Sight guide · Valencia · Spain
Visiting L'Oceanogràfic
One of Europe's largest aquariums, set in buildings with Félix Candela's shell-like roofs, recreates marine environments from the Mediterranean and tropical seas to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
L'Oceanogràfic is an aquarium in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia. Allow 4–5 hours; it is expensive. Buy tickets online in advance in summer and school holidays, when queues at the ticket office are long.
Key facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Area
- Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences)
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- kids and rainy day
- Best months
- April and November–December
About L'Oceanogràfic
One of Europe's largest aquariums, set in buildings with Félix Candela's shell-like roofs, recreates marine environments from the Mediterranean and tropical seas to the Arctic and Antarctic. Underwater tunnels pass through shark tanks, and there are beluga whales, penguins and a large dolphinarium.
Tip: Arrive at opening and see the shark tunnels and Arctic area first, before tour groups and school visits arrive.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 4–5 hours.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: Buy tickets online in advance in summer and school holidays, when queues at the ticket office are long.
- 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 L'Oceanogràfic
L'Oceanogràfic is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- November: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 21°C (70°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 L'Oceanogràfic on day 1, together with City of Arts and Sciences and Gulliver Park.
- No. 2 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.
- One of the picks in valencia on a rainy day.
- A family favourite in Valencia with kids.
Near L'Oceanogràfic
Also in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences), so you can walk between them:
- City of Arts and Sciences — 2–4 hours, mid-priced
- Gulliver Park — 1–2 hours, free
- Museo Fallero — 1 hour, low cost
Staying near L'Oceanogràfic
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 L'Oceanogràfic?
Plan 4–5 hours. With City of Arts and Sciences nearby, it fits a half-day in Penya-roja (City of Arts and Sciences).
+Is L'Oceanogràfic free?
No, it is expensive. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit L'Oceanogràfic?
April and November–December, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Arrive at opening and see the shark tunnels and Arctic area first, before tour groups and school visits arrive.
+Do I need to book L'Oceanogràfic in advance?
Buy tickets online in advance in summer and school holidays, when queues at the ticket office are long.
+Is L'Oceanogràfic 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.