A Guide To Ruzafa: Valencia’s Hip Barrio

What once was a down-and-out and somewhat seedy district to the south of the center, has today turned its fortunes around. Welcome to Ruzafa: one of Valencia’s hippest barrios and one of the places to visit on a city break.

Why go?

Fast becoming popular with hipsters, artists and hippies, Ruzafa has a unique vibe to the rest of the city and offers tourists something different to discover. Home to some of Valencia’s best tapas joints, bars and restaurants, it’s also filled with independent art galleries and vintage boutiques.
Ruzafa is also a great place to visit during the city’s annual Las Fallas festival, held each March, where giant papier-mâché sculptures are created and placed around the city before being burnt on the final day. Ruzafa celebrates during Las Fallas with its own mini-festival, complete with over-the-top decorations and lights.

Where to eat

La Conservera
This chic Portuguese-style seafood bar is a great addition to the Ruzafa food scene, offering traditional old Portuguese recipes, as well as plenty of sardine dishes.

Canalla Bistro
Created by famous chef Ricard Camarena, Canella Bistro has the feeling of a New York bistro and serves dishes such as pastrami sandwiches, Japanese nigiri and pizzas. The restaurant has also recently opened a new bar for drinks and cocktails.
Circa Almacén
This deli-cum-coffee shop is both quirky and funky with fun décor. It specializes in brunches, which although not traditionally Spanish are fast becoming a new trend in Spain and are growing in popularity.

El Deslunao
A pintxos (Basque-style tapas on small pieces of bread) and tapas bar, El Deslunao offers a wide range of veggie and vegan options and also holds events such as live music performances and cinema evenings.

Where to hang

Ubik Café
This is the heart of the Ruzafa neighborhood and a place that helped to start the current hip trend. Ubik is a café, bookshop, gallery, restaurant, and music space all rolled into one, and also holds creative workshops too.

Olhöps Craft Beer House
Craft beer is a growing trend in Spain, with many small breweries opening up in the major cities, and if anything signals that an area is going up in the world, then it’s a craft beer shop. Olhöps Craft Beer House also holds events such as beer tastings and brewing demonstrations.

Where to Party

La Catrina Café y Rock
Another Ruzafa café, this place doubles up as a live rock music club at night.

Where to stay

Russafa Youth Hostel
Budget travellers and backpackers should choose the Russafa Youth Hostel, providing bright, colorful rooms, free breakfast and wi-fi. There are also private rooms for those who don’t want to sleep in the dorms.

Petit Palace Germanias
Those looking for something a little more upmarket should book themselves into the Petit Palace Germanias right in the heart of Ruzafa, and within easy reach of the city’s Joaquin Sorolla railway station. It offers contemporary rooms and high tech services.

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From its breathtaking architecture to its energetic areas like Ruzafa, which are renowned for their creative energy, hip cafés, and exciting nightlife, Valencia is a city full of surprises. Discover the rich history of the city, sample real paella, or ride a bicycle through the picturesque Turia Gardens. There is something for everyone, regardless of your interests in adventure, cuisine, or culture. Discover Valencia beyond the typical landmarks with professional-led excursions available online!

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