Living in Valencia for a few months: a practical guide for newcomers
21/10/2025Living in Valencia for a few months: a practical guide for newcomers
Valencia, a city to stay
Moving to a new city for a few months can be a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to discover a place full of life and experiences. Valencia, Spain's third largest city, is a destination that captivates those who come for work, studies, personal projects, or simply want to experience something different for a while.
Its Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year , its wide cultural and culinary offerings , and its relaxed lifestyle are making it a popular choice for students, professionals, and digital nomads alike.
In this guide, we give you practical tips for settling in Valencia, integrating easily, and making the most of your time here.
Why choose Valencia for a temporary stay?
Valencia has the perfect combination of size, quality of life, and opportunities. It's not as large and expensive a city as Madrid or Barcelona, but it offers first-class infrastructure and services.
- Exceptional climate : mild winters, long summers and pleasant springs.
- Urban beaches : Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are just a few minutes from the center.
- Good connections : AVE (High Speed Train) to Madrid in less than two hours, international airport, and regional trains.
- Prestigious universities : Universitat de València, Universitat Politècnica de València, ESIC, CEU, among others.
- International environment : Valencia is gaining ground as a hub for startups, coworking spaces, and innovation spaces.
Recommended neighborhoods to live in for a few months
Choosing the right neighborhood will define your experience in the city. Here are some of the most popular:
- Ruzafa : multicultural, modern, and full of cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for students and young professionals.
- Campanar : residential, quiet, and well-connected. Perfect if you're looking for comfort, spaciousness, and street-level amenities.
- El Carmen : in the heart of the historic center, with a cultural atmosphere, monuments, and a lot of activity.
- Benimaclet : a neighborhood with a bohemian and university spirit, a mix of tradition and modernity.
- City of Arts and Sciences : a newer, more modern area with excellent transport links and iconic buildings.
How to get around Valencia
The city is designed to be experienced without the need for your own car:
- Metro and tram : 9 lines connecting to the airport, universities, outlying neighborhoods, and the beach.
- Bicycle : Valencia is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain, with more than 150 km of bike lanes and rental services like Valenbisi.
- EMT buses : a large network that connects every corner of the city.
- On foot : The historic center is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
Tip: If you're staying for several months, the SUMA card or the monthly EMT card are the most economical transportation options.
Gastronomy and local markets
Valencia is a paradise for lovers of good food:
- Paella and rice dishes : Authentic Valencian paella is a must, but don't forget to try variations such as oven-baked rice or senyoret rice.
- Municipal markets : the Central Market (one of the largest in Europe), Ruzafa and Colón are ideal for buying fresh produce.
- Tapas and local life : neighborhoods like Ruzafa, El Carmen, and Benimaclet are full of bars with lively terraces.
- Typical sweets : horchata with fartons in summer and pumpkin fritters during the festive season.
Social life, culture and leisure
Valencia offers plans for all tastes:
- Culture : IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art), the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palau de la Música offer constant programming.
- Festivals : Beyond the famous Fallas, you'll find concerts, music festivals, and local celebrations all year round.
- Outdoor spaces : The Turia Garden, with 9 km of green areas, is perfect for strolling or playing sports.
- Beaches : Malvarrosa, Patacona and El Saler are the best known, but you can also discover nearby coves in Alboraya or Cullera.
Practical tips for newcomers
- Registration : If you're staying for several months, registering on the census will make administrative procedures easier.
- Local SIM card : Companies such as Lowi, Simyo, and Digi offer affordable mobile plans.
- Coworking and networking : places like Wayco, Vortex, or Cowork Ruzafa are meeting points for professionals and digital nomads.
- International communities : Platforms like Meetup or Internations organize events to meet new people.
Monlar: your temporary home in Valencia
We know that moving to a new city for a few months can be exciting, but also challenging. At Monlar, we want you to feel at home from day one, offering flexible and comfortable accommodations tailored to your lifestyle.
- Monlar Campanar : perfect for those looking for a peaceful setting, with spacious areas and nearby services.
- Monlar Ruzafa : ideal for those who prefer a dynamic, cultural neighborhood full of social life.
Our goal is simple: for you to enjoy Valencia without complications and with all the comforts of a real home.
Discover our mid-stay accommodations and begin your Valencia experience with Monlar.