Where to Stay In Valencia: Best Hotels in Town & Near the Beach

Known as Spain's third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia is a somewhat hidden gem that blends cool city living with a beautiful coastline and some of Spain's most beloved cuisine (delicious authentic paella, anyone?).

With a reputation for innovation and a diverse mix of neighborhoods, each with its own different vibe, Valencia is a must-see for visitors wanting to get a taste of how local life looks in Spanish cities. In fact, Valencia is so distinct that it even has its own language – residents here speak both traditional Spanish and a dialect of Catalan known as Valencian.

Wondering where to stay in Valencia? I've got you covered with my guide to the city's most interesting barrios and best hotels. Whether you're on the hunt for a 5-star hotel in Valencia or beach hotels in Valencia, I'll show you some options you'll love.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Valencia

Here's a quick rundown of the best neighborhoods in Valencia for every type of interest. Read on to explore luxury hotels in Valencia, Spain, in these sought-after parts of town.

Ciutat Vella/Old Town – This is the cultural and geographical part of Valencia, where major historic buildings meet bustling streets filled with friendly bars and restaurants. Here, you'll find plenty of sights, luxurious hotels, and Valencian's Mercado Central – a famous public market set in an Art Nouveau building.

El Cabanyal & La Malvarrosa Beaches – If you're wanting to stay near Valencia's famous coastline (and the best area to get delicious seafood!), look no further than El Cabanyal and La Malvarrosa beaches, both perfect destinations for a beach holiday with proximity to the city centre.

Ruzafa – Undoubtedly Valencia's hippest area with laid-back accommodation options and charming narrow streets, Ruzafa is home to the coolest tapas joints, funky independent clothing stores, and avant-garde art galleries.

El Carmen – The site of medieval gates, El Carmen is a part of Valencia with a quintessentially Mediterranean vibe, as well as plenty of bustling bars, restaurants, and clubs. It's the best place to stay in Valencia for nightlife.

Quatre Carreres – Home to Valencia's iconic Ciudad de Las Artes y Ciencias (city of science and arts), this large district is the go-to destination for culture, arts, and history lovers.

Extramurs – This mostly residential neighborhood is peaceful, but with enough things to see, do (and eat!) that you won't be bored.

1. Where to stay in Valencia for the first time & major sights: Ciutat Vella/Old Town

Valencia's beating heart and the go-to destination for tourists and first-time visitors is the Ciutat Vella, the Old Town.

It's the best place to stay in Valencia for sightseeing and is home to Valencia's Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia's central market, and the silk exchange. Its winding streets are also filled with buzzing bars and eateries, plenty of which sell Valencia's most famous dish – paella.

One of the best parts about Valencia's Old Town is that it's incredibly walkable. You won't need to hire a car, and in most cases, you won't even need to use public transport because most of Valencia's sights are all in one place.

Naturally, the Old Town is the most popular place to stay in Valencia, so if you're looking for somewhere more authentic or off the beaten path, the Old Town might not be the best option for you.

Things to see & do

• Visit Valencia Cathedral

• See La Lonja (The Silk Exchange)

• Take a stroll about Plaza de la Reina

• Visit La Rotonda, a uniquely round square in the centre of town

Best area for:

• Tourists

• History buffs

• First-timer visitors

Best hotels to stay in Ciutat Vella

($$$) Oliveira Rooms

Located just five minutes walk from Valencia's main square, the air-conditioned accommodation at Oliveira Rooms features modern decor and free Wi-Fi, with some rooms even benefitting from a balcony.

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($$) Fetén Hotel

This stylish apartment complex is perfect for those seeking accommodation in the heart of all the action and features air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a city view.

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($) L'Esplai Valencia

Located just 250 meters from Valencia Cathedral, this bed and breakfast is set in a restored listed building with original features and promises comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

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2. Where to stay in Valencia by the beach: El Cabanyal & La Malvarrosa Beaches

One of the best things about Valencia is that alongside its charming city center full of historical sites, you'll also find beautiful beaches. Unlike some urban beaches, which are less than desirable, El Cabanyal area and La Malvarrosa beach are clean and picturesque.

El Cabanyal is the old fisherman's quarter, so here, you'll find plenty of fresh seafood available to devour. The area is also famous for being adorned with colorful ceramic tiles, so you'll no doubt enjoy strolling around the city, taking in the sights and sounds.

The nearby La Malvarrosa sandy beach is home to a bustling promenade and is the go-to destination for vacation-goers looking to relax and tan in the sunshine. Here, you'll find plenty of Valencia hotels on the beach, like the following offerings.

