Where to stay in Valencia: The best places and hotels
Are you going to visit Valencia? don’t you know which areas are the best to stay in Valencia? The center? the beach areas? don’t worry, in this post we will solve your doubts and recommend you the most interesting areas to book your accommodation in Valencia and we will explain you how each one of them is.
Valencia is the third most populated behind Madrid and Barcelona with more than one and a half million inhabitants in its metropolitan area.Before the opening of the City of Arts and Sciences it was already a highly valued tourist destination, but since its inauguration its popularity has not stopped growing.
Crossed by the Turia River, Valencia has a large port, international airport, metro network, magnificent beaches and a cultural and historical heritage that is worth visiting.
Another reason why the options for staying in Valencia have increased in recent decades has to do with the number of festive events held in the city, including the famous Fallas de Valencia.
The best areas to stay in Valencia
Most of the options to stay in Valencia that are concentrated in the central area and extend towards the coast, to the areas of Cañamelar and Malvarrosa.
Being the third most important city in Spain is reflected in the prices of its hotels and tourist apartments, especially in the central area.Ciutat Vella, the best area to stay in Valencia
As always when you visit a city with a certain history, you should start with the old town, which is surrounded by the Turia gardens to the north and east, although it is not through this long green space that the river runs through the city, but to the south.
This district is made up of six neighbourhoods and is the city’s most touristy area.the population of Ciutat Vella barely exceeds 25,000 inhabitants and there is a wide range of hotels, hostels and hostels. it is not in vain that it is the most popular area for sleeping in Valencia.
As in other historical centres, in Ciutat Vella you will find the best artistic, civil and religious heritage.We must highlight buildings of civil use as emblematic as the Palace of the Valencian Parliament, the Generalitat or the City Council.
As for religious buildings, you can not miss the SEU or Valencia Cathedral, and the Basilica of the Forsaken.Valencia also has a World Heritage building: La Lonja de la Seda (or the Silk Exchange), a 15th century building accessible to the public.
There are also the remains of the Arab wall, which cross the district and have some interesting towers such as the Torre de Serranos.The first place we recommend is the Mercado Central, in the Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, which is a very interesting building from the early 20th century and one of the largest indoor markets in Spain with 1,400 stands.
If we are talking about restaurants, the first thing that comes to mind is which ones serve the best rice dishes, there are establishments all over the district, but the most interesting ones are in the north, near Turia.
One of the most popular ones is Cigrona, with a good variety in its menu, and another very popular one is Puerta del Mar, which, apart from rice dishes, serves a good Mediterranean cuisine.
Finally, to have a few drinks, also the cathedral area to the north is the busiest, you can have a good cocktail at the Café de Las Horas, there are also live concerts (jazz) at Jimmy Glass or you can end up dancing till dawn at the Vibora Club, a few meters from the Torres de Quart.
WHY STAY IN CIUTAT VELLA
Downtown
Main tourist attractions
Medieval quarter
Shopping
Nightlife
Restaurants and bars
Abundance of hotels
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN CIUTAT VELLA
Palais Vallier This 5 star hotel is located in the heart of Ciutat Vella.It is one of the best hotels in Valencia both for its facilities and its service. 100 metres from the Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken, it is ideal for being close to everything.
Melia Plaza Valencia (£): The Melia chain is always a guarantee of quality, and this hotel is faithful to the brand it represents. It is an ideal option for staying in Valencia in complete comfort.The hotel has a sauna, a gymnasium, and a rooftop area for sunbathing with a whirlpool bath. If you are looking for hotels in the centre of Valencia, look no further.
2.Extramurs, ideal area to sleep in Valencia to be in the center
It consists of four districts and is west of Ciutat Vella, like this, also borders on the north with the Turia Gardens, is very well connected thanks to the great avenue Ferran el Catòlic, which divides the district in two and has several metro stops.
Due to its size, there are more tourist areas than others, with the eastern side of Ferran el Catòlic being the least residential and where you will find the best options for accommodation in Valencia in this part of the city.
