Valencia cinema for the true movie buff
Located in the classy Mestalla neighbourhood, and just a few minutes walk south of the iconic stadium home of Valencia football club is a source of entertainment of a very much different kind. Opened in 1996 Cines Babel, yep that plural is supposed to be there, is a place for true film lovers. This is an Intimate, cozy film house offering the chance to escape the chaos and the noise of life for a few precious hours by immersing yourself in the joy of a good flick.
If, like me, you lament a lot of the current trend for superheroes, sequels and special effects then this is perhaps the cinema in Valencia for you. It is a genuine arthouse one, showcasing an eclectic range of independent movies, and the occasional blockbuster, from across Europe and beyond. Movies are shown in their original language with unobtrusive subtitles in Spanish placed at the bottom of the screen.
Small but perfectly sized
There are 5 screens, which although not big by today’s standards, are big enough to enjoy the movie and not feel like you are watching a movie on the side of a microwave. What I like about cines babel is that on the outside this is a small and unassuming cinema. It lacks most of the trappings of modern cinema and pares the experience back to its purest form. It is a place that really lets the movies do the talking. Most cinema’s here in Valencia show films with dubbed voices and for us this ruins the experience of a good movie. If you feel the same then this is really the place to go.
A cinema and a restaurant
The cinema also has a nice restaurant and bar space to grab some food or drink before or after the movie. Adorned with film posters on the wall this is a nice spot If you are looking to extend your evening. They have an excellent meal and movie option from Monday to Thursday which gives you a chance to sample both the cinema and the restaurant at a reasonable price. The deal includes a cinema ticket, anything from the menu and a drink and all for €15. I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way just to visit the restaurant, you are not going to write home about it but combining it with cinema tickets is an excellent idea.
What, no popcorn?
I would advise against heading to the cinema on an empty stomach. Why? Because you can’t buy a large tub of overpriced popcorn or a bottle of coke the size of your head. Aside from the restaurant the cinema has nowhere to buy food before your meal. In fact they say you can’t bring food in at all so stuff that bag of sweets deep into your pocket. This is not that kind of place which makes it feel very different.
The one aside, I would describe the service as efficient rather than convivial. Don’t let that put you off, this is a true gem in every other way.
More than just your typical Hollywood blockbuster
The movies change each week with new movies every Friday. Some movies are on for several weeks while others might only be on for a week. Some films are only shown once so keep a regular eye on the website to make sure you are not missing a classic. You can buy tickets in advance on their website or at the box office located in the entrance. You’ll be given a card, get it stamped each time you come and your 8th movie is free.
As well as this there are often seasons with films based on a country, director or style. This is a great chance to delve deeper into the world of cinema.
Valencia’s best value night out?
Unlike some cinemas, watching a good film at Cine Babels doesn’t cost the earth. In fact it might just be one of the best deals in all of Valencia. The cheapest day to go is Wednesday where tickets are only €3.90 each. That’s not all, the final showings of the night, even at weekends, are only €4 euros. There are offers for pensioners and students so if you fit into either of these categories do hunt them out. Outside of these offers ticket prices are reasonable €7.60 in the week with a slight increase at weekends.
In summary
As you can see, we really do like it here. Valencia has a vibrant cultural scene and a good cinema has a huge role to play. On the outside this is a small and unassuming cinema. It lacks most of the trappings of modern cinema and pares the experience back to its purest form. It is a place that really lets the movies do the talking. Movies that tell stories and open us up to a different perspective. For that reason alone I truly recommend paying Cine Babel in Valencia a visit.
This is a cinema for true film lovers who enjoy watching movies from around the world.
