Valencia City of Arts and Sciences Outside Tips + Free Parking!

Best travel freebie in Valencia? The City of Arts and Sciences  ( La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències ) is a MUST-SEE, unique, futuristic, architectural marvel in Valencia! The complex is located just outside of Valencia’s city center. We did a fast, free, trek on our recent warm winter road trip from Barcelona to Costa Del Sol , Seville & the Algarve in Portugal, then flight to Cape Verde. These iconic structures are the city’s most notable landmarks that Valencia is internationally famous for, so you can’t afford to miss! Fantastic for photographers, science, modern art and architectural lovers. Valencia, is also ideal for budget-conscious travelers.


Top budget travel tip? Free outside! Free parking! Only locals know this trick. 

 

 The key to free parking is the Aqua Multispaceo shopping center. It is less than an 8 minute easy walk away and you can park for free for 3 hours! Bring a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants in the shopping center or nearby.




 It is the third tallest building in Valencia with great shopping, views, restaurants and free parking. 


Even on a  late December weekend the weather was sunny and delightful and local people were outside eating and enjoying the views of The City of Arts and Sciences and park. I was actually amazed at how hard it was to find this free parking tip or information about exploring just the outside areas. So I hope this helps many who want a fast, free, fun visit! 


You don't have to go inside these magnificent buildings of art to enjoy the awe-inspiring, captivating exteriors designed by native Valencian Santiago Calatrava and his teacher Félix Candela.( Inspired by Gaudi).  It's made up of 7 different buildings and each one is special.


To save money and time, one can simply wander around enjoying the sites and park. It is truly a photographer’s utopia, allowing endless perspectives, angles and compositions for perfect, arty photos.


These incredible master pieces are the most beautiful & popular places to visit in Valencia. They are located at the end of the Turia Riverbed Park. So they are in lots of beautiful nature and they are surrounded by large pools that create a mirror effect. 



This legendary architectural magnum opus will blow your mind! There is not only the science museum, but also an opera house, and the largest aquarium in Europe. 


 The most famous buildings being the Oceanográfic, Museo de las Ciencies, the L'Hemisfèric, L'Umbracle Sculpture Garden, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia Opera House ( similar to the Opera House in Sydney and is Europe’s largest opera house).


Each building is unique and features state of the art technology and designs. Intriguingly, some sci-fi movies have been filmed here, like "Guardians of the Galaxy", Disney’s  "Tomorrowland" and TV's "Dr Who".


This complex is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.  We have been lucky enough to see all of these 12 treasures except two, but will add them soon. Each was very special to visit & more reasons to love Spain travel . 


Whether you are traveling as a couple, solo or with kids, this is a must see in Valencia. It is a wonderful, exciting  glimpse into the future. And it is FREE to enjoy exploring the outside!! 


If you have more time and want deeper exploration then that is marvelous too! Let me know in the comments  if you have any questions or have been there. 

Comments

[Amanda Hernandez]

I have visited Valencia before, but did not get a chance to check out the city of arts and sciences! I will have to add it to my list for the next time I go. It is interesting to know that some movies were filmed there!

[jeanne dee]

Thanks Amanda!! There are so many great places in Valencia that it is hard to see everything in one visit. We've been before too and just had a short visit this time, but wanted to finally see these beautiful wonders on our road trip! You will be happy when you see them as there is nothing like this area in the world and feels like the future. It does make sense why futuristic things would be filmed there. :)

[Kelly]

We have never been to Valencia but it looks beautiful. I especially love the money saving tips with the free parking at Aqua Multispaceo shopping center.

The buildings are so beautiful!

[jeanne dee]

Thanks bunches Kelly! Valencia is a beautiful and special city and very popular with American expats these days.

It was so hard to find that information about the free parking at that Aqua Multispaceo shopping center, so I wanted others to know. If you just have a short time it is a great secret to know. It is huge, so always tons of parking even at almost xmas weekend when we were there.

We love luxury travel on a tiny bargain budget so I always try to find these work arounds as parking in Valencia can be expensive. :)

[Sonia]

This is a wonderful mix of sites, and I appreciate the budget focus. I will definitely add the arts and sciences to our next visit.

[jeanne dee]

Thanks so much Sonia!! I love it that there is so much to see in this area for nature architecture and art and all for free! We did have a long time so it was the perfect area to explore on a beautiful day. Then we headed off refreshed after this break, on to more of our Spain road trip. We will go back.

[Jan]

I have not been to Valencia yet. The city seems to have so much of modern architecture, buildings and art. I am bookmarking your blog post for future reference.:-)

[jeanne dee]

Wow, thanks so much Jan! You will love Valencia and there is plenty of historic architecture there as well and beaches and beauty in it's many forms.

[Maria Dol]

I love Valencia. One of the cities I could return to any time.

[jeanne dee]

Thanks Maria! Isn't Valencia a fun city? I love all the different fun things to do there.