There isn’t just one “gay neighborhood” in Valencia. Spain has lots of cities where there is a very clear LGBT-dominated area (like Madrid’s Chueca). But Valencia isn’t quite the same. So in this article, I’ll help all my fellow queer travelers get a better idea of what to expect in Valencia, Spain.
And don’t forget, if you have any questions or want to set up travel consultation, you can do so here:
The Best Neighborhoods for LGBT Travelers
Valencia doesn’t have the same reputation as Sitges or Madrid when it comes to the LGBT community.
And I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.
Instead of having one singular gay neighborhood, Valencia has smaller clusters sprinkled throughout the city.
So while you shouldn’t expect to see a massive party scene — you will have a very LGBT-friendly community. It’s normal to see the pride flag hanging from balconies and seeing lots of businesses with LGBT-friendly stickers.
But regardless, there are some neighborhoods that are a bit more known for their queer scene. Here’s where to go:
Russafa
Russafa is the sort of “hipster” neighborhood with trendy restaurants, community events, and all of the best bars.
So naturally, it’s become the unofficial heart of Valencia’s LGBTQ+ community.
It’s a really nice spot for LGBT travelers, as you’ll find most of the gay scene is centered around this area.
With a nice art scene, being close to the city center, and having a vibrant nightlife, it’s one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
(So make sure you book in advance! Here’s a guide on the top hotels in Russafa).
Pros
- Vibrant nightlife with several LGBTQ+ friendly venues within walking distance
- Strong sense of community
- Gorgeous architecture
- Close to the city center
Cons
- Can get quite noisy on weekend nights (or weekdays…)
- Public transport isn’t super great (but there is a bike lane)
- Definitely more expensive
El Botànic
This tiny neighborhood near the iconic Torres de Quart has quietly become one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly areas in Valencia. It’s also where me and my husband first lived when we moved to the city!
Even though it is small, there are several LGBT-owned bars and restaurants.
I always recommend it for travelers since it’s less than 5 minutes away from the city center, while still being away from the chaos. This means it’s quieter, more affordable, and still accessible.
So I definitely think it’s the best, but maybe I’m just a bit biased 💁
Pros
- Quieter, more “the local gays live here” area
- Beautiful, traditional architecture
- Very well-connected
- Some gay bars and restaurants
Cons
- Limited nightlife options
- Rising housing prices
- Can feel a bit too quiet if you’re looking for excitement
Benimaclet
This is by far the most progressive neighborhood in the city.
It’s a university area that is well known for its social movements, community events, and political activism.
And since it’s so progressive, naturally there are a lot of queer spaces. Even if there aren’t many exclusive “gay bars”, LGBT travelers can feel comfortable just about anywhere in this area. So naturally, it’s become its own type of gay neighborhood in Valencia.
But if you’re coming to Benimaclet, you absolutely need to learn some Valencian. It’s definitely the preferred language of the locals, especially within the queer community.
Pros
- Budget-friendly options for accommodations and dining
- Young, international crowd that’s naturally open-minded
- Midway to the beach and the city center
- Authentic feel
Cons
- Limited specific gay venues – more about general acceptance than dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces
- Can feel a bit more “run down” at times
- Definitely not touristic, more for locals
El Carme
The historic heart of Valencia’s old town, El Carme, has evolved into one of the most inclusive areas of the city.
While it attracts all kinds of tourists, Valencia over is a very accepting city. And of course, there are plenty of LGBT-friendly spaces in the medieval Ciutat Vella.
This is where part of the Pride festival takes place, as well as plenty of other events throughout the year. So while it isn’t necessarily an exclusively “gay neighborhood” in Valencia, there are still many LGBT-owned establishments.
Pros
- Unbeatable location in the heart of historic Valencia
- Unique atmosphere and central location
- Lots of great bars
Cons
- Definitely quite touristy at times
- Some areas can feel sketchy late at night (though generally safe)
- Noise from nearby bars and restaurants can be an issue for lodging
- Higher prices due to central location
More Gay Travel Resources for Valencia
Planning your LGBTQ+ adventure in Valencia? I’ve got you covered! I’ve got several resources to help you feel safe, enjoy your trip, and have a lovely time while in the city. My husband and I have lived here for years, and I’m always looking for ways to help other LGBTQIA+ travelers.
Here are a few resources:
Moving to Valencia? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to move to Spain. Get some very detailed information that I wish I knew earlier…
Looking for gay-friendly accommodations? Check out the gay travel guide to Valencia, which includes vetted LGBTQ+ friendly options in all the neighborhoods I’ve mentioned above.
Learn some travel phrases. Here are some quick travel expressions you need to know before coming here.
Need more LGBT resources? Make sure to contact LAMBDA. From support with sexual/mental health to overall community building, they’re a great place to look into.
Travel to Valencia
Valencia has surprised me every single day since I arrived in 2018. I’ve eventually made my home, partly due to how accepting the people here are (I come from a conservative, military, and southern city in the US 🙃).
So whether you’re just looking for some weekend fun in Russafa or you’re looking to become part of a progressive, gay neighborhood in Benimaclet — there is something here for everyone.
If you want some help planning out your adventure, don’t forget to reach out to book a travel consultation or private tour. Or subscribe to my newsletter to get weekly travel tips!
Bon viatge 🏳️🌈
Other Travel Resources:
Need more tips for visiting the city? Make sure to check these out:
Need help planning your trip to Valencia?
Here are the tools I use for the cheapest (and most reliable) vacation planning:
- 🏠Booking – Affordable hotels and apartments
- 🏠Hostel World – Safe and budget-friendly hostels
- ✈️Skyscanner – My favorite tool for cheap flights
- 🚗Discover Cars – Best place for car rentals
- 🚄Trainline – The easiest way to book local trains in advance
- 📶Airalo – eSim cards for easy internet access while traveling
- 🦺Safety Wing – The #1 travel medical insurance
- 💸Airhelp – Cancelled flight compensation (it’s free!)
- 💱Wise – Easiest low-fee way to transfer currency
- 🗂️ Your Spanish Visa – Move to Spain the easy way
Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These are links to services I personally recommend using for your trip to Valencia. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission from these brands if you choose to make a purchase. Your support helps me pay my bills and eat more bunyols!