The name of the district has its origin in the fact that the area was formerly outside the city walls.These walls have completely disappeared, except for places like the Torres de Quart.
Another place of interest in the area is the Turia Gardens, where you can take a walk and relax.It is also recommended that you visit the Botanical Garden, south of the gardens mentioned and of great size, although it is to the south of the district, another place very visited is the Estació del Nord, next to the Plaza de Toros de Valencia and which stands out for its large and beautiful building.
To the west of the train station you will find the best shops, very close to the Museum of the Enlightenment. As for shopping centres, to the north, beyond the Turia Gardens, there is a leisure centre with shops and cinemas: the Campanar Market.You can try Chinese cuisine in Mey Mey; Basque cuisine in Egunon; traditional Spanish cuisine in Taberna Mora, or try Argentinean buns in Dulce de Leche Jesus, a very famous café.
There are also places to enjoy the night in the area such as the Jerusalem rock concert hall; DJ sessions in Cracovia Bar or a cocktail in Café Fata Morgana.
WHY STAY AT EXTRAMURS
Downtown
Cheaper than Ciutat Vella
Nightlife
Purchases
Well communicated
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN EXTRAMURS
Zenit Valencia Zenit is a fabulous hotel that stands out for the elegance and comfort of its rooms.Its central location, opposite the Nortes station and about 200 metres from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, means that you can be right in the centre of Valencia.
Hotel Conqueridor (£): The Hotel Conqueridor is another guarantee of comfort.this 4 star establishment is ideal for visiting the historic centre.located very close to the city’s main shopping areas, it is also very close to Plaza España, from where you can take the buses to the beach.
Jardín Botánico Hotel Boutique (£): Situated next to the Botanical Garden and the IVAM Museum of Modern Art, it is a modern hotel with a central location.
3.Ruzafa, nightlife and young atmosphere
It is the most avant-garde district of the city and is south of Ciutat Vella, it is also very touristy and has largely lost the character of a neighbourhood that it once had.
There are many attractive places in the neighbourhood, besides the bullring, such as the church of San Valero or the convent of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, of the XIII century.
Another place of interest, in this case artistic, is the Sala Russafa, with a varied scenic offer. You should not miss a visit to one of the faults that has survived the cream: the Falla Sueca Literato Azorín, in Sueca street.
Another place of interest is the Mercado de Ruzafa, nice building where you can buy fresh products.If you are looking for popular shopping streets, there are two at your disposal: Carrer de Russafa, which reaches the Plaza de Toros de Valencia, and Calle Sueca and surroundings.You will discover that, although there is local cuisine, most of the establishments are oriented towards international cuisine.
And if you are looking to enjoy the night, this is the best area to do so. There are places with indie concerts like Electropura; pubs like Olhöps Craft Beer House; cocktail bars like Pub Planet or discos like Play Club.
There are no metro stations in the neighbourhood, except Xàtiva, on the northern boundary and opposite the Plaza de Toros de Valencia
This is a good option for staying in Valencia, but although there are a variety of hotels and hostels there is not the same density as in Ciutat Vella.The main reason is that most of the accommodations are tourist apartments and pensions.
WHY STAY IN VALENCIA IN RUZAFA
Central
Young and dynamic neighbourhood
Avant-garde
Nightlife
Abundance of good restaurants
Shopping
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN VALENCIA RUZAFA
Senator Parque Central Hotel Without a doubt one of the best modern urban hotels in ValenciaIt is not cheap but often has exceptional offers worth checking.
AC Hotel Colón Valencia (euro): Located practically in Ciutat Vella towards the Ruzafa district this modern hotel is one of the most recommended for staying in Valencia.You will be close to everything as it is only 300 metres from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) and you will be able to enjoy both what Ciutat Vella and Ruzafa have to offer.
Petit Palace Ruzafa (Euro): This boutique hotel can be classified as cheap and mid-range accommodation and its qualities are closer to those of a 4-star hotel than a 3-star hotel.
