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Valencia’s old town

Pick your base camp

Where to stay in Valencia

4 neighbourhoods compared, so you can choose the right base for your trip.

Photo: Diego F. Parra / Pexels · Pexels License

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Stay in the Ciutat Vella to walk everywhere, in Eixample for a quieter and more elegant base, in Ruzafa for food and nightlife, or near the City of Arts and Sciences with kids.

Neighbourhood comparison
AreaBest forPrice levelTransport
Ciutat Vella (Old Town)First-timers$$$Walk; metro Xàtiva or Colón nearby
Eixample & ColónShopping and quieter nights$$$Metro Colón; a 10–15 min walk to the old town
RuzafaFoodies and couples$$Walk; about 15 min to Plaza del Ayuntamiento
City of Arts and SciencesFamilies$$Buses; a 30-minute walk through the Turia Garden to the old town

1. Ciutat Vella (Old Town)

Our pick for first-timers

Historic, atmospheric, central · Best for first-timers · $$$

Why stay here

  • Walk to the cathedral, the market and La Lonja
  • Tapas bars on every corner

Watch out for

  • Can be noisy at night
  • Narrow streets with limited car access

Getting around: Walk; metro Xàtiva or Colón nearby

Hotels to look at

2. Eixample & Colón

Elegant, shops and cafés · Best for shopping and quieter nights · $$$

Why stay here

  • Quieter than the old town
  • Next to the Turia Garden

Watch out for

  • Fewer historic sights on the doorstep

Getting around: Metro Colón; a 10–15 min walk to the old town

Hotels to look at

3. Ruzafa

Trendy, food and nightlife · Best for foodies and couples · $$

Why stay here

  • Lots of restaurants and bars
  • Often cheaper apartments

Watch out for

  • Lively at night, especially at weekends

Getting around: Walk; about 15 min to Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Hotels to look at

4. City of Arts and Sciences

Modern, spacious · Best for families · $$

Why stay here

  • Next to the Oceanogràfic
  • Larger, modern hotels

Watch out for

  • Far from the old town

Getting around: Buses; a 30-minute walk through the Turia Garden to the old town

Hotels to look at

Hotel names are suggestions to start your search, not paid placements. Always check recent reviews, the exact location and the cancellation terms before you book.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Valencia for first-timers?

Ciutat Vella (Old Town). Walk to the cathedral, the market and La Lonja. The trade-off: can be noisy at night.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Valencia?

Ruzafa and City of Arts and Sciences usually offer the best value with good transport. Prices change a lot by date, so compare live prices.

Do you list exact hotel prices?

No. Hotel prices change daily with demand and events, so instead we show a relative price level and link to live prices for your dates.

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