City of Sciences and Arts: The Jewel of Valencia that You Should Visit

I am Amadeo Pérez and today I want to share with you an analysis that I have been maturing for a long time. I'm not one of those who release words into the air, I speak with authority and experience. And when I say that the Ciudad de las Ciencias y las Artes is the place you must visit in Valencia, believe me, I am not exaggerating one bit. How do I know? Well, because I have had the opportunity to see the birth and evolution of this impressive complex over the years.

What is the City of Sciences and Arts?

If Valencia was already a city full of charm due to its history and its proximity to the Mediterranean, with the creation of the City of Sciences and Arts it took a leap into the future. This cultural complex is a multimillion-dollar bet that combines futuristic architecture with the dissemination of scientific and cultural knowledge.

Located on the former course of the Rio Turia, in what is now a lush garden, the City of Sciences and Arts stands out not only for its size but also for its ambition. Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela are the geniuses behind the architectural design, creating buildings that look like something out of a science fiction movie. But let's not stay on the surface (impressive though it is), let me tell you why this place is truly unique.

The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum: Here you touch everything!

You enter the Principe Felipe Science Museum and the first thing you see is the sign welcoming you: "No touching is allowed". Yes, as you read it. This place invites you to interact, explore and experience science like never before. You know, sometimes museums can be a bit boring, but here there is no trace of that. I assure you that when you get to play with the interactive experiments, the time will fly by.

This museum is not only impressive for its content, but also for its architectural structure, which simulates the skeleton of a whale. It was designed by Calatrava and is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable symbols of the complex.

In addition, its exhibits change frequently, keeping it always fresh and relevant. From edge technology to biology, including topics such as astronomy or chemistry, this museum has a little bit of everything. And the best part, it's for all ages!

L'Oceanogràfic: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea

Did you know that in Valencia you can dive (metaphorically) among sharks and beluga whales? No, I didn't go crazy. I'm talking about the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, which not only houses marine species, but transports you to different ecosystems around the world.

Built in 2003 and with more than 500 different species, here you can explore from the Arctic to tropical oceans. My favorites are the Penguins (I can't help it, they're adorable) and the dolphins, which have daily shows. A word of advice: arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a good seat in the dolphinarium, because these shows you won't want to miss!

And if you're in the mood for something exclusive, the Submarine Restaurant is the closest thing to dining under the sea. The food is spectacular, but the real star is the giant fish tanks that surround the place. Eating with sharks swimming around you.... a unique experience!

L'Hemisfèric: An Eye to the Universe

From the outside, L'Hemisfèric looks like a giant all-seeing eye. And it's not just a visual effect, its structure is designed to look like a human eye, complete with eyelid. This is the perfect place if you're interested in cinema, astronomy and light and sound shows.

L'Hemisfèric houses one of the most advanced IMAX cinemas in Europe, where you can enjoy movies on a screen of more than 900 square meters. Yes, 900. And not only that, the complex also includes a planetarium and a laserium, which offers visual spectacles that will leave you open-mouthed.

Don't miss the opportunity to see one of the astronomy shows. I promise that after watching a movie here, it will change your perspective on the cosmos.

How to Visit the City of Sciences and Arts?

If after what I've told you you don't feel like going right now, there's something wrong! But if you are encouraged to go, let me help you. You can buy a combined pass for L'Oceanogràfic, the Museum of Sciences and L'Hemisfèric, which will allow you to enter and leave the complex during the same day without any problem.

If you have the Valencia Tourist Card, you'll also get discounts on tickets and the advantage of free travel on public transport.

An extra tip: the complex is surrounded by gardens, so it's perfect for spending the whole day. If you get hungry, you can bring your own food and enjoy it in the rest areas or choose one of the restaurants in the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

The Ciudad de las Ciencias y las Artes is not just a tourist site, it is a masterpiece that combines science, culture and nature in a single space. I've seen how it has evolved from its conception in the 1990s to what it is today, and I can tell you that it has more than fulfilled its goal: to put Valencia on the world map as a reference for innovation and creativity.

So, if you like science, art, or just enjoy impressive futuristic architecture, this is the place for you. Believe me, it will leave you with your mouth open.

See you in Valencia!