Last month I visited Valencia and dedicated an entire day to exploring the City of Arts and Sciences. This place is much larger than I imagined, so I’d recommend allocating at least half a day—otherwise you’ll feel rushed. Here’s some practical information for those planning to visit.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The City of Arts and Sciences offers both single-venue and combined tickets. If you only want to visit the Science Museum, a single ticket costs around 8 euros. However, I recommend getting the combined ticket—for approximately 37 euros you can visit the Science Museum, Oceanographic, and Hemisfèric, which offers much better value. Booking online in advance saves 2-3 euros and lets you skip the queues. Opening hours are typically 10am to 7pm, extended to 9pm in summer, but it’s best to check the official website for exact times.
Transportation Comparison
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Rating |
|———|——|——|———-||
| Metro | 20 minutes | 1.5€ | ★★★★★ |
| Bus | 30 minutes | 1.5€ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Taxi | 15 minutes | 12-15€ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Walking | 45 minutes | Free | ★★★★☆ |
I took the metro, getting off at Alameda station, then walked about 10 minutes to the complex. The route passes through a beautiful park perfect for photos. If you’re staying in the old town, walking isn’t too far either—following the dried riverbed park offers lovely scenery along the way.
Must-See Exhibits
The Science Museum is what I found most worthwhile. It features many interactive exhibitions, particularly suitable for families with children. One section dedicated to human anatomy uses advanced technology to present the information in an engaging way. There’s also a space exploration area where you can experience a simulated rocket launch, though it does get quite busy.
The Oceanographic is also excellent. While not as large as Barcelona’s aquarium, the underwater tunnel design is spectacular. Watching sharks swim overhead is truly breathtaking. The penguin area is delightful too, with staff providing scheduled talks and feeding sessions—I’d recommend checking the timetable in advance.
Practical Tips
For photographing the exterior architecture, late afternoon is ideal—the City of Arts and Sciences looks stunning at sunset. The white modern buildings take on different dimensions in golden light. Midday photography is too hot and the boating experience at the City of Arts and Sciences has harsh lighting, which doesn’t produce the best results.
There are restaurants inside but they’re pricey—a simple meal costs around 15 euros. If you want to save money when visiting the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences, you can eat at the nearby shopping center, just a 5-minute walk with several restaurant options. Or do as I did—bring sandwiches and fruit. The lawns outside the complex are perfect for picnics, and many locals do the same.
The Valencia City of Arts and Sciences is definitely worth visiting, whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or traveling with family. The only downside is it gets really hot in summer, so remember sunscreen and a hat. Feel free to leave comments with any questions.
