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City of Arts and Sciences

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City of Arts and Sciences (Spain)

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Highlights of 2026

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The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) in Valencia is one of the most impressive futuristic architectural complexes in Europe. The renowned architect Santiago Calatrava designed the gigantic, snow-white ensemble in the drained riverbed of the Turia River. The complex, which opened gradually starting in 1998, covers an area of 350,000 square meters and resembles a city from the future. It includes the L'Hemisfèric, a giant eye-shaped building housing an IMAX cinema and planetarium; the interactive Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, shaped like a whale skeleton; and the spectacular Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía opera house. The ensemble is completed by L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. This unique cultural and leisure center spectacularly combines science, nature, and art, transforming Valencia into a global tourist destination.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C891214182326262218129
Rain mm30254042382191849444633

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The City of Arts and Sciences is fully open to the public, with several museums and cultural venues. The outdoor area is free to explore.
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Typical hours
Individual buildings have different opening hours, usually 10:00-19:00 or 20:00. It is advisable to check current times on the website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the complex, even for Instagram-worthy shots. Inside the Science Museum, tripods are only allowed with permission.
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Time needed
Allow at least half a day for the entire complex - the Science Museum alone takes 2-3 hours. The planetarium has a 1-hour show.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the Turia Park or Valencia's historic center. The L'Oceanogràfic marine aquarium is also part of the complex.
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Getting there
The complex is well served by public transport: metro lines 3, 5, 7 and 9 stop at Alameda station. Bus services also exist.
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Insider tip
Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The best time for photos without crowds is early morning or late afternoon.

Geography

Population
824,340 (2025)
Coordinates
39.45520, -0.35340

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Sights in the town City of Arts and Sciences (10)

Sundial

A sundial located on the grounds of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

Príncipe Felipe Science Museum🏛 museum

A science museum in Valencia, offering interactive exhibits on technology and nature.

🕒 10:00-18:00; Jan 08-Mar 28,Oct 15-Dec 05,Dec 10-Dec 23: Fr-S

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

A cultural complex in Valencia, featuring museums, an aquarium, and an opera house.

Pont de l'Assut de l'Or

A backward-curved single-pylon cable-stayed bridge in Valencia, part of the cultural complex.

Pont de Montolivet

A bridge in Valencia connecting the Montolivet district to the cultural complex.

Ágora

A multifunctional indoor arena in Valencia, used for concerts and events.

Caixaforum València🏛 museum

A museum in Valencia, hosting temporary art and cultural exhibitions.

Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts

The opera house in Valencia, known for its avant-garde architecture by Santiago Calatrava.

Aiguamolls - Aviari

An attraction in Valencia, comprising wetlands and an aviary.

Mediterrani

An attraction in Valencia, themed around the Mediterranean Sea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the City of Arts and Sciences?
The complex was designed primarily by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
Does it cost money to enter the grounds?
The grounds themselves are free to enter, but you need tickets for the museums, aquarium, and cinema.
What is the Oceanogràfic?
It is the largest aquarium in Europe, showcasing various marine ecosystems from around the world.
How do I get to the complex from the center?
You can take bus lines 15, 35, and 95, or walk for about 20-30 minutes through the Turia park bed.
Are there combined tickets available?
Yes, there are various combined tickets for the science museum, Hemisfèric, and Oceanogràfic.
City of Arts and Sciences: where is it located?
City of Arts and Sciences is located in Galicia, Spain.
City of Arts and Sciences: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sundial, Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
City of Arts and Sciences: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
City of Arts and Sciences: why is it worth visiting?
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) in Valencia is one of the most impressive futuristic architectural complexes in Europe.
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