If you are interested in this article about the best neighbourhoods to stay in Valencia you might also be interested in: Where to sleep in Alicante, where to sleep in Benidorm, where to sleep in Barcelona, where to sleep in Ibiza
4.Quatre Carreres, the neighbourhood where the City of Arts and Sciences is located
This large residential neighbourhood would not have gained so much in tourism if it had not been for the construction of the City of Arts and Sciences, located to the north.
Its good communications also make the area easily accessible, and the attraction of the City of Arts and Sciences has led to a proliferation of establishments, making this neighbourhood a much sought-after option for accommodation in Valencia.It was opened in 2000 and has six main areas:
the Agora, where many events can be organised;
the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, which has a great opera;
the Hemisfèric, with one of the biggest IMAX cinemas in Spain (its screen is 100 meters wide);
the Science Museum Principe Felipe; the viewpoint and garden Umbracle;
and the famous Oceanogràfic, the most visited place.
There are so many things to see that you will need several days to enjoy all the attractions.
In addition to this great complex, Quatre Carreres also has other attractions such as the Fallas Museum of Valencia, the basketball pavilion Fuente de San Luis or an example of a classic Valencian hut in the south area.
As far as shopping is concerned, the area is more of a large surface area, with the El Saler Shopping Centre right next to the City of Arts and Sciences, and Mercavalència, to the south.
Of course you can eat in one of the restaurants in the City of Arts and Sciences, although there are also other places of interest nearby such as Mas Blazer, which is a real expert in rice dishes, the Alquería del Pou or Font d’En Corts.
To enjoy the night, we recommend that you stay in the area around the City of Arts and Sciences, where there are places like Buddha Hookah or Karaoke Acordes, among others.
WHY STAY IN THIS QUATRE CARRERES
City of Arts
Good value for money
Modern area
Well connected
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN QUATRE CARRERES
NH Valencia las Artes If you want to sleep in Valencia near the City of Arts and Sciences this hotel is one of your best options.Impeccable rooms, gym, sauna and indoor pool.
Hotel Medium Valencia (£): One of my favourite hotels, modern style and business hotel with the great advantage of having an outdoor swimming pool, ideal for cooling down and relaxing in the hottest months.
5.Benimaclet, student atmosphere
Beyond the old town there is also life, as in Benimaclet, in the northwest.it is a mostly residential district connected to the centre by metro and bus, as well as large avenues.
In this district you will find the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia and there is practically no accommodation.It is an unpopular area to sleep in Valencia.
It can be interesting to visit the most remote areas of the old town to learn a little what is known as the Huerta de Valencia. One of the buildings that define it is the Alquería Panach, from the eighteenth century but poorly preserved.
You can also approach the Ermita de Vera or the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady.At the Universidad Politécnica there is a Computer Museum that may be of interest.
The influx of students in the area has led to the proliferation of restaurants and cafes, especially in the south. I recommend visiting the pizzeria Il Rosso Benimaclet, Pata Negra and Casa Clemencia Restaurant, south of the district and famous for its paellas with wood.
What used to be the center of the village is now also the area where the university students go and there are many pubs like Excalibur, Glop or Tony’s Beer Tavern.
WHY STAY IN VALENCIA IN THIS AREA
Student atmosphere
Restaurants and bars
Well communicated
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN BENIMACLET
Hotel Olympia Universities This is one of the most recommended hotels not only in the area where it is located but also in the whole city if you are going to move in the most economic strip.It is a modern hotel with a metro station next to it and five minutes away from a bar and restaurant area, and also from the Royal Gardens.
6.La Zaidía, a good place to stay in Valencia if you are looking for tranquillity and cheaper accommodation
Just between Benimaclet and Ciutat Vella is La Zaidía, a residential area that does not have many accommodations and like Benimaclet is not one of the most popular areas to stay in Valencia.
Even so it is well connected to the center by streets and avenues, and from east to west by the light train of the city.
To the south you have the Jardines del Turia and several places of interest such as the Royal Monastery of the Holy Trinity or the Benlliure House Museum.You can also try the Italian cuisine at Da Saro Ristorante Pizzeria or enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine with show included at Sondelluna Restaurant Show.
