Stepping into the City of Arts and Sciences is to immerse oneself in a universe where creativity and innovation converge in a marvelous architectural and cultural spectacle.
Located in Valencia and conceived by the visionary mind of architect Santiago Calatrava, this complex is much more than a mere collection of buildings; it is an oasis of knowledge, beauty, and entertainment that captivates visitors from the very first moment.
In this article, we will embark on a fascinating journey through the treasures housed within the City of Arts and Sciences. From its imposing structures to its captivating museums and theaters, we will guide you through a voyage that will awaken all your senses and leave an indelible impression on your memory.
Get ready to discover the best of this iconic tourist destination and make the most of your experience in this unique enclave in the world.
Welcome to a world of art, science, and architectural wonders!
What is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències?
The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is an essential visit if you come to Valencia. Designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, it comprises several buildings that have become icons of the city.
It is a complex of scientific and cultural leisure to enjoy with family or friends, which nowadays occupies around two kilometers of the former Turia riverbed.
You will need tickets to access the interior of the Hemisfèric, the Museu de les Ciències, and Oceanogràfic, and you can buy them separately or combined, depending on which buildings you are most interested in visiting.
What to see at the Museum of Arts and Sciences?
The Museum of Arts and Sciences stands as the pulsating heart of the City of Arts and Sciences, a place where creativity merges with science to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
With its innovative exhibitions, thrilling activities, and captivating installations, this museum invites visitors to explore the boundaries of knowledge and imagination.
In this section, we will take you on a journey through the highlights of the Museum of Arts and Sciences, unveiling its fascinating secrets and discoveries.
Prepare your senses for an adventure that will leave you awestruck and with a newfound appreciation for art and science.
Exploring Oceanogràfic
Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, is a true gem within the City of Arts and Sciences. With seven different marine environments, this fascinating place is home to nearly 45,000 specimens of 500 different species.
From majestic dolphins and friendly belugas to agile sea lions and adorable penguins, every corner of Oceanogràfic offers a unique encounter with marine diversity.
Don’t miss the thrilling daily exhibition at the dolphinarium, where these intelligent marine mammals dazzle with their acrobatics and skills.
We recommend setting aside at least half a day to explore this incredible aquarium in its entirety, immersing yourself in an underwater world full of wonder and admiration.
Hemisfèric
he Hemisfèric is a state-of-the-art 3D digital cinema, featuring an enormous concave screen spanning 900 meters, almost enveloping the audience. Every day, several films are screened, mostly educational documentaries lasting no more than 45 minutes and suitable for all ages.
With your ticket, you will receive innovative 3D glasses, allowing you to also change the language of the projection.
If you’re traveling with children, there is usually a more child-friendly film shown once a day.
We recommend checking the schedule and reserving the screening that interests you the most before starting your visit to other buildings within the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Palau de les Arts
If you’re a music lover, your haven in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is the Palau de les Arts. From October to November, it offers a program that includes operas, concerts, zarzuela, or ballet performances.
Outside of shows, the building can be visited internally by prior reservation through the following link.
Exploring the Museum of Sciences
With the motto “Prohibited not to touch“, you can already imagine what kind of space the Museum of Sciences is, right?
The Museu de les Ciències offers various interactive exhibitions on science and technology. You can enter the ground floor without a ticket, where there is usually a temporary exhibition, some shops, restrooms, and a restaurant.
For the rest of the exhibitions, you will need your ticket. The museum also offers scientific workshops for all audiences, for which you need to purchase a separate ticket.
Umbracle
With open access, the Umbracle is an enormous garden spanning over 17,000 m2 where you can stroll while admiring typical Mediterranean plants or contemporary sculptures.
During summer evenings, the Mya terrace opens its doors, offering you the chance to enjoy a drink under the moonlight.
Just below the Umbracle lies the public parking lot of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Exploring L’Assut d’Or
Another masterpiece by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, the L’Assut d’Or Bridge spans the old Turia Riverbed, between the Museu de les Ciències and the Ágora.
There are several lanes for traffic in both directions, and in the center, there is a pedestrian walkway that connects both banks of the Turia Gardens.
Ágora / CaixaForum València
This Calatrava-designed building is home to CaixaForum València, a versatile space offering temporary and permanent exhibitions, live music, film screenings, lecture series, and performances to enjoy culture and science.
Tips for visiting the City of Arts and Sciences
Before embarking on your journey to the City of Arts and Sciences, it’s essential to equip yourself with some insider knowledge to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.
From practical advice on ticket purchases to insider tips for maximizing your time at each attraction, our curated list of tips will help you navigate Valencia’s iconic cultural hub like a seasoned traveler.
Join us as we delve into essential recommendations to make the most of your visit to the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Buy your tickets online: Save time and avoid queues by purchasing your tickets online.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Be prepared to walk a lot during your visit, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring water and sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Valencia, so make sure to bring water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Take advantage of the restaurants and cafes: Enjoy the variety of gastronomic options offered by the complex to recharge your energy during your visit.
- Book Hotel + Tickets: Get special tickets for the parks of the City of Arts and Sciences along with accommodation. You can choose to visit all the parks, just one, or two while enjoying Valencia. This will help you save money and simplify your experience.
- Oceanogràfic: Take your time to enjoy this educational aquarium. Avoid rushing to appreciate the beauty of the animals and learn from the exhibitions. Start your visit on the right to avoid crowds and plan between 2 and 4 hours, avoiding meal times to maximize your time.
- Hemisfèric: Check the schedules of the projections and plan your visit in advance to not miss any presentation that interests you.
- Museum of Sciences: Enjoy learning through play in this interactive museum. Dedicate at least 3 hours to explore it completely.
- Planning: Plan your visit by consulting the schedules of projections at the Hemisfèric and the opening and closing times of the buildings to optimize your time.
- Duration of the visit: You will need approximately 7 hours to fully enjoy all three buildings. We recommend visiting them on two different days to make the most of the experience.
- Mealtime: Avoid crowds by eating between 13:00 and 13:30 for a quieter meal.
- Underwater restaurant: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience at the restaurant located in the Oceanogràfic.
- Architecture: Appreciate the magnificent architecture of Santiago Calatrava, which has shaped the urban landscape of Valencia.
- Night visit: Experience the City of Arts and Sciences at night to capture unique photos and enjoy the lights illuminating the buildings.
- Enjoy the experience: The City of Arts and Sciences is a unique and special place. Take your time to enjoy every moment and discover all the wonders this fascinating destination has to offer.
Let MPC TravelSpain be your guide to an unforgettable Valencian experience!
Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, is a vibrant center of culture, history and culinary delights. From its stunning beaches and sun-drenched squares to its world-class museums and ancient architecture, Valencia offers something for everyone.
But with so much to see and do, planning the perfect Valencia holiday can be daunting.
That’s where MPC TravelSpain comes in. Our professional service in Valencia will take care of all the details, guaranteeing that you have a perfect and unforgettable experience.
We’ll work with you to create a personalized itinerary that fits your interests and budget, taking care of everything from accommodations and transportation to activities and dining reservations.
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