El Pla del Real is often overlooked by newcomers focused on trendier districts like Ruzafa or Carmen. But for those who take a closer look, it reveals something rare in a city center: a blend of refined calm, prestigious institutions, and a lived-in elegance that stretches from family homes to leafy university campuses. Located just north of the Turia riverbed, this district brings together four diverse neighborhoods: Mestalla, Exposició, Jaume Roig, and Ciudad Universitaria. Each contributes to a unique mix of residential charm, cultural depth, and educational vitality.

Mestalla: Where Everyday Life Meets Football Fervor

Mestalla carries the name of Valencia’s iconic football stadium, and yes, game days bring a burst of noise and celebration. But for the rest of the week, this area is a surprisingly balanced and residential part of the city. Families live alongside sports fans, and retirees enjoy their coffee in shaded terraces just a few blocks from the stadium.

The Buildings and Streets
Expect a mix of post-war and mid-century apartment buildings, many with wide balconies and natural light. Newer developments have introduced more luxury flats into the area, offering comfort without showiness. The apartments here usually range between 80 and 150 m², often renovated to accommodate modern lifestyles.

The Atmosphere
Mestalla is close to the Turia Gardens, giving residents access to Valencia’s green artery. Supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, and bakeries are scattered through its quiet streets, while bus and metro lines connect easily to the city center and the beach. For those who enjoy city living but want a slightly slower rhythm, Mestalla offers just that.

– Pros: Central yet relaxed, close to parks and services, walkable.
– Cons: Traffic and noise on match days can be a drawback for some.

Exposició: Cultural Grandeur with Historic Roots

Exposició feels older, grander. It’s a neighborhood where palatial buildings and wide sidewalks offer a more traditional urban landscape. One of its icons is the Westin 5* Hotel, a former palace turned into a luxury hotel, surrounded by elegant facades and well-maintained historical homes.

Architecture and Daily Life
Buildings here tend to be 100 to 200 m², featuring high ceilings, classic moldings, and terraces overlooking courtyards or tree-lined avenues. Many apartments still retain original elements, giving a sense of living in a space with memory.

Leisure and Lifestyle
Exposició is close to Palau de la Música, the Jardines del Real, and the Turia riverbed, offering daily contact with greenery and culture. Art exhibitions, classical concerts, and seasonal festivals bring a steady cultural rhythm to the area. It’s well-suited for retirees, professionals, and families who appreciate architectural detail and a quiet but cultured environment.

– Pros: Beautiful architecture, cultural venues, green access.
– Cons: Higher real estate prices and limited availability.

Jaume Roig: Discreet Prestige in a Residential Enclave

If you are looking for a quieter life without leaving the city, Jaume Roig offers that rare suburban-in-the-city experience. The area is mostly residential, with spacious apartments and a few gated communities tucked into leafy streets.

What to Expect
Apartments and houses here are often between 100 and 250 m², many with private parking, gardens, or even swimming pools. The buildings are low-rise and modernist in style, and many have been updated with modern kitchens and energy-efficient features.

Why People Choose It
Families particularly appreciate Jaume Roig’s proximity to medical centers, green spaces, and some of the city’s most respected schools. There’s little nightlife, but plenty of peace. The pace of life here feels intentional, shaped by daily routines rather than tourist flows.

– Pros: Quiet, family-oriented, premium residential stock.
– Cons: Limited cultural or social venues; relies more on nearby neighborhoods.

Ciudad Universitaria: Academic Energy and Urban Mobility

Stretching along Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, Ciudad Universitaria is unmistakably academic. The area is full of students, professors, researchers, and administrative staff. This is the home of some of the most prominent faculties of the University of Valencia, and the energy is palpable.

Property Landscape
Most properties here are functional and affordable, with apartments typically between 60 and 100 m². Many buildings are geared toward student living, including co-living spaces, residences with shared amenities, and simple flats with fast access to transit.

Lifestyle Snapshot
It’s not a quiet zone—expect nightlife, busy cafes, and a youthful feel. That said, it’s well-connected by metro and bike lanes, and you can easily reach the Malvarrosa beach or the city center in under 15 minutes. For young expats or digital nomads, it’s a good place to start.

– Pros: Affordable, vibrant, excellent transport.
– Cons: Noise, transient population.

Private and International Schools Near El Pla del Real

The presence of the university isn’t the only academic draw. El Pla del Real is also conveniently located near several respected private and international schools, making it a smart choice for families looking to combine culture and education.

• Cambridge House Community College and Caxton College are both within easy reach by car or school transport, and they follow the British curriculum.
• Liceo Francés de Valence, offering a French curriculum, is just west of the district, in close proximity to Exposició and Jaume Roig.
• Spanish private schools like El Pilar and Colegio Guadalaviar are also within commuting distance and offer bilingual programs with strong academic reputations.

Many of these schools offer bus services with stops throughout Pla del Real. Thanks to the district’s layout and infrastructure, the school run is generally stress-free, whether by car, bike, or public transport.

Why Live in El Pla del Real?

El Pla del Real may not shout for attention, but it doesn’t need to. Its strengths lie in its balance: between history and modernity, culture and calm, education and elegance. You can live here without the rush, yet stay connected to everything that matters.

For expat families, the proximity to international schools, parks, and medical facilities is a clear advantage. For retirees, Exposició and Jaume Roig offer serenity and cultural life without needing a car. And for students or professionals, Ciudad Universitaria and Mestalla offer practical, well-located housing options.

Let Us Help You Explore El Pla del Real

At Livin’Valencia, we help you look beyond the surface. Whether you’re considering a family move, an academic relocation, or a retirement lifestyle, we guide you through each step of discovering the district that matches your rhythm and your needs.

→ Book a free video consultation today and discover how El Pla del Real could become your home in Valencia.