Best bars in El Carmen, Valencia – 2024 Update
I’m sure I’ve still got a few places to find, but I already know that many of the best bars in Valencia are in the El Carmen area. You can do as I did and just wander around until somewhere takes you fancy, or if you want to get straight to one of the best places, read on for my top drinking holes in the Old Town.
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Where are the best bars in Valencia’s Old Town?
El Carmen is part of Valencia’s Old Town, and it’s built like a labyrinth. Perfectly designed to get you lost and stumbling into a new bar that somehow you’ve never even seen before.
There are loads of bars in El Camen, I’m sure I’ve missed plenty of them, but for now, here’s my list of the ones you need to find:
Cafe Negrito – The famous late-night bars in El Carmen
With a huge terrace, great music and even better cocktails this place is a must if you’re in Valencia. It’s open until 3:30 am every day. So even if you get lost or distracted on the way you should have plenty of time for a Negrito or two. Do whatever you have to do to get a table here on a Friday or Saturday. You’ll love it!
Address: Plaça del Negret, 1, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 16:00 to 03:30
Beer & Travels – The best bar for world beers
I’ve got a soft spot for anywhere that can offer me a pint of Guinness 8%. I didn’t even know such a thing existed outside of Nigeria. This is probably the best bar in Valencia for world beers. They have tons on tap and millions more in bottles, and all the right glasses to go with them. It’s not the cheapest bar in El Carmen but you’re not here for an Estrella double!
Address: Pl. de Manises, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 12:00 to 01:00
Immortal – El Carmen’s rock bar
El Carmen’s rock bar and it’s probably the best rock bar in Valencia. The decor will have you feeling like you’re inside Alice Cooper’s living room around the Halloween season. If you get bored of El Carmen’s sunny terraces and accordion players, head to Immortal and recharge your dark side.
Address: C/ de St. Donís, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 16:00 to 02:00
Bar & Kitchen – Best for a classy lunch
This one makes the list mainly because of its location. I only ended up here because my richer, classier landlord chose it as a meeting place. It’s just a few steps away from the main foot traffic but you’ll quickly find yourself in beautiful surroundings.
Hidden away in a small square, walled by tapas bars, boutique shops and some kind of alternative library (I didn’t feel confident with my Spanish or general coolness level to venture in that day). The sun still towers over the whole thing too, giving you a true taste of a famous lazy Spanish lunch.
Address: Plaça d’Ibanyes, 7, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 09:00 to 00:00
Restaurante El Botijo – Best tapas bar
If you find yourself a bit peckish and wanting some traditional Valencian tapas to accompany your cerveza then you can’t do much better than El Botijo. If the locals are cramming into every possible space you know there must be something special about it. Chances are you’ll struggle to get a table. But it’s worth the risk because there’s a similar place next door that has a huge terrace so you won’t be too disappointed.
Address: C/ de St. Miquel, 14, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 09:00 to 12:00 (Closed on Mondays)
The Lounge – Best bar for live sport
Here we have our first British pub / Irish bar on the list. It’s probably the best place on the list to watch a football match in El Carmen. So if you’re craving a Guinness or need to watch an important match head here.
There aren’t many sports bars in El Carmen. So if there’s a big match you need to watch, get there early and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere and free tapas!
Address: C/ de l’Estamenyeria Vella, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain
Opening hours: 18:00 to 02:00 on weekdays, 11:00 to 02:00 on weekends.
There you have it, the best bars in El Carmen Valencia in 2024
Just like with my other recommendations of the best bars in Russafa and Benimaclet there are tons of other places worthy of mention, but checking these ones out will give you a range of what’s on offer.
No doubt you’ll find your own contenders to the crown of what is the best bar in El Carmen, Valencia, and wonder how I missed them off my list. The truth is it’s a mix of luck and timing whether you can even get a seat at any of the more popular bars. Especially the more traditional ones, but the beauty is, that even if plan A fails, you’ve easily still got 25 more options in this neighbourhood. Barrio del Carmen, as the locals call it, is a maze of bars, restaurants and boutiques that you’ll happily get lost in time and time again.
If you feel like I missed an obvious choice and want to give it the credit it deserves I’d love to hear your opinion about the best bar in El Carmen. And then I’ll just have to go and check it out!
Looking for some ideas for things to do in Valencia?
If you’re wondering what else you should be doing in and around Valencia, may I push you in the direction of Get Your Guide. These guys are the best place for all of the available tours and trips on offer. You can book safely and securely online, and if you change your mind you can even get a full refund if you give them enough notice. So if you’re planning on getting out and about you really should look at Get Your Guide. This is a link directly to the tours that they offer in and around Valencia.
If you’re hungry for more travel tips and stories head on over to my blog where I’ve got more tips and info, including these ones about Valencia…
Best bars in Ruzafa, Valencia 2024
Best bars in El Carmen, Valencia 2024
El Carmen, Valencia: The Best Places to Visit in The Old Town
Electric Scooter Hire Valencia – Your 2024 guide
About the author – The Sketchy Traveller
I’m not really a stickman, but it seems that I like portraying myself as one.
I’m an English guy who’s been travelling since 2017. I was never good at taking photos, sketching just seems to work better for me, and in my opinion, why do you want to see other people’s 4K videos and pictures of the world? Surely it’s better to see it for yourself. You can get in touch through the contact page or Instagram.
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Happy travelling.