City of Arts and Sciences travel guide

The City of Arts and Sciences, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Spanish, is a cultural and architectural complex in Valencia, Spain. It was designed by the renowned Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela. The idea of this futuristic cultural complex was first conceived in the late 1980s. Construction began in July 1996 and it was officially inaugurated on 9 October 2005.

The complex is situated in the old dried-up river bed of Turia, which was turned into a picturesque sunken park. The City of Arts and Sciences represents the modern face of Valencia and is considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. It consists of several buildings including L'Hemisfèric (IMAX Cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped walk with plant species), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 species) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (an opera house).

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, is a testament to modern architecture and an iconic symbol of innovation. One of its unique features is the Hemisfèric, an IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laserium, designed in the shape of a giant eye, symbolizing the observation of the world. The Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, is another distinctive feature housing various marine ecosystems from different parts of the world.

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, a stunning opera house and performing arts center, is a visually striking structure with an undulating roof that appears to float above two large reflective pools. The Umbracle, a landscaped walk with plant species native to Valencia, is a magnificent open structure offering an immersive experience. Another remarkable feature is the Prince Felipe Science Museum, an interactive museum shaped like a dinosaur skeleton, making science accessible to all. These unique features make the City of Arts and Sciences not just a collection of buildings, but a cultural experience that combines art, science, and nature.

Located in the dynamic Valencia, the popular City of Arts and Sciences is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of València or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Spain.

València is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, València offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in València and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Mercat Central de València, Serranos Towers, Mercat de Colón, Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, València has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in València, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Spain!

City of Arts and Sciences is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in València, Spain. If you're flying in, Valencia Airport is approximately 7.4 miles (11.9 km) away from València. From there, you can easily reach City of Arts and Sciences by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in València, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach City of Arts and Sciences, which is located 1.7 miles (2.8 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to City of Arts and Sciences, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Quatre Carreres, 46013 Valencia, Spain.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at City of Arts and Sciences!

The best time to explore City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, allowing outdoor explorations and the crowd levels are comparatively low, offering a more relaxed experience. Summertime can be quite hot and crowded, although the city's lively atmosphere and special events like the 'Noche en Blanco' in September can make it worthwhile. Winter is also an option for those who prefer a quieter visit, though some exhibits may have reduced hours. Whenever you choose to visit, remember that this architectural marvel is spectacular at any time of the year and night visits are particularly recommended for the stunning light displays. Planning your visit to coincide with the city's special events, like the Fallas Festival in March, can add to your experience, but do remember to book in advance during these popular times.

There's no better way to discover the wonders of City of Arts and Sciences and other top attractions in València than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to València include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in City of Arts and Sciences's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into City of Arts and Sciences and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind tourist destination in Spain.

With a rental car, discovering the popular City of Arts and Sciences and Spain's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Valencia Airport and the city of València, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Spain cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in València and beyond.

Conveniently explore City of Arts and Sciences and plenty more captivating attractions in València by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to City of Arts and Sciences and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that València has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting City of Arts and Sciences below.

Aside from City of Arts and Sciences, València is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around València, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Mercat Central de València, Serranos Towers, and Mercat de Colón.

Mercat Central de València is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in València, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 86,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Mercat Central de València is Pl. Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain.

Another appreciated attraction in València is Serranos Towers. Like Mercat Central de València, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 44,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is Plaça dels Furs, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain.

Mercat de Colón is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of València. This establishment and top attraction in València has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 41,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, L'Eixample, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of València below.