Planning where to stay in Valencia? As Spain’s third-largest city with over 300 sunny days per year, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for your perfect Valencia experience. From the historic charm of Ciutat Vella to the beachfront vibes of Poblats Marítims, this local’s guide breaks down Valencia’s 7 best areas to stay.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Valencia 👍🏻
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Westin Valencia
- 🔮 Boutique hotel: Vincci Mercat
- 🌴 Beach hotel: Las Arenas Balneario Resort
- ✨ 5-Star: Hospes Palau de La Mar
- 🏨 4-Star: SH Ingles Boutique Hotel
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Casual Valencia de las Artes
- ✈️ Near Airport: Hotel Xon's Valencia
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Barceló Valencia
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Malcom and Barret
Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for central convenience, a beach lover seeking Mediterranean views, or a family searching for quiet neighborhoods, each area offers unique advantages. I’ve lived in Valencia for years and will help you choose the perfect location based on your interests, budget, and travel style.
Quick Valencia Neighborhood Guide 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Ciutat Vella
- 📍 The Most Convenient: Extramurs
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Ruzafa
- 💸 Budget-friendly: La Zaidía
- 🔥 Near Сity of Arts and Sciences: Quatre Carreres
- 👪 For Families: Benimaclet
- 🏖 For Beach Lovers: Poblats Marítims
1. Ciutat Vella, Old Town – Best for the First Time 👀
🏛️ Historic Gems: As the historic center of Spain’s third-largest city, Ciutat Vella is the perfect place for first-time visitors to start their Valencia adventure. Wandering through Ciutat Vella’s maze-like streets, I’m always struck by the seamless blend of ancient and modern. Here’s what makes this area so special:
- Gothic masterpieces like the 13th-century Valencia Cathedral
- The bustling Central Market, a foodie paradise since the 1300s
- Stunning Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) with its twisted columns
- Imposing Torres de Serranos, one of Europe’s largest medieval gates
💧 Local Secret: Visit the Cathedral early on a Thursday to witness the Water Court, a centuries-old tradition where local farmers settle irrigation disputes.
☕ Plaza Life: For me, the real magic of Ciutat Vella lies in its vibrant plazas. I love grabbing a horchata (a local tiger nut drink) and people-watching in Plaza de la Virgen or Plaza de la Reina. The atmosphere is electric, especially as the sun sets and the tapas bars come alive.
🍽️ Food Scene: Speaking of food, Ciutat Vella is a gastronomic wonderland. Some of my favorite spots include:
- Mercat Central for fresh produce and local delicacies
- La Pepica for authentic paella (a Valencia must-try!)
- Café de las Horas for its quirky decor and killer gin tonics
- El Colmado de la Lola for top-notch tapas
🚶 Easy Walking: While Ciutat Vella is well-connected to other parts of Valencia, I find it’s best explored on foot. The area’s compact nature means you can easily hit the main sights in a day, but I’d recommend at least two to really soak in the atmosphere.
It’s the perfect home base for your city explorations!
Where to stay in Ciutat Vella?
Expensive hotels:
- Caro Hotel – elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with luxurious interiors and personalized service.
- Only YOU Hotel – modern luxury hotel with panoramic views of the city, a great choice for a romantic getaway.
- MYR Palacio Vallier – a luxury designer hotel in a historic mansion with a high level of comfort.
Medium price category:
- Citizentral Gascons – a comfortable downtown hotel with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.
- MD Design Hotel – modern hotel with designer interiors and excellent location.
- Casual Vintage Valencia – a small boutique hotel with vintage style and an atmospheric courtyard.
Budget hotels:
- The River Hostel – a modern hostel with creative design located near the historic center.
- Art&Flats Hostel – a cozy hostel in the city center with a creative atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Home Youth Hostel by Feetup Hostels – inexpensive hostel with simple and clean rooms, a good option for young people.
