Valencia: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Valencia Tourist Card
Location: Valencian Community, Spain
Country: Spain
Rating: 4.4/5 (1533 reviews)
Supplier: Visit Valencia
Similar Experiences: Oceanographic & Science Museum Combos
Quick overview
If you’re planning to explore Valencia in a short burst—say a weekend or a quick city break—the Valencia Tourist Card could be your best friend. Available in 24, 48, or 72-hour options, this card unlocks free public transport, free entry to over 15 museums and monuments, plus plenty of discounts at attractions, shops, and restaurants. For about the cost of a few tickets, you get a seamless way to move around, see the city’s top sights, and indulge in some local treats.
Two things we really like about this experience are: first, the convenience of unlimited travel on buses, metro, trams, and suburban trains—including the airport route—which makes getting from the airport to your hotel and around town a breeze. Second, the free entry to key museums like the Silk Exchange and Towers, saving both time and money, especially when queues can be long, and tickets can add up quickly.
A possible drawback is that guided tours are not included. If you’re someone who loves expert-led insights, you might need to budget for those separately. Also, the card’s activation depends on first use, so plan to activate it when you’re ready to start your sightseeing.
This card is ideal for busy travelers eager to maximize their time and savings. If you prefer walking and exploring at your own pace without worrying about tickets, this is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for museum lovers or those wanting to cover many attractions in a limited window.
Key Points
- Flexible options: Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, fitting different travel plans.
- Free transportation: Buses, metro, trams, and suburban trains are all included, making city hopping straightforward.
- Museum access: Over 15 sites, including the Silk Exchange and Towers, are free or discounted.
- Discounts galore: Up to 50% off in shops, restaurants, and tours, such as the Oceanogràfic and City of Arts and Sciences.
- Extra perks: Includes a tapa and drink, adding a local flavor to your experience.
- No guided tours: You’ll need to explore museums and attractions on your own or book separate guided options.
Exploring Valencia with the Tourist Card: What you can expect
When you pick up your Valencia Tourist Card, you’re beginning a hassle-free journey through one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. The card activates on your first use—be it hopping on a bus, metro, tram, or entering a museum—and then counts down your chosen period (24, 48, or 72 hours). Many travelers find it superbly convenient, especially those arriving at the airport, as it includes the Valencia-Airport to City route (L3, L5). As one reviewer noted, “We picked it from the airport, changed the machine to English, and everything worked smoothly.”
Public transport in Valencia is reliable and well-connected. The urban buses, metro, trams, and suburban trains are all accessible with your card. We loved the way this eliminates the need to buy individual tickets, which can be confusing or expensive, especially if you’re planning to move around a lot. Many users, like Rachna, appreciated the simplicity of just tapping the card—“It worked like a charm on Tram, Metro, bus”—and could focus on soaking in the sights instead of fussing over tickets.
Museum visits are another highlight. Your card grants free entry to over 15 municipal museums and monuments, from the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda) to the Serranos and Quart Towers. For history and architecture buffs, these are some of the city’s most iconic sights. Several reviews mention how skipping the long queues is a major benefit—one traveler noted, “The queue to get into the cathedral was so long, we just peeked in and moved on,” thanks to the flexibility of the card’s free entries.
Discounts at major attractions add significant value. For instance, a 10% discount at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and Oceanogràfic is quite attractive for families or science lovers. The 50% discount at Marqués de Dos Aguas museum and savings at restaurants and shops mean this card could pay for itself quickly if you plan to visit a few sites or indulge in local cuisine.
Two extras truly stand out: the card includes one tapa and one drink, offering a taste of Valencia’s famed culinary scene without extra cost. In a city where food is integral to the experience, these small extras make a difference.
A few words of caution—the guided tours are not included, so if you prefer guided visits, you’ll need to book those separately. Also, some reviews mention difficulty finding restaurant addresses listed as part of the included benefits, which can lead to some frustration.
Planning more time in Valencia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Breaking down the itinerary and experience
Transportation is the backbone of this card. With unlimited travel, we found it straightforward to hop from the City of Arts and Sciences to the historic old town—just a few stops on the metro. The airport route is a bonus, letting you avoid the hassle of buying tickets or paying for taxis right after landing. Several travelers, including Deb, commented on how easy and efficient the metro service was, which makes a good impression early on.
