Valencia is an eclectic city that combines modernity and tradition in a fascinating mix: each of its neighbourhoods has a distinct identity and lends itself better to one type of holiday than another.
It is true that public transport works quite well and it is easy to move from one neighbourhood to another, but given the enormous size of Valencia (it is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona) it is good to choose carefully where to stay so as not to end up in a noisy neighbourhood until the early hours of the morning on a romantic holiday or on the contrary to have your hotel in a quiet area with no clubs if you have come to Valencia for nightlife.
Follow our tips on where to stay in Valencia to find the right hotel for your dream holiday. Below we present the best areas to look for a hotel in Valencia: where will you go?
The Ciutat Vella (Old Town in Valencian) is the historical centre of Valencia and the area where most tourists stay. It is definitely a good choice because it is the most charming area of the city, where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated.
Staying here has the advantage of saving time and money on transport and travel, while the disadvantage is that hotels in the centre are generally a little more expensive.
The Ciutat Vella is divided into several neighbourhoods: below are the recommended central districts to stay in; other central areas of Valencia where to look for a hotel are Sant Francesc, La Seu, El Pilar.
The Barrio del Carmen is one of the best areas to stay in Valencia because it is a particularly fascinating area, a maze of characteristic narrow streets with a history stretching back thousands of years and full of influences from very different cultures, where noble, bohemian and popular areas mingle. It is a district with a double soul, which completely transforms from day to night.
By day you can visit the area’s many museums and cultural attractions, including the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Modern and the Museo Centro del Carmen, admire historical buildings of very different eras and styles, or indulge in shopping. At night, Barrio del Carmen becomes one of the nerve centres of Valencian nightlife, with plenty of venues to suit all musical tastes.
The Barrio del Carmen is recommended for those who want to combine cultural visits and entertainment, for those who stay in the city for a short time and want to have everything at their fingertips, and for those who want a romantic getaway (in the latter case, avoid the main streets with more clubs).
Xerea is a central neighbourhood of Valencia, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral but much quieter than Barrio del Carmen and therefore a good option for those who don’t like confusion. There are few nightclubs, while there is no shortage of quality restaurants and bars.
As you can easily guess from its name, the area of El Mercat stretches around Valencia’s Central Market, a true institution in the city that should not be missed.
It is perhaps less charming than the Barrio del Carmen but there are several advantages to staying here. First of all, among the central areas, El Mercat is one of the least expensive, despite being only a 5-minute walk from the central Plaza de Ayuntamiento; it is also an area from which it is very easy to get around.
Outside the old city centre, Valencia’s chicest area is undoubtedly the Eixample, a trendy residential district with elegant Catalan modernist-style buildings and well-kept streets.
As is to be expected, in such an exclusive area most of the hotels are medium-high-end, with a good selection of 4-5 star hotels. However, there is no shortage of cheaper accommodation such as B&Bs, flats and 3-star hotels, suitable for those looking for a neighbourhood that is convenient to the centre but quiet and safe without spending a fortune.
Valencia’s coolest neighbourhood is Ruzafa, which has been reborn in recent years thanks to a major urban restyling. It is the recommended area for young people looking for a good time because the best clubs in Valencia are concentrated here. It is also perfect for those who are not interested in nightlife but are still looking for a lively area. In fact, it is a nice alternative to the centre, with many art galleries, cafés, bookshops and a wealth of cultural events.
The liveliest streets in Ruzafa are Calle Cadiz, Calle Sueca and Calle Cuba, to be sought out or avoided depending on the type of holiday you want to take.
If you come to Valencia for a holiday combining cultural visits and beaches, consider staying in the La Malvarrosa area. This beach is the most popular in Valencia, offers all the services and is well connected to the centre; another advantage is that you can find hotels with sea views, while the disadvantage of staying here is that there is not much to do in the evening. The harbour area is much busier.
If you are looking for an area that combines architectural beauty and green areas, the best choice for you is Canovas, a neighbourhood in Valencia near the Turia River Park, the city’s green oasis. This is also an area with a lot of nightlife entertainment.
El Cabanyal is one of the less touristy areas of Valencia. Hotels here are scarce, but the few that do exist offer lower-than-average prices. Given the efficiency of Valencia’s public transport, it is an option not to be discarded.
The Benimaclet area is characterised by an architecture and urban organisation that is more reminiscent of a village than a city. In fact, this area was once a separate hamlet that was incorporated into Valencia over time. Much frequented by university students, it is considered an alternative neighbourhood, with many literary cafés and clubs offering live music or theatre performances.
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