The City of Arts and Sciences is the cultural and entertainment complex most impressive of Europe and probably one of the most amazing and photographed in Spain. When you get to the city and see all of these structures of white reflecting on the water you realize why it has become one of the symbols of Valencia. It has more than 350,000 square metres built on the old riverbed of the river Turia. If you come to Valencia and want to enjoy the City of Arts and Sciences without the backpack or suitcase, you can leave your luggage in our lockers from the city centre
Santiago Calatrava: The Architect Behind the Building
Santiago Calatrava, valencian architect and engineer, built along with Félix Candela, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia between the 90’s and early 2000’s. Combined architecture, science, and nature in an area of 350,000 square meters. The first building to open its doors was the Hemisfèric in 1998, and since then, they have been opening other buildings that are internationally recognized by thousands of tourists.
The Buildings and Spaces: Tour Full
Today, the City of Arts and Sciences is one of the architectural complexes most impressive in the world.
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia-an Opera and Performing Arts
The Palau de les Arts is the highest building in the complex and has a structure that looks like a boat stranded. It is the seat of the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana and an opera house that hosts events throughout the year. Although not always is open to the general public as a museum, you can view their schedule to attend an opera, ballet or concert.
L'hemisfèric: an Eye of Wisdom (IMAX Cinema and Planetarium)
This building has the shape of a giant eye, and is known as “The Eye of Knowledge”. In your interior you can visit a display concave of 900 square meters and screen films in IMAX, documentaries in 3D and astronomical representations. Usually last about 45 minutes and once they start the film does not let in. I keep this in mind and comes with time!
L'umbracle: Botanical Garden with Spectacular Views
L’umbracle is a space, open and free with more than 50 species of mediterranean plants. You can enjoy a walk watching palm trees and orange trees. From time to time, they also organize various concerts and events in this space. If you come by car, inside, it has a car park with more than 600 seats.
The Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe: Interactive Science for All
This interactive museum has 42,000 square meters spread over three floors. You can play, experiment and learn about physics, biology, technology, and nature. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions, which change throughout the year. In a museum designed for all ages, even children have a special area to experiment with the water and the animals. The visit usually lasts approximately 2 hours, although if you like science, you can be a whole morning.
L'oceanogràfic: The Largest Aquarium in Europe
The Oceanogràfic is the biggest aquarium in Europe. With more than 42 million litres of water and over 45,000 animals of 500 different species. It is divided in different habitats: the Mediterranean, Wetlands, warm Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, the Antarctic, Arctic and Red Sea. You can walk through a tunnel of 70 metres, surrounded by sharks, to see the only family of belugas in Europe, attend performances of dolphins and see penguins leaping into the icy water.
It is an amazing experience for families to enjoy and learn about the marine life. If you only have time to visit a museum, I recommend it be this. The visit usually lasts 3-4 hours.
LÀgora: multi-functional Space and Events
LÀgora is a square covered with feather-shaped or shell that is used for sporting events, concerts and temporary exhibitions. Has a different schedule and not always open to the public.
Bridges: Gateway'assut de l'or Bridge of Montolivet
The bridges surrounding the City of Arts and Sciences also are the work of Calatrava. The Gateway of the’assut de l’or, with its mast 125 metres in height, is the cable stayed bridge highest point in Spain. We recommend you to cross it at dusk, with all the complex illuminated.
Tickets and Prices: All the Options and Combined
The entries vary the museums you want to visit. You can purchase the tickets independently (each building has a separate fee) or buy a combined ticket (Hemisfèric + Museum + Aquarium). There are also reduced rates for children from 4 to 12 years, 65 years and older, students, and people with disabilities. In addition, children under 4 years are free. We recommend you to buy the tickets online to avoid crowds and book your place with time, especially in high season.
How Long to you Need to: Plan your Visit Perfect
The time that you need depends a lot on what you want to watch. If you are only visiting the Aquarium, booking a minimum between 3 and 4 hours to walk it with peace of mind, especially if you go with children. If you want to combine the Aquarium with the Museu de les Ciències, you’ll need a full day. And if your plan is to make the entire complex including the Hemisfèric, the best thing is that you allow yourself 2 days to enjoy it without hassle. If you only have a day, we recommend a visit to the Aquarium and the Science Museum. If you spare time or you are traveling with children and would like projections in 3D you can include in your visit, The Hemisfèric.
How to Get to the City of Arts and Sciences
From the Slogans in Valencia Lock Here Now
Our locker is closest to the City of Arts and Sciences is located in the North Station.
- by metro: Take Line 5 (green) in the station Xàtiva (1 minute from the set-point) address Marítim-Serrería to Alameda. From Mall you can walk 15 minutes along the Turia Gardens or take bus 35 or 95.
- By bus: Line 35 from the North Station (stop in Xàtiva). Leaves you directly in the complex in about 15 minutes.
- Walking:you Are about 25-30 minutes to walk through the Gardens of the Turia, a walk highly recommended if the weather is good.
If you’re in the centre of Valencia, you can leave your luggage in our left-luggage Center (near the Cathedral):
- In metro: Walk to the station, Columbus (Lines 3, 5, 7, 9) and take the Line 5 address Marítim-Serrería to Alameda. From there, a 15-minute walk through the gardens or bus 35/95.
- By bus: line 95 from Columbus leaves you there directly.
- Distance: by the Turia Gardens in about 35-40 minutes.
Other Ways of Getting
- Metro Line 10: Stop “Ciutat Arts i Ciències – Justice”. It is the nearest station to the resort.
- Bus EMT: Lines 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, 35, 40, 94, 95 and 99.
- From the airport: bus Line 150 that takes you straight.
Tips and Recommendations
Best Hours to Avoid the Crowds and Make Photos
The best days to visit the complex are between week, especially Tuesday through Thursday in the morning (from 10:00 to 12:00 pm). If you want to avoid the crowds don’t go on the weekend or holidays as there are more tourists visiting the city.
If you want to get photos, waiting for the sunset as they turn on the elimination of all the buildings, and you can see his reflection in the water. And if you’re lucky and the sunset is beautiful, don’t encatarán!
Visit with Kids: must-see Attractions for Families
The City of Arts and Sciences and is perfect for family trips because it has a lot of museums adapted for all ages. Even if we have to choose one, go to The Aquarium. The kids will love to see sharks, dolphins, and penguins.
In the Science Museum there is a specific area for children of 3 to 8 years of age where they can experiment and play. In The Hemisfèric has projections family in 3D that you will love. And L’umbracle is ideal to run around and relax among the trees.
We recommend you to bring water and something to eat, because the prices within the complex are quite high. There are also picnic areas in the surrounding area if you bring outside food.
What to See Nearby: The Beach of Malvarrosa and el Barrio del Cabañal
If you come most days, you can visit the beach of Malvarrosa, about 20 minutes away on public transport, and considered one of the best urban beaches in Spain. It has a promenade, beach bars and restaurants where to eat a good paella with sea views. you can Also visit the barrio del Cabañal, an old fishing district with colorful houses that is very close to the beach. Worth wander through its streets.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a must if you visit Valencia. Plan your visit and enjoy one of the resorts most impressive of Europe.
If you want to discover more experiences beyond the City of Arts and Sciences, take a look at our complete guide to the best things to do in Valencia, with cultural, food, and leisure ideas to make the most of your time in the city.
If you’re planning to continue your journey through Spain after visiting Valencia, don’t miss the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of the country’s most fascinating landmarks, where history, architecture, and culture come together.
