Yulia Saf 
Planning your holiday will feel like a breeze after reading this guide on where to stay in Valencia!
I visited Valencia a while back and I absolutely loved the city and would come back in the blink of an eye when I have a chance!
I can assure you that Ciutat Vella is the best area to stay in town – you’ll find incredible attractions, fab restaurants that serve mouth-watering paella and gorgeous hotels there! But if that’s not your scene, I cover 6 areas in total and each has a unique vibe!
No holiday is complete without a dreamy hotel! That’s why I compared pretty much all the accommodation options in Valencia and hand-picked the best ones for all budgets!
Just make sure to book your favorite hotel in advance, Valencia is so popular! Everything is sorted by price so all you’ve got to do is pick one!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
We selected a couple of awesome accommodations for you to choose from. All of them have fabulous reviews!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Ciutat Vella (Old Town) – for first-timers
- 2. Ruzafa – best place to stay for the bohemian vibe
- 3. El Carmen – where to stay in Valencia for nightlife
- 4. El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa – best area for beach lovers
- 5. Benimaclet – where to stay in Valencia for families
- 6. The City of Arts and Sciences – best for art lovers
- BONUS: Best hotels with a pool in Valencia
- FAQs about Valencia lodging
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here is a handy map for you to easily visualize the best areas to stay in Valencia that I will be discussing in this post:
- Ciutat Vella : for first timers
- Ruzafa : for culture
- El CARMEN : for nightlife
- El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa: for beaches
- BENIMACLET : for families
- The City of Arts and Sciences: for art
Here is a little preview:
1. Ciutat Vella (Old Town) – for first-timers
There’s no better place to start your holiday than Ciutat Vella!
With a rich history that dates back to Roman times, the Old Town is an absolute gem filled with iconic attractions like the hundred-years old Central Market (map), Quart Towers, Plaza del Reina and the 13th century Valencia Cathedral which has gorgeous architecture. The cathedral has a tall tower called El Micalet which you can climb by the way!
The Cathedral is home to the Holy Grail that Jesus used in the Last Supper! Though it wasn’t proven, many popes believe this and it was used by some of them in religious services!
While walking on the ancient winding streets and exploring the area, make sure you take in all the gothic architecture which will easily transport you to another time! No wonder, the neighborhood was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Another place that you shouldn’t miss out on is La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, a gothic palace (UNESCO World Heritage), just steps away from the Cathedral that has such unique carvings!
Ciutat Vella is also packed with restaurants and cafes where you can try all the traditional food like tapas and the mouth-watering dessert dulce-de-leche! If you’re looking for a great tapas spot, stop by Escalons de la Llotja!
After all Valencia is the home of paella and you can’t leave without trying it first!
Enjoy the city views from the rooftop terrace of one of the best boutique hotels that’s within walking distance of Mercado Central, the central market and Church of Saint Nicolás. The design of the rooms is very elegant and some of them include a private balcony where you can enjoy your coffee in the morning!
Other accommodation options in the Old Town
Such a cool hotel with stylish rooms that have wooden-beamed ceilings and large windows
Set in the city centre this budget hotel comes with a terrace and spacious rooms that have air-conditioning
Things to do in Ciutat Vella
- See the Holy Grail in the Valencia Cathedral
- Explore the old Central Market (map)
- Visit the Museo de la Seda – a local history museum
- Go for a walk in Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Snap a pic at La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
2. Ruzafa – best place to stay for the bohemian vibe
Ruzafa (or some call it Russafa) is part of a bigger area called Eixample (don’t confuse it with the same one they have in Barcelona) and it’s one of the coolest places in town!
Once an area avoided by everyone, Ruzafa received a complete make-over in the last years, having chefs migrating here and opening chic restaurants and boutique cafes! Later the indie shops, the theaters (Sala Russafa is a great one) and small art galleries followed!
As you can imagine Ruzafa became the it spot for bohemians and people looking for something unique that they wouldn’t find in the other areas. Another perk of staying here is that you’ll have the train station (Estación del Norte) just a short walk away, in case you want to take some day trips!
