A cultural travel guide to the world
Part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, photographed in 2014; not a panorama of all venues

Home / Europe / Spain / Valencia / Classic landmark

City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències · City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain

Photo: Choinowski · CC BY-SA 4.0

Walk along the old bed of the Turia and choose between the science museum, the aquarium or the dome cinema according to your interests.

Know before you go

  • Do not assume that visiting outdoors means free entry to the venues
  • do not describe the whole complex as a single aquarium
  • do not step into the water features or take photos from outside the railings.

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences is a large complex of cultural and scientific buildings on the old bed of the Turia, stretching almost two kilometres. The official description lists distinct facilities including the Hemisfèric dome cinema, the Science Museum, the Oceanogràfic, the Palau de les Arts, the Umbracle garden walk and the Àgora, with architecture by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It is not one building you can tour on a single ticket, but an urban space made up of several venues with different operations and content. The outdoor public areas are a good way to understand the urban renewal of contemporary Valencia; to go inside, you need to choose exhibitions or shows separately.

Local customs

  • Keep the public walkways and the areas around the pools clear, and do not climb over railings or enter the pools. The Science Museum, Hemisfèric, Oceanogràfic and Palau de les Arts each have their own admission, photography and security rules
  • follow the on-site signs of the venue you choose.

Religion & beliefs

  • The City of Arts and Sciences focuses on science education, marine life, architecture and performance and is not a religious site
  • its architectural imagery should not be taken as guidance for any religious ritual.

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Rules that apply here

Essential restrictionsTemples & religious sitesCountry-wide guidance · Spain

Spain: Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your hat in churches

Do

  • Wear a top that covers your shoulders and trousers or a skirt below the knee
  • Take off your hat once you are inside
  • Carry a light shawl or cardigan to cover up on hot days
  • Keep quiet during Mass or prayers and watch from the back
  • Rules vary by church: follow the signs at the door and the staff

Don’t

  • Don't wear sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, miniskirts or swimwear
  • Don't go in barefoot
  • Don't walk around the nave or talk loudly during Mass

The Sagrada Família enforces its dress code at the entrance for visitors of all ages, so you may be turned away if you do not comply; even where you get in, revealing clothes offend worshippers.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: Sagrada Família FAQ

Don’t DON'T

  • Do not assume that visiting outdoors means free entry to the venues
  • do not describe the whole complex as a single aquarium
  • do not step into the water features or take photos from outside the railings.

Locals appreciate DO

  • First walk around outside to see the architecture and water features, then choose one or two venues that interest you most
  • before buying a combined ticket, check the admission dates and times for each venue.

Plan your visit

Practical info

Travel tips

  • The City of Arts and Sciences is in the city of Valencia
  • the main official entrance address is Avinguda del Professor López Piñero 7, but the complex is long and the venues' entrances are not in one place. To stroll and take photos among the buildings and walkways outside, allow 1.5–2 hours
  • to see a Hemisfèric screening or explore the Science Museum in detail, usually add another 1.5–3 hours
  • if the Oceanogràfic is your main focus, you may need half a day or longer. Combined tickets are used according to the rules for the chosen buildings and dates
  • when buying, confirm whether they can be used on different days and the last entry time for each venue. The summer sun is strong, so bring water and shade for the outdoor route
  • during major events or works, some walkways may be temporarily rerouted. The map marker is in the middle of the complex and is not a shared entrance for all venues
  • navigate to the venue on your ticket when going in.
Sources & verification notes

City of Arts and Sciences operator: the complex's components and design

City of Arts and Sciences operator: tickets and date rules

City of Arts and Sciences operator: frequently asked visitor questions

Wikidata: representative coordinates for the complex

How do you like this place?