Between Two Gates: A Valencia Walking Tour from Torres de Serranos to de Quart
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About the Tour
About the Tour
The history of Valencia is a story about the relationship between a city and its river. Its first Roman settlement was built on an island in the Turia River in 138 BC. The settlement grew, influenced by the river until 1957 when, after a catastrophic flood, it was decided that the torrent should be diverted. On this walking tour, you’ll wade through 2,000 years of history that developed alongside the river.
Our tour starts on Pont dels Serrans in Turia Gardens. I’ll then guide you from Torres de Serranos, an old city gate, through the maze of churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in the heart of Ciutat Vella (the old town) to emerge through Torres De Quart, Valencia’s other remaining gate. En route, I’ll show you the city’s most breathtaking attractions including Valencia Cathedral’s impressive 800-year-old Door of the Almoina, the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, and Europe’s narrowest house, La Casa mas Estrecha. Along with churches, we’ll visit a few mosques. For 500 years, Valencia was an Islamic Caliphate during the North African Muslim Moors’ occupation. Much of their impact on the city was stamped out when the Christians took over but on this tour, I’ll show you the tell-tale signs of this historic chapter from the city’s past.
On this 75-minute walk, you’ll also:
- Search for the Holy Grail
- Hear about the invention of Spain’s national dish, Paella, in the fields of Valencia
- Visit two important archaeological digs at Galería del Tossal: first the Muralla Árabe and then La Almoina Archaeological Museum
- Discover the sites of medieval executions and learn why Margarida Borras, a transgendered woman in the 1400s, was hung without pants on
- See Valencia’s first public hospital, Sant Joan de l’Hospital, which relied mostly on miracles rather than medicine for healing
- Spot the cannonball holes in one of two city gates
- Grab a bite in the “Cathedral of the Senses,” Mercat Central
- Visit the city’s most impressive and beautiful Catholic places of worship, including the Royal Basilica, Valencia Cathedral, and Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir
- Find out who Little Michael was and why his hat was too small
- Take in one of the city’s best preserved Gothic buildings, the Silk Exchange
It’s easy to fall in love with Valencia’s pretty face, but when you peek into its past and find out what shaped its personality, you’ll love it even more. Its history runs deep like the Turia River it relied on for most of its life. By the end of this tour, you’ll be enchanted with the place... and possibly craving a Paella.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Spain Walking Tours
The best way to see any Spanish city is on foot. It’s not just the destinations that dazzle, it’s what you see on the way. These beautiful cities have character, and a walking tour is the only way to uncover the unsung attractions between landmarks: vibrant streets, monuments, street art, ruins, shops, and the locals.
Spain’s fascinating history truly comes alive starting around 2,000 years ago when the Romans settled here. Since then, a lot has happened, and your host John will dive deep into this history so you don’t have to. His tours focus on the momentous events that shaped the cities, but also the lighter, quirky side of their stories.
John’s tours not only guide you to the most famous tourist attractions but also show you the lesser-known plazas, stunning architecture, hidden cafes, and Instagram-worthy spots. He’ll share strange histories, myths, stories of famous historical figures, and even bizarre events that once unfolded on these very streets.
We’re adding new cities all the time, and some of our most popular tours are in Barcelona, Valencia, Sitges, and Zaragoza. Whether you’re uncovering Roman ruins, medieval castles, or picturesque plazas, there’s always something new to discover.
The average tour length is around 3.5 km, so get ready for a great walk and enjoy Spain 🇪🇸
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 34
Turn right here. The Silk Exchange (World Heritage)
This is La Lonja de la Seda - the ... Read More
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Jardín del Turia
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Pont dels Serrans
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Serranos Towers
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Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana
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Plaça de la Verge
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Túria Fountain
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Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats
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Tribunal de les Aigües de València
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La Almoina Archaeological Museum
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Valencia Cathedral
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El Micalet
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Plaça de la Reina
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Sant Joan de l'Hospital
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Museu Nacional de Ceràmica i de les Arts Sumptuàries Gonzàlez Martí
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La Finca més Estreta d'Europa
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Mercat Central
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Placa homenatge a Margarida Borràs
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La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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Sant Nicolau de Bari i Sant Pere Màrtir
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Galeria del Tossal (muralla islàmica)
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Quart Towers
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Total distance3km
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Distance back to start location911.02m
Directions to Starting Point
This tour begins in the middle of the bridge in front of the Torres de Serranos, it's mere seconds away from the towers over the Turia Gardens. Towers of Serranos is a walkable distance from Old Town. If you're in a hotel in the outer suburbs, taxi into the center (most hotels are in the town center so it's an easy walk).
From the very center of the action - Plaza de la Virgen, it's a 5-minute walk. North, on Carrer de Navellos, then left at the Turia Gardens.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
It would be rude not to try a Paella Valenciana while you're here... after all, Spain's national dish was invented here. I have 2 recommendations for restaurants that serve Paella. The first is the local's favorite, but it's a little more difficult to get to, just out of town - at the beach. The second is one of the favorites within the city walls. You'll probably need to book a table at both of these bistros.
Casa Carmela.... is a 100-year-old restaurant that prepares its Paella from a recipe passed down through generations.
Carrer d'Isabel de Villena, 155.
46011 València.
(+34) 963 710 073
www.casa-carmela.com
If you want to stay in the town center (within walking distance), head to one of Valencia's most beloved restaurants, in one of the coolest parts of town, the Rufaza district.
Casa Roberto
Maestro Gozalbo 19,
46005, Valencia
Phone 963 951 528
http://casaroberto.es/
While you're in town, take a walk down the Turia Gardens, I'm not able to fit it into this tour but it's a lovely stroll. During the summer, it's a guaranteed bit of shade and there's an occasional cafe for a cool drink and some lunch. You could start your walk at the same place this tour begins. Head east and you'll have an unobstructed walk with no hills that lasts for 6 kms. At the end of the the park, you'll arrive at one of the most Sci-Fi looking buildings in the world - The City of Arts and Sciences. Creative, space-age architecture which you really have to see, but it's also the home to the Valencia Aquarium, IMAX Cinema, a shade house garden, Theatre of Arts, and Science Museum.
If you're not up for the 6km walk, cab it.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7,
46013 València.
Best time of day
Usual tourist hours apply, things usually open around 10am to 5pm (Generalization). It's worth noting that the religious buildings in town are still actively used. Some times are allocated to worshippers and some to tourists. Those places will post a schedule at the door or you can ask. It also means Sundays can see a reduced time for tourists and Religious holidays can see them closed totally except for worshippers.
Precautions
Valencia is a very safe city, however, in peak tourist season there are thousands of tourists walking around. Sometimes, this creates an opportunity to easy to resist for some pickpockets. So keep your valuables safe and hold on tight to your belongings. If you're sensible you'll be absolutely fine.
The streets in Old Town seem to be pedestrianized, but cars do use them. So where possible stick to the sidewalks rather than wander down the center of the road. There's not much traffic, and the drivers are very considerate, but if you walk on the left or right side of the street you won't be in any danger... and you won't be surprised when you hear a car honk directly behind you.
Yes, summer is hot in Valencia. Use sunscreen, pop on a hat, and bring a bottle of water. This tour is always within reach of shops or a place to sit and cool down, whether it's a Plaza with benches or a cafe. We'll be walking through the busiest part of town so you'll be spoiled for choice.
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Questions and Reviews
