Valencia is a destination for everyone, thanks to the many sights to see, the vibrant nightlife, the unique gastronomy and the sea! Its facets and differences are also reflected in its neighbourhoods, which are all different and each suited to certain needs. So here are our tips on the best neighbourhoods in Valencia to stay in!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Certainly, of all the districts, the best area to stay in is the Ciutat Vella, Valencia's historic centre. It has numerous types of accommodation, also at affordable prices, and is really suitable for everyone: if you are travelling with your family, it is best to stay in the small neighbourhood of La Xerea, while if you are looking for nightlife and fun in the Barrio del Carmen.
Other recommended districts for nightlife are Ruzafa, close to the Ciutat Vella and where the city's main clubs are concentrated; Benimaclet, Valencia's university district, also a very affordable area; and La Malvarrosa, the city's most famous beach district.
If you want to save money, in addition to the university district of Benimaclet, the Extramurs district, located within walking distance of the Ciutat Vella, is also recommended, an excellent compromise between good location and favourable prices.
If you are travelling with your family and are looking for tranquillity, in addition to the Ciutat Vella we recommend the district of Eixample (close to the centre) or the district of El Cabanyal (on the coast).
Recommended areas tosave money: Extramurs, Benimaclet, El Cabanyal
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Ciutat Vella (La Xerea), El Cabanyal, Eixample
Recommended areas foryoung people: Ciutat Vella (Barrio del Carmen), Ruzafa, Benimaclet, La Malvarrosa
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Valencia. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Valencia on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Valencia Area Guide
Valencia is a large city, the third largest in Spain by number of inhabitants, after the capital Madrid and the beautiful Barcelona. It covers about 134.56 square kilometres and has more than 800,000 inhabitants.
The city is divided into no less than 19 districts, which in turn are divided into 88 neighbourhoods, called Barrios in Spanish. From a tourist point of view, the choice of where to stay is mainly divided into two options: in the historic centre area or along the coast. This depends a lot on the type of holiday you want to experience. Certainly, if you are opting for a more cultural trip, the best area to stay in is the Ciutat Vella and the districts and neighbourhoods immediately nearby, as it will allow you to get around on foot and have the main attractions within walking distance. For classic beach life, however, it is best to choose accommodation near the coast.
Areas to avoid: there are no dangerous areas to avoid. Just be careful in the more crowded and touristy areas, where you could fall victim to pickpockets and theft (especially at night). From a tourist point of view, it is better to avoid the suburbs.
Ciutat Vella district
The Ciutat Vella is definitely the best district to stay in in Valencia, especially if it is your first time visiting the city or if you only have a few days to spare. Here you will find the main attractions, such as the Valencia Cathedral, the Mercado Central or the Valencian Institute of Modern Art.
It is also a district that really suits everyone and within it you can distinguish several smaller neighbourhoods: Barrio del Carmen, La Xerea, La Seu, El Mercat, El Pilar and Sant Francesc. Of these, the best to stay in are definitely the first two: if you are travelling with your family and are looking for tranquillity, you can opt for the elegant La Xerea area (in the eastern part, see map here); if you are looking for nightlife and fun, you prefer Barrio del Carmen, (in the northern part, see map here).
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around mainly on foot: you can reach the Turia Gardens, several museums and even the València Nord train station. To reach places such as the beach, however, you can rely on the metro and bus.
Average prices in the district range from around €45.00 for low-cost accommodation to €650.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Boutique Hotel in historic 19th century building. WiFi connection, room service, airport shuttle on request. Ideal for couples | |
Guesthouse 3 min. walk from the Cathedral. Tour desk, free luggage storage and ticket service. Rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
Flats with kitchenette and dining area. Terrace and city views and free WiFi. Ideal for groups or families | |
5-star hotel in a 19th-century building, 200 m from the Cathedral. Swimming pool, Michelin-starred restaurant, room service. Ideal for couples |
Eixample district
Photo by Joanbanjo. Just south of the Ciutat Vella is the L'Eixample district, Valencia's most chic and elegant area! This is an exclusive district with department stores, fashion boutiques, sophisticated cafés, brunch venues and high-class restaurants.
