Where is the best area to stay in Valencia City?
By Gemma Louise Rose. August 07, 2022
To truly experience the beating heart of Valencia’s culture, the old town (Ciutat Vella district) is the best area to stay in the city. You’ll find some of the most important sights nestled closely together here, from ancient buildings which date back to varying centuries to a host of museums perfect for family outings. Some of Valencia’s most luxurious hotels are located in this quarter and can be easily reached by taxi or metro from the airport, with the nearest metro station from Ciutat Vella only 15 minutes away on foot.
Promising 300 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal destination to visit year-round, Valencia sits on the east coast of Spain. This 2000-year-old city is the 3rd largest in the country and boasts a thriving food scene as well as a variety of festivals, such as Las Fallas and Feria de Julia, which are celebrated throughout the year. When you are not soaking up the sun on one of the sandy Mediterranean beaches, why not wander the historical streets to admire the sheer variety of architectural styles. Don’t forget to make a stop to try some traditional paella in the very city where the dish was born.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Valencia, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Valencia, you may also be interested in where to stay in Barcelona, where to stay in Malaga, where to stay in Marbella and where to stay in Granada.
Old Town / Ciutat Vella, the best area to stay in Valencia City
First time / Tourists / Walking
A big part of the old town’s appeal is its convenience. All of the top sights in this area are within walking distance, and it is largely pedestrianized, so you can avoid the chaos of traffic while exploring. For a cultural day out, nearby attractions include the 13th-century cathedral in Plaza de la Almoina, the Central Market, and the 15th-century silk exchange, La Llotja de la Seda, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status. For spectacular views of the city, head to the top of the cathedral or to Torres de Serranos, towers which were once one of the old city’s gates until the 19th century.
Foodies can fill up on local delicacies, with a range of options which cater to all budgets. Tuck into tapas with a glass of handmade sangria at one of the many local restaurants. Alternatively, taste traditional paella, with many restaurants also offering options for vegetarians.
Other areas to stay in Valencia
Seafront areas / Poblats Maritims district: Malvarossa beach, El Cabanyal, Valencia Port
Beaches / Paella
Malvarossa has great public transport links, and metro, tram and bus lines will take you to the city centre for a day of sightseeing. The beach itself is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and visitors can unwind, dine at local cafes and restaurants along the promenade or try their hands at water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding or windsurfing. Accommodation in this area ranges from 5-star resorts to boutique hotels to beachfront apartments.
El Cabanyal is a little more off the beaten track though still served by public transport. You can explore the old fisherman’s quarter, just behind the Las Arenas beach and adorned in colourful ceramic tiles. Be prepared to dust off your Spanish when you dine out at a tapas bar in this residential area, as many places lack English menus.
For those arriving by boat, staying at Valencia Port, 6 km from the city centre and 19 km from the airport is a great, convenient option.
Ciutat de les Arts area
Families / Sightseeing
The city of Arts and Sciences is a great location for families to stay. Lots of potential day outs include visiting the various museums such as the Science Museum, Oceanogràfic aquarium, as well as Gulliver Park, ideal for younger children, or Turia Park, full of sports areas and cycle paths. Both the museum and aquarium have restaurants, making them perfect for a lunch break too.
As one of the largest districts in Valencia, there are a host of hotels suitable for any budget, from high-end to reasonably priced options. Although the city centre is not within walking distance from this zone, it is easily reached by bus, or by bike. In terms of nightlife, rooftop bars offer the chance to admire the stunning, futuristic architecture that the city of Arts and Sciences is known for. The complex also regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and club events throughout the year.
Hotels near Ciutat de les Arts
Eixample
Shopping / Architecture
Eixample is a quarter which embraces diversity across the board. In terms of attractions, it is home to a unique blend of architecture, where the old meets the new. Visit sights such as Plaza de Toros, which evokes traditional echoes of Spanish heritage, and Ortega House, which exemplifies Valencian modernism. This embracing of diversity is also evident in the cuisine you can find in this area, with a range of Mediterranean, Thai, Mexican and even Japanese restaurants available.
Accommodation available is mostly city flats or 4-star hotels, and a 14-minute drive or 20-minute metro trip will take you to or from the airport. For breakfast, Mercado de Colon, packed to the brim with cafes and bars, is a popular choice. Meanwhile, for a day of shopping, you can make your way to Colon Street, the main shopping street, where you’ll find a host of international brands.
Extramurs
Quiet / Close to Everything
This area is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Valencia and is relatively close to the city centre, making it a very convenient place to stay. Though it is quite residential, there’s a decent number of quality hotels to choose from, as well as apartments. It is also well connected with plenty of bus and metro links to get around. The average journey by car from the airport to this district is approximately 13 minutes.
Attractions here include the Botanical Garden of Valencia, with over 10,000 plant species and plenty of stray cats to pet, that roam through it freely. The garden was founded in 1567 and is located near the old Turia River. Another stop on your way to the city centre is Torres de Quart, towers that once acted as defensive gates for the city. For a bite to eat after exploring, you’ll find various Italian and Spanish restaurants.
Ruzafa
Nightlife / Young Couples
Once run-down and forgotten, Ruzafa has become one of the most vibrant and artistic districts in Valencia. Only a 20-minute drive from the airport, stay in a boutique or high-end hotel, or you can opt for a city apartment, surrounded by independent cafes and artists’ studios. Public transport is also available, with the nearest metro station around a 10-minute walk from the heart of this area.
Alongside being a cultural hub, with family-friendly spaces like Ubik Café, which houses a bookshop, gallery, restaurant, cinema, and hosts music events, it is also known for its lively alternative nightlife. If partying all night isn’t your scene, you can do a bit of vintage shopping at the local flea market, which is open on a monthly pop-up basis on Sunday mornings at El Patio. Where food and drink are concerned, for a taste of the true Ruzafa, check out some local brewpubs to sample the craft beer on offer.
Our recommended hotels in Valencia City
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Valencia CityNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
