Where to Stay in Valencia Spain: Best Areas & Hotels

Figuring out where to stay in Valencia can make a big difference in your experience, especially if it’s your first visit.

I live in Spain and have visited Valencia multiple times, so I’ve gotten to know the city and its different neighborhoods pretty well.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Valencia, what you can expect from each one, and my top hotel recommendations.

This should help you narrow down the best neighborhood and hotel for your Valencia trip.

Here are a few of my top picks for the best hotels in Valencia Spain:

#1 Only YOU Hotel Valencia

✔ Stylish, upscale rooms in a central location
✔ Great rooftop restaurant

↳ Check rates Here

#2 Marqués House by MYR Hotels

✔ Stylish boutique hotel in the historic center
✔ Modern, spacious rooms and a great location

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#3 Room Mate Cosmo

✔ Excellent location near major attractions
✔ Modern rooms with breakfast buffet

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Before we begin, here’s a map to give you an overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia. You can use this as a reference while reading through the guide.

One important thing to know is that while Valencia looks pretty compact on the map, the beach is not within walking distance of the city center.

The City of Arts & Sciences is also further away.  You can still walk there but it will probably take around 40 minutes. 

Luckily, the public transportation system in Valencia is easy to use, so you can hop on a bus or tram to get around.  Plus, taxis are readily available as well.

Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is my top recommendation for where to stay in Valencia if it’s your first time visiting. 

This is the city’s historic center, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action with top Valencia attractions like Valencia Cathedral, Plaza de la Reina, La Lonja de la Seda, and Mercat Central all within walking distance. 

I stayed here on my last trip and loved how safe, walkable, and full of charm it was. The area is filled with beautiful historic buildings, narrow winding streets, outdoor plazas, and swaying palm trees that give it a classic Mediterranean feel. 

It’s also well connected by public transportation, so getting to places like the beach or the City of Arts and Sciences is easy. 

And within Ciutat Vella, you’ve got areas like El Carmen, a trendy neighborhood known for its street art, bars, and lively nightlife scene. 

Basically, if you want to be close to everything, this is the place to stay.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Ciutat Vella Valencia:

• Only YOU Hotel Valencia: This super stylish hotel has a central location right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the main shopping streets and historic sights. It has a cool, modern vibe with spacious rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

• Marqués House by MYR Hotels: This stylish boutique hotel is set in a historic building right in the center of Valencia. The rooms have a modern, upscale feel, and there’s also a rooftop terrace and cocktail bar on-site.

• Room Mate Cosmo: This modern hotel has a great location between Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the Central Market. The rooms are bright and contemporary, and there’s also a breakfast buffet available.

• Casa del Patriarca: For a more affordable option, Casa del Patriarca is a simple guesthouse in a really central location. I stayed here on my last trip, and while the rooms are pretty basic, they’re comfortable and you’re just a few minutes from everything on foot, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to save on accommodation. Check out my full Casa del Patriarca review for all the details!

Eixample is another great area to stay in Valencia, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more modern while still being close to the city center. 

This district is just south of Ciutat Vella and is known for its elegant architecture, wide tree-lined streets, and high end shopping. 

It includes the neighborhood of Gran Via, which has a stylish vibe with lots of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. 

And one of the highlights of staying here is Mercat de Colón–a market with a beautiful modernist architecture that was inspired by Gaudí. 

While it’s a bit quieter than Ciutat Vella, it’s still very walkable and well-connected by public transport. 

I found this area to be safe, clean, and a great option if you prefer a slightly more relaxed pace without being far from the action.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Eixample Valencia:

• Hotel Dimar: This modern hotel is right on Gran Vía, one of the main avenues in Eixample, and super close to Turia Park. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there’s even a little gym and sauna.

• Hospes Palau de La Mar: If you’re looking to treat yourself, this boutique hotel is a beautiful mix of historic charm and modern design. It’s set in a restored mansion and has a spa, so it’s a great spot to unwind while still being close to the action.

• SH Colón Valencia: Located on one of the best shopping streets in the city, this hotel is perfect if you want to be near stores, restaurants, and cafes. The rooms are clean and stylish, and there’s an on-site restaurant if you don’t feel like going far for dinner.

Ruzafa (also known as Russafa) is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Valencia and a great option if you want a more local, artsy vibe. 

Technically part of the Eixample district, it’s very hipster and stands out for its creative energy, colorful buildings, and lively mix of cafes, brunch spots, bars, and vintage shops. 

It’s especially popular with younger travelers and digital nomads. 

You’ll still be close to the city center (about a 25-minute walk), and public transportation makes it easy to get around. 

While it’s not as polished as other areas, it’s got a very fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Ruzafa:

• Moontels Mercado de Ruzafa: These modern studio apartments are right in the middle of Ruzafa, just steps from the market and tons of cute cafes and bars. Each unit has a little kitchen, so it’s great if you want more of an apartment-style stay with some extra flexibility.

