Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences: The Complete Visitor's Guide
Santiago Calatrava's masterpiece explained — what to see, what to skip, and why it looks like a giant alien spaceship
The City of Arts and Sciences is Valencia's most iconic landmark. Paul Osito tells you everything you need to know — including which bits are worth the entrance fee and which bits are just very photogenic.
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences: The Complete Guide
By Paul Osito — Architecture Admirer, Occasional Philistine
The first time I saw the City of Arts and Sciences, I thought someone had accidentally left a science fiction film set in the middle of Valencia. The second time, I thought: this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The third time, I moved to Valencia. Draw your own conclusions.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava (a Valencian, naturally) and Félix Candela, the complex stretches along 2km of the old Turia riverbed and comprises six extraordinary buildings. Here's your complete guide.
The Six Buildings
L'Hemisfèric (The Eye)
A giant eye-shaped IMAX cinema and planetarium. The building itself is more impressive than most of the films shown inside. Worth seeing from outside; the IMAX shows are good but not unmissable.
Museu de les Ciències Príncep Felip (The Science Museum)
An interactive science museum housed in a building that looks like the skeleton of a whale. Excellent for families and genuinely fascinating for adults. Allow 3–4 hours.
L'Oceanogràfic (The Oceanarium)
Europe's largest oceanarium, designed by Félix Candela. Home to sharks, dolphins, beluga whales, and approximately 45,000 other marine creatures. The dolphin shows are controversial (make your own ethical call), but the underwater tunnel is genuinely spectacular. Allow a full day.
El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (The Opera House)
Valencia's opera house, which looks like a giant helmet or possibly a very avant-garde spaceship. World-class performances year-round. Check the programme before you visit.
L'Umbracle (The Sculpture Garden)
A free, open-air walkway lined with Mediterranean plants and contemporary sculptures. Perfect for an evening stroll. The views of the other buildings from here are extraordinary.
El Museu de les Ciències (The Agora)
A flexible events space used for concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events. Worth checking what's on during your visit.Practical Information
- Best time to visit: Early morning for photography (the reflections on the water are stunning), or at dusk when everything turns golden.
- Combined tickets: Available for multiple buildings — good value if you plan to visit more than two.
- Getting there: Bus lines 35 and 95 from the city centre, or a 20-minute walk through the Turia gardens.
Stay Close to the Action
Our Osito Hub apartments in the Quatre Carreres and Eixample neighbourhoods put you within walking distance of the City of Arts and Sciences. Book directly with us and we'll arrange skip-the-queue tickets and a personalised itinerary.
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