieter visit, schedule a weekday tour or ask the guide for off‑peak paths.
La Lonja de la Seda — exterior visit (UNESCO)
10 minutes outside the Gothic silk exchange — your guide explains the façade and trade history while you admire the ornate stonework.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim a photo up the façade toward the carved details — the vertical lines are dramatic at golden hour.
- If you both enjoy architecture, ask the guide for the story behind the helicoidal columns — it’s romantic history about merchants and the city’s prosperity.
- Avoid the busiest entrance side for photos; the quieter corner offers a more intimate composition.
Central Market (Mercado Central) — inside visit & free time
15 minutes inside this beautiful modernist market to sample local flavors, admire tiles and maybe grab a quick tapa or juice.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a small local tasting together — a fresh orange juice or bite of jamón is perfect and light for cyclists.
- Head to the upper balconies for an elevated photo of the market’s stained glass and dome.
- If you prefer to avoid crowds, ask the guide to steer you to the less-trafficked northern aisles.
Pedestrian route & short ride to Plaza del Ayuntamiento
10‑minute pedal through a charming pedestrian street (perfect for a relaxed ride) arriving at Valencia’s grand town square.
Tips from local experts:
- Ride slowly here — the route is great for spot photos of façades and small street theatres.
- If you want a quick souvenir, your guide can point to a small artisan shop along this stretch.
- Keep an eye out for the ornate post office façade — it’s a lovely detail to admire together.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento — quick stop
10 minutes at the administrative heart: the City Hall, ornate façades and the central fountains — a nice final historic stop before returning.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand by the fountain for a playful, candid couples shot — the architecture frames the square beautifully.
- If you’d like a glass of cava after the tour, make a mental note of the nearby terraces for a post‑tour treat.
- This square can be windy — bring a light jacket for sunset photographic comfort.
Return ride via Plaza de Toros (Bullring) & Estación del Norte (train station)
15‑minute ride back to Ruzafa passing the red‑brick Bullring and the colorful modernist North Station — two photogenic façades for a final set of pictures.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide to pause briefly at the Plaza de Toros façade for a dramatic red‑brick photo.
- Estación del Norte’s mosaics are perfect for a close-up couples portrait — the tile details add warmth.
- If you’re planning an evening out, note Estación del Norte's nearby tapas streets for dinner suggestions.
Return to Ruzafa — bike handback & brief wrap-up
10 minutes to return bikes, a short debrief with the guide and local tips for dinner or evening plans — tour ends at the meeting point.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for a restaurant recommendation; Ruzafa has many intimate tapas bars ideal for a couple’s dinner.
- Request a map of the best sunset viewpoint nearby if you want to continue your evening together.
- If you’d like to keep the bikes longer, ask whether the vendor offers hourly extensions (availability varies).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture, Shopping, Experience |
