When looking for the best places to stay in Valencia Spain it can feel overwhelming to choose the right neighborhood. After all, it is the 3rd biggest city in Spain and there are a myriad of hotels in each area.
But don’t fret! I’ve visited Valencia several times and I’m here to help you navigate the best neighborhoods in Valencia so that you can start planning your dream trip.
Valencia is a city that pulls you in and makes you come back for more. Whether you spend one day in Valencia or use it as a base for going on day trips nearby there are so many unique corners to explore.
Whether you enjoy history, modern art, or good food, there are so many reasons to visit Valencia.
Read on to explore the best areas to stay in Valencia!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS FOR HOTELS IN VALENCIA
LUXURY
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Only YOU Hotel Valencia
a fantastic 5-star hotel set in Valencia Old Town with restaurants, a bar, and a fitness center. The service is great and it’s pet-friendly
MID-RANGE
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SH Ingles Boutique Hotel
a great boutique hotel with quirky decor set in the heart of the old town. It has a restaurant and bar on-site and welcoming staff
BUDGET
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Cosmo Hotel Boutique
a lovely hotel in the heart of the old town. Quiet and modern rooms with a warm and friendly atmosphere
Best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia
If you’re staying 2 days in Valencia or more, you’ll be looking for accommodation, and here are my favorite neighborhoods to stay in Valencia.
Ciutat Vella: Valencia Old Town
Where to stay in Valencia Spain for first-time visitors
If you’re considering where to stay in Valencia for first-time visitors, Valencia Old Town is arguably the best spot for you. It’s full of charm and you’ve got all the tourist attractions at your doorstep including restaurants, cafés, and bars.
The historic center boasts charming alleyways, quaint squares, and impressive architecture. There are galleries and pretty churches around every corner and you’re close to the cathedral and the impressive Silk Exchange.
Basically, there’s always something going on in the historic center so you will have everything within walking distance. Besides, there are also lots of bike tours you can join to explore the rest of the city in a different way.
However, it’s also the most popular area to stay in Valencia, so I recommend booking early to secure the best deals and your choice of hotel. In my opinion, you find some of the best hotels in Valencia Spain in the historic center.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA SPAIN OLD TOWN
LUXURY: Only YOU Hotel Valencia – a fantastic 5-star hotel set in Valencia Old Town with restaurants, a bar, and a fitness center. The service is great and pets are welcome.
MID-RANGE: SH Ingles Boutique Hotel – a great boutique hotel with quirky decor set in the heart of the old town. It has a restaurant and bar on-site and welcoming staff.
BUDGET: Cosmo Hotel Boutique – a lovely hotel in the heart of the old town. Quiet and modern rooms with a friendly atmosphere.
Quatre Carreres
Where to stay in Valencia for Art Lovers
If you’re visiting Valencia for the City of Arts and Sciences, this is where to stay. Valencia Spain doesn’t get much better than this if you’re into modern art. I mean, even I was mesmerized!
The entire area is full of cool, forward-thinking architecture, creative green spaces, parks, and fountains. besides, there are shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and cafés everywhere. It’s also a budget-friendly area.
If this sounds like you, there’s no question about where you should stay when visiting Valencia. There are great bus, tram, and metro connections to the historical center and to the beach.
However, we walked into the historic center in the Jardin del Túria Park which probably took us about half an hour from the City of Arts and Sciences. But there’s plenty to see on the way, like the Gulliver Park and the picturesque Pont del Mar.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike, the park is beautiful to bike through.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA SPAIN – QUATRE CARRERES
APARTMENT HOTEL: Las Artes Hlius Luxury Apartments – Only a short walk from the City of Arts and Sciences, this apartment-hotel offers exceptional fully equipped apartments. They sleep up to 6 persons.
MID-RANGE: Arena Zone Hotel – a great hotel only 10 minutes walk from the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s also close to the metro station which is only 3 stops from the historic center.
BUDGET: Primus Suites – they offer small apartments with simple kitchens so you can cook yourself. They also have private parking where guests can park for a fee.
Ruzafa
Best area to stay in Valencia Spain for nightlife
Ruzafa neighborhood, also known as Russafa, is located right next to the train station and is the most trendy and lively area in Valencia. It was built in the 19th century and is more of an extension of the historic center taking you there in just a short walk.