There’s also a cute market here called Mercat de Russafa (map) which is also kind of old and is perfect for those who love fresh fruit and vegetables! Visiting local markets is by far one of the best things to do in Valencia!
Also, let’s not forget about the famous Fallas celebrations which take place each year in March (usually from March 15 to 19)! During that time marching bands parade the roads and the town is filled with street food and fun activities!
Best way to explore Ruzafa is on foot! That way you can admire its beauty and really get to feel everything I’ve been telling you now!
Some places where you can stop along the way are La Casa Viva (a yummy vegetarian restaurant) and Bluebell Coffee Roasters for a strong cup of Spanish coffee!
Amazing rooms with unique, lovely design and high ceilings. The decor is very diverse, elegant and you’ll delight yourself relaxing in the guest areas. The hotel offers easy access to the best areas in Valencia. It is close to the Old Town, it offers a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and private parking.
Other accommodation options in Ruzafa
Charming little hotel with rooms that have nice views over the city’s streets
A super spacious suite that has large windows overlooking the garden, a terrace and a bar
This great apartment offers a full-kitchen with a small dining area and a Tv
Things to do in Ruzafa
- Shop for goodies at Mercat de Russafa (map)
- Eat yummy food at La Casa Viva
- Go for a walk in Parc Central
- Catch a theater play at Sala Russafa
- Grab a coffee at Bluebell Coffee Roasters
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3. El Carmen – where to stay in Valencia for nightlife
Want to get a taste of Valencia’s nightlife? Then there’s no better place than El Carmen!
Set on the northwestern edge of the Old Town and technically a part of Ciutat Vella (although I wanted to mention it separately since it has a different vibe, El Carmen is the place to be after the sun sets!
After a day of exploring the attractions in Ciutat Vella, you can head with your friends to Cafe de las Horas and then continue the night at Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar where you can listen to some live music and dance!
Barrio El Carmen is also super popular for its unique street art! Head over to Calle de los colores and you’ll find so much street art, but keep an eye on the murals as you explore the other areas, there are lots!
Its neighbor, the Extramurs area is also a fun place to explore! It’s home to even more pubs and restaurants and it has a chill vibe!
El Carmen is a great place to stay for some fun Valencia city breaks however I would not recommend this area for families as it can get super crowded and loud at times!
There are lots of things to do during the day like exploring the old city walls and city gates and visiting museums and markets (Mercado Moseen-Sorell is a great place)! The Art Modern Institute Museum of Valencia and the Valencian Museum of Ethnology are surely a must while here!
This incredible apartment is super stylish and so bright! The accommodation has private kitchen, a spacious lounge area with a Tv where you can relax with you friends after a day out and a great city view!
Other accommodation options in El Carmen
One of the best mid-range hotels that has so much space, a big kitchen, large windows and a TV
A more affordable place that offers rooms with air-conditioning and a private bathroom
Chill on the balcony of this apartment that has a living room, a kitchen and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in El Carmen
- Admire the art at the Art Modern Institute Museum of Valencia
- Listen to some live music at Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar
- Grab a drink at Cafe de las Horas
- Snap a pic of the Serranos Towers
4. El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa – best area for beach lovers
If you want to get away to the sea for your stay in Valencia, then El Cabanyal and Malvarossa are perfect for you! Both are a part of a bigger area called Poblats Maritims).
Located around a 20 min drive from Ciutat Vella to the East, these places are pretty chill (must be the salty air) and are perfect for those who just want to lay on the sand enjoying the sun!
As you’ll wander the streets, let yourself be carried away by the ocean breeze and enjoy a more slow-paced kind of rhythm! Afterall you’re on holiday! On your way to the beach you can stop by the Mercado del Cabanyal and get some fresh fruit!
If you’re visiting Valencia on the last Wednesday of August and want to have a good time, make sure you attend La Tomatina festival! Which is basically a tomato fight, where you get drenched in tomatoes!
Don’t worry about ways to get to Ciutat Vella, as the area is well connected by buses to the rest of the town – count on about 30 min on transportation to get to the Old Town.
