The Red Bus Valencia

The Red Bus Valencia, also known as Valencia Bus Turístic, is the city's hop-on hop-off sightseeing service. It is run by Viajes Transvía Tours, a Valencia company that has operated since 1999 as both a transport company and a travel agency. The fleet uses fully electric double-decker buses, and the open top deck is a good way to get your bearings on a first visit.

The city tour has 17 stops covering the historic centre, the City of Arts and Sciences and the beach, so it links sights that are otherwise a fair distance apart. The website mentions red and green routes. Tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours allow unlimited hopping on and off, and there is a 48-hour option that adds entry to the church of San Nicolás, known for its painted ceilings. Commentary comes through the company's own audio system, with up to eight languages, and headphones are provided; check that yours work when you board.

The second product is the Albufera Bus Turístic, a trip of about two hours to the Albufera Natural Park south of the city. It includes return transport, a ride in a traditional boat on the lagoon and through the rice fields, and, depending on the departure, sunset views over the water. It is one of the simplest ways to see the Albufera without hiring a car or working out local buses.

The buses run daily, roughly from 09:45 to 19:00, and timetables are published on the company's website. The main stop is on Calle Pintor Sorolla in the centre. Works in the city can affect individual stops; at the time of writing, one stop near the bullring was suspended and passengers were directed to the main stop instead, so check the website for notices. Buying online in advance is usually cheaper than paying on board.

The bus suits first-time visitors, families with children, older travellers and anyone with limited mobility who wants to cover a lot of ground without long walks. In summer the top deck can be very hot at midday, so ride in the morning or late afternoon and bring a hat. Combining the city tour on one day with the Albufera excursion at sunset on another makes good use of a 48-hour visit.