Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences looks like a city from the future, floating on turquoise pools. The complex was designed mainly by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and opened building by building from 1998, at the eastern end of the old riverbed of the Turia.
What to see
L’Hemisfèric
Shaped like a giant eye that opens and closes, the Hemisfèric was the first building to open. Inside is a dome cinema and planetarium.
The Science Museum
The Museu de les Ciències, with its white skeleton of ribs, is an interactive science museum where children can touch, play and experiment.
L’Umbracle
A garden walkway under white arches, planted with palms and Mediterranean plants – free to stroll and lovely at sunset.
The Oceanogràfic
The Oceanogràfic is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with underwater tunnels, sharks, beluga whales and a dolphin area. Plan at least half a day.
The Palau de les Arts
The opera house, crowned by a huge feather-shaped roof, hosts opera, concerts and ballet.
Tips
- Walk around the outside for free: the buildings and pools are spectacular even without a ticket.
- Combined tickets for the museum, the Hemisfèric and the Oceanogràfic are sold online.
- Come at sunset or after dark, when the buildings are lit and reflected in the water.
- Arrive through the Turia Gardens on foot or by bike from the old town.
