Where to stay in Valencia: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexValencia is a destination for everyone, thanks to the many attractions, the lively nightlife, the unique gastronomy and the sea! Its facets and differences are also reflected in its neighbourhoods, all different from each other, each suitable for certain needs. So here are our tips on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Valencia!
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia
Surely, among all districts, the best area to stay is the Ciutat Vella, the historic centre of Valencia. It has many types of accommodation, even at affordable prices, and is really suitable for everyone: if you are travelling with your family better opting for the small neighbourhood of La Xerea, while if you are looking for nightlife and fun, choose Barrio del Carmen.
Other recommended neighbourhoods for nightlife are Ruzafa, near the Ciutat Vella and where the main clubs of the city are concentrated; Benimaclet, the university district of Valencia, also a very affordable area; La Malvarrosa, the neighbourhood with city's most famous beach.
If you prefer low cost accommodation, in addition to the university district of Benimaclet, we also recommend the district of Extramurs, located a short walk from the Ciutat Vella, a good compromise between good location and favourable prices.
If you are travelling with your family, in addition to the Ciutat Vella we recommend the Eixample district (near the centre), or the district of El Cabanyal (on the coast), very quiet and family-friendly places.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Extramurs, Benimaclet, El Cabanyal
- Recommended areas for families with children: Ciutat Vella (La Xerea), El Cabanyal, Eixample
- Recommended areas for young people: Ciutat Vella (Barrio del Carmen), Ruzafa, Benimaclet, La Malvarrosa
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Valencia. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Valencia for 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
Guide to the areas of Valencia
Valencia is a large city, the third largest in Spain by number of inhabitants, after the capital Madrid and Barcelona. It covers about 134.56 square kilometres and has over 800,000 inhabitants.
The city is divided into 19 districts, each divided into 88 neighbourhoods, called Barrios in Spanish. From a tourist point of view, there are mainly two options: the historic centre or coastline. It depends on the type of vacation you want. Surely, if you opt for a more cultural trip, the best is the Ciutat Vella and surroundings, as it allows you to move on foot to reach the main attractions. If you're looking for "beach life", it's better to choose accommodation near the coast.
Not recommended areas: there are no dangerous areas to avoid. Just be careful in the most crowded and touristic areas, where you could be victim of pickpockets and thefts (especially in the evening). From a tourist point of view, it is better to stay away from the suburbs.
Ciutat Vella District
The Ciutat Vella is definitely the best district to stay in Valencia, especially if this is your first time or if you have only a few days. Here you will find the main attractions, such as the Cathedral, the Mercado Central or the Valencian Institute of Modern Art.
Moreover, it is really suitable for everyone and within it you can distinguish some smaller neighbourhoods: Barrio del Carmen, La Xerea, La Seu, El Mercat, El Pilar and Sant Francesc. Among these, the best places to stay are definitely the first two: Barrio del Carmen is perfect if you are looking for nightlife and fun (in the northern part, see map here); La Xerea is an elegant and quiet area if you are travelling with your family (in the eastern 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 like the beach you can rely on the metro and bus.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €55,00 for low-cost accommodation to €650,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ad Hoc Monumental | Boutique Hotel in a historic 19th-century building. WiFi connection, room service, airport shuttle upon request. Ideal for couples |
| Hostal Antigua Morellana | Guesthouse 3 min walk from the Cathedral. A tour desk, free luggage storage and ticket service. Rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for young people |
| Vlc Apartaments el Carmen | Apartment of 80 sqm, 10 min walk from the Cathedral. Three bedrooms, equipped kitchen, living room with TV, full bathroom. Ideal for families |
| Caro Hotel Valencia | 5-star hotel in a 19th-century building, 200 m from the Cathedral. Swimming pool, restaurant with one Michelin star, room service. Ideal for couples |
Eixample District
Just south of the Ciutat Vella there is L'Eixample district, Valencia's most chic and elegant area. This is an exclusive district, with department stores, fashion boutiques, sophisticated cafes, brunch places and high-end restaurants.
