Barrio del Carmen

During the day Barrio del Carmen - or El Carme - is a traditional old part of the city and in the evening full of vibrant entertainment. This district is located in the northeast of the old town. Walk through the cosy streets and visit historical sights.

During the day you can stroll through the streets and enjoy the peace and quiet and the atmosphere. The Plaza del Carmen is the heart of this district with a fountain, orange trees and the Carmen Church. Next to it is the old Carmen Monastery, which has been transformed into a centre of art and culture, where changing exhibitions of modern art are held. It is affiliated with the Museo de Bellas Artes (see Turia Gardens). This old neighbourhood is rich in modern art, you will also find the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno on the street Guillem de Castro.

When you come back at night, the neighborhood has changed almost unrecognizably. That is to say: from around ten o'clock in the evening because the Spanish nightlife starts late. The central street Calle de Caballeros (between Plaza de la Virgin and Torres de Cuart) is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs. The streets of Calle Calatrava and Calle Bolseria are also very busy.

This is the district to discover the gastronomy of Valencia. Rice plays a central role in this. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, but there are also many other dishes with rice such as 'arros al forn': an oven dish with tomatoes, sausages, potatoes and chickpeas. All this can be washed away with an Aqua de Valencia, a mix of orange juice, Spanish sparkling wine and Cointreau.