Valencia Tourist Card: The Ultimate Guide (From a Local!)

Are you planning a trip to Valencia, but feeling overwhelmed with the logistics? Trying to figure out how to see all the sights, taste all the flavors, and experience the city’s vibrant culture without blowing your budget? Well, you’ve landed on the right article!

As someone who lives in the heart of this sun-drenched city, I know a thing or two about making the most out of a visit to Valencia. And today, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that will make your Valencia adventure a breeze – the Valencia Tourist Card!

In this article, I promise to take you on a fun, friendly journey through all the ins and outs of the Valencia Tourist Card. I’ll talk about what it is, the benefits it offers, how much it costs, where to buy it, and how to use it like a pro – as well as who actually may not need to get this to still have a great trip. 

What is the Valencia Tourist Card?

The Valencia Tourist Card is a card for tourists (surprising from the name, I know) that’s designed to give you unlimited access to Valencia’s public transportation, free or discounted admission to many museums and monuments, tasty discounts at restaurants, shops, and more – including some free food and drinks!

Basically, this nifty little card is more than just a piece of plastic – it’s your golden ticket to experience the best of Valencia without the headache of juggling multiple tickets or fumbling for change in your pocket.

And it’s super easy to get your hands on one too. Simply buy the Valencia Tourist Card online right here and pick it up at any Tourist Info Office at the airport or around the city.

MY SUGGESTION: Picking up your Valencia Tourist Card at the airport is by far the best option, in my opinion, as it means your metro ride from the airport will be free. And I think we can all agree that saving €4.80 immediately is a great way to start any trip!)

Benefits of the Valencia Tourist Card

1. Free Public Transportation

With the Valencia Tourist Card, you’ll have unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro across the entire city. Whether you want to explore the historic old town, lounge on the city’s sunny beaches, or feast on the best paella, you can do it all without spending an extra cent on Valencia’s public transport system. 

And as I just mentioned, even the trip from the airport to the city center is covered by metro, a 25-minute journey that’s normally €4.80 each way – isn’t that convenience at its finest?

2. Free Entry to Museums and Monuments

Art lovers, history buffs, and curious souls, rejoice! The Valencia Tourist Card opens the doors to a world of knowledge and culture without the usual entry fees. 

In particular, some of the places that will give you free entry include:

• La Lonja (The Silk Exchange), Valencia’s UNESCO World Heritage site
• The Archaeological Crypt of the Prison of San Vicente
• City Hall
• Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
• Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
• La Almoina Archaeological Museum
• Las Fallas Museum
• The Museum of Natural Science
• Valencia History Museum
• … and more!

With so much to see, you’ll be grateful for the freedom to explore at your own pace.

3. Discounts at Other Attractions

While freebies are great, this card also lets you get some pretty impressive discounts at various sights all over Valencia. These include:

• Valencia Cathedral, the Miguelete (Bell Tower) and the Holy Grail (20% off)
• IVAM – Valencian Institute of Modern Art (50% off)
• Everything at the City of Arts and Sciences – meaning it includes the Science Museum and the Oceanogràfic aquarium (10% off)
• Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace and the Ceramics Museum inside (50% off)
• Bullfighting Museum (50% off)
• … and a ton more on top of these.

As you can probably tell, depending on how packed your Valencian itinerary is, you’re in for some pretty great savings here.

4. Discounts at Restaurants and Shops, and More

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Your Valencia Tourist Card doubles as a discount card at selected restaurants, shops, and tourist services, with up to 35% off at places that offer this. 

You can savor a mouth-watering paella with a side of savings, snag some unique souvenirs without breaking the bank, or even rent a bike in Valencia for less to pedal your way around this picturesque city.

5. Two Free Tapas and Two Free Drinks

That’s right, as a little extra bonus, if you get the 24-, 48- or 72-hour card, you’ll be entitled to get two free tapas with an (alcoholic!) drink!

6. Free City Map and Guide

As if all that wasn’t enough, the Valencia Tourist Card also comes with a free city map and guide. No more getting lost in translation or navigation! 