2. Extramurs – Central Location Near Old Town & Gardens 📍
🏙 Local charm: As the name suggests (“extramurs” means “outside the walls” in Valencian), Extramurs lies beyond the boundaries of the old walled city, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic local experience without sacrificing proximity to Valencia’s top sights.
🚶♂️ On foot: Extramurs’ location northwest of the Ciutat Vella provides relatively easy access on foot or public transport to the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento and grand Cathedral in under 20 minutes. The neighborhood itself lies within District III on the local map, situated amongst some of the city’s top museums including IVAM Modern Art and Beneficència.
🔝 Top attractions and activities:
- Plaza del Carmen – lively square popular for drinks and tapas
- Stroll down Carrer de Roteros for excellent people watching
- Check out modern designs at the neighborhood’s trendy boutiques
💖 Small-town feel: Walking Extramurs’ peaceful streets dotted with cafés, mom-and-pop shops, and tiny plazas, one would never guess the constantly buzzing city center is mere blocks away. The neighborhood exudes small-town charm with its 19th century architecture in pastel hues of pink, yellow, and blue.
If you are looking for a convenient location combined with an authentic atmosphere, this is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia.
Where to stay in Extramurs?
Expensive hotels:
- Amazinn Places EVIapartments – modern premium apartments with panoramic city views.
- Parker The Urban Flats – elegant apartments in the city center with excellent location.
- L&H Gran Vía Valencia – a luxury hotel with excellent service and a gorgeous interior.
Medium price category:
- Apartamentos Líbere Valencia Jardín Botánico – cozy apartments overlooking the botanical garden.
- València Centre Túria – modern hotel with stylish design and good location.
- Hotel Conqueridor – comfortable hotel in a historic building in the heart of the city.
Budget hotels:
- Apartment Savoy – inexpensive apartments with basic amenities, a great option for budget accommodation.
- Hotel 19-30 Valencia – simple and inexpensive hotel with clean rooms, good for short trips.
- Hola Valencia - Holiday Apartments – reasonably priced apartments with friendly staff.
3. Ruzafa – Trendy Nightlife & Hip Restaurant Scene 🍷
🎴 Trendy spot: Ruzafa has transformed into one of the city’s hippest areas over the last decade. Known for its vibrant art scene, unique boutiques and shops, and an influx of multicultural restaurants and bars, Ruzafa retains an authentic Spanish charm even as it rapidly modernizes.
🎨 Artsy vibes: The neighborhood celebrates both traditional and contemporary elements of Spanish and Valencian culture through rotating art exhibits and an annual Fallas festival each March – a celebration featuring papier-mâché sculptures and impressive fireworks.
🔝 Some top attractions in Ruzafa:
- The bustling Ruzafa Market open weekdays for the freshest produce, cheeses, baked goods and more
- Street art filled alleys like Calle Cádiz and Carrer de Sueca bursting with unique boutiques and cafes
Don’t pass by the churches of San Valero and San Vicente Martir, which are striking in their architecture and atmosphere.
👟 Easy access: Getting to Ruzafa from downtown Valencia is simple using the city’s metro system or the public bus system. For sightseers staying near the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Ruzafa is conveniently located just a 20 minute walk north.
🍸 Nightlife hotspot: By the time evening rolls around, lively bars serving up craft cocktails, cava bars, and hip music venues buzz with both locals and visitors alike looking to enjoy Ruzafa’s energetic nightlife scene.
🥘 Foodie heaven: Foodies won’t want to miss the ever-growing selection of tapas bars and internationally inspired restaurants, while shoppers can pick up artisan crafts and gifts at local Valencian designers’ boutiques.
Where to stay in Ruzafa?
Expensive hotels:
- SingularStays Parque Central – elegant apartments in the heart of Valencia, decorated in a contemporary style with panoramic views of the city.
- Petit Palace Ruzafa – a cozy boutique hotel with exquisite interior design and top-notch service.