Once a scruffy district, it has turned into a safe, hip, and popular space that’s often recognized as the best neighborhood to stay in Valencia.
There are plenty of upscale boutique shops and you find the popular Mercado de Ruzafa market there. You also find some of Valencia’s best street art in the neighborhood.
But most importantly, there is a wealth of hip restaurants, coffee shops, and bars where you can enjoy good food and drinks at all times of the day.
At night time, live music venues come to life and the lines into nightclubs get longer as the night hours creep in. If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Valencia for nightlife, Ruzafa is your best bet!
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA – RUZAFA
LUXURY: NH Collection Colón Valencia – this is the best hotel in Valencia’s Ruzafa neighborhood. It’s small and stylish with a lovely rooftop bar. They have a fitness center, restaurant, and paid parking for guests.
MID-RANGE: Petit Palace Ruzafa – a great option if you’re traveling with pets with modern rooms and great service. Some rooms have a terrace with excellent city views.
BUDGET: City Garden Bed and Breakfast – a lovely budget option with clean and simple rooms, friendly service, and a cozy terrace where you can relax and meet other guests.
El Cabanyal
Best neighborhood to stay in Valencia for beaches
El Cabanyal neighborhood is the best place to stay in Valencia if you want to combine your Spain city break with lazy days at the beach.
The location couldn’t be any better and with charming, colorful houses it feels like a completely different destination than Valencia.
The colorful neighborhood used to be a fisherman settlement and now it’s turned into one of the most sought-after places to stay in Valencia.
You’ll be easily connected to the historic center and the City of Arts and Sciences by bus, tram, and metro, so can still enjoy everything Valencia has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA – CABANYAL
LUXURY: Las Arenas Balneario Resort – this 5-star seafront resort boasts 3 swimming pools and lovely outdoor green space to relax in. For further relaxation, enjoy the spa and wellness center, grab a drink at the bar, and have dinner at the restaurant.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Boutique Balandret – a lovely boutique hotel with spacious rooms and nice decor. being right on the beachfront, there are rooms with a sea view and if you don’t feel like heading out on the promenade for dinner, you can enjoy a tasty dinner at the hotel’s restaurant rounded off with a drink in the bar.
BUDGET: Sol Playa – a great budget option right on the beach with 24-hour reception. They also have bike rental, so you can easily get around.
Extramurs
Best neighborhood to stay in Valencia for families
Set outside the old city walls, Extramurs is a quieter residential neighborhood with parks and green spaces, including the Botanical Gardens.
You also find the Torres de Quart there making it a short walk to the historical center, so there’s no need for public transport.
Being an extremely safe area, it’s a favorite with families with young children looking for accommodation in Valencia Spain.
It’s also more budget-friendly than the other neighborhoods in the city.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA – EXTRAMURS
APARTMENT HOTEL: HQ Rooms Apartments San Vicente – beautiful apartments with all necessary amenities and equipped kitchen. Some of the apartments have balconies or terraces. The different units sleep 2-8 people.
MID-RANGE: L&H Gran Vía Valencia – a lovely hotel with friendly service. The rooms have a clean decor and some of them have nice terraces. It’s a short walk to restaurants and bars, but if you don’t feel like going out, there’s both a restaurant and a bar on-site.
BUDGET: Hotel 19-30 Valencia – the welcoming service makes this place 100%. Rooms are simple but clean and some have a balcony.
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- Things to do in Valencia in winter
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- Madrid in a day
- Reasons to visit Madrid
- Madrid in winter
- Day trips from Madrid by train
- Best places to visit in Spain for first-timers
- Best coastal towns in Spain
- Best coastal cities in Spain
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Conclusion: Best places to stay in Valencia Spain
Summing up the best neighborhoods in Valencia Spain to stay, there are lovely areas for every type of traveler. Whether you’re on a budget, want proximity to the beach, or want to splurge in luxury, there’s something for you.
There are also a lot of hotels in Valencia city center so you’ll find something for every taste even there. Personally, I enjoy staying in the historic center or Extramurs to save money, but sometimes it’s nice to have accommodation by the beach – especially in the summer!
Happy travels!