Things to see & do

• Spend a day at the beach

• Try a seafood paella

• Marvel at El Cabanyal's tiles

Best area for:

• Seafood

• Beach lovers

Best hotels to stay in El Cabanyal & La Malvarrosa

($$$) Macflats Valencia Puerto

These gorgeous well-located apartments are located just a short walk from Valencia's beaches and port area and come equipped with full kitchens, air conditioning, washing machines, and more.

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($$) Holiday Apartments Malvarrosa Beach

Situated just two minutes away from Valencia's popular La Malvarrosa beach are these stylish holiday apartments featuring contemporary decor, tiled flooring, and air conditioning.

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($) Dau Studios

Located within 700m of Playa de las Arenas, another popular Valencian beach, Dau Studios offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a seating area, and a kitchen.

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3. Coolest place to stay in Valencia: Ruzafa

If vintage clothing, record stores, hipster coffee shops, and vegan cafes are your thing, you'll love Ruzafa. Located near Eixample and home to a mix of upscale and budget accommodation in Valencia City, this neighborhood is known for its hipster vibes.

Since it boasts some of Valencia's best tapas bars, restaurants, and cafes, there's always a bustling vibe around the streets that makes this barrio feel lively and vibrant.

Artsy bookstore, library, and cafe, UBIK Cafe, is quintessential of Ruzafa – blending a love of literature and all things cultural with the laid-back coffee culture that Valencia is known for.

Things to see & do

• Go for a bar crawl

• Stroll around the independent stores

• Visit during the Las Fallas festival

• Go to the food market

Best area for:

• Hipsters

• Art lovers and artists

• Couples

Best hotels to stay in Ruzafa

($$$) Blanq Ruzafa

This super stylish hotel in Ruzafa is ideal if you're looking for a room with minimalist, modern decor, air conditioning, and proximity to the coolest area in Valencia.

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($$) ABCyou Bed&Breakfast

ABCyou is a luxury hotel that's also budget-friendly, with free Wi-Fi throughout the property, air conditioned rooms, and even a peaceful garden in which you can relax after a day of walking around Valencia's popular sights.

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($) Soho Valencia

Home to a range of modern apartments and studios with stylish decor, Soho Valencia benefits from a great location, air conditioning, and even a kitchen/dining area in every space.

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4. Where to stay in Valencia for nightlife: El Carmen

El Carmen is located just northwest of the Ciutat Vella, so you can stay in this friendly district while still benefitting from proximity to Valencia's historical center.

Home to a range of bars and restaurants that will keep you entertained evening after evening, El Carmen is the go-to destination for nightlife in Valencia.

Things to see & do

• Go on a bar crawl or clubbing

• See the Portal de la Valldigna

• Visit the Carme Contemporary Culture Centre

• See the Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos

Best area for:

• Night owls

• Bar lovers

• Groups of friends

Best hotels to stay in El Carmen

($$$) Vlc Apartaments el Carmen

Located in El Carmen, just minutes from the Ciutat Vella, Vlc Apartments promises stylish and modern accommodation, with each apartment being equipped with a living room, kitchen, and dining room.

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($$) Blanq Carmen Hotel

Set in a historic building, this beautifully decorated hotel features a rooftop terrace and plunge pool, as well as free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.

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($) Hotel San Lorenzo Boutique

Perfectly blending style and affordability, Hotel San Lorenzo is located just 100 meters from Valencia's famous Turia gardens and you'll benefit from a 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

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5. Where to stay in Valencia near the famous City of Arts and Sciences: Quatre Carreres

One of the city's greatest highlights is the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel containing a scientific and cultural leisure complex that will keep you entertained for the entire day. The center covers around two kilometers of the city's former river bed.

If you visit the city of Valencia, this destination is a must. Just remember to book your tickets in advance – especially during the busy summer period – as this Valencian must-see gets busy.

Quatre Carreres is part of the city in which this popular center is located and is home to several mini neighborhoods, including Monteolivete, En Corts, Na Rovella, La Punta, Ciutat de les Arts, and Fonteta de Sant Lluís.

Things to see & do

• Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

• Take a stroll around the area's various barrios

• Go shopping in El Saler

Best area for:

• Culture lovers

• Families

• School trips

Best hotels to stay in Quatre Carreres

($$$) Rooms Ciencias

Located just 300 meters from the famous City of Arts and Sciences, the rooms feature plenty of natural light, flat-screen TVs with international channels, air conditioning, and heating.

