Jardines del Real (Viveros)

Popularly known as Viveros, the Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real) are València's largest and oldest historic public park: more than 35,000 m² of tree-lined avenues, statues of Greco-Roman gods, rose gardens and shady corners that have spent generations as the green lung and Sunday-stroll spot for locals. They sit beside the old Turia riverbed, in the Pla del Real district.

From royal palace to everyone's garden

The park started out as an almunia, a leisure estate of the kings of the Taifa of València that over the centuries became the Royal Palace, the monarchs' residence until the early 19th century. The name Viveros (nurseries) comes from its old use as a plant nursery: as early as the 16th century Philip II ordered orange and lemon trees here for the gardens of Aranjuez. The palace was demolished in 1810 to keep it out of French hands, and its rubble formed the two small hills you can still walk over today.

What to see

• The archaeological remains of the Royal Palace, marked among the greenery.
• The large aviary with peacocks and birds, a classic stop with children.
• The rose garden, the monumental fountains and the mythological sculptures.
• The Natural Science Museum, within the grounds.

Practical tips

Entry to the garden is free. It's a few minutes' walk from the centre and well served by metro and bus; it pairs well with the Monforte garden, right next door, and a stroll along the Alameda. For more no-cost ideas, see our guide to free things to do in València.

Insider tip

Local trick: every July, during the Gran Fira de València, the Viveros stage becomes the city's best-loved open-air concert venue, with national and international names performing under the trees. If you visit in summer, check the line-up: hearing music in this century-old garden, with the breeze in the plane trees, is a very Valencian experience that almost no passing tourist knows about. The rest of the year, go early on a Sunday and you'll have the paths almost to yourself.