Barrio del Carmen
Valencia, Spain
Located in the Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is the oldest and most charming neighborhood of Valencia, where medieval towers and historic landmarks stand next to vibrant street art. Hip and trendy, El Carmen offers an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a popular destination with locals and visitors.
The basics
Barrio del Carmen is included in many Valencia sightseeing tours, including tours of the Old Town. Explore El Carmen’s narrow maze of streets on a walking tour, biking tour, or Segway tour, or by tuk-tuk. Art lovers can discover the area’s high concentration of murals on a street art tour, while foodies can sample dishes at different tapas bars. A visit to the Barrio del Carmen can also be combined with a bullfight or a flamenco show.
Things to know before you go
With its myriad attractions, Barrio del Carmen is a must-visit.
Visitors will find plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Wear sturdy shoes for walking over uneven surfaces.
Due to the many cobblestone streets, the area is not very wheelchair friendly.
How to get there
Barrio del Carmen is located at the northern end of the historic old town, bounded by Turia Park, Carrer de Quart, and Carrer Guillem de Castro. The Calle de Caballeros (or Carrer dels Cavallers), which runs east to west in the barrio, is considered the main street of the area, though attractions can be found throughout.
When to get there
Barrio del Carmen can be visited year-round. Expect the largest crowds over the summer. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter sees the least amount of visitors, but many attractions offer more limited hours. Barrio del Carmen offers numerous dining and nightlife options, making it a good choice for exploring after sunset. The popular Las Fallas Festival is celebrated every year during the month of March.
Barrio de Carmen attractions
Top attractions include the medieval Quart Towers (Torres de Quart) and the Torres de Serranos, and the Portal de la Valldigna entrance to the Moorish quarter. The neighborhood has several museums, including Museo del Siglo XIX (the Museum of the 19th Century), the Valencian Museum of Ethnology, the Valencia Museum of Prehistory, and the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM). There are also several historic churches, including the Church of San Nicolas de Bari and San Pedro Mártir, considered the Valencian Sistine Chapel.
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