It is a place for families and those seeking tranquillity, as well as an ideal area for those looking for luxury hotels and an exclusive experience. Especially recommended is the Gran Via, with plenty of high-end clubs and restaurants. Moreover, staying here with children means being within walking distance of the Parc Gulliver, but also not far from the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències!
Finally, by choosing this area you can easily get around on foot. The Ciutat Vella, with its main attractions, is within walking distance, as is the València Nord train station. The district is also served by the Colón metro station, where no less than 5 lines run. Within the Eixample district is the Ruzafa district, recommended for young people for its movida, which we will discuss in detail in the next section.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
B&B 5 min from Plaza de Toros. Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and private bathroom. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
Guesthouse with rooms with private bathroom, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Private parking. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Flat residence near the Turia Gardens. Bike rental and pets allowed. Flats for up to 10 people, equipped kitchen. Ideal for families and groups | |
5-star hotel in a 19th-century building. Elegant, modern rooms with marble bathrooms, restaurant with traditional specialities, spa and wellness centre. Ideal for couples |
Ruzafa district (Eixample district)
Close to the Ciutat Vella, you will find one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Valencia: we are talking about Ruzafa, within the Eixample district. Here you will find the characteristic Mercat de Ruzafa, the modern city park Parc Central and numerous small art galleries.
It is a district that is especially suitable for young people and those in search of nightlife. Thanks to a major redevelopment, it is now one of the coolest areas in Valencia. Here you can find some of the city's most popular bars and clubs, as well as many bars and pubs that are open until late. The liveliest streets, and therefore also noisy at night, are Calle Cadiz, Calle Sueca and Calle Cuba!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. In just a few minutes you will reach the Ciutat Vella, the Turia Gardens, but also the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències! To get to the beach, just take the bus or metro, as the area is served by the Xàtiva station.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star boutique hotel a short walk from the station, in an area full of bars and restaurants. Free bicycle rental, pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with private rooms or dormitory beds. All rooms equipped with heating and fan. Shared dining room and lounge. Ideal for young people | |
Flats with terrace and city view. Rooms with private bathroom, equipped kitchen and modern design. Ideal for families and small groups | |
4-star hotel in the southern part of the district. 24-hour reception, restaurant, room service. Ideal for couples and families |
District Extramurs
Photo by Rafa Esteve. Staying close to the Ciutat Vella, we finally find Extramurs, a very central but also cheaper area! The district is divided from the Ciutat Vella by the famous Torres de Quart and the street C/ de Guillem de Castro, which represents a border between the two districts. The Valencia Botanical Garden is also located here.
This is an ideal district for those who want to save money, but without sacrificing location and convenience. Here, in fact, the cost of accommodation is on average lower than in the Ciutat Vella and is also an excellent solution for those staying in the city for more than three days.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot: just cross the Torres de Quart to be in the historical centre. Moreover, the district is crossed from north to south by the Gran Via de Ferran el Catòlic, where several metro stops are located.
Average prices in the district range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
36 sqm flat with air conditioning, patio and city views. One bedroom, equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 300 m from Torres de Quart. Luggage storage, WiFi connection, shared kitchen. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
Apartment complex with free WiFi, lounge area, flat-screen TV and equipped kitchen. Bicycle rental. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel 250 m from Norte Train Station. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TV. Restaurant and bar. Ideal for couples |
Benimaclet District
Photos by Joanbanjo. Now we move a little away from the Ciutat Vella, to discover the Benimaclet district, the multicultural and university area of Valencia! Until the 1970s, this place was a town in its own right, only to be incorporated into the city of Valencia.
It is an ideal district for young people and those who want to save money! The area is indeed very lively, with numerous clubs and a bohemian and creative atmosphere. In addition, the district is often the venue for numerous festivals. At the same time, the accommodation prices are very competitive and it won't be difficult to find great deals without sacrificing quality and a good location!
Finally, staying here requires the use of public transport, but in no time at all you can reach both the Ciutat Vella and the coastal area! The area is mainly served by the Benimaclet metro station, where no less than 5 lines run!