• Petit Palace Ruzafa: Set in a cool old building, this boutique hotel mixes historic charm with a modern, laid-back vibe. It’s pet-friendly, has free bike rentals, and the location makes it easy to explore both Ruzafa and the rest of the city.

El Cabanyal is a good option if your main priority is spending time at the beach, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here if it’s your first visit to Valencia. 

It’s about a 25-minute drive or 40-minute bus ride from the city center, so it’s not the most convenient base for sightseeing. 

This former fishing neighborhood has a unique character with its colorful tiled houses, local atmosphere, and creative, bohemian feel.

The beaches in this area are flat, wide, and sandy. They’re not the most scenic in Spain, but great for laying out, beach volleyball, and water sports. 

There’s also a nice promenade lined with seafood restaurants and beach bars where you can relax after a swim. 

If you’ve already seen the main sights and just want a laid-back beach trip, El Cabanyal and the surrounding beach area could be a good fit.

Here are a couple of my top recommendations for where to stay in El Cabanyal:

• Hotel Neptuno Playa & Spa: This beachfront hotel is literally steps from Malvarrosa Beach, so it’s perfect if you want to wake up to ocean views. It has a small spa, gym, and modern rooms–plus, you’re super close to the marina and beachside restaurants.

• Las Arenas Balneario Resort: If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, this 5-star resort right on the beach is a solid pick. The rooms are elegant, the pool area is nice, and there’s a full spa if you’re looking for some extra relaxation during your stay.

The area around the City of Arts and Sciences isn’t the most picturesque, but it can be a good option if you’re traveling on a budget or planning to spend a lot of time exploring the complex. 

The buildings here are more modern and residential, so it doesn’t have the same charm as Ciutat Vella or Eixample. 

But, hotels here tend to be more affordable, and you’ll be just a short walk from Valencia’s most famous attractions like the science museum, Oceanografic aquarium, and Hemisfèric. 

It’s also closer to the beach compared to staying in the city center, which can be a bonus if you want to split your time between sightseeing and relaxing by the sea. 

And public transportation makes it easy to get to other parts of the city. 

While it wouldn’t be my first choice for first-timers, it could work well depending on your priorities.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay near the City of Arts & Sciences:

• Moontels Valencia Alameda 41: This modern hotel is right by the City of Arts and Sciences, so it’s a great pick if that’s high on your list. The rooms are sleek and comfortable, and you’ll be surrounded by restaurants and close to the beach too.

• La Novieta Boutique Hotel: This adults-only boutique hotel is in a beautifully restored old house with some serious charm. With just four rooms, it feels very intimate and personal.

• NH Valencia Las Artes: A solid, comfortable option just a short walk from the City of Arts and Sciences. The rooms are spacious, there’s a gym and indoor swimming pool, and it’s easy to get to both the beach and city center by bus.

Here are a few tips for booking your stay in Valencia Spain:

• Check the reviews for noise complaints: Some areas, especially in the Ciutat Vella or nightlife spots, can be noisy at night. Make sure to read reviews to see if previous guests mention street noise or thin walls.

• Check for heating and air conditioning: Not all accommodations in Valencia have both, and temperatures can get chilly in winter and very hot in summer. Double-check the listing so you’re comfortable during your stay.

• Check for elevators: Many buildings in historic areas don’t have elevators, which can be inconvenient if you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns. Always confirm if there’s an elevator, especially for upper-floor apartments.

• Book in advance: Valencia is becoming more popular, and hotels in the best areas can fill up fast, especially during weekends or holidays. Booking early gives you more choices and often better rates.

• Avoid Las Fallas in March if you’re not visiting for the festival: Accommodation prices skyrocket and the city gets extremely crowded. Unless you’re specifically going for Las Fallas, it’s better to plan around it.

• Avoid visiting in August: Many locals leave the city during this time, and some small businesses may close. It can also get super hot so if you’re visiting in August, make sure your accommodation has strong air conditioning.

• Look for luggage storage options: It’s really helpful if your hotel or rental can store your bags before check-in or after check-out. Trains and flights don’t always line up with check-in times, so this can save you a lot of hassle.

For most first-time visitors, Ciutat Vella is my top pick for where to stay in Valencia.

You’ll be within walking distance of many of the main sights, restaurants, and shops, which makes sightseeing really convenient.

Eixample and Ruzafa are also great options if you want to be close to the center but prefer a more local neighborhood feel.

I’d only stay near the beach or City of Arts and Sciences if those are a major priority for your trip, since both are a good distance from the historic center.

No matter which area you choose, picking a central location will make it much easier to make the most of your time in Valencia.

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