- YOURS boutique stay – chic self-catering accommodation with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Medium price category:
- Soho Valencia – modern hotel in the city center with comfortable rooms and good value for money.
- Blanq Ruzafa – a designer hotel in an elegant building with spacious, stylishly decorated rooms.
Budget hotels:
- La Casa Verde – Ruzafa is a cozy small hotel in traditional Spanish style with friendly staff.
- Ruzzafa Codrut – simple and inexpensive hotel with clean rooms, good for budget travelers.
- HABITACIÓN DOBLE o TRIPLE CORAZON DE RUZAFA – guest house with double and triple rooms at an affordable price in the heart of the area.
4. La Zaidía – Authentic Valencia on a Budget 💸
👣 Old-world charm: While many tourists flock straight to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences or the magnificent gothic silk exchange La Lonja, La Zaidía’s cobblestone streets offer a taste of vintage Valencia. Located just north of the city center across the river, it takes only 15 minutes or so on foot to immerse yourself in this delightful riverside barrio.
🚶♂️ Walker’s paradise: Getting around La Zaidía poses no problems for pedestrians. All the neighborhood’s main sights spread along just a few small picturesque blocks:
- meander at your leisure past the delightful Facultats historical building with its two lovely interior patios
- snap photos in front of the magnificent parroquia church with its octagonal belltower
- stroll through Marxalenes Park, a huge park with basketball and tennis courts
For the best local flavor, pop into one of La Zaidía’s authentic tapas institutions like DelMundo Gastrobar. Their croquetas have achieved city-wide fame!
💲 Budget-friendly: This is one of the most recommended neighborhoods to live in Valencia, especially for those on a tight budget and those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where to stay in La Zaidía?
Medium price category:
- Puerta de Serranos – cozy boutique hotel in a historic building overlooking the city wall, ideal for a romantic getaway.
- Art Lofts Gardens – stylish designer hotel with spacious rooms, located in a quiet neighborhood near the historic center.
- Mythic Valencia – a comfortable modern style hotel with excellent service and good value for money.
Budget hotels:
- Cristina Apartamento Center – apartments with fully equipped kitchen, ideal budget option for longer stays.
- APtuValencia – spacious apartment 5 minutes walk from the historic center at a reasonable price.
- Habitación bien situada, cómoda y nueva – clean and cozy rooms at low prices in a convenient location close to the train station and historical sites.
5. Quatre Carreres – Stay near Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias 🏟
🚧 Unique architecture: The name translates to “Four Corners” referring to the shape of the district defined by four streets: carrera Malilla, carrera de la Font d’En Corts, carrera de la Font de Sant Lluïs and carrera del Riu. Originally it served as a residential area for nobility and aristocracy in the 1800s.
🏛️ Impressive complex: The neighborhood is known for one of its main attractions, the City of Arts and Sciences, a large complex of buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava that stands on the banks of the Turia River.
⛪️ Stunning churches: As you explore further, discover stunning religious architecture like the Parròquia de la Puríssima Concepció and Ermita del Fiscal.
With excellent Metro and bus connections just minutes away, Quatre Carreres makes getting around a breeze.
All hotels in Quatre Carreres →
Where to stay in Quatre Carreres?
Expensive hotels:
- Hlius Brand New Apartments – modern apartments in a new building, have fully equipped kitchens and comfortable sitting areas.
- Hotel Malcom and Barret – elegant colonial style hotel with excellent service and fine dining.
- Sweet Caroline Apartment – cozy apartments with a homely atmosphere and panoramic views of the city.
Medium price category:
- Hotel Medium Valencia – a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a good location near the old town.
- NH Valencia Las Artes – a stylish mid-range hotel with a pool and fitness center located in the business district.
- Arena Zone Hotel – a simple and inexpensive hotel with clean rooms, convenient for a stopover for a couple nights.
Budget hotels:
- Cantagua Hostel – a youth hostel with shared bedrooms and a kitchen, suitable for budget travelers.
