Sight guide · Valencia · Spain
Visiting City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava's complex of white, skeletal buildings rises from shallow pools at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Boris Dzhingarov, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural landmark in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia. Allow 2–4 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Architecture
- Area
- Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- architecture, kids, photo spot and after dark
- Best months
- April–May and November
About City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava's complex of white, skeletal buildings rises from shallow pools at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens. It includes L'Hemisfèric, an eye-shaped cinema and planetarium; the Museu de les Ciències, an interactive science museum; the Palau de les Arts opera house; and L'Umbracle, a landscaped walkway of palms and sculptures. Walking around the outside is free.
Tip: Visit at dusk, when the buildings are lit and reflected in the pools, and book the science museum for the hottest part of the day.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–4 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences), modern apartment blocks beside Calatrava's museums and the end of the Turia.
Best time to visit City of Arts and Sciences
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Valencia has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Valencia itinerary visits City of Arts and Sciences on day 1, together with L'Oceanogràfic and Gulliver Park.
- No. 1 of the 20 sights in our Valencia things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- A family favourite in Valencia with kids.
Near City of Arts and Sciences
Also in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences), so you can walk between them:
- L'Oceanogràfic — 4–5 hours, expensive
- Gulliver Park — 1–2 hours, free
- Museo Fallero — 1 hour, low cost
If you like City of Arts and Sciences
- Estación del Norte — Ruzafa, 20 minutes
- Mercado de Colón — Eixample and Pla del Remei, 45 minutes
Staying near City of Arts and Sciences
Stay in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences) ($$$) to walk here: modern apartment blocks beside Calatrava's museums and the end of the Turia. All areas to stay in Valencia.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at City of Arts and Sciences?
Plan 2–4 hours. With L'Oceanogràfic nearby, it fits a half-day in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences).
+Is City of Arts and Sciences free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit City of Arts and Sciences?
April–May and November, the quietest of the good months. Visit at dusk, when the buildings are lit and reflected in the pools, and book the science museum for the hottest part of the day.
+Do I need to book City of Arts and Sciences in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is City of Arts and Sciences good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Valencia. Valencia is one of Spain's easiest cities for families: the Oceanogràfic, the interactive science museum, the Bioparc and the climbable Gulliver figure are all near the traffic-free Turia Gardens, and sandy city beaches are a tram ride away.