Last weekend I finally visited the long-awaited City of Arts and Sciences, and the overall experience was truly spectacular. This architectural complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava is definitely worth dedicating an entire day to explore properly.
Let me start with tickets. The City of Arts and Sciences is actually a collective name for an architectural complex containing several independent venues, each requiring separate admission. The Oceanogràfic adult ticket is €34.70, the Science Museum (Museo de las Ciencias) is €8, and the Hemisfèric dome cinema is €8.80. If you’re planning to visit multiple venues at the City of Arts and Sciences, I recommend buying combination tickets as they’re more economical. The official website frequently offers package deals. This time at the City of Arts and Sciences, I purchased a combo ticket for the Oceanographic and Science Museum, saving about €5.
Venue Experiences
The Oceanographic is one of Europe’s largest aquariums and it’s absolutely massive inside. I entered at 10 AM and didn’t leave until 2 PM. The dolphin show and beluga whale area are highly recommended. The dolphin shows have fixed daily schedules, so I suggest checking the times in advance. The underwater tunnel section is particularly amazing, with sharks and manta rays swimming right overhead—great for photos. The penguin pavilion is adorable too, with little penguins constantly splashing around in the water.
The Science Museum is more suitable for families with children, featuring many interactive exhibitions. The space exhibition on the third floor lets you experience weightlessness, and the second floor has a DNA laboratory where you can participate in simple scientific experiments. I initially thought it would be boring, but adults can actually have a great time too, especially with that giant pendulum installation—it’s quite mesmerizing to watch.
Practical Tips Comparison
| Item | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|
| Best visiting time | Weekday mornings | Weekends and holidays are very crowded |
| Parking | Underground parking | €2/hour, can book in advance |
| Dining | Bring your own food | On-site restaurants are expensive with limited options |
| Visit duration | At least 4-5 hours | Need a full day to see everything |
Here are some tips to share: Definitely wear comfortable shoes, as there’s really a lot of walking involved. If visiting in summer, remember to bring sunscreen and a hat—there’s virtually no shade around the architectural complex, and it gets quite hot when taking photos outside. If you’re interested in the Valencia Institute of Modern Art, for photographing the building exteriors, evening light works best as the structures take on a beautiful blue tone.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a must-visit attraction when in Valencia. Although tickets aren’t cheap, it’s definitely worth the money. I recommend buying tickets in advance on the official website, as queues for on-site purchases are usually quite long. If you have time, take a stroll in the nearby Turia River Park—it’s also a favorite leisure spot for locals.
