Valencia is a vibrant city throughout the year, but during Fallas, it becomes even more lively. In this section of Experience Fallas Valencia, we provide you with a guide to help you decide where to stay in this Mediterranean city during its biggest celebrations. Looking for the best location? The best value for money? Or are you more interested in authenticity? You’ve come to the right place!

In general, Valencia is a very safe city. It’s even considered the best city in the world to live in. Fallas is its big festival, so don’t think everything is concentrated in the city center. The fallas monuments—what is called ‘Falla’ and gives the name to the festival—and the ‘casales’—spaces where the falleros, the participants of the festival, gather—are spread throughout all the neighborhoods of the city and even some other municipalities in the province.

However, there is one thing certain: in the city of Valencia is where there are more Fallas per inhabitant, with more budget and larger ones. This last, especially, in the city center. This also translates into people’s flow: closer to the center, more people, a lot of people. Normally the days of more influx are the 18th and 19th, before they are burned, and at certain times it is even difficult to walk in the center.

Therefore, from the team of Experience Fallas Valencia, we do not consider that there is an absolute best area to stay in Valencia during the Fallas. Everything will depend on the travel style you are looking for, and that’s what we’re going to try to resolve next.

City areas to stay in Valencia during Fallas

Let’s explore what different areas of the city have to offer for accommodation during the festival.

Best Area for First-Time Visitors: Ciutat Vella

If you want to be in the center of the action, the hustle, and bustle, and the gastronomy, look no further: you should stay in the city center. Specifically, in the district called Ciutat Vella.

In this district, you will find what you are looking for: from budget accommodations with shared beds to high-quality hotels. It’s the area with the highest influx of people, locals, but especially tourists.

It contains the old town of Valencia, a city with more than 2,000 years of history, so in addition to elements of the main festival, you will have a multitude of historical monuments to visit nearby.

Best Areas for Nightlife: El Carme and Russafa

El Carme

El Carme or ‘El Carmen’ in Spanish is a neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district. We highlight it for two main reasons. First, it is the authentic old town of Valencia, with the oldest buildings and vestiges from centuries ago, such as the remains of the Muslim wall or the Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano. Second: because it is one of the main party areas. If you are looking to have fun between fallas, this is your area.

Russafa

It is also worth noting the area of Russafa —Ruzafa in Spanish—, a neighborhood very close to the center where you will find several special category Fallas —the largest and with the highest budget—. It is also an area with great activity throughout the day.

Best Areas for a Local Fallas Atmosphere

Another option is to go to neighborhoods that, although they are close to the center —even walking distance—, escape from the hustle and bustle. They are traditional neighborhoods of Valencia, with fallas closer to the original spirit of the festival: more fallas, almost one on every street, but smaller and with fewer people. Some decide to invest more in mascletàs or fireworks, the fallero monument, or even the party. In any case, Fallas in its pure essence: a popular festival self-governed by the falleros.

The districts closest to the center that will provide you with a very good reception are Extramurs or Pla del Reial. But undoubtedly, there are slightly more distant options that, although remaining within the range of 20-30 minutes walking from the center —a very attractive option during Fallas, as there are always fallas monuments to see along the way—, have good public transport connections. This is the case of Nou Moles, Patraix, Jesús, Camins al Grau, and some areas of Saïdia.

Other alternatives: Timeless touristy Valencia

In addition to these areas, we have others that, although they are not the most sought after during Fallas for being slightly further from the center, are totally valid. These are areas that, at other times of the year, are highly coveted for their particular attractions.

Best Area for a Beach and Fallas Stay: El Cabanyal – Canyamelar

Valencia’s seaside neighborhood, at the gates of its most famous beach, La Malvarrosa. In the Fallas context, here we will find the same authenticity as in neighborhoods like Patraix, but with fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere. We can enjoy the commonly called ‘neighborhood Fallas’, iconic bars and restaurants of Valencian gastronomy, and the proximity of the sea, which, if the weather is good, is enjoyable even in March.

This area has an extra bonus: the beach. València is a city where, in March, you might wake up to heavy rain, but just a few hours later or the next day, the sun could be shining, perfect for a beach day. Keep that in mind! You might want to pack your swimsuit!

P.S: Don’t worry, with public transport, you’ll be in the city center in the blink of an eye.

Best Area for Fireworks: Quatre Carreres and Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

Actually, this neighborhood is called Quatre Carreres, but the imposing figure of the huge white buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences takes center stage. It is one of the newest areas of Valencia, with a more relaxed Fallas atmosphere, but with a multitude of businesses and high-level hotels.

However, it has a clear advantage in terms of Fallas. It is in this area, specifically next to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, where the main fireworks of the festival are launched. You can’t miss them, especially La Nit del Foc. We promise you will be impressed.

Best Area for a Young Local Atmosphere: Benimaclet

Benimaclet is Valencia’s student district, very close to the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Valencia. It also offers a traditional Fallas atmosphere, more relaxed than in the center but authentic, as well as a youthful vibe and good leisure options. A metro station to move around the city, a young atmosphere, parties, gastronomy… It could be the right area for your staying!