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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gemma Jackson
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