- Holiday Inn Express Ciudad de las Ciencias – an economical Holiday Inn Express hotel with basic amenities at a reasonable price.
6. Benimaclet – Family-Friendly Area with Local Charm 👨👩👦
🌆 Street art central: The charming Benimaclet neighborhood offers visitors a slice of authentic Valencian life paired with arts, gastronomy and thriving public spaces. This up-and-coming barrio has fast become one of the most exciting and welcoming areas of the city to explore.
📸 Photo op: From its prime location Benimaclet serves as an ideal home base for your Valencia getaway. And with its street art adorning facade after facade, the neighborhood itself has become a top sight to admire—it’s not dubbed “Valencia’s Brooklyn” for nothing!
🌮 For foodies: Beyond aesthetics, a wave of new shops, cafes and eateries also line Benimaclet’s tree-shaded streets, giving travelers plenty to fill their itinerary without traveling far.
🔝 What are the top things to do in Benimaclet? These diverse offerings cater to a range of interests:
- See works from local artists at one of 10+ street art routes and galleries
- Track down dishes from Peru, Mexico, Japan and beyond at the multicultural restaurants and hole-in-the-wall gems
- Hear live flamenco music while joining locals for evening drinks at Plaza Benimaclet
Stroll through the weekly farmers’ market overflowing with fresh Valencian produce and goods
When staying in Valencia, be sure to take time to explore the neighborhood!
7. Poblats Marítims – Beachfront Living & Historic Fishermen’s Quarter 🏖
🌊 Beach vibes: This area, made up of the neighborhoods of Cabañal, El Grao, Nazareth, Malavarrosa, Bethero and Canyamelar, radiates an authentic maritime element. It faces the Mediterranean Sea, whose breeze and fragrance can be felt in every corner of its streets.
🏠 Great atmosphere: Here you can still see typical fishermen’s houses with tiled facades, traditional and more modern establishments that perfectly reflect the culinary customs of the area.
☀️ Sunny spot: Did you know that Valencia has over 300 days of sunshine a year? From March to October, it is one of the busiest neighborhoods in Valencia, both day and night. Key highlights include:
- Malvarrosa beach
- Las Arenas beach
- La Marina de València
- Far de València
🥘 Famous food: Here you will find many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious paella. A good place is the mythical La Pepica restaurant, but you will find many others on the beach promenade.
🚌 Well-connected: Although this area is further away from the city center, it is well connected to it by city buses. Take the number 12 bus and you’ll be minutes from Malvarrosa Beach.
Staying in Valencia here is a great option for those who want to be close to the main beaches.
All hotels in Poblats Marítims →
Best hotels in Poblats Marítims
Expensive hotels:
- Las Arenas Balneario Resort – a luxury resort hotel with its own beach, pools and spa.
- Hotel Neptuno – elegant Art Deco hotel with beach views and an excellent restaurant.
- Holiday Apartments Malvarrosa Beach – spacious apartments with kitchens and balconies located across from Malva Rosa Beach.
Medium price category:
- Hotel Sabbia by Gabbeach – a cozy, modern-style hotel near the beach with a pool and fitness room.
- Hotel Miramar Valencia – a mid-priced hotel with panoramic views of Las Arenas beach.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Valencia: Top Picks Under €100 💰
Alright, let’s dive into the top 3 budget hotels in Valencia, giving you the lowdown on each one.
1. One Shot Colón 46 Hotel: Stylish Comfort 🌟
Nestled in the heart of Valencia, One Shot Colón 46 is your go-to spot if you want budget-friendly digs without sacrificing style. The vibrant décor welcomes you the moment you step in, with a blend of modern chic and cozy comfort.
The rooms are compact but cleverly designed, making the most of the space without feeling cramped. Plus, the staff here? Super friendly. Need recommendations for the best paella nearby? They’ve got you covered.
