Paseo de las Ciencias
A striking promenade blending modern architecture and water features in Valencia, or a historic walkway with cultural monuments in Maracaibo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Paseo de las Ciencias
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking promenade blending modern architecture and water features in Valencia, or a historic walkway with cultural monuments in Maracaibo.
"Experience breathtaking futuristic architecture or delve into rich history on these iconic promenades."
🚶♀️ Stroll Safely Day & Night
The promenade is considered safe for walking at any time, offering a pleasant experience around the clock. 🛡️
🏛️ Appreciate the History
Understand the promenade's past, including its controversial construction and revitalization efforts. 📚
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 39 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monument to La Chinita
Paseo de las Ciencias
A significant cultural landmark honoring a beloved patron saint, drawing many visitors.
Statue of Saint Sebastian
Paseo de las Ciencias
Another important religious statue, adding to the promenade's spiritual significance.
Architectural Fusion
Paseo de las Ciencias
Experience the blend of modern architecture with water features and artistic elements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Understand the Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll Safely Day & Night
The promenade is considered safe for walking at any time, offering a pleasant experience around the clock. 🛡️
🏛️ Appreciate the History
Understand the promenade's past, including its controversial construction and revitalization efforts. 📚
💧 Admire Water Features
Enjoy the fountains and water elements that are part of the promenade's design. :droplet:
🎨 Look for Art (if any remain)
While many original artworks are gone, keep an eye out for any remaining or new installations. 🎨
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll Safely Day & Night
The promenade is considered safe for walking at any time, offering a pleasant experience around the clock. 🛡️
🏛️ Appreciate the History
Understand the promenade's past, including its controversial construction and revitalization efforts. 📚
💧 Admire Water Features
Enjoy the fountains and water elements that are part of the promenade's design. :droplet:
🎨 Look for Art (if any remain)
While many original artworks are gone, keep an eye out for any remaining or new installations. 🎨
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the striking modern architecture and the impressive scale of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, highlighting its beauty, especially at night. In Maracaibo, the promenade is noted for its historical significance and safety, though some find it lacks greenery and its revitalization efforts are debated. Overall, both locations offer unique experiences tied to their respective cities' identities.
"A traditional site, the Saladillo once stood there. Today, there's a promenade with many shops and walkways. There's also the Monument to La Chinita, and there's also a statue of Saint Sebastian. It stretches from right in front of the Basilica to Bolívar Plaza."
David Becerra
"The Paseo Ciencias was built in the 1970s. At the time, it generated considerable controversy because several blocks of the El Saladillo neighborhood were demolished for its construction. It is currently in the same situation, as its spaces are being modified, which has generated considerable criticism. Its conceptual purpose was to provide the city's historic center with a pedestrian walkway that would incorporate modern architecture with the incorporation of works by Zulia and national artists. The area was declared a Zone of National Historic Value in the city of Maracaibo, according to Official Gazette No. 34,573 dated October 15, 1990, because within its boundaries are numerous national monuments, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, Santa Bárbara Church, Casa de la Capitulación, Baralt Theater, Palacio de los Cóndores, Legislative Assembly, San Francisco de Asís Church and Convent, San Felipe Neri Church, and Tradición Street. It also features a series of heritage-listed buildings, namely the Doctor Urquinaona Central Hospital, the Coruña Hotel, the Casa Española, the Maracaibo City Hall, the La Orquídea Bazaar, the Las Mercedes building, Botica Nueva, Blue Book, Confecciones Lacayo, and the houses on 95th Street. In recent years, the Zulia state government has implemented a project to modify the promenade called "Revitalization of Paseo Ciencias," which was opposed by the Cultural Heritage Institute. This project, in addition to violating the urban and spatial organization of the promenade without complying with the foundations and rules of composition of any of the classical orders it seeks to reproduce, competes with existing monuments, impeding their visibility and enhancing their value. It extends from the Basilica to the Santa Bárbara Church and features planters and several water fountains, two vertical and one circular. In the background, there is a plaza with the image of La Chinita and that of San Esteban. The promenade featured works by renowned Venezuelan artists such as Lía Bermúdez, Jesús Soto, Víctor Valera, and Pedro Vargas. These works have since been destroyed."
