Valencia’s Best Bars: From Historic Taverns to Rooftop Terraces
The true heart of Valencia isn’t just found in its sun-drenched plazas by day, but in the lively hum of its bars as evening descends. As the golden light softens, the city’s social life spills out into ancient alleyways, onto chic avenues, and up to breathtaking rooftops. To drink here is to taste the city’s soul: a place where historic vermouth taverns jostle with cutting-edge cocktail lounges. From traditional bodegas to breathtaking rooftop terraces, this is your guide to the very best places to raise a glass in Spain’s glorious city of the Turia.
The Historic Heart: Timeless Taverns in El Carmen
The ancient neighbourhood of El Carmen, with its labyrinthine streets and hidden squares, is the historic heart of Valencia’s nightlife. Its bars are often steeped in history, character, and an unpretentious local charm.
Casa Montaña
A true Valencian institution, Casa Montaña has been serving wine and tapas since 1836. Located in the charming seaside district of El Cabanyal, a short trip from the centre, a visit here is a pilgrimage for any lover of authentic Spanish culture. The atmosphere is a beautiful journey back in time, with huge, old wine barrels lining the walls, a classic tiled bar, and a convivial buzz that has barely changed in centuries. They are renowned for their exceptional selection of Spanish wines and their simple, perfect tapas. Standing at the bar with a glass of local vermouth and a plate of salty anchovies is to experience a piece of Valencia’s soul.
Tasca Ángel
For an experience that is loud, chaotic, and utterly delicious, squeeze into Tasca Ángel. This tiny, legendary tapas bar in the heart of El Carmen is famous for one thing above all: its incredible fresh sardines (sardinas a la plancha), grilled to perfection right in front of you. There is barely room to stand, the service is brisk, and the atmosphere is electric. Grab a small, cold beer (caña) or a simple glass of white wine, shout your order, and enjoy some of the best, freshest seafood in the city. It is a true, no-frills local gem.
Café de las Horas
Step into Café de las Horas and you are transported into a wonderfully eccentric, neo-baroque fantasy world. With its opulent decor of velvet curtains, cherubs, flowers, and chandeliers, this unique café and bar is a feast for the eyes. It is most famous for serving what many consider to be the best Agua de Valencia in the city. This dangerously drinkable local cocktail, made from a potent mix of cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin, is served by the jug and is a must-try Valencian experience.
The Trendy Epicentre: Chic Cocktails in Ruzafa
The vibrant, bohemian neighbourhood of Ruzafa is the epicentre of modern Valencian cool, and its bars are a reflection of its creative, stylish energy.
Café Berlin
A cornerstone of the Ruzafa scene, Café Berlin is a cool, retro-inspired bar with a German twist. It has a relaxed, alternative vibe, with vintage furnishings and a great soundtrack. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a well-made cocktail or explore their excellent selection of German beers. It is a popular meeting point for the neighbourhood’s creative crowd and a perfect spot to start an evening exploring Ruzafa’s many charms.
Ubik Café
More than just a bar, Ubik Café is a beloved cultural hub, a combination of a bookshop and a café-bar. The walls are lined with second-hand books that you can browse and buy, creating a wonderfully cosy and intellectual atmosphere. It is a fantastic place for a relaxed glass of wine, a craft beer, or a coffee during the day. They often host literary events, language exchanges, and small concerts, making it a true community space.
Mercado de Ruzafa
While the magnificent Central Market is a must-see, the neighbourhood market of Mercado de Ruzafa offers a more local, everyday vibe. Tucked inside, you will find a fantastic market bar, a place where shoppers and vendors take a break for a morning coffee, a mid-day beer, or a simple, delicious tapa. Having a drink here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a working local market, is a wonderfully authentic Valencian experience.
IN VALENCIA, THE BARS ARE A PERFECT REFLECTION OF THE CITY ITSELF: ONE NIGHT YOU CAN BE LOST IN THE DEEP, CENTURIES-OLD HISTORY OF A TINY TAVERN, AND THE NEXT, YOU CAN BE TOUCHING THE FUTURE ON A SLEEK ROOFTOP OVERLOOKING IT ALL.
Views from the Top: Breathtaking Rooftop Bars
Valencia’s beautiful skyline is best appreciated with a drink in hand from one of its stunning rooftop terraces.
Atenea Sky
Located atop the Ateneo Mercantil building with a privileged view over the magnificent Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Atenea Sky is one of Valencia’s most spectacular rooftop bars. A lift whisks you up to a chic, modern terrace where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city’s rooftops and architectural landmarks. It is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. Pro-Tip: Aim to arrive about 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot, as the best tables fill up quickly. Watching the sky change colour over the city’s rooftops from here is an unforgettable experience.
La Terracita del Palace
For a more exclusive and tranquil rooftop experience, La Terracita del Palace at the Hotel SH Valencia Palace offers a touch of luxury. Overlooking the beautiful Turia Gardens, this elegant terrace is a wonderful place to escape the city buzz. It is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a glass of champagne or a classic cocktail in a serene and beautiful setting.
More Authentic Sips and Experiences
The Horchata Ritual
No trip to Valencia is complete without trying its unique and refreshing local drink, horchata. For an authentic experience, head to the historic and beautiful Horchatería Santa Catalina, near the cathedral. This traditional tiled parlour has been serving horchata for generations. Order a glass of the ice-cold, sweet, milky drink, made from tiger nuts, and a long, sweet pastry called a fartón for dipping. It is a beloved local ritual.
A Vermouth Stop at a Bodega
Embrace the Spanish tradition of la hora del vermut (the vermouth hour). Seek out a traditional neighbourhood wine shop, or bodega, like the classic Bodega Fila, where you can enjoy a glass of vermouth straight from the barrel. It is often served simply with a slice of orange and an olive, and it is a wonderfully authentic taste of local life.
Craft Beer in El Carmen
While Valencia is a city of wine and cocktails, the craft beer scene is thriving. A fantastic spot in El Carmen is Olhöps Craft Beer House. This is a true haven for beer lovers, with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about hops. Expect a constantly rotating tap list featuring the best of Spanish craft breweries—look out for hazy IPAs from Barcelona or rich stouts from the Basque Country—alongside a huge fridge packed with international gems. It’s the perfect place to discover the exciting world of Spanish cerveza artesana.
A Stroll Through the Turia Gardens
One of the best ways to connect with the city’s lifestyle is to take a walk through the magnificent Turia Gardens. This incredible nine-kilometre-long park, built in a former riverbed, is the city’s green lung. It is the perfect place to enjoy a takeaway drink from a nearby kiosk or to find a quiet spot to relax after exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which is detailed in our comprehensive Valencia City Guide: Discovering the Soul of Spain’s City of the Future.
A Final Toast to Valencia
The true joy of Valencia’s bar scene lies in its diversity. It’s a city that invites you to create your own perfect evening: start with a historic vermouth in El Carmen, move to a chic cocktail in Ruzafa, and end with a nightcap overlooking the city from a rooftop terrace. Exploring its bars is to do more than just find a drink; it is to find the rhythm of the city, to share in its rituals, and to discover the warm, convivial spirit that makes Valencia so utterly captivating. ¡Salud!
