Last updated on January 05th, 2023
As the third largest city in Spain after Barcelona and the capital Madrid, Valencia remains a firm tourist favourite since its regeneration in the mid-1990s and has lots to offer, with plenty to see and do.
Valencia is situated on Spain’s south-eastern coast and is renowned for its glorious weather, wealth of culture and its beautiful beaches.
With warm temperatures all year round and plenty of diverse neighbourhoods, Valencia is a city made for exploring.
Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain, thought to date back to 138 BC and the architecture reflects this rich cultural heritage, with Roman, Muslim and Christian influences. Culminating in the industrialisation of the 20th Century, there are plenty of incredible sights to see.
The La Llotja de la Seda dates back from the 15th Century and is a towering example of European Gothic architecture, complete with World Heritage status. The Plaza del Virgen offers further examples of stunning building work, peppered by fountains and surrounded by cafes to take in the views.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for nightlife or shopping, or where to stay near the beach or when travelling by train? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Valencia Spain.
Quick Overview – Contents
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Valencia?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Citutat Vella (Old Town)
When visiting Valencia for the first time, why not stay in Ciutat Vella, otherwise known as the Old Town. This area provides some of the best ways to get to know the city as you explore the charming cobbled streets or stop off in a pavement café and soak in the local atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Valencia City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Valencia
Palacio Vallier 5* • Caro Hotel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
MARQUÉS HOUSE 4* SUP • Vincci Lys - Best Cheap Hotels in Valencia
Hostal Venecia • Ad Hoc Carmen - Best Bed & Breakfast
L’Esplai Valencia Bed & Breakfast • BUBUSUITES by Bubuflats - Best Budget Hostels
Quart Youth Hostel • The River Hostel
What is the Best Area in Valencia to Stay?
Best places to stay in Valencia for romantic trip (couples)? Bed and Breakfast or Small Boutique Hotel or Luxury Hotel
If you are choosing Valencia for a romantic city break, there are plenty of different hotels and accommodation options to suit all styles and budgets. Staying in a cosy bed and breakfast, small boutique hotel or luxury 4 or 5 star hotel is the best option. If you are looking to be close to the beach, one of the best hotels to choose would be Hotel Boutique Balandret, situated right on the seafront of Las Arenas beach. Or if you would prefer to stay closer to the Old Town during your stay, why not opt for MD Design Hotel – Portal del Real, right in the heart of Ciutat Vella where views of the Turia Gardens can be enjoyed from the hotel’s sun terrace.
Where to stay in Valencia for best nightlife? Old Town (El Carmen)
Wanting to make the most of Valencia’s nightlife? Then El Carmen in the Old Town is a must stop destination during your stay. The area is situated between the two gates that once formed part of the city’s Medieval Walls – Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos. One of the oldest parts of the city, El Carmen is home to buzzing bars and trendy nightclubs. Blanco y Rojo is renowned for its famous cocktails and acrobatic bartender, whilst La Flama hosts live music and comedy, with the L’Ermita Café offering artwork alongside its selection of drinks. Whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet drink and unwind, El Carmen has something for everyone.
Where to stay in Valencia near the beach? Malvarrosa, El Cabanal, Las Arenas beaches
Valencia’s location on the southern coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and Turia River meet, means that the city enjoys a warm climate all year round. With its wonderful Mediterranean weather, no visit would be complete without visiting one of its incredible beaches. Malvarrosa beach is great for activities with a wide promenade offering space for rollerblading, skateboarding and cycling. The wide sandy beach is great for families and features children’s play areas too. The El Cabanal beach is close to El Cabanyal, the old fisherman’s quarters. As a primarily residential area, it offers perhaps a more authentic taste of local Spanish culture. Las Arenas beach is best for those who want to stay near the beach, with plenty of hotels close by. It also is near to the L’Oceanografic Aquarium and the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, one of Valencia’s popular cultural complexes.
Best district in Valencia for shopping? L’Eixample
What holiday would be complete without souvenirs? Valencia offers some amazing shopping opportunities so you can also enjoy some retail therapy. L’Eixample is the best district for shopping and provides everything from local boutiques to well known high street names. The neighbourhood comprises three main shopping streets – Russafa, Turia Avenue and Calle Colon and is close to the main transport hubs, making it very easy to access. The market in Mercado de Colon is fantastic for picking up local buys and there are often concerts held to soundtrack your shopping trip. The most expensive residential areas of Valencia fringe this district, with Gran Via Marques del Turia and Pla de Remei offering some of the most desirable and sought-after homes in the city.
Where to stay in Valencia when travelling by train? Valencia Nord train station area
There are a number of different ways to reach Valencia, but if you are travelling by train, then the Valencia Nord train station area is a great way to enter the city. Close to the Bullring, this elegant station takes you straight into the heart of the L’Eixample district and offers fast trains to Madrid if you fancy exploring a second city as part of your stay.
The 4 Best Neighbourhoods in Valencia for Tourists
1. Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Ciutat Vella can be one of the best places to stay to explore the city’s heritage. It could be easy to spend an entire visit just meandering through the architectural sites and charming cafes.
There are also a variety of accommodation options and is an area that suits all types of travellers, from couples and families to those wishing to explore Valencia solo.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): One Shot Mercat 09 • Vincci Mercat
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Cosmo • Sorolla Centro
2. Poblats Maritims (Beach, Port)
The Poblats Maritims area hosts the Mediterranean’s third largest port and offers fun beachside activities, so you can explore the neighbourhood by Segway, visit the zoo and aquarium or take in a traditional flamenco show.
The marina and its palm-tree lined promenade offer plenty of accommodation options and the area is ideal for families looking to enjoy its amazing beaches or couples wanting to stroll through the many museums that this culturally diverse area has to offer. The Poblats Maritims also features Platja de las Arenes, often referred to as the finest beach in Valencia.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Las Arenas Balneario Resort • Hotel Neptuno
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Boutique Balandret • Hotel Miramar
3. L’Eixample
The L’Eixample district offers plenty of scope for browsing the shops and enjoying a coffee in one of the many cafes. Laid out in a grid design, it is easy to navigate and there are plenty of beautiful architectural sights to take in.
Built in 1841, the Bullring is visually spectacular and holds other cultural events when there are no bullfights scheduled. The Mercado de Colon hosts many different shops and cafes and the interior of this avant-garde structure features a collection of ceramics capturing Valencian country life.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hospes Palau de La Mar • NH Collection Colón Valencia
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: HoGraFic hotel boutique • Petit Palace Ruzafa
4. Quatre Carreres (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
Quatre Carreres (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is close to Las Arenas beach and is a breath-taking cultural complex that includes an IMAX planetarium, an interactive museum and is so vast it can play home to a wide variety of sporting and art events throughout the year.
One of the 12 Treasures of Spain, the complex really is a city in its own right and with so much to explore and do, it is one of the must see destinations of Valencia.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): NH Valencia Las Artes • Hotel Medium Valencia
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Malcom and Barret • Holiday Inn Express Ciudad de las Ciencias
Spain
Share this page