Where To Stay In Valencia Spain - Best Area To Stay In Valencia?
If you are traveling to Spain and wondering which places are worth visiting, you must add Valencia to your travel plans.
Culturally, Valencia has so much to offer, and choosing the best neighborhoods to stay while traveling Spain’s charming city will allow you to experience it at its best. Of course, the length of your stay and what your interests are, will determine which part of Valencia will suit you best.
If you ask me how many days you need to visit Valencia, I will tell you in a heartbeat that if you are coming as a first-time visitor, you will need AT LEAST three days.
So if you are looking to explore Valencia, this is your guide to where to stay in this wonderful place. Whether you stay near the beach, in the city center of Valencia, or in a Valencia neighborhood near the city of the arts and sciences. There’s so much to see!
Best Area To Stay In Valencia - 5 Best Neighborhoods (or 6)
Ciutat Vella – Heart Of Valencia City
Ciutat Vella is a great place to stay in Valencia and is located in the heart of the city. It has so much to see, starting with the official entrance to the city center, Las Torres de Serranos in El Carme neighborhood.
Ciutat Vella offers beautiful architecture throughout its narrow streets and wide open plazas. This area of Valencia is suited for travelers that enjoy life outside, given it has a wide range of tascas, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.
During any time of the day you can find live performances in the streets and plazas. And if you are looking to experience Valencian nightlife, check no further!
I highly recommend la plaza del Negrito. It is a little plaza with a few bohemian bars around it. But this is not it; walking around the historic old town you will find so many unique bars and clubs.


Besides being attractive for its great nightlife scene, restaurants, tascas, and cafes, you’ll find the following must-see landmarks located in this area:
-Plaça de la Verge
-Plaça de la Reina
-Valencia Cathedral/El Micalet
-Mercat Central de Valencia
-Plaça de l’Ajuntament (where Valencia’s city hall is located)
-Many other interesting spots and hangouts.
Many top attractions are within easy walking distance. So, if you are visiting Valencia for a short time, I recommend finding accommodation in this area to be able to make the most out of your visit.
You will find some of the best hotels in Valencia located in this area.
**Worth noting that given it is a very well preserved historic zone in the city, public transport is limited. There’s no metro in this historic side of the city, and EMT buses go around, not inside. But to be honest, not a deal breaker as walking to the outside of the old town you will find EMT buses that will connect you other parts of the city.
How Do You Get Around Valencia Spain?
Valencia has a well-developed public transportation system, comprised by bus, metro, and tram. In order to move around easily and in an affordable way, I suggest going to any ‘Tabacos’ store and buy the SUMA 10 transportation card.
This card is good for 10 trips and can be reoladed in any of the kiosks at the metro stations or ‘Tabacos’ stores. In 2023 at the time of writing this blog, the price for 10 trips using the SUMA 10 card is 4Є.
Taxi service is also affordable (compared to the United States), so this is a good and reliable option whenever hanging out late at night in the city. There are taxi service companies that work like Uber, where you can request a taxi anytime. These companies are called Cabify and FreeNow, and are very reliable in the city.

Russafa – Area Also Known As The Hipster District
Russafa (or Ruzafa in Spanish) is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Valencia. It is known as the hipster district of Valencia. There is something about its colorful buildings, cool cafes with the cutest terraces, and unique shops that makes you want to explore this barrio.
You can walk around the streets, wind down at a restaurant terrace and enjoy a ‘tinto de verano’ with a simple tapa, and just enjoy being present.
Ruzafa has (to me) the second coolest municipal market in Valencia, Mercat de Russafa. This market features over 100 vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including freshly-caught seafood, spices, fresh produce, traditional Valencian pastries, among other things. For a taste of the authentic Valencia, head to market and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved mercado.
Also, I love the nightlife in Russafa, but have you heard about ‘tardeos’? Tardeos is a Spanish term that refers to going out from 5-10pm. So you start hanging out during the afternoon and you are done by 10pm.
It’s the best of both worlds! To me this is brilliant, as you don’t waste the next day recovering from a late night party. And this “hispter disctric” has a great tardeo route that you can’t miss!
Poblats Maritims – Valencia’s City Beach District
Poblats Maritims is the seaside of the city of Valencia. It’s comprised by the following neighborhoods: El Grao, Natzaret, El Cabanyal, Beteró and Malvarrosa. El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa are most popular ones because the public transportation has more and quicker routes to get there from city center.
El Cabanyal used to be a fisherman’s town and it has preserved its charm with its picturesque patterned ceramic tile homes. This neighborhood is home to many great restaurants and bars, including a food market, Mercabanyal and La Marina de Valencia.
La Malvarrosa is one of the best places to stay during the summer, as it has easy access to the wide sandy beach. Going down the Malvarrosa beach you will find chiringuitos (very simple beach bars that sell drinks and simple tapas) and nice beachfront restaurants throughout the beach promenade.


