Neighborhood
El Carmen
in Valencia, Spain
Old town and late drinks.
Where it is
In the northern part of the old town (Ciutat Vella), between the cathedral and the Turia park, around the Serranos and Quart towers.
Address: el Carme, 46003 Valencia
What it is
Valencia's bohemian historic heart, with narrow lanes, street art, plaza terraces and sights such as San Nicolás ("the Valencian Sistine Chapel") and the city gates. A place to wander by day and one of the main nightlife areas by night, with many gay-friendly venues.
History
This thousand-year-old quarter grew between the 11th-century Moorish wall and the 14th-century Christian wall and owes its name to the convent and church of El Carmen. After years of decline it was revived from the 1980s with bars and venues.