Are you looking for a neighbourhood of poetry, cultural activities, students and creative projects? Then the neighbourhood of Benimaclet is the place to be. Benimaclet is on a 30 minute walk from the center of Valencia and is definitely worth to visit.
The multicultural aspect of Benimaclet
Over the years the neighbourhood Benimaclet has become an artistic neighbourhood where people of different nationalities have been settled. This is mainly because universities are located around the neighbourhood. More than 30 cultural and social institutions were created. They organize many events and cultural projects in the area, about 300 per month!
Independent municipality
Until 1878 Benimaclet was an independent municipality. In 1972 the village officially joined the city of Valencia. However, the feeling of living in a village is still visible in the neighborhood. As locals regularly say: “Voy a Valencia” (I’m going to Valencia). Also the church with its square where residents come together on Sundays is recognizable for an old village. The neighbourhood Ruzafa used to be an independent municipality too. More information about this neighbourhood you can find here.
Things to do in Benimaclet
Edificio Espai Verd
Espai Verd was built in 1986 by Antionio Cortés Ferrando. It is a building with 108 houses. But it is not just a building. Espai Verd has a special construction, which makes this building worth to visit. You also see a lot of green around the building from trees, plants and flowers. And you can even find some waterfalls!
Huertos Urbanos
Are you visiting the city by bicycle? Or do you like a nice walk along the edge of the town? Then go to Huertos Urbanos. This is the country side of the city. Nice to spot some locals!
How to get to Benimaclet
The district Benimaclet has a metro and tram stop. Metro line 3 offers direct connection to the center. But also on foot (approximately 30 minutes) and by bicycle (about 10 minutes) you can reach the center very well. By tram (line 4 and 6) you can go to the beach.
Bites and drinks
The best way to discover Benimaclet is to eat and drink between the locals!
La Ola Fresca
At La Ola Fresca you can find the most delicious cakes and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and tapas. These are made from fresh and biological products. The English owner Helen Westwater gives a fresh twist to her dishes by using ingredients like ginger, lemon, chili and lemongrass. Furthermore at La Ola Fresca they organize cook workshops, food tastings and music and dance events!
- Carrer Músic Magenti 11
- Website
- Opening hours:
Monday till Friday from 09.30 – 23.00
Saturday from 09.30 – 21.00
Sunday from 10.30 – 14.00
Kaf café
Do you want to taste the pleasant atmosphere of Benimaclet? Then go to the Kaf Café. In Kaf Café they organize events almost every day. Performances by singers, guitarists and dancers, you name it! Therefore there is always a cozy atmosphere.
- Plaça Emili Beüt i Belenguer 7
- Website
- Opening hours:
Tuesday till Saturday from 17.00 – 00.00
El Gastrónomo
In May 1985 the doors of El Gastrónomo were opened by Antonio Martinez Belenguer. They serve delicious fish and meat dishes and you have a wide choice of different types of wines. According to the reviews at El Gastrónomo you can get the best steak tartar of Valencia!
- Avinguda del Primat Reig 149
- Website
- Opening hours:
Monday from 13.30 – 17.30
Tuesday till Saturday from 20.30 – 01.00
Tips
- Are you travelling by bike or on foot from the center? Make sure to stop at Jardines de Monforte, one of the secret places of Valencia.
- By tram (line 4 and 6) you can be at the beach La Malvarrosa within fifteen minutes.