Average prices in the district range from around €45.00 for low-cost accommodation to €320.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel close to the metro. Air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms with city views, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Flats with a living room, washing machine, safe, private bathroom and equipped dining area. Maximum capacity 6 people. Ideal for families and small groups | |
200 m2 flat with 4 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Up to 6 people. Ideal for groups and families | |
Hotel next to the University of Valencia and 600 m from the metro. Restaurant, modern, soundproofed rooms, WiFi connection. Ideal for couples |
El Cabanyal neighbourhood (District Poblats Marítims)
Photos by Joanbanjo. Finally, we move on to the coast, an ideal area for those who want to enjoy a holiday by the sea! The first district we recommend is El Cabanyal, in the Poblats Marítims district, located between the port and La Malvarossa beach. This is a residential district, full of restaurants and bars, and includes the beaches of Platja del Cabanyal and Platja de las Arenas.
It is an ideal area for family travellers. Indeed, especially Platja del Cabanyal, has shallow water and calm sea, beach umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and all the services families need. There is also no shortage of playgrounds for the little ones.
Staying here will allow you to walk along the coast, but to reach the Ciutat Vella you will need to take transport. The district is served by the València-Cabanyal railway station, several tram lines and the Marítim-Serrería metro stop (lines 5 and 7).
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Small beachfront hotel with sea-view louge-restaurant. WiFi connection and bar. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 700 m from the port. 24-hour reception, WiFi connection, rooms for up to 4 people with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Beachfront property with 3 rooms, a bathroom, a dining area with fully equipped kitchen and a patio with garden views. Free WiFi. Ideal for families and groups | |
4-star beachfront hotel. Spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant, room service, rooms with sea or harbour views. Ideal for couples and families |
La Malvarrosa neighbourhood (District Poblats Marítims)
Photo by Manuel Martín Vicente from. Finally, if you want to stay close to the beach, we recommend the La Malvarrosa district, where the most famous beach in Valencia is located. Also located in the Poblats Marítims district, here you will find all kinds of amenities but, above all, fun: there are beach volleyball courts, you can ride jet skis and practice other water sports, while the promenade is full of clubs and restaurants.
This district is especially suitable for young people, given the many activities that can be done, both during the day and in the evening. The Polytechnic University of Valencia is also close to the district and this guarantees a lively and buzzing atmosphere, as well as the presence of many clubs!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot mainly within the district. To reach other parts of the city, you will have to take transport. The area is mainly served by bus, with lines 2, 19, 31, 32 and N1 and N9.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
100 sqm flat a stone's throw from the beach. Air conditioning, balcony and garden view. Up to 8 people. Ideal for young people and groups | |
Resort with swimming pool and beachfront. Flats for up to 5 people, with fully equipped kitchen, sea view and full bathroom. Ideal for families and groups | |
Residence of flats 2 min from the beach. Flats with 2 or 3 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for couples and families | |
Modern and stylish 70 m2 beachfront flat. Two bedrooms, equipped kitchen, washing machine and full bathroom. Ideal for small groups and families |
Countries near Valencia where to stay
Valencia is a fairly large city, with many different neighbourhoods to suit all budgets. The best solution is therefore to stay in the city, within walking distance of attractions and places of interest, while also being able to enjoy beach life.
If, however, you are more interested in the beach and the sea, with cultural attractions taking a back seat, then there are plenty of seaside resorts on the coast and not far from Valencia worth considering! Here are the best ones:
Canet d'En Berenguer (32 km / 35 min): a quiet seaside resort with large stretches of sand and a beautiful sea. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Connected to Valencia by direct bus lines 115C and 115E - compare accommodations
Dénia (106 km / 1 h 15 min): a beautiful seaside resort, with a large flow of tourists and therefore also very lively. Ferries to Palma de Mallorca also depart from here. Connected to Valencia by direct train line ALSA Vale-Javea - compare accommodations
Gandia (70 km / 1 h): very typical seaside resort, where you can eat spectacular paella. Great beaches, water parks and entertainment. Ferries to Ibiza leave from the port. Connected to Valencia by direct train line C1 - compare accommodations
