My son is studying at Berklee College of Music's Valencia campus this Fall. We want to visit him and are unsure about the best neighborhood to stay in during our visit. I'd prefer to stay in the Old City, but am wondering if it would be more convenient to stay near the City of Arts and Sciences (Berklee Campus area). Does anyone know Valencia well and have suggestions? Thanks in advance! Melissa

We stayed near the City of Arts and Sciences last year when we visited Valencia. The hotel we stayed in was good, very modern...the Barcelo. However we did find the restaurant choices in the area more limited. We both agreed that staying in the old city centre would have been better. It is a nice walk from the old city to the City of Arts and Sciences area along the old river bed, now tuned into park and walkways. So if you enjoy walking you could stay in the city centre and walk, or take a taxi to see your son.

+1

Valencia is a rather compact city, I would stay close to the centre. I do not know how much of a walker you are (I certainly am), but I would easily be able to walk to the City of Arts and Sciences from say the Cathedral area. Not a short walk by any means, but not that long either (a few kilometres I suppose). Look on a map for the most direct route.

Alternately, taxis are plentiful and reasonable (rates). From memory (2 years ago), a ride from Plaza de la Reina to the City of Arts and Sciences was approximately 7 or 8 euros as I recall. Perhaps someone has more recent numbers.

Another vote for the old city.

My husband and I were in Valencia for four days in October 2016. We stayed in the historic Ciutat Vella (Old City) and caught the #95 bus just steps from Torres de Serranos (one of the 12 gates that formed part of the ancient city wall) to the City of Arts and Sciences. The bus also stops within two minutes walk from the Berklee College of Music.

Seems to me the bus took about 20 minutes to get there. Taxis were also cheap in Valencia, and it was easy to catch one from near the Cathedral. See this thread on TA:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTo...n_Country.html

Here's a link to a map of the Cituat Vella (for planning):
http://www.valencia-cityguide.com/im...p-old-town.pdf

The Old City is full of attractions (cathedral, plazas, central market, restaurants, shops, colorful murals/street art, charming architecture).