Where to stay in Valencia: The best areas and 15 hotels

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, combining one of the country's biggest historic centres with modern architecture, a beach, and rich gastronomy, as it's the birthplace of paella.

Choosing the right neighbourhood makes a big difference, as the city is quite spread out, and distances between the historic centre, the beach, and the modern City of Arts and Sciences easily exceed 4 to 5 kilometres.

In this guide, you'll find the four most popular accommodation areas, with actual properties, prices, and practical information on transport and costs.

What to see and do in Valencia

Valencia is located on Spain's eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, on the Mediterranean. It is approximately 350 kilometres south of Barcelona and about 300 kilometres east of Madrid, with the AVE high-speed train covering the route to Madrid in under 2 hours. The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and later came under Arab rule, which explains the irrigation canals, known as huerta, that still feed the fields around the city.

The historic centre, Ciutat Vella, includes the El Carmen neighbourhood with its narrow streets, the Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, and the city's cathedral, where, according to tradition, the Holy Grail is kept. Nearby are Plaza de la Virgen and the Central Market (Mercado Central), one of Europe's largest fresh produce market buildings, constructed in the early 20th century in Art Nouveau style.

After a devastating flood in 1957, the old Turia River was diverted outside the city, and its former bed was transformed into a massive 9-kilometre-long park, Jardí del Turia, which crosses almost the entire city and ends at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the modern complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, featuring the Oceanogràfic aquarium, the largest in Europe.

The Ruzafa neighbourhood, south of the centre, was once an independent village and is now the city's trendiest and most vibrant area, with numerous bars, alternative shops, and cafes reminiscent of Berlin or Lisbon. Malvarrosa beach, to the east, is about 4 kilometres from the centre and is known for its beachfront tavernas serving authentic paella Valenciana, made with chicken, rabbit, and garrofón beans, not seafood as visitors often mistakenly believe.

The city celebrates Las Fallas every March, one of Spain's most spectacular festivals, featuring enormous paper and wooden constructions that are publicly burned on the final night. Valencia is also a relatively flat city, ideal for cycling, with a network of cycle paths exceeding 150 kilometres, which sets it apart from many other Spanish cities.

Valencia is also the city of paella and horchata, a refreshing drink made from tigernuts, served in special cafes called horchaterías, with the most famous being Santa Catalina next to the central market. The region's gastronomy is based on the huerta, the fertile lands around the city where rice, citrus fruits, and vegetables have been cultivated for centuries, thanks to the irrigation system built by the Arabs and still operating today under the supervision of the historic water tribunal, the Tribunal de las Aguas, which meets every Thursday outside the cathedral.

The city also has a significant tradition in the silk industry, which explains why the Lonja de la Seda, the building where silk was traded in the 15th century, is considered one of the finest examples of secular Gothic architecture in Europe. Next to it is the Museo del Artista Fallero, dedicated to the Fallas festival, where figures saved from the flames by public vote in previous years are exhibited.

If you want to see Valencia from above, the Miguel Serrano tower or the Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, two of the old gates of the city's medieval walls, offer panoramic views of the historic centre after climbing a few dozen steps. The Mercado de Colón, housed in a 1916 building with Modernista elements, is a more elegant version of a market with cafes and bars, in contrast to the more traditional atmosphere of the Mercado Central.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

Valencia Airport (Manises) is approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre. Metro lines 3 and 5 connect the airport directly to the city centre in about 25 minutes, with a ticket costing around €4.90. This is the most economical and reliable option, especially during peak hours when city centre traffic slows down buses and taxis.

There is also a bus (line 150) that connects the airport to the city's bus station in about 30 to 40 minutes, costing around €1.50, a cheaper but slower option. A taxi from the airport to the centre costs around €20 to €25 and takes 15 to 20 minutes.

If you arrive by train, the main Joaquín Sorolla station serves AVE routes from Madrid and Barcelona and is already within the city, about a 20-minute walk from the historic centre or a few minutes by tram.

The best areas to stay in Valencia

Ciutat Vella - El Carmen

El Carmen is the heart of the historic centre, with narrow streets, art graffiti, old buildings, and the cathedral just a few minutes away. It's the most convenient base for a first visit to the city.

Advantages:

• Main monuments within walking distance
• Many bars and restaurants
• Good metro connection to the airport and station

Disadvantages:

• Can be noisy on Friday and Saturday nights
• Higher prices compared to other neighbourhoods

Recommended accommodation:

1. Hotel Mediterraneo Valencia
A comfortable hotel on the edge of the historic centre, with easy access to the old town and the river park.

• Average cost: approx. €95 per night

2. Ad Hoc Monumental 1881
Boutique hotel in a renovated 19th-century building, with elegant rooms in the heart of Ciutat Vella.

• Average cost: approx. €110 per night

3. Hospederia del Pilar
Affordable accommodation next to the central market, ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the old town.

• Average cost: approx. €65 per night

4. Valencia Old Town EL CARMEN.
Apartment on a quiet street in El Carmen, near the Torres de Serranos, a good choice for longer stays.

• Average cost: approx. €90 per night

5. Host & Home
Simple, clean accommodation in a central location in Ciutat Vella, offering good value for money.

• Average cost: approx. €70 per night

6. easyHotel Valencia Ciutat Vella
Budget chain hotel near Plaza Rojas Clemente, a good base for those seeking simple accommodation in the historic centre.

• Average cost: approx. €60 per night

7. Carmen Apartment
A spacious apartment within El Carmen, a twelve-minute walk from the Serranos towers, ideal for groups.