Museums and monuments included in the card are some of the highlights of Valencia. The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifying Gothic architecture and trading history. We loved its intricate stonework and historic ambiance. The Serranos and Quart Towers offer panoramic views of the city, perfect for photos and soaking in the local skyline. These sites were praised by visitors like Plescan Nicusor, who called Valencia “amazing in every way.”
City attractions such as the Oceanogràfic and Science Museum—part of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias—are modern marvels. The Oceanogràfic, a sea life center, was highly rated, with discounts of 10%, and many visitors appreciated the ease of entry with their card. We also noted from reviews that getting those tickets was seamless, and the discounts made visiting several attractions financially worthwhile.
Dining and shopping are enhanced by the discounts offered. Several reviews highlight how saving up to 50% on shops and restaurants makes exploring the city’s culinary scene affordable—especially helpful given Valencia’s reputation for delicious tapas and paella. The included tapa and drink offer a nice introduction to local flavors, though some found restaurant information difficult to locate, so it’s worth planning ahead or asking locals.
Who will love this card?
Travelers eager to see Valencia efficiently and economically will appreciate how much this card simplifies logistics. It’s perfect for those who plan to visit several museums, attractions, and enjoy local cuisine. The unlimited public transport means you can explore both the old town and the modern city districts without extra cost or hassle.
Families, museum enthusiasts, and solo travelers alike will find this a cost-effective way to immerse themselves in Valencia’s sights. If you’re comfortable navigating without guided tours, and keen on flexible, self-paced exploration, this card fits well.
However, if your focus is on guided experiences or visiting just one or two sites, you might find it less cost-effective. Also, be aware that some of the discounted restaurants or tourist spots require some digging to find the exact addresses, so a little pre-planning helps.
Final thoughts
The Valencia Tourist Card is a smart investment for those who want a smooth, flexible way to explore the city’s highlights without the stress of buying individual tickets or figuring out transit. Its strength lies in convenience—free transport, museum access, and discounts all bundled together—making it ideal for busy, budget-conscious travelers.
If your goal is to maximize time and savings, this card enhances your experience of Valencia’s diverse attractions—from historic towers to cutting-edge science centers, and lively tapas bars. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy the freedom to wander at their own pace and appreciate the value of included extras like the tapa and drink.
For anyone arriving at the airport or planning to spend a couple of days hitting multiple sights, the 24- or 48-hour options offer great flexibility. The 72-hour might be perfect if you’re staying longer or want to take your time. This card offers a balanced mix of convenience, savings, and access—a solid way to get the most from your Valencia visit.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQ
Can I use the Valencia Tourist Card on all public transport?
Yes. The card provides free travel on urban and metropolitan buses, metros, trams, and suburban trains, including routes to the airport.
What attractions are included for free or discounted?
Over 15 municipal museums and monuments are free, including the Silk Exchange, Towers, and the Fallas Museum. Discounts are available for attractions like Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and Oceanogràfic.
Is the card really worth it for just a one-day visit?
If you plan to visit multiple sites or take advantage of the free transport, then yes. Many reviewers say it’s “excellent value,” especially when combining museum visits and transportation.
Are guided tours included?
No, the card does not include guided tours. It’s designed for self-guided exploration with free entry and discounts for attractions.
How do I activate the card?
The card is activated the first time you use public transport (tap it on any of the readers) or at an attraction. Once activated, the time period (24, 48, or 72 hours) begins.
Can children use the card?
Yes. Children under 6 travel free on transport and often enter attractions for free or at reduced rates. Children up to 15 enter municipal sites for free. You’ll need to show ID or passports.
What if I want to visit specific attractions like the Oceanogràfic or Science Museum?
The card offers discounts (like 10%) for these sites, helping you save money if you plan to visit more than one.
Is it necessary to pre-book or reserve?
No pre-booking is necessary. You simply pick up the card, activate it on your first use, and go. It’s flexible and designed for spontaneous exploration.
In short, the Valencia Tourist Card offers a practical, money-saving way to enjoy the city’s best sights with maximum ease. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a quick trip, it makes sightseeing straightforward and enjoyable.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Valencia
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