I would definitely explore all the restaurants in this area, since the Port of Valencia is set here, you can know for sure that this is a great location to try some yummy seafood and more paella, definitely my favorite Valencian dish! There are lots of amazing restaurants where you can indulge in all the yummy food!
Casa Carmela is a great place that is well-known for serving one of the best paella in town!
A great hotel with a superb view to the sea. Start your mornings with a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee while enjoying the sights! The whole place has such a fabulous design and you’ll find family rooms, 3 swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar! The location is great just a short walk from the metro in case you want to spend some time in the Old Town.
Other accommodation options in El Cabanyal
Lovely, modern hotel that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and has a bar and a restaurant
Such a great budget hotel that has rooms with a cool design, a flat-screen Tv and a private bathroom
If you are looking for a perfect place for a beach visit, this place is absolutely stunning!
Things to do in El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa
- Enjoy the sun on Playa del Cabanyal
- Grab a drink at La Fabrica de Hielo
- Enjoy some yummy tapas at Casa Montaña
- Go for a swim at Malvarrosa beach
5. Benimaclet – where to stay in Valencia for families
Traveling with your whole family to Valencia? Then you might want to stick around for this section!
Benimaclet is a residential area located a 20-minute drive away from Ciutat Vella (North East), that is super tranquil and has a laid-back atmosphere!
Although a bit far from the city center, you can always reach it by using public transport (don’t forget that Valencia has a metro system, and you can get pretty much anywhere in the city.
If you’re a football fan then definitely head to Mestalla Stadium which is a 30-minute walk away!
Another perk is that you’ll have one of the best city parks, Jardins de Real (map), only a short walk away so you can take the kids there for some walks and playtime!
You won’t find as many attractions in this neighborhood, however, you can rest assured that there will be no shortage of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious family meals! If you’re looking for more tranquil areas like this, Beniferri is also pretty great!
A spacious apartment perfect for a family that has everything you need for your holiday, including a big kitchen, a lounge area, a Tv for late family movie nights and a great location!
Other accommodation options in Benimaclet
Get this family-studio that comes with a kitchen, a city view and air-conditioning
An affordable hotel that offers with family rooms, an airport shuttle and breakfast
This condo is great for 6 guests and it has free parking, a kitchen and a Tv
hings to do in Benimaclet
- Take the family our to Jardins de Real (map)
- Eat yummy ice cream at Orxateria Els Sariers
- Catch a show at Teatre Círculo (map)
- Enjoy a delicious burger at The Fitzgerald Burger Company
6. The City of Arts and Sciences – best for art lovers
If you love avant garde architecture and visiting museums then this area is surely for you!
The City of Arts and Sciences is a group of modern buildings, part of the bigger Quatre Carreres neighborhood (which is set near the Camins Al Grau area) that hosts 6 buildings which are surrounded by serene blue-water pools and look very futuristic!
You might recognise the buildings as they appeared in movies and tv series like Disney’s Tomorrowland and Doctor Who!
This area is a 40 min walk away from Ciutat Vella, it’s not that far but I’d definitely recommend staying here for those who want to see all the museums and just hang more in this side of town.
Some really iconic places that you should see in the Ciudad de las Artes are the Science Museum, the opera house Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and L’Oceanogràfic Valencia. The Oceanarium is, by the way, the largest one in Europe!
L’Hemisfèric, one of the buildings, which is a planetarium, is actually made to resemble a giant eye and it’s also known as the Eye of Knowledge!
It’ll probably take you at least few hours up to explore the whole City of Arts and Sciences but my advice is not to miss out on the other attractions in the area like the southern part of Jardin del Turia, which is one of the biggest parks in Spain, that goes throughout the whole city (surely a must-see)!
Set right near the City of Arts and Sciences, this fabulous hotel boasts rooms with incredible views of the unique buildings! When you’re not exploring and visiting you can enjoy the Spanishs sun by their small seasonal pool!
Other accommodation options in Quatre Carreres
This stylish hotel in Valencia is located near tourist attractions and it has a business center for business travelers
The go-to destination for budget travelers that has rooms with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi
Apartment next to the City of Arts
Cozy and beautiful apartment with a big and quiet terrace where you can relax
Things to do in The City of Art and Sciences
- Visit the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe
- Snap a pic of the L’Àgora building
- Check out the Oceanogràfic Museum
- Make some new friends at the Mediterrani Aquarium
| 👑 Luxury price: | €170 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €90 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €45 |
| 📍 Best area: | Ciutat Vella |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Marqués House Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | OttoH Charm Stay |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hulot B&B Valencia |
BONUS: Best hotels with a pool in Valencia
Is there anything better than laying under the sun, by the pool and just chilling? Since the beach is not so close to the city center I decided to make a bonus with the top hotels in Valencia that have a pool so you can enjoy a swim whenever you want!
I already ordered them from most to least expensive so all you have to do is pick:
- The Valentia Cabillers ($$$) – Start your morning with a swim at this incredible boutique hotel in the city center that boasts great views and a bar that serves traditional tapas!
- Yours Boutique Stay ($$$) – Relax by the pool of this great hotel that has lofts and modern apartments with a pool and a bar.
- SH Valencia Palace ($$$) – Rooftop swimming pool and spa services? I’m so in! This hotel set right near the Turia Gardens and it offers on-site parking and room service.
- Blanq Carmen Hotel ($$) – Set in the historic Old Town (one of the best neighborhoods) this great accommodation has a rooftop pool, gorgeous rooms and it offers a daily breakfast.
- Opera House Valencia ($$) – Sleep like a baby in the twin room of this hotel that’s located within walking distance of the Ruzafa area. The hotel has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and it offers an airport shuttle!
FAQs about Valencia lodging
⭐ Is Valencia worth visiting?
Yes, Valencia is definitely worth visiting as it offers a captivating mix of futuristic landmarks, centuries-old culture, and mouthwatering paella.
🚶 Is Valencia a walkable city?
Yes! Valencia is a super walkable city and you can get everywhere you want pretty fast on foot, or by using public transport if it’s too far!
🏖️ What is the nearest beach to Valencia city center?
Cabanyal Beach is the nearest beach to the city center, only a 30 min away by public transport.
🌟 What are the best neighborhoods in Valencia?
Ciutat Vella, Ruzafa, El Carmen, El Cabanyal are some of the best and safest neighborhoods in Valencia, Spain! All offer incredible attractions and fabulous restaurants!
📸 What is the most popular area to stay in Valencia?
Ciutat Vella (the Old Town) is the most popular area to stay in Valencia city! There you’ll find the oldest attractions, beautiful architecture and souvenir shops.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in the city center or near the beach in Valencia?
It depends! Stay in the city center if you want to be right in the middle of the action or pick Malvarrosa Beach if you’d prefer a beach holiday that’s more tranquil!
📆 How many days should I stay in Valencia?
I would recommend spending 3 to 4 days in Valencia! That way you can visit most of the attractions, see the historic buildings and spend some time on the sandy beach on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
🤩What is the most popular street in Valencia?
Carrer de Colón in Ciutat Vella is one of the most popular streets in Valencia! There you’ll find countless clothing and jewelry shops, boutique stores, interior design stores and more!
Conclusion
Feeling better about planning your long holiday or city break after reading this guide on where to stay in Valencia?
I’m sure you are, after seeing the best neighborhoods in the city with their iconic attractions and the most incredible hotels!
I highly recommend booking your Valencia hotels in advance! This town gets so many tourists all-year round, especially during the Fallas celebrations in March when the town is packed and it’s impossible to find a place to stay!
If you’re still second-guessing yourself, and don’t know which hotel to pick, here are my top 2 favorite ones:
- Marqués House Hotel – One of the best luxury hotels that comes with a rooftop terrace and a chic lounge area
- OttoH Charm Stay – A cozy place that has such great style and rooms with wooden-beamed ceilings
Definitely a place to travel to in Europe! I hope you have a great trip! You’ll have a lot of fun and I know your social media posts will look like a dream and you will want to go back again! Meanwhile, here is one of mine in Valencia, check it out!
Enjoy, and leave a comment below if you have questions, or share an experience if you have been here!
Happy travels!
Yulia
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