Attraction
City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela's futuristic complex at the eastern end of the Turia riverbed, with a science museum, IMAX cinema, aquarium and opera house.
Oceanogràfic
Europe's largest aquarium complex, opened in 2003 at the City of Arts and Sciences, with around 45,000 animals from 500 species across ocean habitats.
At a glance
- Type
- Aquarium
- Area
- Quatre Carreres (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia, Spain
- Official site
- oceanografic.org
Good to know
- Underwater tunnels
- Dolphinarium
- Restaurants
- Family friendly
Why we recommend it
The Oceanogràfic is the aquarium of the City of Arts and Sciences and the largest complex of its kind in Europe. It opened in February 2003 on a site of around 110,000 square metres, and its buildings, with their curving shell roofs, were the last design of the Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela. Around 45,000 animals from some 500 species live here, from sharks and rays to penguins, sea lions, dolphins and beluga whales.
The park is laid out as a series of buildings representing different marine environments, linked by outdoor paths and lakes. The Mediterranean section introduces the sea on Valencia's doorstep, and the Oceans building has long underwater tunnels where sharks and rays pass overhead. The Arctic area, with its beluga whales, is a favourite, and there are also temperate and tropical seas, the Red Sea, wetlands and mangroves with birds and reptiles. The dolphinarium holds regular presentations.
Animal welfare in aquariums is a matter of debate, and visitors can make up their own minds. The park presents itself as a research and conservation centre, and in 2026 it took in belugas and dolphins rehomed from a closed marine park in Canada. Its seawater is pumped from the nearby Malvarrosa coast.
This is a big site, so plan for at least three to four hours, and longer with children. Buy tickets online in advance during school holidays and summer weekends, when queues can be long. Check the daily timetable for the dolphin presentation and plan the rest of your route around it. Much of the park is outdoors, so bring sun protection in summer and a light layer for the cooler buildings. There are restaurants and snack bars inside, including an underwater restaurant.
The Oceanogràfic is at the far end of the City of Arts and Sciences, so it pairs well with the Hemisfèric or the science museum on the same day, and combined tickets are available. Buses 15, 25 and 95 stop nearby, and Metrovalencia tram line 10 has an Oceanogràfic stop. From the old town, a walk or cycle along the Turia garden is a pleasant way to arrive.
Oceanogràfic FAQs
How big is the Oceanogràfic?
It covers about 110,000 square metres and houses around 45,000 animals from some 500 species.
When did it open?
It opened on 14 February 2003.
How long should I allow?
At least three to four hours, and longer with children.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, buying online is sensible in summer, at weekends and during school holidays.
Can I combine it with other venues?
Yes, combined tickets with the Hemisfèric and the science museum are sold through the City of Arts and Sciences.
How do I get there?
Buses 15, 25 and 95 stop nearby, and tram line 10 has an Oceanogràfic stop.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes, there are several restaurants and snack bars, including an underwater restaurant.
Who designed the buildings?
The architect Félix Candela, with structural engineers Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro.