Pride in Valencia recently took place over the weekend of 24-26 June. Starting off on Saturday evening with a rainbow-filled parade, the festivities culminated with a party and fireworks display in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. In light of Gay Pride and the celebration of non-heteronormality, ‘24/7 Valencia’ looks at some of the spaces around Valencia targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Please note that friendly spaces are not solely confined to this list, and that this list incorporates some of many venues that embrace the community around Valencia.
La Boba y el Gato Rancio
Described on Google as a ‘laid-back gay bar featuring cocktails, coffee & desserts in colourful surroundings with a terrace’, La Boba is situated within the heart of Russafa. Its Facebook is plastered with pictures advertising its Ru Paul’s Drag Race events, proving it is a fun, experimental space.
Address: C. de Cuba, 59, 46006 València, Valencia
Bubu
Bubu is a gay bar located in the Botanico area (near the Botanical Gardens). From Wednesday to Sunday, it is open from 20:00 to 03:30. On Tripadvisor, it is described as a ‘friendly gay bar for bears, mature men and friends in Valencia’. In gay culture, a bear is often used to describe a larger or hairier man representing a more rugged kind of masculinity.
Address: Carrer del Botànic, 7, 46008 València, Valencia
Café de la Horas
A classic spot located within El Carmen, and renowned for their Agua de Valencia, Café de la Horas has established itself as a particularly LGBTQ+ friendly space in Valencia. It is a hot spot for all tourists and locals alike, with its funky interior design in itself requiring a visit.
Address: Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar, 1, 46003 València, Valencia
Deseo 54
Deseo 54 is the latest venue on this list, continuing the party until 07:00h. Similar to The Muse, it is only open on Fridays and Saturdays – and just a road away, at that. It features drag shows, podium dancers and house music.
Address: Carrer de Pepita, 13-15, 46009 València, Valencia
El Cafetín
Established in 1980, ‘El Cafetín’ is a sweet little café serving coffee and drinks throughout the latter half of the day. Its attractive interior is filled with random antiques and striking pictures, all in all creating a homely atmosphere. The quaint spot is tucked away in the centre of El Carmen, just off Plaza del Tossal.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, 2, 46003 València, Valencia
The Muse
Located north of the green belt, The Muse Valencia describes itself as a disco pub for gay people. It is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, continuing on until 03:00. The music is slightly more commercial here, with an abundance of Spanish hits. People tend to hit up Deseo 54 after.
Address: Carrer de Ruaya 48, Valencia, Spain, 46009
Nuncadigono
For those craving a wild night, Nuncadigono is your place. This spot is host to exciting gay parties; open every day from two until late. Here, you can lose yourself to the labyrinth of its many rooms.
Address: Carrer del Dr. Monserrat, 28, 46008 València, Valencia
Pub Planet
This lesbian bar (one of the few within Valencia) is located with Russafa. A meeting point for lesbians and friends, it doubles up as a pub and bar that stays open until 02:00h. Many of the gay bars in Valencia seem targeted towards a gay-male-dominated crowd, so it is nice to see a space made available for women in the community.
Address: Calle de Sueca, 63, Valencia, 46004, Spain
Sant Jaume
Located just around the corner from El Cafetin, Sant Jaume is described on its Google reviews as a cosy bar with good Agua de Valencia. Very centrally located, frequenters of El Carmen are likely to have walked past this spot already. Its clientele is described as ‘eclectic’, made up of artists, bohemians and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community.
Address: C/ dels Cavallers, 51, 46001 València, Valencia
Trapezzio Café
Located within the old town, Trapezzio Café is more of a chilled out LGBTQ+ space. It is open every day from the late afternoon until 02:00h. Picture a quiet little square, and an outdoor terrace tucked away from the crowds, sipping on a cool drink.
Address: Plaça del Músic López Chávarri, 2, 46003 València, Valencia
Report by Anusha Vasudeva
Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
Social Media in order of mention:
https://www.facebook.com/labobayelgatorancio/
https://www.facebook.com/PubBubu/
https://www.deseo54.com/index.php / https://www.facebook.com/deseo54/
https://elcafetinvalencia.business.site
https://www.facebook.com/themusevlc
https://www.facebook.com/PlanetValencia/
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