WHY STAY AT LA ZAIDIA
Affordable accommodation
Peace of mind
Well connected by transport public
Tourist attractions
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN VALENCIA IN LA ZAIDIA
The Westin Valencia La Zaidia is not a hotel zone.However, there are a lot of them in the surroundings and one of them is the Westin Valencia, one of the most luxurious hotels in Valencia and I can’t stop recommending it under any circumstances.
Apartaments Viveros (£):These are hyper-equipped apartments with everything you need to cook for yourself and save on food if you want to.they have an indoor swimming pool which is ideal for a dip in the middle of winter.
Homestay Carrer Sagun (£):If you need a comfortable place to sleep in Valencia at a very good price, this place is perfect for you.
7.Poblats Maritims, beach, nightlife and restaurants
It is a large district that encompasses the great port of the city and reaches the neighborhood of Malvarrosa.It is a very popular area to stay in Valencia and is also the best communicated area from north to south and west.
From the south, highlight the Olympic port where there is a yacht club and where the river Turia flows.
Back to the north of Poblats Maritims, the Cabañal-Cañamelar neighbourhood is the most attractive in the area, where the Malvarrosa beach begins, although in the south it is also called Cabanyal beach, and you can easily get there as there are train and metro stations.On a cultural level, there are also some interesting places such as the Rice Museum in Valencia or the Grao Shipyards, an old market now used to organise events.
If you are looking for markets that are still active, Poblats Maritims also has an old market with fresh products: the Cabañal Municipal Market.In the south, between Poblats Maritims and Camins al Grau, you can visit Aqua, a shopping and leisure centre: La Marcelina, opened in 1888; La Plaza or Panorama, one of the most renowned restaurants in Mediterranean cuisine.
The restaurants we recommend are also ideal for spending the afternoon and evening on their terraces, but the best place by far is the Marina Beach Club, at the beginning of the beach, also a restaurant with great views.
WHY STAY IN SEA VILLAGES
Beach
Lively area
Nightlife
Very good restaurants
Well connected
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN POBLATS MARÍTIMS
Sunrise Apartments For those who want to be on the seafront enjoying good views of the Mediterranean, these apartments are perfect.
El Coso (euro): El Coso is an economic option to stay in Poblats Marítims, it offers both rooms and apartments of various types, located in the Playa de las Arenes next to the Veles e Vents building.
Hotel Miramar (euro): This small hotel is simple but comfortable and very clean.Malvarrosa, beach and nightlife
It is a neighborhood located north of the great port of Valencia and takes its name from the great Malvarrosa beach, undoubtedly the best of the entire Valencian coast.As you know, the Malvarrosa beach is Blue Flag, so you will enjoy both its waters and its sand and facilities. Furthermore, you may be interested in visiting some historical places -which also exist- such as the House-Museum of the great Valencian writer Blasco Ibáñez or the Parish Church of María Inmaculada de Vera.
To rest and recover your strength with a good bite, the best option is to go to the Malvarrosa beachfront restaurants, where you can enjoy succulent dishes and beautiful views.
There are many establishments along the beach, the most popular of which are Casa Isabel, with home-cooked food, La Alegría de la Huerta, with fresh produce, and La Murciana, among others.
To have a drink at night, you can visit the pub Lo Que Quieras, Momo2 or the beach clubs Acuarela and Maybe Friday Nights, to the south.
WHY STAY IN MALVARROSA
Beach
Vibrant nightlife
Good range of bars and restaurants
Well connected by public transport
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN MALVAROSA
Las Arenas Spa Resort Las Arenas Balenario Resort is a hotel delight.It is a very luxurious and elegant beach resort.situated in front of the Malvarrosa beach it has two swimming pools and a luxury spa with an indoor pool.
Hotel Boutique Balandret ( £ ): Those who stay here rate it as fantastic.The truth is that I don’t really understand how it has only 3 stars, it’s a nice hotel but worth it if you find a good offer.
Hotel Neptuno (£): For those of us who are looking for more affordable options the Hotel Neptuno is one of the best rated.
