Levante UD Matchday Guide: The Granotes, Valencia’s Oldest Club and the Ciutat de València

An honest, down-to-earth football day with a giant-killing streak. The Ciutat de València is a modest, no-frills ground in the working-class Orriols district on the northern edge of the city, and its charm lies in its authenticity rather than any grandeur. Levante’s fans are loyal and know their team’s role as the plucky underdog, so there’s real joy when the big clubs come to town and get a fright — and they often have. Recent renovations covered all the stands, mainly to shield fans from the Valencian sun rather than rain. The atmosphere builds from behind the goals, and while it lacks the intimidation of the giants, it makes up for it in character. Expect a warm, unpretentious matchday.

This is one of the easiest grounds to reach in Spain. Tram line 6 stops right in front of the main entrance — the stop is aptly named Estadi del Llevant — dropping you at the door, while the Metro station Machado (lines 3 and 9) is about a 10-minute walk away. The stadium sits on the northern edge of Valencia, so it’s accessible by car too, though parking can be a challenge on matchdays. Given the tram runs to the entrance, public transport is far and away the simplest option. Our getting around Valencia guide has the tram and metro details.

Orriols is a residential, working-class district rather than a nightlife hub, so the pre-match is a local affair. Bar Avenida on Carrer de Santiago Rusiñol is the classic Levante haunt — run by genuine fans and just two minutes from the ground — and there are other small local bars nearby serving beer and tapas. Many visitors build the day in central Valencia, one of Spain’s most beautiful and enjoyable cities, before riding the tram up to Orriols. It’s an authentic, neighbourhood build-up far from the tourist trail. Our Valencia sports bars guide points you to Bar Avenida and the best of the central options.

Payment is card and phone only. The Ciutat de València is comfortable and now fully covered, but it wears its modesty proudly — this is a genuine old-school football ground rather than a showpiece. It has two lovely quirks worth knowing. First, look at the Gol Orriols end: two sections have a couple of rows fewer than the rest, because a landowner — said to be a Valencia CF fan — refused to sell his plot when the stadium was built, leaving a permanent notch. Second, the squad makes an annual pilgrimage to the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados to pray for another season without relegation worries. For atmosphere, aim for the ends; the ground is compact enough that every seat is close.

Levante rarely sell out, which is perfect for visitors — tickets for most La Liga games can be bought through the official club website, at the stadium box office from two hours before kickoff, or at the fan stores in the city, often right up to matchday. Prices are typical for the lower half of La Liga, which is to say not dirt cheap but reasonable, and the biggest fixtures against Valencia’s more famous clubs and the visits of Madrid and Barcelona draw the strongest demand, sometimes requiring membership or loyalty points. Entry is by digital ticket. Our Levante tickets guide walks through the official sale and the box-office option.

Getting away is simple thanks to the tram at the door and the nearby metro, which clear the modest crowd quickly and drop you back into central Valencia in minutes. That’s where most visitors head for the evening — the city’s old town, the Barrio del Carmen and the countless bars and restaurants make for a superb night out, and a plate of authentic paella (Valencia’s own dish) is a fitting way to round off the day. If you’re staying over, a central Valencia base keeps you close to everything and a short tram ride from the ground; our Valencia hotels guide covers the best-placed options.

Ride tram line 6 — it stops right outside the main entrance at Estadi del Llevant, the easiest way in and out.

Start at Bar Avenida — the classic fans’ bar is two minutes from the ground and run by real Levante supporters.

Spot the notched stand — the Gol Orriols end’s missing rows are the result of a farmer who wouldn’t sell his land.

Base yourself in the centre — central Valencia has the better scene, and the tram links you straight up to Orriols.

Buy on the day if you like — Levante rarely sell out, so tickets are easy except for the biggest fixtures.

Enjoy the underdog spirit — this is Valencia’s oldest club and a proven giant-killer, so savour the character.

Facts verified July 2026. Capacities and ticketing can change between seasons — confirm the latest details on the official Levante UD website before you travel.