Europe’s largest aquarium, L’Oceanogràfic offers a journey through the world’s oceans in one place. Walk through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, watch dolphin shows, and explore Arctic, tropical, and Mediterranean habitats. It’s a captivating experience for families and marine life fans alike.
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See It All & Save 14%!
Skip the hassle of buying separate tickets, get one combo pass for the City of Arts & Sciences and visit the Oceanogràfic, Hemisfèric, and Science Museum for 14% less.
What is the City of Arts and Sciences?
City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex in Valencia designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, blending cutting-edge architecture with science, art, and nature.
Hemisfèric
Shaped like a giant eye, L’Hemisfèric houses a spectacular IMAX cinema and planetarium. Visitors can enjoy immersive 3D films that bring astronomy and nature to life while marveling at the building’s futuristic reflections in the surrounding water. It’s especially magical at dusk when the structure lights up.
Valencia Science Museum
This hands-on science museum is both an architectural marvel and an educational playground. Inspired by a whale’s skeleton, it features interactive exhibits on everything from DNA to space exploration. Ideal for all ages, it turns science into a dynamic, touch-and-learn experience.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
This soaring opera house is a beacon of contemporary architecture and culture in Valencia. Whether attending a world-class performance or joining a guided tour, visitors are treated to both visual and artistic spectacles. Its rooftop views are an added bonus.
L’Umbracle
An open-air garden and walkway, L’Umbracle showcases native Mediterranean plants and striking sculptures. Stroll beneath its curved arches, admire panoramic views of the complex, and enjoy a peaceful break between visits. It's especially atmospheric in the evenings with soft lighting and a calm ambiance.
Agora
Agora is a dramatic, sail-shaped building in the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava as a multipurpose space for exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, and conferences. Today, it houses CaixaForum València, a vibrant cultural center with art exhibitions, family-friendly activities, a bookstore, and a restaurant, alongside two striking permanent sculptures by local artists Inma Femenía and Anna Talens.
City of Arts and Sciences Valencia tickets explained
The City of Arts and Sciences is a sprawling cultural complex with multiple attractions. Tickets are available as individual tickets or value-packed combos, depending on what you'd like to explore. Here's a breakdown of the most popular ticket types:
Oceanogràfic Tickets
- These give you access to Europe’s largest aquarium, where you can see sharks, dolphins, belugas, sea lions, and hundreds of other marine species across themed zones like the Arctic, Mediterranean, and Wetlands. You can choose standard entry, add a 4D cinema upgrade, or go for combos for a thrilling audiovisual experience.
Recommended Tours
- Oceanogràfic Tickets with Optional 4D Cinema
- Oceanogràfic + Science Museum + Hemisfèric.
- Oceanogràfic + Science Museum Tickets
- Oceanogràfic + Hemisfèric combo
Valencia Science Museum Tickets
- A must for curious minds! These tickets let you explore Valencia’s interactive science museum, where you can walk through a DNA model, bounce sound waves, and learn about climate, energy, and space. Great for kids and adults who love hands-on learning.
- See highly interactive exhibits on physics, technology, biology, and space and explore a Foucault pendulum, giant DNA structures, and a replica space station.
- The Valencia Science Museum encourages learning through play, experiments, and real-life demonstrations.
Recommended Tours
- Hemisfèric + Science Museum combo
- Oceanogràfic + Science Museum Tickets
- Oceanogràfic + Science Museum + Hemisfèric
Hemisfèric Tickets
- This eye-shaped IMAX theater shows awe-inspiring 3D films on topics like astronomy, ocean life, and natural wonders. When booking, you’ll choose from a selection of films and reserve a time slot for your screening.
- Enjoy a unique IMAX experience in one of the most architecturally iconic buildings in Valencia.
- Choose from high-quality educational films suitable for families and students, topics include space, nature, oceans, and science fiction
Recommended Tours
- Hemisfèric + Science Museum combo
- Oceanogràfic + Hemisfèric combo
- Oceanogràfic + Science Museum + Hemisfèric
City of Arts and Sciences highlights
Futuristic design
The architecture is characterized by dramatic, flowing forms and extensive use of white concrete, glass, and steel. Buildings incorporate organic curves, cantilevered slabs, and vast reflecting pools, achieving a surreal and almost extraterrestrial atmosphere.
Cultural hub
City of Arts & Sciences hosts exhibitions, conferences, guided tours, and major scientific and cultural events, making it a model for how public architecture can foster education, leisure, and community engagement
Open public spaces
The complex is integrated with landscaped walking paths, lush gardens (like the Umbracle), and outdoor art installations. These areas offer panoramic views and spaces for relaxation amidst avant-garde architecture.
