A Guide to Valencia's Neighbourhoods

Valencia manages with ease to blend the historic and the modern. It's a city that is moving forward and constantly looking to the future, yet remains respectful to its colourful past. This can be seen in the diversity and beauty of its many different districts and neighbourhoods.

Below you will find a guide to the various 'Barrios' or neighbourhoods in Valencia:

Russafa: This multicultural and vibrant neighbourhood was spawned from the site of the original Arabic gardens. You can still feel the vibe and energy of the old world as you stroll through this maze of markets, tea houses and modern restaurants. The heart of Russafa is the square around Doctor Landete which houses the San Valero church and the eclectic 70's style market.

Gran Via: This is a perfect example of old and modern living alongside each other. A lot of turn of the century art nouveau are visible in this zone. The area around Canovas is one of the most affluent yet peaceful districts of the city.

Monteolivete: This is a growing, sprawling part of Valencia that is presently set to see the next boom of construction and renovation. One of the most curious place in Monteolivete is the Museo Fallero, the museum that houses the amazing fallas sculptures of the past. The astonishing City of the Art and Sciences lies at the foot of the Monteolivete suburb.

Patraix: This suburb, which stretches to the west of the city, joined the main city of Valencia towards the end of the 19th century. This a is by far one of the most curious neighbourhoods of the city. Historically, Patraix was the home to both a public cemetery and a lunatic asylum. It was once home to legendary local artist Manuel Gago.

Campanar: This part of the city hugs the riverbed of the Turia and contains the commercial and business centres of Valencia. The wide Pio Xii avenue leading out of Campanar brings you to the business district of the Palacio de Congresos.

Benimaclet: This could be considered the bohemian of student enclave of Valencia. Its proximity to the university makes it the ideal place to rent good quality, cheap rooms and enjoy alternative restaurants and a heady student night life where the party moves from house to house throughout the year.

Benimamet: The name 'beni' is noticeable in so many place names in the Valencia region. It comes from the Arab influence of centuries past. Benidorm, Benicassim, Benicarlo, Benimaclet and Benimamet are just some such examples. Benimamet is really just a sleepy village that somehow got joined up to the main city when the metro line was put in. This was one the bourgeois area. Nowadays, the old 19th century houses and villas are hot property among residents and foreigners alike.