Neighborhood Spotlight — El Pla del Remei
El Pla del Remei is Eixample’s polished soul: wide, leafy boulevards,modernistafaçades, and a café culture that spills onto handsome sidewalks a few steps from the Turia Gardens. If your Valencia dream includes grand apartments, Saturday mornings at Mercado de Colón, and walk‑everywhere convenience, this is your bull’s‑eye.
Quick Facts & Maps
Parent District: Eixample (Ensanche)
Vibe: Elegant, refined, design‑forward
Transit: Colón (L3/L5/L9) & Alameda metros; dense bus network; bike lanes
Green Space: On the doorstep of Turia Gardens; bridges and playgrounds nearby
Housing: Grand early‑20th‑century apartments, high ceilings, balconies; many renovated with A/C and elevators
Noise Level: Moderate on main retail streets; quiet on side avenues
Good For: Car‑free living, families, professionals, architecture lovers
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Overview
El Pla del Remei sits between the Turia Gardens and Valencia’s prime shopping avenues, forming a seamless triangle of lifestyle perks: river‑park mornings, boutique browsing on Calle Colón, and late‑afternoon coffees under the iron‑and‑glass canopy of Mercado de Colón.
The urban plan is classic Eixample—orthogonal blocks, handsome portals, and tree‑lined streets that invite walking in every direction. Compared with Ruzafa’s artsy energy, El Pla del Remei feels more serene and polished, with elegant apartment buildings that have been steadily updated—think elevators, A/C, double glazing—while preserving original carpentry and mosaic floors.
Families choose the area for its walkability, playgrounds, and school access; professionals appreciate door‑to‑desk commutes by bike or metro; and design lovers come for the architecture and stay for the café culture. While rents and sale prices are among Valencia’s highest, the trade‑off is everyday ease: groceries, pharmacies, gyms, and specialty shops are all within a few blocks, and the Turia functions as your backyard.
A Deep Dive into History
El Pla del Remei emerged during Valencia’s early‑20th‑century expansion beyond medieval walls, when planners embraced a modern grid and a distinctive aesthetic. Developers commissioned leading architects to create residences with sculpted stonework, cast‑iron balconies, and light‑filled stairwells.
The adjacent Mercado de Colón (1916), a jewel of Valencian modernism, anchored daily life with produce stalls and cafés. Post‑war decades brought pragmatic infill and gradual modernization, but the neighborhood’s architectural DNA remained intact. Recent restorations and adaptive reuse projects have re‑centered the area as a showcase of Valencia’s golden design era—heritage façades outside, contemporary comforts within.
Why Expats Love El Pla del Remei
It delivers the “live beautifully, walk everywhere” promise. You’re minutes from the Turia, two metro stations, and one of the city’s most handsome markets. The streets feel safe and lived‑in rather than touristy, and the housing stock—while premium—offers generous layouts rare in newer builds. For expats balancing work, family, and an active social life, the neighborhood’s ease of movement and everyday treats (pastry stops, boutique browsing, playground meetups) are hard to beat.
Housing & Lifestyle
The typical home is a large apartment with high ceilings, French doors, and period detail. Many buildings now feature elevators and refurbished lobbies; interiors often blend original mosaic floors with open kitchens and climate control. Balconies are common and prized. Streets are lively during retail hours (especially around Calle Colón and Jorge Juan) and pleasantly quiet in the evenings on residential avenues. Expect premium pricing relative to other districts—Ruzafa included—but also superior finishes and square footage.Daily life revolves around Mercado de Colón, café terraces, and the Turia. If you enjoy morning runs, school walks, and meeting friends without a car, Remei will fit like a glove.
Getting Around
Colón (L3/L5/L9) and Alameda metros connect you to the airport and the metro spine; bus routes cover every axis; and cycling through the Turia is the fastest cross‑town option. Car ownership is optional, and garages—while available—are not essential for daily routines.
Food & Culture
From artisan bakeries and specialty coffee to fine dining, the area punches above its weight. Mercado de Colón hosts wine tastings, pastry counters, and restaurants in a stunning historic setting. Designer storefronts line Calle Colón, while galleries and theaters are a short stroll away. For indie culture, Ruzafa and El Carmen are minutes by bike.
Green Space & Leisure
With the Turia Gardens at your doorstep, you gain 9 km of continuous park: running tracks, bike lanes, playgrounds, skate parks, and open lawns. Bridges frame sunset walks, and weekend routines often include picnic blankets, scooters, and impromptu meetups. Boutique gyms, pilates, and yoga studios are abundant.
Schools
The central location is well served by concertado schools, and many international school buses stop nearby (Caxton, American School, British School). University corridors are reachable by metro and bike, making life simple for academic families.
History & Heritage
Remei’s heritage is written on its façades:modernistaornament, wrought‑iron balconies, and ceramics that speak to Valencia’s craft legacy. Inside, restored staircases and light wells preserve a century of urban living while adapting to modern needs. It’s living history, with daily errands as your tour route.
Insider Tip
If bedroom quiet is a priority, aim one block off Calle Colón or near the Turia. Upper floors capture golden light; ask about double glazing in period buildings.
Annual Events in El Pla del Remei
Las Fallas: Elegant street lighting and neighborhood monuments set a festive tone, with easy walks to Ruzafa’s headline displays. Mercado de Colón runs seasonal markets and gastronomy events year‑round; the Turia hosts races, concerts, and open‑air culture across the seasons.
Understanding the Eixample District
Eixample is Valencia’s classic grid, comprising Russafa (Ruzafa), El Pla del Remei, and La Gran Via. Ruzafa is creative and buzzy; Remei is refined and retail‑rich; Gran Via balances stately homes with a destination dining scene. Together, they form the city’s most walkable, design‑forward core.
Relocation Tips for Moving to El Pla del Remei
• Premium stock moves fast—prepare documentation to secure units.
• Verify elevator access and A/C; most buildings are historic but upgraded.
• Interior bedrooms or side streets reduce retail‑hour noise.
• Car‑free living is easy; garages are helpful but optional.
Similar Neighborhoods
Explore nearby or like‑minded areas: Ruzafa, La Gran Via (Cánovas), El Carmen.
Less Expensive Alternatives
Consider En Corts, Arrancapins, or Nou Moles for classic buildings and strong access at friendlier prices.
Useful Links
Thinking about relocating to Valencia? I can help you shortlist the right streets and buildings, line up visits, and handle the admin so you can just move in.— Amanda Chigbrow, LaVidalencia Relocation •@LaVidalencia•La Vidalencia on Facebook