Photo-worthy backdrops
The architecture offers unparalleled photography opportunities at every turn. The eye-shaped Hemisfèric is especially striking, mirrored perfectly in its surrounding pool. The Agora, with its futuristic, sail-like silhouette, and the sweeping curves of the Palau de les Arts provide dramatic backdrops for portraits or group shots
City of Arts and Sciences Valencia map
Plan your visit to the City of Arts and Sciences
General opening hours: Open daily from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm).
- Summer schedules include extended hours until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays during the months of July and August.
- Closed on December 25 and January 1
- Allocate at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the complex thoroughly.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday mornings (10am to 12pm), are the least crowded. Avoid weekends and public holidays when the complex attracts large local and tourist crowds.
Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain | Find on Map
- By Metro: Take Line 3 or Line 5 to the Àngel Guimerà station, then transfer to Line 7 (towards Marítim-Serrería). Get off at Marítim-Serrería station, which is approximately 700 meters (9-minute walk) from the complex.
- By Bus: Lines 35, 95, and 99 stop near the complex at Av. del Professor López Piñero (about 300 meters, 4-minute walk).
- By Car: The complex is accessible via the V-21 highway. Parking is available on-site with ample spaces; expect a 5-10 minute walk from parking to main entrances. From Valencia city center, it’s about a 10-minute drive (4 km).
- By Foot: From the historic center of Valencia, it’s a 30-40 minute walk (approx. 2.5 km) along the Turia Gardens, a scenic route.
- Photography: Photography is allowed for personal use, but please avoid using flash or tripods in exhibition halls and the Oceanogràfic to ensure a smooth experience for all visitors.
- Prohibited Items: For safety and comfort, large backpacks, food, and drinks are not allowed in exhibition spaces. Small bags are allowed but may be subject to security checks.
- Dress Code: There is no strict dress code, but we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing according to the weather, as the complex involves a lot of walking and outdoor areas.
- Baggage: Large luggage is not permitted within the complex. Lockers are available for storing smaller items like coats and bags near the entrances.
- Book store: You can find books, souvenirs, and educational materials at the Science Museum’s bookstore.
- Restrooms: There are restrooms available in each of the buildings, as well as outside near the Umbracle.
- Shops: There are shops selling gifts, accessories, clothing, and more at each of the attractions.
- Accessibility: The City of Arts and Sciences is accessible to people with reduced mobility, hearing impairment, or visual impairment. There are ramps, elevators, wheelchairs, audio guides, sign language interpreters, tactile maps, and other services available.
The City of Arts and Sciences has several options for dining in and around the complex. Some of the places you can try are:
- Submarino Restaurant: A restaurant inside the Oceanogràfic that offers Mediterranean cuisine and seafood. It has a glass tunnel that allows you to see sharks, rays, and fish swimming above you.
- Restaurante Elbar Valencia: A cozy restaurant near the complex that offers traditional Valencian cuisine, such as paella, fideuà, and croquettes.
- Vertical Restaurant: A striking restaurant on the top floor of a hotel that has panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the port. It has a Michelin Star and specializes in rice and fish dishes.
- La Tagliatella C.C. Aqua: An Italian restaurant inside a shopping center that serves pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts.
City of Arts and Sciences visitor tips
- Wear comfortable shoes – The complex is spread out over a large area, so expect a lot of walking between buildings.
- Don’t rush Oceanogràfic – It’s the largest aquarium in Europe; allow at least 2–3 hours just for this section.
- Catch the dolphin show – One of the highlights of Oceanogràfic; seats fill up quickly, so arrive early.
- Check show timings – The Hemisfèric and dolphin shows at Oceanogràfic run at specific times, so plan your visit around them.
- Explore the outdoor spaces – The Umbracle garden and reflective pools are free to enjoy and make for great photo spots.
- Use public transport – Parking can be limited and expensive; buses and bikes are convenient ways to reach the complex.
- Use lockers – Large bags can be stored in lockers inside the museums for easier exploring.
- Public bikes – Valencia’s bike rental system makes it easy to ride around the Turia Gardens and the complex.
Frequently asked questions about City of Arts and Sciences Valencia tickets
The complex includes Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), the Science Museum, Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema/planetarium), Palau de les Arts (opera house), Umbracle (garden walkway), and Agora (multipurpose event space).
You can either buy separate tickets for each attraction or choose a combined ticket for multiple venues. Combo tickets usually offer better value.
While it’s possible, the complex is vast and each venue offers extensive exhibits. To fully enjoy the experience, consider spreading your visit over two days or prioritizing your favorite attractions.
For weekends, holidays, and peak summer months, book at least 15 days in advance. Oceanogràfic and Hemisfèric screenings often sell out quickly.
Yes, the Umbracle gardens and reflective pools can be enjoyed for free. Tickets are only required for entry to the main attractions.
A half-day (4–6 hours) is enough for highlights, but a full day is ideal if you want to explore Oceanogràfic, Science Museum, and Hemisfèric without rushing.
Yes, the City of Arts and Sciences is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms throughout the complex.
No, pets are not allowed inside, except for certified service animals.
