Valencia, the perfect destination for a family with a newborn
fter three whole months without traveling after the arrival of our baby boy Ian, we felt it was finally time to break the routine. The itch to get back out there was real! So, with Ian just 3 months old and our spirited 4-year-old daughter Doen, we decided to pack our bags and take our very first trip as a family of four. Traveling with two young kids might sound tiring, but we were ready to create new memories together – and what better destination than sunny, family-friendly Valencia?
Easy & Affordable: How We Got There
A Sunny Winter Escape: Our Family Trip to Valencia with Two Little Travelers ..
We always look for practical, budget-friendly ways to travel, especially now as a family of four. For this trip, we found a great deal on direct flights from Tirana to Valencia with Wizz Air. Our tickets cost only 40 EUR per person, which felt like a steal! Surprisingly, the most expensive ticket was Ian’s. Even though he’s just a tiny newborn, Wizz Air has a fixed rate of 70 EUR for babies – a funny little quirk of traveling with infants.
Arriving in Valencia around 10:30 PM, we knew we needed a smooth transition from the airport to our accommodation. We opted for a taxi, which was convenient and reasonably priced. The ride to the city center cost 25 EUR, and interestingly, on the return trip to the airport, it was just 15 EUR, likely thanks to lighter daytime traffic.
Where We Stayed: Mon Suites Catedral
Finding a comfortable, centrally located place was a priority for us when booking our stay. We chose the Mon Suites Catedral apartments, just steps from Valencia’s historical center. It turned out to be a perfect choice – walking distance to many attractions, cozy, and spacious enough for our family needs. Plus, it had a homely vibe, which made a difference when traveling with little ones.
Architecture
Center of Valencia
Our Days in Valencia: Family-Friendly Fun
We booked a 3-night, 4-day trip, but since we arrived late on the first evening and left in the afternoon on the last day, we had two full days and a half-day to explore. Here is our itinerary:
Day 1: A Wild Adventure at Bioparc Valencia
On our first full day, we headed straight to Bioparc Valencia, one of the most impressive zoological parks in Europe. If you’re traveling with kids, this place is a must! The design of the park is what makes it so unique – it follows the concept of “zoo-immersion”, meaning no traditional cages or barriers. Instead, the animals roam in environments that mimic their natural habitats, separated from visitors only by moats or hidden barriers.
The park is divided into several zones, representing ecosystems like Savannah, Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, and Wetlands. Doen loved spotting giraffes, zebras, and lemurs, and we were all amazed by the huge gorillas and crocodiles. Ian, being so young, enjoyed the fresh air and stroller-friendly paths.
Tickets cost us 86 EUR in total:
- 30.90 EUR per adult
- 24.20 EUR for Doen (children over 4 pay full child price)
As usual, we booked our tickets in advance through GetYourGuide, which saved us time and hassle. GetYourGuide is our partner for every trip we take.
Day 2: Underwater Wonders & Science Fun
For our second full day, we planned a mix of fun and learning. First stop: the Oceanogràfic Valencia, known as the largest aquarium in Europe. It’s part of the stunning Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) complex, and it didn’t disappoint.
The kids were fascinated by the variety of marine life – sharks, penguins, jellyfish, sea turtles, and more. The dolphin show was a highlight, especially for Doen. They even had spots to grab a quick snack, so we treated ourselves to hot dogs while taking in all the sights.
After the aquarium, we took a leisurely stroll through the City of Arts and Sciences and decided to step into the Science Museum, which happened to be included in our combo ticket. While the interactive exhibits are perfect for older kids, for us, it became a peaceful pause. Doen felt a little sleepy, so we found some big comfy couches, relaxed, enjoyed a coffee, and gave her time for a quick nap to recharge.
Once energized, we crossed over to Centre Comercial El Saler, right in front of the museum. It’s a great shopping center with a variety of stores, and we picked up some clothes and goodies for the kids which you cannot find in Albania, especially with those prices.
Day 3: Slow Morning & Shopping in Valencia Center
On our last day, with just half a day before our flight, we decided to keep things light. We strolled through Valencia’s charming streets, popping into a few local shops and soaking in the lively vibe of the city center.
Favorite Food Spot: Bar & Kitchen
One of our favorite finds during the trip was a cozy little spot right below our apartment, called Bar & Kitchen. It quickly became our go-to place for both breakfast and dinner.
In the mornings, we’d sit outside and savor fresh, buttery croissants and cappuccinos, the perfect start to our day. Evenings were for unwinding with drinks and their delicious variety of tapas – simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Because the restaurant was tucked away from the main touristy plazas, the prices were very reasonable, making it even more appealing for a family trip.
Our Valencia getaway was the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and family bonding. Traveling with young kids always requires flexibility, but Valencia’s welcoming atmosphere, great weather (even in December!), and child-friendly attractions made it an ideal choice.
For families considering a similar trip, we highly recommend:
- Booking tickets and tours in advance (GetYourGuide is a lifesaver!)
- Staying centrally to minimize walking time with kids
- Prioritizing attractions like Bioparc and the Oceanogràfic for guaranteed fun
This trip reminded us how valuable it is to step out of routine and explore new places together – no matter how young or old the family members are.
We can’t wait for our next adventure!
BICA FAMILY
Hi, we are Bica family! We are Eneida, Dolsin, our almost 5-year-old Doen, our little one Ian who is 3-months old and our golden Shadow. As a blogger family we love to share our stories, experiences, and trips with the world! From fashion to parenthood, parenting to travel, we have a wide range of experiences that we love sharing with our online friends. We strive to bring our followers unique content that is both informative and entertaining.
