The Best Areas to Stay in Murcia, Spain
The Best Areas to Stay in Murcia, Spain

Best Areas to Stay in Murcia, Spain

Where to Stay in Murcia – A Guide to the Capital of the Region of Murcia

Murcia is a city located in the southeast of Spain. Capital of the namesake province and autonomous community, the city of Murcia is located next to the Segura river and is famous its university, its beautiful Baroque cathedral, its historic centre and its museums . In this article, we will explore the best areas to stay in Murcia, Spain.


Why you should visit Murcia

Founded in 825 by the Emir of Córdoba Abd ar-Rahman II with the name of Mursiyah, Murcia is currently the seventh-most important city in Spain by population and an important economic, agricultural, university and transport centre in the Spanish southeast.

The main historical attractions in Murcia are scattered around its beautiful historic city centre. At its heart, the Plaza Cardenal Belluga is the town’s architectural masterpiece, home to its imposing cathedral; a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles, and the colorful Episcopal Palace; which contrast with the modern annex of the City Hall by renowned architect Rafael Moneo. Find accommodation in Murcia’s Centro Histórico.

The Huerta de Murcia region is called “the garden of Europe” thanks to its long agricultural tradition and its production of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Murcia is also famous for its university. The University of Murcia is the largest in the Region of Murcia and the third oldest university in Spain (after Salamanca and Valladolid) and the thirteenth in the world. Find accommodation around La Merced Campus.


When to visit Murcia

Due to its location in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Murcia has a warm semi-arid climate. As an inland city, Murcia’s summer are very warm, with average temperatures ranging between 21 and 35 ºC. On the other hand, winters are mild, with temperatures that rarely drop below 5ºC and can reach 17ºC. The best time to travel to Murcia is the spring (between April and June) and the autumn (between September and December). During these seasons, the city’s temperatures are pleasant and allow for outdoor activities without the oppressive summer heat..


Getting there and around

You can fly to Murcia via the Aeropuerto Internacional Región de Murcia (RMU). Located about 25 kilometres south of the city center, in the town of Corvera, this newly opened airport offers domestic flights and European connections to the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France and Scandinavia.

Murcia is also connected by train. Several long-distance lines link the city with Madrid through Albacete, as well as Valencia, Catalonia and Montpellier in France. Murcia also offers regional lines to Cartagena, Valencia and Zaragoza. See train schedules, routes and fares.

Additionally, Murcia has a network of commuter trains. Line C-1 connects the city with Alicante and line C-2 connects Murcia with Alcantarilla, Lorca and Águilas. To move around the city, Murcia has a tram system, a network of urban buses, car rental offices, taxis and mobile apps like Uber and Cabify.


Where to stay in Murcia

The best area to stay in Murcia is the Historic City Centre. Murcia’s Old Town is home to the main museums, historical and cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife and food scene and some of the best hotels in the city. Find Accommodation in Murcia’s Historic City Centre.

Other excellent areas to consider when choosing the best areas for tourists in Murcia include around the train station, La Merced Campus and North Murcia.

Keep on reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Murcia, Spain.

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The Best Areas to Stay in Murcia City

Murcia’s historic city centre is located north of the Segura River.

This ancient area has the typical layout of the Arab medinas; a tangle of narrow winding streets lined with historic buildings that lead to beautiful squares.

At its heart, the Plaza Cardenal Belluga concentrates some of Murcia’s most representative landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa María, the Episcopal Palace or the Annex Building from the Town Hall, a landmark by renowned architect Rafael Moneo.

The nearby Glorieta de España is home to important buildings such as the Town Hall and the Episcopal Palace of Murcia.

The Monastery of Santa Clara la Real was built between the 15th and 18th centuries on the remains of the al-Qasr al-Sagir (the city’s Alcázar), a 13th-century Arab palace.

Other notable squares in the historic centre of Murcia are the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the Plaza de Julián Romea, the Plaza de Santa Catalina and the Plaza de las Flores; the main leisure and food area in the city.

The historic centre of Murcia is compact enough to explore on foot and has different urban bus lines. Murcia’s train station is located in the nearby neighbourhood of El Carmen, on the south bank of the Segura River.

The accommodation offer in the centre of Murcia is the most varied in the city. Here, you can find everything from cheap accommodation to the most luxurious boutique hotels and tourist apartments.

The best area to stay in Murcia city - Historic Centre
The best area to stay in Murcia city – Historic Centre
Where to stay in Murcia - City Centre
Where to stay in Murcia – City Centre
Best location for tourists in Murcia - Historic Centre
Best location for tourists in Murcia – Historic Centre
Accommodation in Murcia's Historic City Centre – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Murcia’s Historic City Centre – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Murcia:

  • Historical attractions
  • Murcia Cathedral
  • Museums and cultural attractions
  • Wide variety of accommodation

2. Around Murcia Train Station & Barrio de El Carmen

The El Carmen neighbourhood is located on the south bank of the Segura River, very close to the Old Town.

This area, the most populated in the city, is popularly known simply as “El Barrio”.

Developed in the 18th century to decongest the city centre, this area has wide avenues, a bullring, the Parador del Rey and the old Matadero.

El Carmen is also the place where Murcia’s main railway station is located. This rectangular-based building with two floors and an eclectic style offers several long-distance services to national destinations such as Albacete, Madrid, Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona and Barcelona.

The two commuter train lines (to Alicante and Lorca) also converge at this station.

Thanks to its excellent transport connections, El Carmen is the best area to stay in Murcia for travellers in transit or those touring the Spanish Levante.

Best districts to stay in Murcia - Barrio del Carmen & Murcia Station
Best districts to stay in Murcia – Barrio del Carmen & Murcia Station
Accommodation near Murcia Train Station – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area
Accommodation near Murcia Train Station – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area

3. University of Murcia’s La Merced Campus

The Campus de la Merced of the University of Murcia is located east of the historic city centre of the Murcian capital.

Campus de la Merced houses the university’s oldest faculties, in addition to the Antonio de Nebrija Library, the Paraninfo, an office of the University Information Centre and several museums.

Many of the buildings on the UM campus were built in 1915 in an eclectic style. The nearby Museo de Bellas Artes de Murcia exhibits a wide variety of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with temporary exhibits.

The Murcia Archaeological Museum has permanent and temporary exhibits of local finds from prehistory to the Bronze Age.

Additionally, several local art galleries located around the university offer modern art exhibitions.

Best neighbourhoods to stay in Murcia, Spain - Around La Merced Campus (Campus de La Merced)
Best neighbourhoods to stay in Murcia, Spain – Around La Merced Campus (Campus de La Merced)
Accommodation near University of Murcia – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area
Accommodation near University of Murcia – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area

4. North Murcia

The north of Murcia is considered the new financial district of the city.

This modern area is characterised by its wide streets and modern office buildings and business centres.

The north of the city is also home to the Espinardo Campus of the University of Murcia. This modern university city houses most of the faculties of the main Murcian university.

The north of Murcia is very well-connected to the city centre by the tram system, which offers numerous stations on the university campus and along Avenida Juan Carlos I to the old town of Murcia.

As it is a university and business area, the north of Murcia offers a large number of modern hotels by renowned Spanish and international chains.

Best areas to stay in Murcia city - North Murcia
Best areas to stay in Murcia city – North Murcia
Accommodation in North Murcia – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in North Murcia – Click on the map to see all the available accommodation in this area

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|ES| Dónde alojarse en Murcia, España.