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($$) Arena Zone Hotel

Less than a 20-minute walk from the City of Arts and Sciences, Arena Zone Hotel is a clean, stylish 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms and a 24-hour front desk.

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($) Hotel Medium Valencia

Just 700 meters from the City of Arts and Sciences, this elegantly designed hotel features spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and modern furniture.

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6. Where to stay in Valencia for great shopping & away from the crowds: Extramurs

If you're a traveler who likes to get off the beaten track and avoid the areas that are too heavily populated by tourists, you'll love Extramurs. This mainly residential neighborhood is the best place to stay to enjoy an authentic view of how the locals actually live.

This district is composed of four neighborhoods – La Roqueta, La Petxina, Arrancapins, and Botànic, each with its own distinct personality. Plus, there are plenty of interesting shops here – both big names and independent options.

Things to see & do

• Take a stroll around each neighborhood in Extramurs

• See the Torres de Quart

• Visit the Botanical Garden of Valencia University

Best area for:

• Travelers who like to get off the beaten path

• People on long-term stays who want to get to know the city

Best hotels to stay in Extramurs

($$$) L&H Gran Vía Valencia

This 4-star hotel is the go-to choice for people seeking out luxury accommodation in a lesser-known part of the city, with an on-site restaurant and bar and impeccably decorated rooms.

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($$) Parker The Urban Flats

These stylish apartments boast modern decor, an open-plan minimalist design, and all the amenities you need for a pleasant and peaceful stay.

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($) Hotel 19-30 Valencia

This affordable hotel has been around for nearly 100 years and offers rooms with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, with selected rooms even boasting a balcony with views out over the city.

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Where to Stay in Valencia – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Valencia worth visiting?

While Madrid and Barcelona dominate the headlines and European travel bucket lists, don't let this put you off the hidden gem that is Valencia. Boasting a city center filled with tourist attractions and an incredible food scene, as well as hipster neighborhoods and beautiful urban beaches, Valencia has something for everyone. It's certainly one for your Spain travel bucket list!

📍 Where is the city center in Valencia?

Valencia's natural center is its Old Town, the Ciutat Vella. Here you'll find the majority of Valencia's historical sights, including Valencia Cathedral, and it boasts a central location that puts you within walking distance of many other parts of the city.

❓ Where is the best area to stay in Valencia?

First-time visitors will be at home in the Old Town, while the coolest and most vibrant places to stay are Ruzafa and El Carmen. If you want to stay near the famous City of Arts and Sciences, you should look for the best Valencia hotels in Quatre Carreres, while those looking to escape the crowds will find peace and quiet (plus great shopping!) in Extramurs. If you're in the market for the best area to stay in Valencia near the beach, for example, you should look at El Cabanyal and La Malvarrosa area.

📅 How many days do I see Valencia?

You'll need at least three days to get a proper feel for Valencia, and if you want to get to know the various neighborhoods, a week is even better. Those looking to intersperse their city break with some relaxing days at the beach might even want to stay for 10 days or two weeks.

🚶 Can I walk around Valencia, or do I need a car?

Valencia is a very walkable city. While there are plenty of public transport options, you'll likely find that you can get to most places in the city center on foot. There's also an underground metro system, buses, trams, and taxis. With so many transport options available and most sights within walking distance, there's no need to hire a car, although you might benefit from one if you decide to drive further afield to other cities or resorts on the coast.

💸 Is Valencia cheap?

While Valencia is cheaper than countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and France, it's one of the more expensive cities in Spain. For a trip for two people for one week (including accommodation) you can expect to pay around €1,750, although this can be cheaper if you choose low-cost accommodation and avoid eating out for every meal.

❌ Where should I not stay in Valencia?

For the most part, Valencia is a safe city, with the most common crimes being non-violent crimes like pickpocketing. La Coma and Barrio de Cristal aren't as clean and safe for tourists, so these top the list of where not to stay in Valencia. If proximity to sights is a priority or you want a central location for a short stay, avoid staying anywhere that isn't within walking distance of the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Valencia – Final Words

With urban beaches that are almost unrivaled elsewhere in Spain, a vibrant Old Town, and enough art and history to keep even the most dedicated culture vulture happy, Valencia is a must-see city in Spain.

Whether you decide to stay in the hipster streets of Rufaza or the centrally located Old Town, you're guaranteed a great time in this beautiful city. Plus, with my handy list of the best hotels in the city, you no longer have to wonder where to stay in Valencia.