Finding the best area in Valencia to stay in is fairly easy once you know about the city’s districts and unique neighbourhoods, each one offering different vibes.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant nightlife, the historical city centre, or a place near the beach, it’s easy to get stuck trying to choose.
I’ve been there myself, wondering if I should stay near the city center for convenience or venture out to more quiet areas, and in the end, I choose the latter.
In this article, I’ll break down the top districts in Valencia, highlighting what each has to offer based on your preferences—whether it’s proximity to attractions, a more local experience, or budget considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the best area for you to stay, making your decision easier and ensuring you get the most out of your time in this beautiful city.
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Overview of Where to Stay in Valencia Spain
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, here’s a quick guide to the best locations to stay in Valencia.
| Ciutat Vella (Old Town) | Perfect for history lovers who want to be in the heart of Valencia’s culture and architecture, featuring the oldest neighbourhood of El Carmen known for its abundance of street art and nightlife. |
| Extramurs | Known for offering a quieter residential atmosphere that slow travellers will appreciate with easy access to Valencia’s main attractions, especially from the La Petxina neighbourhood. |
| Eixample | A stylish area with upscale shopping, modernist buildings, and chic restaurants, featuring the trendy, boho neighbourhood of Russafa with vibrant nightlife, cafés, and art galleries. |
| El Pla Del Real | An elegant and green district known for its peaceful neighbourhoods, with the most popular with travellers being Mestalla, home to the iconic Mestalla Stadium. |
| Camins Al Grau | A modern area, perfect for families and travellers who want to explore Valencia’s futuristic attractions found in the City of Arts and Sciences neighbourhood. |
| Poblats Maritims | Ideal for beach lovers, this district offers a laid-back coastal vibe and colourful fisherman houses like those found in the El Cabanyal neighbourhood. |
Best Areas to Stay in Valencia
Valencia has 19 districts that are subdivided into 88 neighbourhoods. That’s why I wanted to write this article, to make your search as simple as possible. This list of areas to stay in Valencia focuses on the districts and highlights a notable neighbourhood for each.
1. Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Ciutat Vella is the historic heart of Valencia, where cobblestone streets, Gothic buildings, and ancient plazas take you back in time. Staying here means you’ll be steps away from Valencia’s major attractions and surrounded by lively squares filled with restaurants, bars, and cafés. This district is perfect for first-time visitors.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- El Carmen is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Valencia, known for its medieval architecture, street art and exciting nightlife scene
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Central location, historic charm, walking distance to Valencia’s top things to see
- ➖ Can be crowded and noisy, higher accommodation prices, nightlife noise in El Carmen
Top Attractions:
- Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete
- La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
- Plaza de la Virgen
- Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
- Plaza del Tossal
Recommended Best Place in Valencia to Stay
There are a lot of options in this district, but these two topped my list of favourites.
2. Extramurs
Extramurs is a diverse and conveniently located district next to the historic centre of Ciutat Vella. With its blend of residential areas and parks, it’s perfect for travellers who want easy access to the city center without staying in the busiest and most popular area. Extramurs offers a balance of local life and proximity to tourist attractions, with plenty of cafés, shops, and green spaces like the Turia Gardens. It’s an ideal spot for families or those seeking a quieter stay while still being well-connected to the heart of the city.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- La Petxina is known for being a quiet, residential area with easy access to the Turia Gardens and central Valencia. It offers a good mix of local life and proximity to cultural and historical attractions without the high tourist foot traffic.
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Close to the city center, quieter atmosphere, well-connected by public transport
- ➖ Fewer nightlife options, less tourist-oriented
Top Attractions:
- Turia Gardens (for walking, cycling, and relaxation)
- Botanical Garden of Valencia
- Quart Towers (historic city gate near Ciutat Vella)
Recommended Best Places to Stay in Valencia:
When researching, I saved these two accommodations, and based on availability I wasn’t able to choose them.
This is where I stayed in Valencia, although I didn’t have a glowing experience, it might have been an isolated incident. The location of the La Petxina neighbourhood was ideal.
