Valencia’s Best Terrace Areas to Enjoy your New Found Freedom
I don’t know about you but I have literally been chomping at the bit for bars and restaurants to open again here in Valencia, after what has been a rather long forty days and nights.
As of today, restrictions have been loosened as the government introduce an intermediary step towards the return to normality and have allowed restaurants and bars with terraces to open.
The New Norms
As a quick recap, the new norms are as follows: terraces of restaurants and bars are permitted to be open until 6pm and commerce until 8pm. Gatherings of four people are allowed in public spaces and two in closed spaces or at home. Lastly, outdoor contactless sports with two players can resume again. Curfew remains at 10pm.
I set out to write about the best terraces to enjoy this new found freedom, when it suddenly dawned on me that with limited space and a potentially large demand from us all wanting to make up for lost time and, heaven forbid, enjoy ourselves a little, it would probably be far more interesting and strategic to talk about the best AREAS of restaurant and bar terraces.
If you’re not familiar with Valencia, terraces do tend to be on the small side but, there are some pockets in the city where you can find clusters of them with some really good options. Chances of getting a table will be better and waiting times less, while avoiding overcrowding.
Here are my four suggestions, each different in atmosphere depending on what you’re in the mood for:
La Alameda pre-Covid. Image courtesy of Llebeige Cafe.
La Alameda is a long and lovely path that runs along the north side of Turia Park, starting from Plaza de la Legion Española, all the way up to the Arts and Science Center. It’s lined with tapas bars, small fountains and under the cover of palms trees, it really is quite picturesque and there’s always a nice atmosphere. Furthermore, thanks to it’s orientation, you can enjoy the sunshine there pretty much all day long.
The stretch starts at the Valencian classic La Pergola and from there on, you will find places such as: El Bocado, Llebiege, Barbacana and so on. There’s a break when you arrive at the Palau Alameda but it soon resumes again until the Arts and Science Center. The Palau itself has a lovely outdoor terrace and bar with nice views of the city and definitely worth a visit.
Late at night outside Lambrusqueria on Calle Conde Altea pre-Covid. Image courtesy of Lambrusqueria.
Carrer del Compte d’Altea is one of my favourite streets in Valencia and is lined with all kinds of restaurants, cool bars and independent boutiques. It’s close to hip Russafa and starts from Calle de Martí, leading you all the way to Turia Park. Enjoy meandering along this street and choosing amongst popular Valencian haunts such as: Labarra, El Albero an incredible Andalusian spot as well as one of the nicest Italian restaurants here in Valencia Lambrusqueria (pictured above).
La Patriarca in January 2021 just before strict restrictions were introduced again.
La Patriarca is a beautiful hidden square facing the Museo del Patriarca and is very popular amongst locals. It feels more noble and upscale in atmosphere and is definitely calmer than the other areas I mention however it’s a really great option if you’re with children as there’s plenty of space for them to run around and play away from any roads which means you can relax and enjoy your aperitivo in peace. It’s worth noting that in this particular square, the sun at this time of year tends to disappear around 3pm and therefore can get a little chilly, so best to start early.
Plaza de San Jaime in the heart of El Carmen is renowned for its rich and vivid Valencian bohemian atmosphere. The bars and restaurants here are charming and quaint and there’s always plenty of hustle and bustle, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink over tapas amongst tourists and locals alike.
So, there you have it. It’s a shame that it’s a grey day today and that rain has been forecast for most of the week but I’m sure that many of you won’t be put off, I know I’m not!
Here’s to us and another step towards the return to normality!