Jorge Barrios-Montilla
"The rescue of this important space is impressive, and it's worth a visit with the family."
Jose Rincón
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paseo de las Ciencias is located in the historic center of Maracaibo, stretching from the Basilica to Bolívar Plaza. It's accessible by local taxis or public transport. If you're coming from further afield, consider a taxi from the airport or bus station. 🚌 🚕
Yes, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, which includes the 'Paseo de las Ciencias' (often referring to the general complex), is well-connected. You can take public buses or a taxi from the city center. 🚌 🚕
The best way to explore is on foot. The promenade is designed for walking, allowing you to take in the architecture and monuments at your own pace. :athletic_shoe:
Parking can be challenging in the historic center of Maracaibo. It's advisable to use public transport or taxis. In Valencia, there are parking areas within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, though they can get busy. 🚗
Absolutely! Paseo de las Ciencias in Maracaibo is a great addition to a day exploring the historic center. In Valencia, the entire City of Arts and Sciences complex can easily fill a day. :day_trip:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The promenade itself, Paseo de las Ciencias in Maracaibo, is a public space and generally free to access. However, if you are referring to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, individual attractions within the complex (like the Oceanogràfic or Science Museum) require tickets. 🎟️
As a public promenade in Maracaibo, it's open 24/7. For the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, opening hours vary by attraction, but the general complex is accessible for walks at most times. 🕐
No, the Paseo de las Ciencias in Maracaibo is a public walkway and does not have an entrance fee. :moneywithwings:
Yes, for the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure better prices. 💻 🎟️
Yes, Valencia often offers combined tickets for multiple attractions within the City of Arts and Sciences, which can be more cost-effective if you plan to visit several sites. :money_bag:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
In Maracaibo, you can see the Monument to La Chinita, the statue of Saint Sebastian, and appreciate the historical architecture. In Valencia, it's about admiring the futuristic architecture and water features. :camerawithflash:
Yes, it's a good place for a family stroll, especially in Maracaibo where it's considered safe. In Valencia, the entire complex is very family-friendly with many attractions. :family_mm:
The Maracaibo promenade historically had shops, though current offerings might vary. The Valencia complex has souvenir shops and cafes. :shopping_bags:
Definitely! The architecture in Valencia is incredibly photogenic, especially with the water reflections. In Maracaibo, the monuments and historical buildings offer great shots. :iphone: :camerawithflash:
This was a government project in Maracaibo to modify the promenade, which faced criticism for altering its original urban design and competing with historical monuments. :construction_worker:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
In Maracaibo, dining options might be limited directly on the promenade, but nearby streets in the historic center offer many choices. The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia has several cafes and restaurants within its complex. ☕
Near the Maracaibo promenade, you'll find traditional Venezuelan cuisine. In Valencia, the options within the complex range from quick bites to more formal dining. 🍕
While not explicitly designated picnic areas, finding a quiet spot for a casual picnic might be possible in Maracaibo. In Valencia, it's generally not permitted within the main attraction areas. :sandwich:
Exploring the side streets in Maracaibo's historic center will likely yield more budget-friendly local eateries. Valencia's complex has a range of prices, with cafes often being more affordable. :money_bag:
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permissible for personal consumption in public spaces like the Maracaibo promenade. For Valencia's attractions, check their specific policies. :water_wave:
📸 📸 Photography
In Valencia, the reflections in the water, the unique architectural lines of buildings like the Hemisfèric and Palau de les Arts, are prime photo spots. In Maracaibo, focus on the Monument to La Chinita and the surrounding historical buildings. :camerawithflash:
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Paseo de las Ciencias in both Maracaibo and Valencia. However, some specific attractions within the Valencia complex might have restrictions. :iphone:
For Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light and fewer crowds. Evenings are also stunning with the complex lit up. For Maracaibo, early morning or late afternoon can be good to avoid harsh midday sun. :sunriseovermountains: :city_sunset:
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around major attractions. It's best to check local regulations for both Maracaibo and Valencia before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the futuristic architecture in Valencia, reflections in the water, and close-ups of the unique design elements. In Maracaibo, photos of the monuments and historical context are common. :camerawithflash: #PaseoDeLasCiencias
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit