Valencia is a city of contrasts: a historic centre with more than 2,000 years of history, neighbourhoods with their own distinctive character, former industrial and maritime areas, kilometres of beaches and vast natural spaces just a short distance from the city centre.

If you are thinking of visiting Valencia, we suggest a journey through some of its most representative neighbourhoods and areas to discover the city, its history, its gastronomy and its close relationship with the sea and the surrounding huerta.

The historic centre, the Ensanche and Ruzafa

The heart of Valencia lies in Ciutat Vella, the oldest part of the city and the place where its history began more than 2,000 years ago. Walking through its streets means stepping into one of Europe’s richest historic centres, where centuries of history coexist with a lively commercial and gastronomic scene.

In this area, you will find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Silk Exchange, Valencia Cathedral and the Holy Chalice, the Serranos Towers, the Central Market, the Church of San Nicolás and Valencia City Hall.

Next to the historic centre lies the Ensanche, an elegant district known for its shopping and dining options. Its streets are also home to Ruzafa, one of Valencia’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, well known for its creative and multicultural atmosphere.

The Turia Garden, Valencia’s great green space

The former riverbed of the Turia River is now one of Valencia’s most unique spaces. During the 1970s, the dry riverbed was transformed through an innovative architectural and urban planning project into a linear park stretching for more than 9 kilometres across the city from west to east.

The Turia Garden acts as a true green backbone for Valencia, linking some of its major attractions and architectural landmarks, from Bioparc and Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences.

It is the perfect place for walking, cycling or exercising, as well as enjoying its children’s playgrounds, sports facilities and various cultural spaces. Along the route, you will also come across 18 bridges from different periods and architectural styles, reflecting the city’s history.

Its transformation into one of Valencia’s major urban green spaces was also one of the factors that contributed to the city being named European Green Capital in 2024.

El Cabanyal, the beaches and Valencia Marina

Valencia has a close relationship with the sea, and its maritime roots are still very much present in some of its neighbourhoods. One of the best examples is El Cabanyal, a former fishing district located next to the coast that has preserved much of its traditional character in its streets and distinctive houses with façades decorated with colourful tiles.

Alongside it stretches Valencia’s coastline, with three urban beaches located very close to the city centre: Cabanyal Beach, Malvarrosa Beach and Patacona Beach. Kilometres of fine sand make it possible to combine a cultural visit to the city with time to relax by the sea.

Valencia Marina completes this journey along the coast, in an area closely linked to the city’s maritime tradition and now also one of its main meeting and leisure spots.

L’Albufera and the Valencian huerta

Around 10 kilometres from Valencia city centre lies a completely different landscape: L’Albufera Natural Park, one of the most important wetlands in the Valencian Community.

The park is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from marshlands and Mediterranean forests to unspoilt beaches, and provides a habitat for more than 300 species of birds, including several endemic and threatened species. Its environmental importance has led to its inclusion in protected areas such as the Natura 2000 Network, as well as its recognition as a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).

At the heart of this landscape lies its large freshwater lake, surrounded by rice fields where one of the agricultural traditions most closely linked to Valencian identity is still maintained: rice cultivation. The fishing tradition also continues in the waters of L’Albufera.

Next to the park stretches the Valencian huerta, an agricultural landscape closely connected to the city’s gastronomy and culture. This is where the roots of some of Valencia’s most representative products and culinary traditions can be found, including the rice used as the basis for one of its most internationally recognised dishes: paella.

Book your stay in Valencia

If you would like to explore all these areas during your stay, Intelier Hotels & Suites offers two accommodation options in Valencia, both ideal bases for discovering the city and its different neighbourhoods.

Hotel Malvarrosa Plaza by Intelier is located in the Malvarrosa neighbourhood, just a few minutes from the beach and the city’s seafront promenade. Its rooms and suites, with capacity for four or six guests, offer all the comforts you need for a Mediterranean seaside getaway, including a swimming pool, terrace and gym.

Core Suites Valencia Apartments are located on Avenida de Francia, very close to the City of Arts and Sciences. They offer apartments with one or two bedrooms, a bathroom, an open-plan kitchen leading onto a spacious living room, and a balcony or terrace, as well as a rooftop swimming pool with views over the city.

Book your stay with Intelier Hotels & Suites now and come and discover everything Valencia has to offer!