It is a place suitable 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 lots of high-level clubs and restaurants. In addition, 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 just a few steps away, as well as the València Nord train station. The district is also served by the Colón metro station, where 5 lines run. Within the Eixample district is the Ruzafa district, recommended for young people thanks to its nightlife, which we will discuss in detail in the next paragraph.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| ABCyou Bed&Breakfast | B&B at 5 min from Plaza de Toros. Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
| Dormavalencia Hostel Regne | Guesthouse with rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Private parking. Ideal for couples and young people |
| The Art Boutique Colon | Residence of apartments near Turia Gardens. Bike rental and pets allowed. Apartments for up to 10 people, equipped kitchen. Ideal for families and groups |
| Hospes Palau de La Mar | 5-star hotel in a 19th-century building. Elegant and modern rooms with marble bathrooms, restaurant with traditional specialities, spa and wellness centre. Ideal for couples |
Ruzafa Neighbourhood (Eixample District)
Close to the Ciutat Vella there is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Valencia: Ruzafa, which is part of the Eixample district. Here you will find the characteristic Mercat de Ruzafa, the modern city park; Parc Central and many small art galleries.
It is a neighbourhood especially suitable for young people and those looking for fun. Thanks to a major redevelopment, today is one of the coolest areas of Valencia. Here there are some of the most famous clubs and bars in the city, as well as many clubs and pubs open until late. The liveliest streets (even at night) are Calle Cadiz, Calle Sueca and Calle Cuba.
Finally, staying here allows you to get around on foot. In a few minutes you will be in the Ciutat Vella, the Gardens of Turia, but also the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. To get to the beach you just need to take the bus or metro, in fact, the area is served by the Xàtiva station.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €350,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Petit Palace Ruzafa | Boutique 3-star hotel a few steps from the station, in an area full of clubs and restaurants. Free bike rental, pets allowed. Ideal for couples. |
| Russafa Youth Hostel | Hostel with private rooms or dormitory beds. All rooms are equipped with heating and fan. Shared dining room and lounge. Ideal for young people. |
| Soho Valencia | Residence of apartments with private parking and WiFi connection. Studios or apartments, with fully equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Ideal for couples, groups of up to 4 adults and families. |
| Senator Parque Central Hotel | 4-star hotel in the southern part of the district. Reception 24h, restaurant, room service. Ideal for couples and families. |
Extramurs District
Staying close to the Ciutat Vella, finally, we find Extramurs, a very central area but also the cheapest! 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. Here, moreover, is located the Botanical Garden of Valencia.
This is an ideal district for those who travel on a budget, without giving up on location and comfort. Here, in fact, the cost of accommodation is on average lower than the Ciutat Vella and is an excellent solution for those staying in the city for more than three days.
Finally, staying here allowd you to get around on foot: just cross the Torres de Quart to be in the historic centre. In addition, the district is crossed from north to south by the Gran Via de Ferran el Catòlic, where there are several metro stops.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €350,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Valencian Dreams | 36 sqm apartment with air conditioning, terrace and city views. One bedroom, equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Ideal for couples. |
| Quart Youth Hostel | Hostel 300 m from Torres de Quart. Luggage storage, WiFi connection, shared kitchen. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people. |
| HQ Rooms Apartments San Vicente | Apartment complex with free WiFi, seating area, flat-screen TV and equipped kitchen. Bike rental. Ideal for couples and families. |
| Hotel Conqueridor | A 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
Now we move a bit from the Ciutat Vella, to discover the Benimaclet district, the multicultural and university area of Valencia. Until the '70s this place was a town in itself and then was incorporated into the city of Valencia.
It is an ideal district for young people and for those who want to save on accommodation. The area is, in fact, very lively, with many clubs and a bohemian, creative atmosphere. In addition, the district is often the site of numerous festivals. At the same time, the prices of accommodation are very competitive and it will not be difficult to find good deals, without giving up on quality and good location.
Finally, staying here requires the use of public transport, but in no time you can reach both the Ciutat Vella and the coastal area! The area is mainly served by the Benimaclet metro station, where 5 lines run!