3. Eixample
Eixample is an elegant and upscale neighbourhood known for its modernist buildings and sophisticated ambiance. With wide avenues, high-end boutiques, and fine dining options, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy shopping and experiencing Valencia’s more luxurious side. Though not as busy as Ciutat Vella, it’s a short walk from most main attractions.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- Russafa (Ruzafa) is Valencia’s most bohemian and hipster neighbourhood, popular among young travellers and locals alike. With an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, art galleries, and quirky cafés, this area has a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s a bit further from the main tourist sites, offering a more authentic Valencian experience.
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Stylish, quieter, upscale dining and shopping, local vibe, trendy atmosphere with lively nightlife in Russafa
- ➖ Less cultural immersion (except for Russafa), higher prices, not as close to tourist attractions, can be noisy at night in Russafa
Top Attractions:
- Mercado de Colón
- Gran Vía del Marqués del Túria
- Mercado de Ruzafa
- Modernist architecture walking tour
Recommended Best Place to Stay in Valencia:
These were the two places I had saved as my favourites when researching places to stay in Valencia.
4. El Pla Del Real
El Pla del Real is an elegant and quiet district located just east of Valencia’s city center. Known for its wide boulevards, beautiful parks, and proximity to both the Turia Gardens and the University of Valencia, it’s a popular area for families, professionals, and students. This district is ideal for travellers looking for a more peaceful stay without being too far from the action.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- Mestalla, named after the iconic Mestalla Stadium, (home to Valencia CF, one of Spain’s top football clubs) is well connected to Valencia’s city centre and the Eixample district.
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Quiet, green spaces, family-friendly, near major attractions
- ➖ Less vibrant nightlife, fewer dining options compared to other districts
Top Attractions:
- Turia Gardens
- Mestalla Stadium (home of Valencia CF)
- Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia (Museo de Bellas Artes)
Recommended Valencia Best Place to Stay:
In doing my research, I only found one that I would consider in this district.
5. Camins Al Grau
Camins al Grau is a lively district located between the city center and the coastline, offering a great balance of urban life and easy beach access. The district is best known for its proximity to the City of Arts and Sciences and its well-connected public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of Valencia. It’s a popular area for both locals and tourists who want to stay near modern attractions while being just a short trip away from the beaches and the historic center.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- The City of Arts and Sciences is an ultra-modern area and home to Valencia’s iconic architectural wonders and it’s close to the beach.
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Quiet, family-friendly, futuristic attractions
- ➖ Farther from the city center, limited dining options, modern city vibe
Top Attractions:
- City of Arts and Sciences Complex
- Oceanogràfic
- Turia Gardens
Recommended Valencia’s Best Places to Stay:
These were the two places I had saved as my favourites when looking in this neighbourhood.
6. Poblats Maritims
Poblats Marítims is Valencia’s coastal district, offering a laid-back, beachy vibe with its long stretches of sandy coastline, colourful fisherman’s houses, and traditional seafood restaurants. This district is ideal for beach lovers and those looking to experience a more local side of Valencia, and is more budget-friendly compared to central Valencia.
Notable Neighbourhood:
- El Cabanyal is a colourful seaside neighbourhood with an old fishing village charm. The neighbourhood has undergone a revitalization, blending its traditional roots with trendy cafés and restaurants.
Pros & Cons:
- ➕ Close to the beach, relaxed coastal vibe, excellent seafood, lower cost accommodation
- ➖ Farther from the city center, less cultural attractions, quieter nightlife
Top Attractions:
- Malvarrosa Beach
- Playa de las Arenas
- El Cabanyal Market
- Marina de València
Recommended Best Places to Stay in Valencia:
These were the two places I had saved as my favourites when looking for a place to stay in Valencia.
Final Thoughts
If you still asking “Where is the best area to stay in Valencia” let me share my rankings to narrow it down even further.
Top Choice: Ciutat Vella (Old Town)! Especially for first-timers, you can’t go wrong by staying right in the heart of Valencia. Closely followed by: Extramurs! For slow travellers like me, I really enjoyed this area of Valencia.
Then, I recommend Eixample.
The remaining would be El Pla Del Real, Camins Al Grau and Poblats Maritims in that order.
Next, I invite you to explore these articles that I think will be most helpful:
- best time to visit Valencia for cultural festivals
- what to do in Valencia for 3 days
- day trip from Valencia to Peniscola
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