The City of Arts and Sciences isn’t a single building — it’s a group of six distinct spaces spread along the old riverbed of the Turia. If it’s your first time visiting, here’s what you’ll find.
The buildings, one by one
L’Oceanogràfic is by far the most visited: the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, home to over 500 marine species across different ecosystems (dolphins, sharks, penguins, belugas). Seeing it properly takes half a day on its own.
L’Hemisfèric is shaped like a giant eye and works as an IMAX cinema, planetarium and laserium — a good option if you’re travelling with kids or just fancy sitting down for something different.
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe is an interactive science museum shaped like a whale skeleton, built for hands-on experimenting rather than reading placards.
L’Umbracle is the landscaped garden with native Valencian plants and outdoor sculptures — free to walk through and a natural route between the other buildings.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is the complex’s opera house and auditorium, with a year-round programme.
L’Àgora is the covered plaza used for concerts, sporting events and fairs — its programme changes a lot depending on the season.
Why Monteolivete is a smart base
Our Monteolivete apartment is just an 18-minute walk from the Oceanogràfic, and the Fallas Museum — home to each year’s pardoned fallas figures — is literally 100 metres away. If visiting the complex is the main reason for your trip, staying in this area saves you the commute you’d otherwise have from the historic centre.
You can see more about the neighbourhood on our City of Arts and Sciences area page.
A practical tip
With six different buildings and opening hours that change by season, it’s worth checking the complex’s official website for up-to-date hours and tickets before planning your day — especially if you want to combine the Oceanogràfic with any of the other spaces, since one day usually isn’t enough to see everything at a relaxed pace. If you have questions about planning your visit from the apartment, message us on WhatsApp.