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €55,00 for low-cost accommodation to €320,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Olympia Universidades | 3-star hotel near the metro. Air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms with city views, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Ideal for couples. |
| Apartamento Benimaclet Valencia | Apartment of 70 sqm with 3 bedrooms, equipped kitchen, washing machine and full bathroom. Ideal for families. |
| Welcome Valencia Benimaclet | Apartment of 200 sqm with 4 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and full bathroom. Up to 6 people. Ideal for groups and families. |
| Sweet Hotel Renasa | Hotel next to the University of Valencia and 600 m from the metro. Restaurant, modern and soundproofed rooms, WiFi connection. Ideal for couples. |
El Cabanyal Neighbourhood (Poblats Marítims District)
Finally, we move to the coast, an ideal area for those who want to spend a vacation by the sea. The first neighbourhood that we recommend is El Cabanyal, in the district Poblats Marítims, located between the port and the beach of La Malvarossa. It is a residential neighbourhood, full of restaurants and clubs, and includes the beaches of Platja del Cabanyal and Platja de las Arenas.
It is an ideal area for families. There is a shallow and calm sea, especially Platja del Cabanyal, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and all the services that families need. There are also several playgrounds for children.
Staying here, finally, allows you to walk along the coast, but to reach the Ciutat Vella you must necessarily take the means of transport. The district is served by the València-Cabanyal train station, several tram lines and the Marítim-Serrería metro stop (lines 5 and 7).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €350,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Miramar Valencia | Small hotel in front of the beach with lounge-restaurant with sea view. WiFi connection and bar. Ideal for couples. |
| Nanit Valencia Hostel | The guesthouse is 700 m from the port. Reception 24h, WiFi connection, rooms up to 4 people with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people. |
| Arena's Apartament | Apartment of 120 sqm facing the beach. Three rooms, air conditioning, garden and terrace, equipped kitchen, full bathroom. Ideal for families. |
| Hotel Neptuno Valencia | 4-star hotel facing the beach. Spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant, room service, rooms with sea or harbour view. Ideal for couples and families |
La Malvarrosa Neighbourhood (Poblats Marítims District)
Finally, if you want to stay close to the beach, we recommend the district of La Malvarrosa, where you can enjoy Valencia's most famous beach. Also in the district of Poblats Marítims, you can find all kinds of comforts but, above all, fun: there are beach volley courts, you can go on jet skis and practice other water sports, while the promenade is full of clubs and restaurants.
It is a neighbourhood especially suitable for young people, given the many activities you can do, both day and night. The Polytechnic University of Valencia is also close to the neighbourhood and this guarantees a lively and sparkling atmosphere, as well as the presence of many clubs.
Finally, staying here allows you to get around on foot mainly within the neighbourhood. To reach other areas of the city you need to take transportation. The area is mainly served by bus, with lines 2, 19, 31, 32 and N1 and N9.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Old Fisherman's House in Malvarrosa Beach | Apartment of 100 sqm a few steps from the beach. Air conditioning, balcony and garden view. Up to 8 people. Ideal for young people and groups. |
| Patacona Resort Apartments | Resort with swimming pool and beachfront. Apartments for up to 5 people, with fully equipped kitchen, sea view and full bathroom. Ideal for families and groups. |
| Holiday Apartments Malvarrosa Beach | Residence of apartments 2 min from the beach. Apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for couples and families. |
| Cool Loft Malvarrosa Beach | Modern and elegant apartment of 70 sqm in front of the beach. Two bedrooms, equipped kitchen, washing machine and full bathroom. Ideal for small groups and families. |
Places to stay near Valencia
Valencia is a pretty large city, with many different neighbourhoods all different from each other and suitable for all budgets. The best solution remains, therefore, to stay in the city, within walking distance of attractions and places of interest, with the possibility of enjoying a beach vacation too.
However, if you are more interested in beach and sea, then there are plenty of beach resorts on the coast and not far from Valencia that are worth considering! Here are the best ones:
- Canet d'En Berenguer (32 km / 35 min): quiet seaside resort, with large stretches of sand and a beautiful sea. Ideal for those looking for a bit of tranquillity. Connected to Valencia by direct bus lines 115C and 115E - compare accommodation
- Dénia (106 km / 1 h 15 min): beautiful seaside resort, with a large flow of tourists and therefore also very lively. From here, there are also the ferries to Palma de Mallorca. Connected to Valencia by direct train ALSA Vale-Javea line - compare accommodations
- Gandia (70 km / 1 h): a very typical seaside resort, where you can eat a spectacular paella. Great beaches, water parks and entertainment. From the port, ferries depart to Ibiza. Connected to Valencia by direct train line C1 - compare accommodations
If you are in Valencia for 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