Ruzafa District

Multicultural, eclectic and buzzing. In the space of a decade, the confluence of cultures has transformed Ruzafa, not only at a commercial and gastronomical level, but also in terms of culture and leisure. Here, the pace of life is somewhat different. Its lifelong residents share a youthful zest for life and a flair for alternative trends. It is València’s trendiest neighbourhood.

Ruzafa is situated just south of the historic centre, forming part of the Ensanche district, and stretches as far as Avenida Reino de València. It was a town in its own right until 1877, with some of its historic buildings still standing today.  Among these you’ll find Ruzafa Market, which was designed by Julio Bellot Senet in the fifties, and is the heart and soul of the neighbourhood. Boasting a colourful exterior, it is located opposite the baroque church of San Valero and San Vicente Mártir, with the surrounding area’s terraces often proving a popular choice for lunch.

There’s no denying that Ruzafa’s gastronomic offer has played a major part in its rise. The city’s top chefs have selected Ruzafa as the location for their most daring restaurant ventures, such as Ricard Camarena’s Canalla Bistro and Quique Dacosta’s Mercarbat. You can also find food from around the world at places like Doña Petrona, Nozomi Sushi Bar, Bouet, Fierro and La Taquería la Llorona. Its artisan breweries, namely Olhöps o Ruzanovol, and cafés , such as  Dulce de Leche, La Más Bonita and Bluebell Coffee, with their tempting selections of cakes and pastries, are certainly worth a visit.

A variety of cultural amenities have also been added to the array of long standing business. Meanwhile, the printing company, Obsolete Letterpress, the Gotham comic shop, and the designer goods on offer an Gnomo, are among some of the area’s biggest names. Also worthy of mention is Ubik Café, a cafe-cum-bookshop, selling  publications in a variety of languages. When the night comes around, Ruzafa’s attention shifts towards the bars, while independent music can be heard live at smaller music venues and mixed in DJ sessions at nightclubs including Nylon, Electropura and Play.