After the 1957 floods, the course of the River Turia was diverted away from the city. Rather than being filled in, the old riverbed became 9 km of continuous gardens crossed by 18 bridges.
A river turned garden
The Turia Gardens now link the city centre to the City of Arts and Sciences, accessible on foot and by bike along their entire length.
City of Arts and Sciences
Opened in 1998, the City of Arts and Sciences brings together seven monumental buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava, including the Hemisfèric, the Museum of Sciences, the Oceanogràfic and the Palau de les Arts. The complex ranks among the most photographed contemporary architectural ensembles in Europe and needs at least a full day to visit.
City of Arts and Sciences
Architecture · 1998Seven buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Turia Gardens
Urban park9 km of green space along the former riverbed, 18 bridges.
Oceanogràfic
AquariumEurope's largest aquarium, within the City of Arts.
Suggested itinerary
| Time | Stop | Details & tips from the ground |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 - 12:00 | Turia Gardens by bike | Hire a bike in the city centre (Ruzafa or Ciutat Vella) and drop down into the former riverbed at the Pont de les Flors (Bridge of Flowers). Cycle south-east along the flat cycle path, pass the Parc Gulliver and stop for coffee in the shade of the palm trees. |
| 12:00 - 14:00 | Lunch break | Have lunch just off the park (Penya-roja or Monteolivete neighbourhood) to avoid the crowded tourist restaurants in the complex itself. |
| 14:00 - 17:30 | Main choice: Oceanogràfic or Museum of Sciences | Oceanogràfic (3.5 hrs): Europe's largest aquarium, shark tunnel and Arctic pavilions. Alternative: Museu de les Ciències (2.5 hrs), an interactive science museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. |
| 17:30 - 19:00 | L'Hemisfèric & Palau de les Arts | A 3D IMAX screening (45 min) at the Hemisfèric (the eye-shaped building). A photogenic walk around the outside of the Palau de les Arts (the opera house). |
| 19:00 - 20:30 | L'Umbracle & sunset | Stroll under the vaulted structure of L'Umbracle, a raised botanical garden lined with palm trees. Views over the reflecting pools at sunset. |
Planning tips
- The "see it all" trap: trying to visit the inside of every building in a single afternoon is physically exhausting and unrealistic. It's better to go inside just 1 or 2 sites at most (the Oceanogràfic being the most spectacular) and admire the rest from the outdoor promenade.
- Booking ahead: book combined tickets online in advance, with chosen time slots, to avoid queuing at the ticket offices.
- Bike logistics: secure bike racks are installed at the foot of every building in the City of Arts; you can simply leave your bike locked up while you visit.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
