Turía Gardens is a cultural and leisure park that crosses Valencia’s city center. Following a devastating flood in 1957, the city of Valencia decided to divert the Turía River and transform its riverbed into a 272-acre (110-hectare) public space, the Turía Gardens. Come here to spot African wildlife at a zoo and bioparc, take relaxed walks through manicured gardens, admire historical buildings and visit museums.  

Spend a few hours at the Bioparc Valencia, the zoo located at the western edge of the park. Spot animals such as elephants, gorillas and endangered lemurs in re-creations of their African habitats. Heading east from the zoo, you’ll find public sports grounds and children’s play areas, which fill up with Valencians on weekends. 

Stop for a picnic or work out on the exercise stations at the gardens situated between Puente d’Ademús and Puente de las Artes. While here, visit the Valencia Botanical Garden or the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. Follow the park’s pathways to Puente de los Serranos. Admire the Torre de Serranos, one of the gates of Valencia’s old city wall.

One of the nicest areas of the park stretches in front of the Palau de la Música, a concert hall that hosts an annual jazz festival and other music events. Walk along the tree-lined lanes to find symmetrical gardens, ponds, fountains and colonnades. It’s another nice spot for a picnic.

Kids visiting the park will enjoy playing on the slides and adventure playground at Gulliver Park, based on the famous story. Don’t miss the chance to visit the City of Arts and Sciences at the eastern extreme of the park. This multipurpose complex is home to an aquarium, science museum and concert hall, among other venues. You can also visit a rose garden that has more than 11,000 plants. 

All areas of the Turía Gardens are within comfortable walking distance of Valencia’s city center. Public buses stop at various points along the park. There are also two purpose-built metro stops: Alameda and Turía.