**Worth noting that some of these beach bars open in June and operate through the end of September.
Beaches in Valencia are fun and clean, and La Malvarrosa is a fan favorite. This beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and entertainment. There are so many activities you can do; the beach is equipped with playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and life guards (very important!).
There are various beachfront hotels / Airbnb rentals that accommodate to every budget. If you choose to stay in the beach side, make sure to book your reservations in advance as this is a popular destination in the summer months.
Note: If you are visiting during the summer, I highly recommend finding accommodation in either of these neighborhoods to enjoy the best “summer vibe” in Valencia. The rest of the year it is a more relax vibe, and most people prefer being in other areas of the city as some of the beachfront businesses and shops are seasonal.

Ciutat De Les Artes I De Las Sciences – This Area Is Great For Sightseeing!
Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) is another central location. It’s located near the coast and it’s located right at the end of the Turia riverbed. Personally, this is one of my favorite places in Valencia.
It is a stunning complex of futuristic buildings that is a must-see attraction for any visitor to the city. It is relatively new and you can experience a modern side of Valencia.
This modern side of the city hosts a great science museum, the Oceanographic (the biggest aquarium in Europe), Palau de les Arts (performing arts theater), and L’ Hemisfèric (3D and IMAX theater in Valencia).
You will need a day or two if you decide to visit all these cultural attractions. Even if you decide not to visit any of the attractions mentioned previously, it’s still worth a visit. You can enjoy walking around this architectural piece of art, and of course, a place to get the most incredible pictures.
The City of Arts and Sciences is not only a cultural hub but also a symbol of Valencia’s ambitious and innovative spirit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city!

Is Valencia A Walkable City?
Yes, very much indeed! You can walk to anywhere in Valencia. The city is easy to navigate on foot. In my opinion, this city is very sustainable, and city planning is centered around walkability. More than ever, I see many streets getting close and being turned around into plazas and walkways for pedestrians.
Valencia is also home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including the Turia riverbed park. This park is a 6-mile green stretch starts from the City of Arts and Science and goes to the Bioparc, connecting multiple neighborhoods in the city.
It is popular spot for walking, running and cycling, and a must-visit attraction in Valencia. In almost every area in the city you can find in a walking distance all you need for your stay in Valencia: grocery stores, pharmacies, cafeterias, bars, restaurants, etc. The city is easy to navigate on foot. This is something my family and I appreciate at the time we decide where to stay when traveling.
El Pla Del Remei And Gran Via
El Pla del Remei and Gran Vía. These two neighborhoods in Valencia offer the trendiest experience in the city. El Pla del Remei is considered a shopping hub given it has so many unique and trendy boutique shops on every corner.
While walking the beautiful streets you can’t miss the Mercat de Colón, a market that houses great cafes, bars, and restaurants. This is the perfect place for those seeking a more upscale and elegant experience in Valencia.
The Gran Vía neighborhood is another great choice to stay in Valencia. It has many restaurants with a great variety of cuisines to choose from.
Both of these neighborhoods have a central location near all the great things to do in Valencia without the bustle of tourist crowds. If you are looking for a more local experience while staying in the city, these two are great residential areas in Valencia.
Given they have metro and buses stations it makes them well-connected to other parts of Valencia, making it easy to explore many attractions.

