Valencia is home to around around 800.000 inhabitants, all in which reside within 19 districts and 87 different boroughs of Valencia. Valencia is Spain’s third largest metropolitan area, with a population ranging from 1.7 to 2.5 million depending on how the metropolitan area is defined (Camp del Turia, Horta Oeste, Horta Nort, Horta Sur…).
Today, a little trip in one of the district of Valencia : Ciutat Vella is divided into 6 boroughs : El Carme, El Mercat, El Pilar, la Seu, la Xerea et Sant Francesc.
Before deciding on a particular borough, you must first decide what kind of amenities are most important for you when moving to Valencia. Do you want to rent an apartment in Valencia in a busier area with much going on and many things to do within walking distance or would you prefer a more quiet residential neighborhood ?
Each location offers many amenities including shopping, dining, nightlife and more. Each borough has it’s own feel and character.
El Carme :
El Carme is one of the neighborhoods of the Ciutat Vella district, the historic center of Valencia. This borough developed between the Muslim wall to the east and the Christian wall to the west. Many interesting monuments and buildings can be found in El Carme: the Torres de Quart, the Torres de Serranos, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), the church of the Carmen, or the painter’s house-museum José Benlliure. But the area is not only turned towards the past, it is also a very popular place for the youth of Valencia. Remains of the past, the streets are narrow, so it is difficult to park or circulate with a car. So, it’s therefore highly recommended to use public transport, especially the bus. Most of the schools in the district are located in this neighbourhood.
Benefits : Very lively neighborhood, there are many shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, terraces. A perfect neighbourhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Difficult to park there. The apartments are rather small. There are well renovated but expensive flats in relation to the surface. Noisy and festive during the weekend.
El Mercat :
El Mercat is the most central neighborhood of Ciutat Vella district. As the name suggests, it is the headquarters of the Central Market of Valencia. In the center of the neighborhood, right next to the market, there is the Lonja de la Seda, and the church Santos Juanes. And a few steps away, the original Plaza Redonda. It is a lively district, and the visit of the Central Market is a must, especially if you are gourmand. The streets are relatively narrow. Therefore it’s necessary to use the public transport : bus or metro (Àngel Guimerà).
Benefits : Very lively district, very well located, there are many shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, terraces. A perfect neighborhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Difficult to park there. The apartments are rather small, dark and expensive. Difficult to find a location for less than 500 €.
El Pilar :
El Pilar is located to the west of Ciutat Vella district. Formerly the district lived of the silk industry. The neighborhood is also called Velluters, in memory of the many silk craftsmen settled there (the velluters in Valencian). The layout of the neighborhood is less anarchic and more square than in the other boroughs of the district. There’s the church Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It is well served by public transport, mainly buses. The metro station Àngel Guimera is not too far away.
Benefits : Very well located, a stone’s throw from the city center, the botanical garden and the Turia. A haven of peace by comparison with El Carme. A perfect neighborhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Difficult to park there. The apartments are rather small, dark and expensive. Difficult to find a location for less than 500 €. Some places that deserve to be renovated.
La Seu :
La Seu is the oldest district of Valencia, is located in the north of the district. The neighborhood is considered as the political and spiritual center of Valencia. Valencia Cathedral (where the name comes from), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, the Santa Catalina Church, the Generalidad Palace and the Cortes Valencianas. The area is well served by the bus network and is not far from the Colón metro station.
Benefits : Great location. One of the most touristic areas of Valencia (Plaza de la Virgen). Much more quieter than El Carme. A perfect neighborhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Difficult to park there. Large apartments are rare and expensive. Difficult to find a location for less than 600 €.
La Xerea :
La Xerea is located to the east of Ciutat Vella district. Notable places include Santo Domingo Church, San Juan del Hospital Church, Glorieta Gardens, Parterre Park. The area is well served by the bus network, and there are two subway stations: Colón and Alameda. There are two schools: Escolania Ntra Sra Desamparados and the Privat Educational Center for children : CEIP EL SOLDADITO.
Benefits : Very close to the city center and the Turia. Much less festive than El Carme. A perfect neighborhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Difficult to park there. Large apartments are rare and expensive. Difficult to find a location for less than 500 €.
Sant Francesc :
Sant Francesc is the southern neighbourhood of the Ciutat Vella district. It is the largest and one of the most populated borough in the district. There are, inter alia : the Parque de la Cultura, the Ayuntamiento, the Theater, the MuVIM, the courthouse. The area is well served by the bus network, and there are three underground stations: Colón, Xàtiva and Àngel Guimerà. Only one school: IES Lluís Vives
Benefits : There are many shops, markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, terraces. A large green space with the Parque de la Cultura. A perfect neighborhood if you are single or a young couple.
Drawbacks : Very difficult to park there. Large apartments are rare and expensive. Quite impossible to find a location for less than 500 €.
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