This handy guide will help you plan your route, learn about the city’s main attractions, and even pick up a few local tips and recommendations.

What Different Valencia Tourist Cards are Available?

Now, you’re probably wondering, “Wait, there’s more than one Valencia Tourist Card?” There definitely is – because who doesn’t want flexibility with their traveling in addition to saving money!

Just as Valencia caters to all sorts of travelers, the Valencia Tourist Card does too. Here’s a quick rundown of the different flavors this card comes in:

24-hour Valencia Tourist Card

Are you a speed traveler, looking to see the sights in a whirlwind of excitement? Then, the 24-hour Valencia Tourist Card is your perfect match. This card gives you all the benefits I’ve talked about for a full day of non-stop Valencia fun.

48-hour Valencia Tourist Card

For those who like to take things a bit slower, the 48-hour Valencia Tourist Card is your go-to. With two full days of benefits, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sun, culture, and flavors of Valencia.

72-hour Valencia Tourist Card

Ah, the 72-hour Valencia Tourist Card, perfect for leisurely explorers who really want to savor the Valencia experience. With three full days of access to the city’s best offerings, you’re free to enjoy Valencia at your own pace.

7-day Valencia Tourist Card

For those really wanting to see the ins and outs of this city, there’s also a seven-day Valencia tourist card. It gets you all the same great discounts at museums, monuments, stores, restaurants and more. In fact, you’ll actually get some extra bonuses like free entry to certain places that are discounted with the other cards, like the Cathedral and its Museum and the IVAM.

That said, keep in mind that this card doesn’t include free public transport, which is why it’s priced a bit differently from the others. 

Valencia Tourist Card for Children

Don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten about the little explorers! There’s a special Valencia Tourist Card tailored for children aged 6 to 12. 

It comes with all the same benefits, but at a lower price, because who doesn’t believe in nurturing the next generation of world travelers!

How Much Does the Valencia Tourist Card Cost?

Now onto the million-dollar question – or should we say, the less-than-a-fancy-dinner question. The Valencia Tourist Card is a steal, considering all the benefits you’ll get.

Prices vary depending on the duration of the card and while you can check here for more information on the cost of each card, the summary of this is:

• The 24-hour Valencia Tourist Card comes in at just €15 for adults and €12.75 for children.
• The 48-hour Valencia Tourist Card is a bargain at €20 for adults and €17 for children.
• The 72-hour Valencia Tourist Card is the ultimate deal at €25 for adults and €21.25 for children.
• The 7-day Valencia Tourist Card, with its extra discounts (but no free public transport) costs €12 for adults and €10.20 for kids.

Imagine, for less than the cost of a fancy meal, you get unlimited transportation, free entry to museums and monuments, discounts galore…and some free tapas and drinks on the side!

Where Can I Buy a Valencia Tourist Card?

You’ll be glad to know that purchasing a Valencia Tourist Card is a breeze. The easiest way is to buy it online before your trip and then pick up your card from the Tourist Info Office at the airport or in the city center when you arrive.

In fact, you can easily buy your Valencia Tourist card right here!

And guess what? If you’re already in Valencia, you can also buy the card online and then pick it up directly from any Tourist Info Office. 

In addition to the airport (which is the easiest and quickest option if you’ve bought it before arriving), the offices are also located at major points throughout the city, including the airport, train stations, and central squares. And yes, they’ll be thrilled to see you!

How Does the Valencia Tourist Card Work?

You’re all set with your Valencia Tourist Card. But how does it work, you ask? It’s as easy as uno, dos, tres!

The card is activated the first time you use it, whether that’s hopping on a bus, entering a museum, or using a discount. From then, it’s valid for the duration you chose – 24, 48, or 72 hours. 

Remember, the clock starts ticking from the first use, so plan your itinerary wisely to make the most out of your card.

Where Can I Use the Valencia Tourist Card?

The Valencia Tourist Card is your trusty sidekick all across the city. Here are some of the main places you can use it:

1. Public Transportation

The Valencia Tourist Card has you covered on the city’s buses, trams, and metro lines, including the trip from the airport to the city center. With this card in your pocket, you’re free to roam the city at your leisure!

