Hotels near L'Oceanogràfic

Designed by Félix Candela and opened in 2003, L'Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe and one of the most striking buildings in the wider City of Arts and Sciences complex. Spread across 110,000 square metres, it holds 42 million litres of water and houses more than 45,000 animals across 500 species - including beluga whales, walruses, dolphins, sharks, penguins, and a 70m underwater tunnel through the oceans habitat.

The layout follows the world's marine ecosystems: temperate and tropical Mediterranean, Arctic, Antarctic, oceans, islands, marshlands, and the Red Sea. The dolphin show in the open-air dolphinarium runs three to five times a day depending on the season. The standout meal is at Submarino Restaurant - dining surrounded by a 360-degree fish tank in what is billed as the largest underwater dining room in the world.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the 10:00 opening and head straight to the oceans tunnel before tour groups arrive at 11:30. Book the dolphin show seats early online - the front rows do get splashed and the better elevated seats sell out by lunchtime in summer.