Valencia City of Arts and Science (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

(Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain)

Without doubt Valencia's most striking attraction, the Valencia City of Arts and Science, known locally as the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, attracts many thousands of visitors each year. This vast complex features numerous futuristic buildings and comprises four main tourist attractions, Valencia's l'Hemisfèric Planetarium, Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofia (Palace of the Arts), Parque Oceanográfico (Oceanographic Park) and the Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe (Prince Felipe Science Museum).

Each worthy of a visit, the Valencia City of Arts and Science was created to celebrate the new millennium and arguably features some of Europe's most breathtaking contemporary architecture, with many outdoor recreational areas.

Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe (Prince Felipe Science Museum)

Address: Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, Valencia, 46013, Spain
The Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe is a simply enormous museum and an equally impressive building. Celebrating scientific discoveries and theories, both past and present, the museum is full of hands-on technology in a state-of-the-art setting. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, a renowned architect, the museum features a calendar of workshops, theatrical shows, a 'Space Academy', and endless displays.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

L'Hemisfèric Planetarium

Address: Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, Valencia, 46013, Spain
Tel: +34 96 335 5330
Situated in the Quatre Carreres area of Valencia, L'Hemisfèric is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, offering a state-of-the-art cinema and planetarium. Full of scientific exhibits, space-related displays and a host of astronomy information, L'Hemisfèric is housed in a particularly stylish building, featuring contemporary architecture at its finest.
Admission: charge, discount for seniors, students and children
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children

Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofia (Palace of the Arts)

Address: Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, Valencia, 46013, Spain
Tel: +34 90 210 0031
A major leisure complex located in Valencia's Quatre Carreres area, the Palacio de las Artes actively promotes local arts and culture. An important part of city life, the Palacio de las Artes is most famous for its magnificent, modern façade and regularly features many theatrical performances, operas and concerts. The Palacio de las Artes is divided into four areas, the Main Room, the Amphitheatre, the Magisterial Classroom and the Camera Theatre.
Open hours: daily, hours vary according to event
Admission: charge for events

Parque Oceanográfico (Oceanographic Park)

Address: Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, Valencia, 46013, Spain
Tel: +34 90 210 0031
Part of Valencia's famous 'City of Arts and Sciences' buildings, the Parque Oceanográfico stands in the Quatre Carreres district. Particularly popular with families, this important attraction plays an important part in marine conservation and features Beluga whales, penguins, walruses, ocean and tropical fish, and popular dolphin shows.
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and groups