2. Museums and Monuments

Let the cultural adventure begin! Your Valencia Tourist Card grants you free access to a plethora of the city’s museums and monuments. 

These include the Museum of Sciences, the Fallas Museum, and the Almoina Archaeological Centre, among many others.

3. Restaurants and Shops

Feeling peckish or ready for a shopping spree? The Valencia Tourist Card gives you a smorgasbord of discounts at selected restaurants and shops around the city. 

So go ahead, treat yourself to a delicious paella or grab some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

4. Tourist Services

Want to see the city from a different perspective? Use your Valencia Tourist Card for discounts on various tourist services like guided tours, bike rentals, and even boat trips. Explore Valencia your way and save while you’re at it!

Is the Valencia Tourist Card Worth It?

In my opinion, if you plan to see many of the main sights around Valencia and will be getting public transport when doing so, especially to and from the airport, then the Valencia Tourist Card is definitely worth it thanks to the free public transport and free entry to many places on offer.

I mean, who doesn’t fancy saving money while savoring all the sights, sounds, and flavors of this vibrant city?

Think about it. With free public transportation, you’ll be zipping around the city without spending an extra cent. With free entry to museums and monuments, you’ll soak up the rich culture and history of Valencia without breaking the bank. 

And let’s not forget the discounts at restaurants, shops, and tourist services – who doesn’t love a good deal?

In short, if you plan to explore the city extensively, the Valencia Tourist Card is not just worth it; it’s a no-brainer!

Who Shouldn’t Get the Valencia Tourist Card?

Now, I’ve sung the praises of the Valencia Tourist Card, but it’s also true that not every deal suits every traveler. So, who might not find the card as beneficial?

You may want to think twice about getting this if you fall into one of the following groups:

• If you’re only planning a quick stop in Valencia, or if your idea of a perfect vacation is lounging at the beach all day (no judgment here, by the way), then you might not need the Valencia Tourist Card. 
• If your itinerary doesn’t include a lot of museum-hopping, then the benefits of the card might not outweigh the cost.
• If you don’t think you’ll be taking public transport that often, you might not find yourself getting the full benefits.

Honestly, if you plan to get the metro to and from the airport (which I always do) and think you’ll go to a couple of the main tourist attractions, like a museum or other historical site, then you’ll easily hit the point where the Valencia Tourist Card will be well worth it for you.

Throw in some of the restaurant discounts or getting some savings on a tour or bike rental in Valencia, and you’ll be laughing.

Of course, it’s up to you depending on how you think you’ll be traveling in the city but, overall, it’s going to be a great deal for many visitors.

FAQs

How Do I Use the Valencia Tourist Card on Public Transport?

Using your Valencia Tourist Card on public transport is a cinch! For buses, simply show your card to the driver as you board. For trams and the metro, just swipe your card on the card readers located at the entrance. 

Remember, your card covers all zones within the city, including the trip from the airport to the city center. So, whether you’re heading to the beach, returning from a night out, or journeying from one attraction to the next, your Valencia Tourist Card has got you covered.

How Do I Use the Valencia Tourist Card at Attractions?

As if the Valencia Tourist Card couldn’t get any easier to use, here’s how it works at attractions: Simply present your card at the ticket office of the museum or monument you’re visiting. The friendly staff will then grant you free entry – it’s like having a VIP pass to the city’s cultural treasures!

And remember, there’s no limit to the number of attractions you can visit during the validity of your card. So go ahead, indulge your curiosity, immerse yourself in the rich history of Valencia, and let each new discovery be a story to tell.

How Do I Use the Valencia Tourist Card at Restaurants?

Ready to tantalize your taste buds with Valencia’s culinary delights? Using your Valencia Tourist Card at participating restaurants is as simple as pie… or should we say, paella?

When it’s time to pay, just show your card to the staff. They’ll apply the discount to your bill, and voila! You can enjoy your delicious meal knowing you’ve bagged yourself a bargain. 

Just make sure to check in advance if the restaurant accepts the card – you can find a list of participating places in your free city guide.