24 Hours in the City of Arts and Sciences

It is rarely the case that as soon as a building is finished, it becomes one of the most emblematic places in a city. This is what happened in Valencia with the City of Arts and Sciences, this majestic cultural and scientific complex designed by Santiago Calatrava immediately became one of the most visited sites in the city. A full visit takes at least one whole day. Here you will find everything about what you can see in the City of Arts and Sciences.

The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava with the contribution of Félix Candela, is a gigantic complex occupying more than 350,000 m2. Before visiting one by one the six main spaces of this small futuristic city, it is worthwhile to see the buildings from the outside.

The Oceanogràfic

We recommend starting the day at the Oceanogràfic, the largest marine zoo in Europe, where you can see specimens of all the major marine ecosystems in our planet. Among the 500 marine species, you can see beluga whales, beautiful animals that make a bizarre sound you cannot hear in another European aquarium. If you go with children, they will especially enjoy seeing penguins, sharks, and different types of fish in thousands of colours. You can also attend a Dolphin Show.

Sciences Museum

Another space that requires several hours is the large museum dedicated to science and technology. The museum has permanent and also temporary exhibitions, where kids and adults can interactively gain scientific knowledge while having fun. From the classic Foucault Pendulum to the most revolutionary breakthroughs in today's technology, you will find much to experience and learn.

The Hemisfèric

Perhaps the most emblematic building in the complex, this eye-shaped building surrounded by water attracts everyone's attention. The Hemisfèric hosts an IMAX Dome cinema where 3D films are screened. We advise you to reserve a projection time at the beginning of your visit because there are several types of projections and the most interesting ones always get filled soon.

In addition to these three spaces that will require quite a while, there are other spaces that you can see inside the City of Arts and Sciences. Les Arts shaped like a fish, houses the Opera of Valencia whose main hall allows entrance to 1,500 people. The Agora is another impressive structure that works as a multifunctional space. Inside, sports events, fashion shows and other events take place. Finally, if you want to take a break and relax a bit during your visit, we advise you to do it inside the Umbracle, which is an open space that hosts a garden with different flowers and local plants. Here, you will also find the Umbracle Terrace, a summer terrace, ideal for a night drink after the visit.

You can check the schedules and prices of the different tickets on the website of the City of Arts and Sciences. It is worth buying combined tickets that give access to several spaces.