Where to stay

Stay near the most famous sights in Ciutat Vella, one of Europe's largest and best-preserved historic centers. Here, enchanting hotels give easy access to alfresco cafés, cobblestone streets, and notable architecture. Valencia's long Muslim heritage is apparent in the irrigation canals of the formerly agricultural Campanar neighborhood, where accommodations are mostly found in low-rise buildings with distinct Old-World charm. Get a room on the coast in El Cabanyal to discover Valencia's fishing town heritage. Also, a bustling beachfront means weekend parties are not uncommon.

There's more to Valencian food than paella; however, it's unlikely you'll get tired of this mouthwatering rice dish during your stay. Some of the city's best restaurants can be found near the Modernist hotels of Eixample. Stay in the Barrio del Carmen, in the northwestern part of the Ciutat Vella, where restaurants and bars operate out of eye-catching, colorful buildings. Near the Cathedral, accommodations in La Seu give access to many bars serving small, delectable snacks made from bread and various toppings, known as pinchos. Book a room in the recently revitalized Ruzafa to dine at some of the city's hippest restaurants, or go to Benimaclet for a welcoming multicultural atmosphere.

Many of Valencia's parks and public gardens are accessible from Camins al Grau, a neighborhood with a large number of hotels. Nearby parks include Gulliver Park, which features a giant play-sculpture inspired by Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels. Kids and adults will also love exploring Jardin del Turia, one of the largest urban parks in Spain. To stay nearby, book a hotel in Quatre Carreres. Alternatively, wind down after a day of sightseeing in the green spaces along the Turia River, then return to your accommodations in El Pla del Real.