The City of Arts and Sciences is a multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex. Discover over 500 marine species, enjoy opera performances, enjoy interactive science and technology exhibits and watch 3-D movies. This complex of six venues stretches along 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) of Valencia’s Turía Gardens and is a showcase of the city’s modern architecture.
Start your visit at the Hemisfèric, where you can watch 3-D movies and digital animations on a domed IMAX cinema screen. The building’s semi-spherical shape together with its reflection in a lake creates the impression of a gigantic eye.
Go to the Science Museum to learn while you play with the interactive exhibits. See the re-creation of an ant’s nest, examine the 49-foot (15-metre) sculpture of a DNA molecule and be part of a TV show recording.
Don’t miss the Oceanogràfic, which is Spain’s largest aquarium. The aquarium is divided into areas representing an individual aquatic ecosystem, including Antarctica, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Watch sharks and rays from an underwater tunnel, spot penguins and sea lions, and enjoy dolphin shows. There’s even an underwater restaurant.
Admire the architecture of the complex from the Umbracle. This free walkway and vantage point is also home to outdoor art exhibitions and a botanical-style garden. Visit the complex’s official website for a schedule of events at the Ágora, such as tennis tournaments, conventions and concerts. Take a guided tour of the Palau de les Arts opera house or enjoy an opera or classical music performance in one of its four exhibition halls.
The City of Arts and Sciences complex is a 15-minute drive from Valencia’s Old Town. There is on-site car parking available for a fee. Public transportation, such as the bus and metro, stops close to the complex’s main entrance. Alternatively, it’s a 45-minute walk from the Old Town, via Turía Gardens.
The complex is open daily. Check its official website for the opening times and admission fees of each venue. Allow a whole day to visit the entire complex. Alternatively, purchase a multi-day ticket and spread your visit over two to three days.