• Average cost: approx. €100 per night

Ruzafa (Russafa)

Ruzafa is Valencia's hippest neighbourhood, with trendy cafes, alternative bars, and an artistic vibe. It's located south of the centre, about a 15-minute walk from the Town Hall square.

Advantages:

• Vibrant nightlife and many good restaurants
• More authentic, less touristy atmosphere
• Close to Joaquín Sorolla train station

Disadvantages:

• A bit further from the beach
• Fewer historic sights in the neighbourhood itself

Recommended accommodation:

8. One Shot Puerta Ruzafa
A modern design hotel at the entrance to Ruzafa, with minimalist rooms and good value for money.

• Average cost: approx. €100 per night

9. Petit Palace Ruzafa
A chain hotel with modern rooms, next to the central Mercado de Ruzafa.

• Average cost: approx. €105 per night

City of Arts and Sciences

Around the Calatrava complex are more modern hotels, ideal for families who want to visit the aquarium and science museums without much travel.

Advantages:

• Close to the Oceanogràfic and science museums
• Newer buildings with more amenities
• Good access to the beach by tram

Disadvantages:

• Approximately 30 minutes' walk from the historic centre
• Less traditional atmosphere

Recommended accommodation:

10. NH Valencia Las Ciencias
A comfortable chain hotel next to the City of Sciences complex, with easy access to trams and buses.

• Average cost: approx. €95 per night

11. B&B HOTEL Valencia Ciudad de las Ciencias
An economical option near the science museum, a good base for families with children.

• Average cost: approx. €75 per night

12. Holiday Inn Express Ciudad de las Ciencias by IHG
A modern hotel with good reviews, next to Jardí del Turia park and the Calatrava complex.

• Average cost: approx. €90 per night

13. Barceló Valencia
A hotel directly opposite the Calatrava complex, with modern design and good connections to the centre.

• Average cost: approx. €115 per night

Malvarrosa Beach

Malvarrosa is the most popular beachfront neighbourhood, with a large sandy beach and traditional tavernas serving authentic paella. It's about 4 kilometres from the historic centre, connected by tram.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the beach
• Many tavernas with fresh fish and paella
• More relaxed, summery atmosphere

Disadvantages:

• Distance from the historic centre, requires tram or bus
• In winter, the area is quieter and less lively

Recommended accommodation:

14. Malvarrosa Beach Rooms
Rooms on the beachfront promenade, with sea views and direct beach access.

• Average cost: approx. €80 per night

15. Playa Malvarrosa House
An apartment near the beach, ideal for families or groups seeking independence.

• Average cost: approx. €85 per night

16. Malvarosa Beach Family
A spacious apartment with sea view, with airport transfer available by arrangement.

• Average cost: approx. €90 per night

17. Malvarrosa Beach
An apartment a few metres from the beach, with a balcony, a good choice for stays during the summer months.

• Average cost: approx. €85 per night

How much does accommodation cost in Valencia?

In the historic centre, a good three-star hotel costs about €80 to €120 per night, while in Ruzafa prices are similar or slightly lower, with many boutique options around €90 to €130. Near Malvarrosa beach, apartments are usually the most affordable option, with prices ranging from €70 to €110 per night depending on the season.

Food is relatively affordable compared to other Spanish cities, with a menu del día in a traditional restaurant costing €12 to €18 and a paella dish for two people around €30 to €40. A coffee costs about €1.50 and a beer in a bar around €2.50.

Valencia does not yet impose a general tourist tax like Barcelona, although its implementation is being considered. Travel by metro or bus costs about €1.50 per ticket, while the Valencia Tourist Card offers unlimited travel and discounts on museums for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

When to visit Valencia

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the best periods, with mild temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and fewer crowds compared to summer. In summer, the heat is intense, often above 32 degrees, but it's the best time for the beach.

March is particularly interesting due to Las Fallas, around the 15th to the 19th of the month, when the city fills with visitors and accommodation prices rise significantly, so if you want to attend the festival, book early. Winter is mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures rarely falling below 8 degrees, making Valencia a good choice even outside of summer.

If you're looking for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, November and February are among the quietest months, without compromising your visit to the city's museums and gastronomy.

Practical tips for your stay

• Use the metro from the airport. It's faster and cheaper than a taxi, especially if you arrive during peak hours.
• Book early if you're travelling in March. Las Fallas fills the city with visitors, and accommodation prices rise significantly during that period.
• Try paella for lunch, not dinner. Traditionally, paella is eaten at lunchtime in Spain, and many authentic restaurants don't even serve it in the evening.
• Rent a bike for Jardí del Turia park. The old riverbed is ideal for cycling and safely connects almost the entire city.
• Stay in Ruzafa if you want nightlife. It has the best bars and cafes in the city, with a more local clientele compared to the historic centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Valencia?

The historic centre, El Carmen, because you're close to the main monuments and have good metro connections.

How many days are needed for Valencia?

Three to four days are enough for the centre, the beach, and the Calatrava complex.

Is it worth staying near the beach?

Yes, if you're travelling in summer, but you'll need a tram or bus to reach the historic centre.

How much does transport from the airport cost?

The metro costs about €4.90 and takes 25 minutes, while a taxi costs around €20 to €25.

Is Valencia safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally a safe city, with the usual precautions for petty theft in crowded areas.

When are Las Fallas held?

Around 15 to 19 March each year, culminating in the burning of the constructions on the night of the final day.

Conclusion

Valencia offers different experiences depending on the neighbourhood you choose, from the historic El Carmen to the trendy Ruzafa and the beachfront Malvarrosa.

If it's your first time, the historic centre is the safest option, while if you're returning or want a more local experience, Ruzafa and the beach are definitely worth considering.

See also our guides on where to stay in Verona and where to stay in Kotor.