Located next to the Western Mediterranean sea, Valencia has one of the most wondrous and modern architectonic complexes in Spain: “Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències” (“City of Arts and Sciences” in Valencian). This famous destination includes several buildings whose geometry, materials, and design will make you fall in love. Built on what was once the riverbed of the Turia River, you’ll find the biggest aquarium in Europe and the most impressive museums of the country.
The biggest aquarium in Europe: L’Oceanografic
If you ever wondered which aquatic species are found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Red Sea, your curiosity will be satiated! This aquarium is inhabited by more than 500 species of aquatic animals, and it even has its own dolphinarium. You can find walruses, sea lions, sea urchins, turtles, manta rays, sharks, and penguins (yes, you read it right: penguins!). And if that is not enough, you will be able to see Valencian non-aquatic birds and tropical mangrove swamps. L’Oceanografic entrance costs 27.9 EUR (approximately 30 USD) but a better option for you is to buy one single ticket that enables your entrance to the other buildings and is cheaper!
Principe Felipe Science Museum, an interactive way to learn science
“It is prohibited not to touch, feel or think.” That’s what you’ll read once you enter the most dynamic, interactive, and didactic museum I’ve ever been to. This museum is home of several permanent and temporary exhibits, all related to science and technology. The environment is very familiar as it is focused on entertainment for the younger ones. The architecture of the building resembles a whale’s skeleton and it is surrounded by the “Turia Garden,” which consists of water pools and can be admired on the first floor. On the second floor you’ll find “The Legacy of Science,” which displays the researcher’s exhibition of the most famous Spanish scientists. And on the third floor (the one kids will love the most), you’ll find the “Chromosome forest” and an incredible “Marvel superheroes” exhibit. You can enjoy all them for just 8 EUR (approximately 8.6 USD)!
For the older ones: L’Hemisferic
This was my favorite building of all; its architecture resembles a human eye and is known by many as “the eye of knowledge”. Inside the building you’ll find an IMAX dome cinema, a screen that has the size of a four-floor building! You will be able to choose between a kid’s movie or a scientific documentary in 3D. L’Hemisferic is also a planetarium that loves to represent astronomy with digital projections and expositions. Your astronomical experience will be achievable for 8.8 EUR (approximately 9.5 USD)!
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A lovely terrace: L’Umbracle
The perfect ending for this adventure is a walk inside this amazing sculpture garden which has indigenous plant species from Valencia, such as the rockrose, the palm tree, or the honeysuckle. The experience is very relaxing and the garden is extremely well preserved; it is even used for outdoor parties. You can enjoy the Walk of Sculptures which is an outdoor gallery of contemporary art pieces from several artists, including Yoko Ono! Nearby you may also find the Astronomy Garden and become an expert at handling instruments used to contemplate the sky and study the skies. This area is explorable for free.
Final recommendations
If you buy the tickets online you’ll have a 10% discount. Keep in mind that there is a limited amount of tickets they can sell each day, so buying online will secure you and your family some entrances.
Buying the tickets for all the attractions is cheaper, the price is 36.25 EUR (approximately 39 USD).
If you show your student card you can enjoy everything for 30 EUR (Approximately 32.3 USD).
History
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