Valencia is Spain's third largest city. Since COVID-19, it has been booming. Its quality of life, Mediterranean climate, natural and cultural heritage and real estate have made it the number 1 destination on the east coast. Our local experts take you on a tour of its most emblematic districts.
Historic districts: charm and culture
Ciutat Vella
The city has just under 19 districts and 90 neighborhoods. These include Ciutat Vella, the historic heart of Valencia, bordered by a medieval wall, the remains of which can be seen in the Quart and Serranos towers.
The "old town" in Valencian is home to 6 very different areas: El Carmen and its narrow streets, El Pilar, la Xerea, San Francesc, La Seu and El Mercat, home to the city's biggest market since the 1920s.
Under the gaze of Valencia's masterful cathedral, Ciutat Vella offers a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Modernist architecture, committed street art, local craft stores and the ever-increasing number of bicycle rental outlets.
A must-see!
- The Cathedral and the Micalet, its campanile, symbol of the city's historic center
- La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
- Central Market
- Torres de Serranos
- Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM)
- Street art in the alleyways
- The Portal de Valldigna, a vaulted porch that served as a gateway to the Muslim quarter in the 15th century.
Average price: €3,875/m².
Uptown: modernity and elegance
L'Eixample
L'Eixample de Valencia embraces the codes of Barcelona's eponymous district: Haussmannian style, buildings with character, space.
Built in the 19th century, it's a chic district structured around wide avenues, with elegant modern architecture, high-end boutiques and posh restaurants.
The Eixample is made up of the Gran Via residential area, Pla del Remei and Ruzafa, to which we'll return later.
A must-see!
- The Colón Market, housed in a brick-and-iron structure since 1916
- Calle Colón, ideal for afternoon shopping
- The bullfighting museum, located in a bullring that is still open to the public
- The stately buildings of Pla del Remei reflect the town's prosperity in the early 20th century.
Average price: €4,150/sq.m
El Pla del Real
El Pla del Real is an upscale residential district, much appreciated for its calm and, above all, its immediate proximity to the Turia and Viveros Gardens. The Turia is one of Europe's largest urban nature parks. It runs for over 9 kilometers through the city of Valencia, in the former dry riverbed of the Turia, which was responsible for the devastating flood of 1957.
El Pla del Real is home to the university district and the famous Mestalla soccer stadium, the pride of the city.
Until the 19th century, it housed the Royal Palace, which was destroyed during the War of Independence.
A must-see!
- Palais de la Musique, overlooking the Turia river
- Turia Gardens
- The Viveros gardens
Average price: €3,300/m².
Trendy neighborhoods
Ruzafa
Ruzafa (Russaffa in Valencian) is part of the Eixample, but deserves a spotlight. This former workers' haunt with its colorful facades has become the beating heart of Valencian nightlife. Its countless stalls, terraces, cocktail bars and karaoke bars come alive at dusk and stay busy until dawn. Ruzafa is also the epicenter of vintage fashion in the city. It's a hyphen between tradition and modernity.
A must-see!
- Ruzafa market
- Trendy bars and restaurants
- El Parque central, one of the city's green lungs
- Independent art galleries
Average price: €3,730/sq.m
El Cabanyal
This is the district that's enjoying a renaissance in Valencia: el Cabanyal. An old fishermen's district with pretty, colorful houses covered in Valencian ceramics, it is being revitalized by expatriates, seduced by its proximity to the beach, its authenticity and its unique architecture. Fashionable cafés and trendy restaurants have sprung up like mushrooms in recent years.
The Cabanyal feels like the streets of Havana, Cuba. The pace is slow, there's a scent of summer in the air all year round, the streets are bathed in sunshine, laundry hangs in the windows and the immense beaches are open to passers-by.
A must-see!
- Traditional colorful houses
- Malvarrosa Beach
- Cabanyal market
Average price: €2,800/sq.m
Family districts
The Saïdia
The advantage of the Saïdia district is that it borders the Turia River, at the level of Ciutat Vella. In other words, it's a 10-minute walk from the heart of Valencia, but much quieter and more residential, perfect for a well-balanced family life. It is becoming a benchmark for expatriates moving in with their children.
Things to see and do
- A stroll along the nearby Turia river.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, just a few minutes' walk away. A benchmark for Spanish painting. You'll find paintings by Velasquez, El Greco, Pieter Brueghel and Joaquin Sorolla, Valencia's emblematic painter.
Average price: €2,730/sq.m
Patraix
Patraix is derived from the Latin word for "stone". Locals consider it one of the city's best neighborhoods, as it has preserved its village soul. Here, people live as they used to, among themselves, with a strong sense of community. It's perfectly accessible from the center, very open, yet unspoilt, away from the hustle and bustle.
Things to see and do
- Drink a coffee in the Plaza de Patraix.
Average price: €2,330/sq.m
Valencia's modern district
Ciudad de las Artes
Ciudad de las Artes is the district that best symbolizes the modernity of the city of Valencia. Located in the Quatre Carrerres district, a large residential area stretching as far as the industrial port in the south of the city, it came into being late in the 90s with the design of this monumental neo-futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Raised from the Turia riverbed in 1998, it was designed by Santiago Calatrava, a native of the city.
A must-see!
- L'Oceanogràfic
- L'Hemisféric
- The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
- Príncipe Felipe Science Museum
- The Umbracle, a palm tree promenade featuring native plant species and covered by a series of 55 arches.
Average price: €3,000/m².
More outlying districts
Benimaclet
Benimaclet is an ancient village that was absorbed by the capital. Even today, it retains its small-town feel. Close to the city center, affordable and dynamic, it is popular with students, who have no trouble finding accommodation here.
A must-see!
- Place de Benimaclet
- Local bars and restaurants
- Urban gardens
Average price: €2,700/m².
El Saler
Located in the south of Valencia, in the Pobles del Sur district, El Saler is appreciated for its unspoilt beaches and its natural park, the Albufera. Rice fields, protected bird species, etc. This urban oasis is ideal for nature lovers.
Sunset boat trips are popular with families and visiting tourists, and restaurants serve paellas and typical dishes at all hours, such as all-i-pebre, an eel stew with paprika and chilli. No one has described the Albufera like Blasco Ibáñez in his pages.
A must-see!
- Natural beaches
- Albufera Natural Park
- Mediterranean pine forest
Average price: €2,800/m².
FAQ : Guide to Valence's neighborhoods
Which is Valencia's most historic district?
Ciutat Vella is the historic heart of Valencia, home to the main monuments and tourist attractions.
Where to find the best stores in Valencia?
The Eixample, especially Calle Colón, is the ideal district for high-end shopping.
Which district is Valencia's hippest?
Ruzafa is considered Valencia's hipster district, with its trendy bars, cafés and art galleries.
Where can you enjoy the beach in Valencia?
El Cabanyal offers direct access to Malvarrosa beach, while El Saler offers more natural beaches.
Which neighborhood is ideal for families living in Valencia?
El Pla del Real is popular with families because of its peacefulness and proximity to green spaces.
What's the best neighborhood for students in Valencia?
Benimaclet is popular with students for its youthful atmosphere and affordable rents.
Where can you discover street art in Valencia?
El Carmen is a district renowned for its committed street art and artistic atmosphere.
Which area of Valencia offers the best nightlife?
Ruzafa is known for its cocktail bars and lively nightlife.
Where can you discover nature around Valencia?
El Saler, with its Albufera nature park, offers a great nature getaway close to the city.
Sources: Wikipedia, Google maps, Idealista
