The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

If you’re visiting Valencia and looking to get a real sense of its modern face, a guided walk around the City of Arts and Sciences is a smart choice. This outdoor tour, costing just $28 per person, takes about two hours and focuses on the stunning complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, an architectural genius. During this walk, you’ll explore the Umbracle, walk through the Science Museum, take in the Agora building, and see the grand entrance of the Oceanogràfic aquarium—all without paying for entry tickets (which are extra if you want to go inside).

What we love about this experience is how it offers a balanced view of both the aesthetics and significance of each structure—plus, the chance to see Valencia’s most photogenic architecture in an authentic, no-frills way. The guide’s insights make the complex’s design and history come alive, giving context often missed when exploring on your own.

However, keep in mind, this is an external tour only — no inside visits to the museums or the Oceanogràfic are included. If you’re eager to explore the interiors, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets. Also, the tour runs daily at 10 a.m., except during the Valencia Marathon, which might affect your planning.

This experience is perfect if you’re into architecture, urban design, or modern landmarks. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic, detailed overview without the crowds or high prices of inside attractions. Plus, with small groups limited to ten, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Affordable at $28, lasting roughly 2 hours.
• Highlights: Exterior views of Calatrava’s masterpieces, gardens, and public spaces.
• Guides: Knowledgeable, offering historical context and design insights.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly and small group size enhances experience.
• Extra Costs: Entry tickets to attractions like Hemisferic or Oceanogràfic are not included.
• Best for: Architecture lovers, first-time visitors, and those wanting a manageable overview of the complex.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

An Introduction to Valencia’s Modern Landmark

The City of Arts and Sciences is more than just a collection of buildings—it’s a symbol of Valencia’s leap into the future while respecting its artistic and scientific roots. Our tour begins at the main entrance of El Corte Inglés department store, conveniently located near Aqua mall and a taxi stop. From there, our guide, Enrique, or whoever is leading that day, greets us with enthusiasm—and an immediate sense of appreciation for the complex’s significance.

The tour is designed to be an outdoor exploration—a walk through a sprawling, futuristic landscape of curving white structures, water features, and lush gardens. As we start, we appreciate the scale and unique design that Calatrava is famous for—building forms that look like they’re in motion, yet are perfectly engineered.

Exploring the Umbracle Garden

Our first stop is the Umbracle—a striking outdoor garden reminiscent of a giant open-air corridor. It’s a leafy, shaded walkway lined with native plants from Valencia and beyond. Here, the guide explains the traditional vegetation of the region and how the garden functions as a transitional space between the city and the complex. You’ll love the photo opportunities here—its sleek arches and greenery make for great shots. As one reviewer noted, Enrique’s engaging explanations added “lots of fun,” making us appreciate the garden’s role not just as aesthetics but as part of Valencia’s ecological landscape.

The Science Museum: Prince Felipe

Next, we walk to the Science Museum, a twisting, elongated structure that resembles a whale skeleton, created by Calatrava. Inside, the main corridor offers a glimpse of what’s inside—interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and engaging displays designed to make science accessible and fun. While we only see the exterior, the guide shares stories about its design meaning and how the location was chosen for its visual impact and accessibility.

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The Agora Building: A Modern Cultural Space

Our route takes us to the Agora, a multipurpose space used for concerts, exhibitions, and sports events. The clean, minimalistic design of this space is functional yet elegant. Our guide points out how its location and architecture reflect Valencia’s contemporary cultural scene, making it more than just a building—it’s a symbol of the city’s dynamic evolution.

The Hemisféric and Oceanogràfic Entrance

We then make a quick stop at the Hemisféric, the eye-shaped cinema that often hosts 3D films and IMAX experiences. While the tour does not include inside visits, the exterior architecture is impressive, and the guide explains its significance in the complex.

Finally, we arrive at the main entrance of the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium. Here, the tour ends, but many visitors choose to go inside afterward—tickets are sold separately. The photo opportunities here are fantastic, especially with the large water features and striking entrance.

Why This Tour Adds Value

We loved the rich contextual information the guide provided—beyond the architecture, they shared stories about Valencia’s development and how this complex has contributed to the city’s economic and cultural vitality. For example, the guide highlights the financial significance of the complex, helping us understand why Valencia invested heavily in this bold project.

The small group setting ensures a relaxed pace and plenty of time for questions, which many reviewers have appreciated. One reviewer called Enrique “a very engaged tour guide” who made the experience both fun and educational.

What Could Be Improved?

The main consideration is that inside visits are not included—so if you want the full experience, you’ll need to budget extra time and money for tickets. Also, the tour is entirely outdoors, so weather can impact your experience. On hot days, prepare with water and sun protection.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This guided walk is excellent for first-time visitors wanting a rundown, architecture buffs eager to learn about Calatrava’s signature style, or anyone interested in urban development and modern design. It’s perfect if you prefer seeing the exteriors of buildings and learning their stories without the hassle of navigating large attractions alone.

Final Thoughts

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is a showcase of modern architecture and urban planning, and this guided outdoor tour makes it accessible and informative without the need for costly entry tickets. The combination of engaging storytelling, local insights, and beautiful landscapes makes it a worthwhile addition to any Valencia itinerary.

While it doesn’t include inside visits, the value lies in the contextual understanding and the chance to stroll through this architectural marvel at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone who simply loves a good photo op, you’ll find this tour both fun and enlightening.

This experience suits those looking for a manageable, affordable orientation to Valencia’s most futuristic landmark—especially if you want to avoid the crowds and get a behind-the-scenes view of why this complex is a point of pride for the city.

FAQ

Are tickets to the Hemisféric cinema included?
No, tickets for the Hemisféric cinema are not included. You’ll need to purchase those separately if you want to watch a film inside.

Does the tour include inside access to the Science Museum or Oceanogràfic?
No, the tour is strictly external. Entrance tickets to the Science Museum, Oceanogràfic, or other attractions are sold separately.

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour begins at the main entrance of El Corte Inglés department store on Pintor Maella street, near Aqua mall and a taxi stop.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides operate in German, English, Italian, and Spanish, providing options for most travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The external guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This guided outdoor experience offers a well-rounded, accessible glimpse into one of Valencia’s most iconic sights. It’s a fantastic way to understand the architecture, purpose, and significance of the City of Arts and Sciences without the extra expense or time commitment of inside visits—perfect for a busy itinerary or a first taste of Valencia’s modern side.

You can check availability for your dates here: