The city of Valencia offers a selection from delightful hotels, cozy hostels, and luxurious accommodations. However, finding those special places requires sifting through the vast array of options. Valencia, a sprawling city, presents a variety of distinct neighborhoods to choose from, each with its unique charm and characteristics. In this blog, we’ll assist you in making that choice. So, where should you stay? What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia? And which hotels do we recommend?
Booking.comThe 5 Best Neighborhoods in Valencia
Valencia’s size means there are many different neighborhoods to choose from for your accommodation. Each neighborhood brings its unique flavor, making choosing where to stay an intriguing challenge.
#1 Ciutat Vella, the Historic Center
Ciutat Vella, the historic heart of Valencia, is where the city’s past comes alive in the ancient walls, narrow streets, and monumental buildings. This area hosts Valencia’s most famous sights, including the Valencia Cathedral, the covered market hall, and La Lonja de la Seda. It’s perfect for those who want to stay within walking distance of the main attractions and soak up the authentic ambiance of Valencia. It’s an ideal spot for first-time visitors eager to dive into the historical and cultural core of the city.
El Carmen, often referred to as a distinct area, is actually the lively northern part of Ciutat Vella.
Top hotels in Ciutat Vella:
#1 Helen Berger Boutique Hotel offers exquisite attention to detail in a stunning boutique setting right in the heart of Valencia, complete with a pillow menu to ensure optimal sleep comfort.
#2 Only YOU Hotel Valencia impresses with its trendy and stylish interiors, convenient bike rental, delicious breakfast, and an inviting rooftop restaurant.
#3 L’Esplai Valencia provides a more budget-friendly option in the city center. This B&B garners enthusiastic reviews and is housed in a beautifully restored historic building.
#4 The Valentia Corretgería is a beautifully appointed boutique hotel, situated in a magnificently restored historic building that retains many of its original features.
#5 Cosmo Hotel Boutique is a stylishly hotel in a prime location. It garners praise for its friendly staff, prime location, comfortable beds, and stunning views over the city.
#2 Ruzafa
Ruzafa is Valencia’s artistic and trendy district, inhabited by a young, creative community. This area is bustling with indie boutiques, art galleries, and trendy hotspots. It also features a vibrant nightlife with numerous terraces. Ruzafa is the perfect choice for travelers looking to experience the city’s modern, youthful vibe.
Top hotels in Ruzafa:
#6 YOURS Boutique Stay is a stylish, modern boutique hotel featuring minimalist design. It includes an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and bar. Opt for a room with a balcony for city views.
#7 Petit Palace Ruzafa offers complimentary bicycles for guests to explore Valencia, an ideal touch! The hotel is known for its extensive buffet breakfast and proximity to all of Ruzafa’s hip spots.
#8 Soho Valencia is an excellent centrally located aparthotel that combines the convenience of hotel services with the comforts of home, including a kitchenette and sitting/dining area.
#3 El Cabanyal
El Cabanyal, once a fishing district, is located on Valencia’s beachfront. It retains its traditional charm with colorfully tiled houses and narrow streets. It’s perfect for those who want beach access while being just a short metro or bike ride from central Valencia for sightseeing.
Top hotels in El Cabanyal:
#9 Las Arenas Balneario Resort is a 5-star establishment ideally situated on Las Arenas Beach. It features two seasonal outdoor pools, sun loungers, and a spa with a heated indoor pool.
#10 Lindala is a charming hotel praised for its convenient location near both the metro and the beach. Reviews frequently compliment the restaurant, location, value for money, and attractive rooms.
#11 Pamphylia Hotel is beautifully designed and located right on the beach. Its spacious, modern rooms feature comfortable beds and sleek bathrooms with rain showers. Public transport provides quick access to the historic city center.
#4 Camins Al Grau
Camins Al Grau is best known for the spectacular Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a complex of futuristic buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. While not particularly notable otherwise, Quatre Carreres boasts an ideal location between the old town and the beach.
Top hotels in Camins Al Grau:
#12 Apartamentos Core Suites Valencia are well-equipped aparthotels offering full kitchens and dining tables. Amenities include bike rental and a rooftop pool.
#13 Ilunion Aqua 4 is a stylish hotel located right next to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. The hotel features modern, sleek decor and rooms that overlook Valencia’s futuristic architecture.
#5 Eixample
Known for its broad avenues and chic apartments, Eixample is the district for shopping in upscale boutiques and dining in stylish restaurants. This area blends the elegance of 19th-century architecture with modern comforts, making it ideal for those seeking a luxurious stay in Valencia.
Top hotels in Eixample:
#14 One Shot Colón 46 is popular for its convenient central location, just a 5-minute walk from the old town, with bike rental and a metro stop nearby. The hotel boasts a modern and trendy design, and some rooms feature delightful balconies.
#15 MD Modern Hotel stylishly combines top-notch decor with a prime location adjacent to Parque Gulliver. The friendly staff, tranquility, spacious rooms, and relaxed atmosphere consistently earn high praise.
#16 Hospes Palau de la Mar is housed in a majestic 19th-century building, blending a stunning lobby with a contemporary, sleek interior. For extra luxury, the hotel offers a wellness center and a restaurant.
What is Valencia Famous for?
Valencia is a popular destination for city trips, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. The city is globally recognized for its lively culture, showcased annually at the Fallas Festival, and its innovative architecture, often seen in futuristic films. Additionally, Valencia is celebrated for its culinary delights, such as the traditional paella and the Agua de Valencia cocktail.
Valencia claims the origin of the iconic Spanish paella, a flavorful dish prepared with rice, saffron, a variety of vegetables, and proteins like chicken, rabbit, or seafood. This dish is a gastronomic staple throughout the city.
The avant-garde La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencia, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, stands as a major cultural and architectural landmark. This futuristic complex is home to several museums, an opera house, and an impressive aquarium.
Valencia bursts into life during the annual Fallas Festival, famous for its towering papier-mâché sculptures that are spectacularly burned on the festival’s final day. We have enjoyed this vibrant event firsthand, complete with parades of traditionally dressed women, stunning fireworks, and intricate sculptures scattered around the city.
Valencia is also famous for its oranges, grown in the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate, making them a sought-after export worldwide. A must-try for food enthusiasts is the ‘Agua de Valencia,’ a refreshing cocktail made with fresh orange juice, Spanish cava, and a splash of gin or vodka, finished with a hint of orange liqueur.
How Many Days Do You Need in Valencia?
To fully experience Valencia, we recommend spending at least three days. This duration is ideal for a long weekend, making Valencia a perfect destination for a short getaway.
In a single day, you can explore the major highlights of the old town and get a good feel for the city. With three days, you have enough time to visit both well-known attractions and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Still, even with these few days, there’s much more to discover. We spent almost a week in Valencia and left feeling there were still unseen parts of the city.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace to enjoy all that Valencia has to offer, such as exploring local markets, relaxing at the beach, or discovering hidden gems outside the central area, consider staying for four days or more.
Where is Valencia located in Spain?
Situated on the east coast of Spain, Valencia is part of the Valencia region, famous for its stunning beaches and charming city breaks. Nestled between Barcelona and Alicante, this lively city is an excellent starting point for exploring the Spanish coast.
Traveling to Valencia is a breeze with budget-friendly direct flights available from most European destinations.