Is Valencia Worth Visiting?
I may be biased because this is home now, but I think Valencia is a “must” whenever you are visiting Spain. It is a popular destination for all kinds of travelers. The city’s distinct blend of old and new, its lively cultural events and festivals, and its friendly and welcoming locals make it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Valencia offers stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, and a thriving culinary scene. In fact, it has been named in 2022 as the best city to live in the world by expats! Although Valencia is one of Spain’s largest cities, it has an intimate, community-oriented feel that makes you instantly feel at home.
Have you ever found yourself traveling a city and have thought to yourself “I could easily live here”? Well, I have to say that this may happen to you when you come to Valencia!
Culturally it has so much to offer that you will fall in love with this city within the first few hours of your visit. One can’t help but be captivated by the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle that unfolds around the area, inviting you to immerse yourself completely in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Valencia.
Honestly, it only takes visiting the central market of Valencia to get a taste of this wonderful place. And with its mild Mediterranean climate, Valencia is a great place to visit year-round.
How Many Days Are Enough For Valencia?

Ideally, you need at least three days to grasp a good bit of what this city has to offer. The way I would break it down would be:
Day 1: Spend the morning visiting the old town: Have light Spanish breakfast in one of the coffee shops in the Plaça de la Verge. Then visit the Valencia Cathedral in La Seu for 9 euros and discover the holy grail.
Climb up El Micalet for amazing city views. After this visit, walk to Plaça de la Reina and to the Plaça de l’Ajuntament (these are not too far from each other).
Go for lunch at the Bar Central in the central market. Bar Central is a popular bar and kitchen in the market given its owner, Ricard Camarena is also owner to another restaurant in Valencia awarded with two Michelin stars.
Considering Valencians take their siesta (from 2:00-5:30 pm) very seriously, during this block of time you could walk the Turia riverbed or simply go to the beach (if visiting during the warmer months).
You will find most bars and restaurants close during this time. Go to Ruzafa for dinner and drinks. Remember, in Spain people eat dinner late (8:00-11:00pm).
Day 2: Visit Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències. There are so many great things to see in this modern city inside the city, that you can easily spend five to six hours visiting the cultural attractions.
Wind down in the Turia riverbed with a picnic under the trees. For dinner, go to La Albufera to catch the sunset and a tasty paella valenciana. Great pair! You won’t regret it!
Day 3: Start the day with a nice morning walk in the Turia riverbed. This path is so beautiful and peaceful. Check out the charming bridges that crosses the Turia. Stop and take pictures in the magical El Pont de les Flors.
Then, go for an almuerzo (Spanish snack served from 10:00am- 12:00pm) at any of the cafeterías around El Paseo de la Alameda.
Take the time to soak in the city, and treat yourself to a fancy restaurant in Pla del Remei or Gran Vía.
Allow me to suggest Restaurante La Diva and Goya Gallery. And, if you are a theater enthusiast, visit the lovely theater Teatre Talia. This is a small, yet intimate theater located in the old town.


**If you have the luxury to stay longer in Valencia, you can plan a day trip to the Alicante province, which is part of the Valencian Community, and go for a swim to the most beautiful Mediterranean calas (coves) that Spain has to offer.
There are a good number of coastal towns packed with crystal-clear blue water calas in this region. One of the most popular is Cala del Moraig, located near the town of Benitachell.
This picturesque cove features crystal-clear water, stunning cliffs, and a small pebble beach.
Another great option is Cala Granadella, which is located just a few kilometers from Cala del Moraig. This secluded cove is surrounded by trees and give visitors a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The calas in Alicante offer visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
A simple Google Maps search will give you an idea of how beautiful these beach towns are, and the distance from your accommodation in Valencia.
You can find some of these gorgeous calas about 1:30hr away from the city of Valencia. I suggest renting a car for a day, and driving at your own pace to the cala of your choice.
The highways and streets in Spain are safe and easy to drive in, but I do recommend renting a small car, as some of these beach towns have very narrow streets and it can be a hassle driving around these tiny streets. Bring snacks and sun block and get ready to spend the whole day at the beach.
Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Valencia For The First Time?
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history enthusiast, a foodie, a beach lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring new places, this city offers a myriad of experiences for you in every corner!
You can stay almost anywhere (city center or beach side), and thanks to its well-developed urban infrastructure, you can move around easily. This is a small list of my personal 6 best areas located in the city or near the beach. I hope this blog helps you choosing where you want to stay when visiting this gem of a city.