Places of Interest
El Carmen is packed with the vast majority of the city´s main tourist attractions and historical points of interest. Some of the main and unmissable ones being:
- The Cathedral and Micalet Tower - 2 euros to climb tower for impenetrable views across the city; 3 euros for an audio-guided visit to the Cathedral museum where the ´Holy Grail´ sits in its own private chapel. Open Mon-Sun 7.30am-1pm and 4.30-7.30pm
- The Plaza de la Reina, where the entrance to the Cathedral lies, with the Santa Catalina tower and numerous buzzing bars and restaurants - (including a Finnegan´s pub for those who like their home comforts).
- Plaza de la Virgen with its many cafe terraces and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Defenseless (the female Patron Saint of Valencia).
- The Parroquía de Santa Cruz or Iglesia del Carmen
- The Valencian Institute for Modern Art (IVAM) - Entry 2 euros, 1 euro for students and free for OAPs and on Sundays. Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm
- The famous Torres de Quart and de Serrano - the original city gates.
- The Murrallas Árabes - ancient Arab walls
- The Talia Theatre
Shops and Facilities
There are plenty of good bars and restaurants in the Carmen area, being the hub of the city´s student nightlife. There is also a variety of artisan and clothes shops on Calle Quart plus the usual supermarkets and internet cafes.
Parks and Children
There are no parks or childrens play areas in the El Carmen area of the city but the Túria gardens run along its northern frontier.
Access
Metro: Pont de Fuste (tram) behind Calle Trinidad on other side of the Turia and near the Torres de Serrano - line 4
Bus: Avenida Guillém de Castro No 5
Calle Blanqueries No 5, 28 and 80
Calle Caballers No 5B
Calle Quart No 7 and 80
Plaza Poeta Llorente No 6, 8, 11, 16, N2 - night bus
Plaza de la Reina No 6, 8, 9, 11, 28, 70, 71
Calle Xátiva No 5, 32, 60, 62, N1, N3, N6, N7 - night buses.