2. Casual Valencia Vintage: Nostalgic Affordability 🕰️
Looking for a place with a touch of nostalgia and a pinch of affordability? Casual Valencia Vintage might just be your spot. The hotel channels retro vibes, from the lobby to the rooms, without compromising on cleanliness and comfort.
The atmosphere is laid-back, perfect for travelers who want a cozy retreat after exploring Valencia’s bustling streets. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for a good night’s sleep.
3. MD Design Hotel - Portal del Real: Modern Elegance 🏨
If you’re after a budget stay with a dash of modern elegance, MD Design Hotel at Portal del Real is a solid choice. Picture this: sleek interiors, contemporary artwork, and a vibe that’s more boutique than budget.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the attention to detail is on point. It’s like they took the best parts of luxury hotels and made them budget-friendly. Oh, and did I mention the location? Right by the Turia Gardens, offering a serene escape without straying too far from the city buzz.
Getting Around Valencia – Transportation Guide 🚇
🚇 Metro & Bus – 9 metro lines connect major areas. EMT bus system covers 60+ routes across the city. Single tickets: €1.50, 10-ride card: €8. Airport to city center: Metro line 3 or 5 (40 minutes).
🚲 Beach & Gardens Access – Bus 19, 31, or 32 reach Malvarrosa beach in 20 minutes from center. Turia Gardens’ 9km cycling path connects major attractions. Valenbisi bike rental: €13.30/week.
Seasonal Guide: When to Visit Each Neighborhood 🌞
🌞 Spring (March-May): Ideal for Ciutat Vella exploration, 20-25°C. Las Fallas festival in March. Perfect weather for walking tours and outdoor cafes.
🌅 Summer (June-August): Best for Poblats Marítims beach area, 25-30°C. Marina Week in July. Early morning sightseeing recommended due to heat.
Safety Tips by Neighborhood 🚨
🛡️ Tourist Areas: Ciutat Vella: Safe but watch belongings near Cathedral and Central Market. Ruzafa: Well-lit main streets, avoid dark alleys late night.
⚠️ Beach Areas: Poblats Marítims: Safe during day and early evening. Beach patrol until 11 PM in summer. Use official taxi stands after dark.
Local Events Calendar by District 🎭
🎪 Spring Events
- Las Fallas (March 15-19): Ciutat Vella
- Russafa Cultura Viva (February): Ruzafa
🎨 Summer Events
- Marina Week (July): Poblats Marítims
- Beach Cinema (July-August): Malvarrosa Beach
- Night Markets (June-September): Benimaclet
Best Areas to Stay in Valencia on a Map 🗺
FAQ: Berlin for Tourists ❔
Is Valencia a walkable city?
Valencia is indeed a highly walkable city, making it easy for visitors to explore its charming streets and discover hidden gems on foot. The city’s well-designed urban layout and pedestrian-friendly areas contribute to a pleasant walking experience.
How do you get around in Valencia, Spain?
To navigate Valencia, Spain, you have several convenient options. The city boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses and a metro, providing affordable and reliable ways to reach various attractions. Biking is also popular, with numerous bike rental services available, allowing you to pedal along the Turia Gardens or through the historic streets.
What is the hippest area in Valencia?
If you’re seeking the hippest area in Valencia, look no further than the Ruzafa neighborhood. Known for its trendy atmosphere, eclectic boutiques, and vibrant street art, Ruzafa is a hub of creativity and innovation.
Where to stay in Valencia for nightlife?
For those seeking vibrant nightlife, consider staying in the Ruzafa neighborhood. This historic district comes alive after dark with its lively bars, nightclubs, and music venues. You’ll find a mix of traditional Spanish tapas bars and modern cocktail lounges, providing a diverse nightlife experience.
How many days do you need in Valencia, Spain?
To make the most of your time in Valencia, plan for at least three to four days. This duration allows you to explore the city’s major attractions, immerse yourself in its culture, and savor its renowned cuisine.
