What is the best time to visit the City of Arts and Sciences for photography?

The 'golden hour' just before sunset is ideal. The low sun illuminates the white ceramic surfaces and creates dramatic reflections in the turquoise pools surrounding the Hemisfèric and the Science Museum.

Is the City of Arts and Sciences walk free?

Yes, walking through the exterior grounds, the Turia Gardens, and the L'Umbracle promenade is completely free. You only need to pay if you choose to enter the museums, the cinema, or the aquarium.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Absolutely, it is very family-friendly. The area is entirely pedestrianized with wide paths, and children usually enjoy the futuristic shapes and the nearby Gulliver Park playground located just a short walk away.

Can I see the buildings at night?

Yes, the buildings are beautifully illuminated after dark. While you cannot enter the attractions, a night walk offers a peaceful and spectacular view of the glowing structures and their reflections.

How do I get to the City of Arts and Sciences from Valencia city center?

The easiest way is by bus (line 95) which runs through the Turia riverbed, or by taking Metrovalencia Line 10 to the 'Ciutat Arts i Ciències-Justícia' stop. It is also a pleasant 30-minute walk through the Turia Gardens.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the entire complex was designed with modern accessibility standards in mind. There are ramps connecting different levels and the main walking paths are flat and smooth.

What should I wear for this neighborhood stroll?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the complex is quite long. There is very little shade near the water, so bring a hat and sunscreen if you are exploring during the middle of the day in summer.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where science fiction meets architectural brilliance on this self-guided walk through Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Located in the former bed of the Turia River, this complex is a masterwork of futuristic design, primarily conceptualized by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and structural engineer Félix Candela. This neighborhood stroll offers a stark, breathtaking contrast to Valencia's medieval center, showcasing the city's ambition and its pivot toward the third millennium. As you navigate the winding paths and turquoise pools, you will encounter structures that resemble giant skeletons, eyes, and helmets, each telling a story of engineering prowess and artistic vision. This walking tour Valencia route is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of art and utility, providing ample opportunities for photography and quiet reflection among the palm-lined promenades. Beyond the sheer scale of the buildings, the complex serves as a cultural heartbeat for the city, housing everything from an opera house to the largest aquarium in Europe. Exploring this area independently allows you to linger at the 'Walk of the Sculptures' in L’Umbracle or admire the reflection of the Hemisfèric in the surrounding water at sunset. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a casual traveler seeking iconic-landmarks, this self-guided adventure provides the context needed to understand how this controversial yet beloved project transformed Valencia’s international identity. The route is entirely flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. This walking tour Valencia experience is less about ticking boxes and more about immersing yourself in a landscape that feels like it belongs in the year 3000.

Highlights

The 'Eye of Knowledge' at the Hemisfèric

The skeletal structure of the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum

L’Umbracle’s open-air garden and contemporary sculptures

Félix Candela’s stunning lily-shaped roofs at Oceanogràfic

The towering white 'helmet' of the Queen Sofia Palace of Arts

Panoramic views of the blue-tiled L'Àgora

Tour Stops (6)

Queen Sofia Palace of Arts

Begin your exploration at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, an architectural marvel that resembles a futuristic warrior's helmet or a giant ship. Completed in 2005, it is one of the tallest opera houses in the world, standing 75 meters high. Santiago Calatrava designed this structure with four distinct venues for opera, theater, and concerts. Notice the sweeping metallic plume that hangs over the building; it is held up by only two supports, a feat of modern engineering. The exterior is clad in 'trencadís,' a traditional Mediterranean technique of using broken ceramic pieces to create a shimmering, textured surface that catches the sunlight perfectly.

Hemisfèric

Moving deeper into the complex, you encounter the Hemisfèric, often referred to as the 'Eye of Knowledge.' This was the first building in the City of Arts and Sciences to open to the public in 1998. The structure is designed to look like a giant human eye opening over a pool of water. The 'pupil' is a massive hemispherical dome housing an IMAX cinema and planetarium. The 'eyelid' consists of glass shutters that can actually open and close using hydraulic lifts. It is a stunning example of biomimetic architecture, where man-made structures mimic biological forms to create a sense of organic life.

Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe

Next is the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, a building that many compare to the skeleton of a prehistoric whale or perhaps a dinosaur. This massive structure is over 200 meters long and is entirely transparent on one side, allowing light to flood the interior. Unlike traditional museums, this science center operates on the motto: 'Forbidden not to touch, not to feel, not to think.' Its repetitive, rhythmic white arches are a hallmark of Calatrava’s style, blending structural support with aesthetic beauty. The surrounding shallow pools are not just for show; they help cool the area and provide the perfect mirror for the building’s white ribs.

L’Umbracle Terraza

Climb the stairs to L’Umbracle, a landscaped walk that serves as the gateway to the complex. This open-air garden is covered by a series of 55 fixed arches and 50 floating arches, standing 18 meters high. Inside, you will find a lush garden featuring plant species indigenous to Valencia, such as palm trees, bitter orange trees, and rosemary. It also houses the 'Walk of the Sculptures,' an outdoor art gallery featuring works by contemporary artists like Yoko Ono and Antoni Tàpies. This is the best vantage point for a panoramic view of the entire City of Arts and Sciences, perfect for a short rest.

L'Àgora

Continue toward L'Àgora, the complex’s most recent addition. This striking blue and purple structure stands at 70 meters tall and was designed as a versatile space for events, ranging from tennis tournaments to fashion shows. In recent years, it has become the home of CaixaForum Valencia, a cultural center hosting rotating art exhibitions. Its pointed shape and metallic cladding distinguish it from the pure white of the neighboring buildings. The Àgora serves as a bridge between the science museum and the aquarium, marking the transition to the final section of this architectural journey.

Oceanogràfic València

Your walk concludes at the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. While Calatrava designed the rest of the complex, these iconic lily-shaped buildings were the work of Félix Candela. The thin-shell concrete roofs are examples of hyperbolic paraboloids, a signature of Candela’s engineering. Each building represents a different marine ecosystem, from the Arctic to the Red Sea. Even if you don't enter the aquarium today, the exterior architecture is a masterpiece of 20th-century design, appearing to float on the water. It is a fitting end to a route that celebrates the harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This allows time to walk the full length of the complex from the Opera House to the Oceanogràfic, including stops for photos and exploring the L'Umbracle gardens.