Rialto Theatre and Filmoteca
A historic cinema showcasing diverse films in their original version with subtitles at incredibly low prices. A true cinephile's haven.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Rialto Theatre and Filmoteca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cinema showcasing diverse films in their original version with subtitles at incredibly low prices. A true cinephile's haven.
"The saving grace of the place is that they show interesting repertoire cinema, often within curated cycles, and the ticket price is alarmingly low. "
Don't Be Late! ⏰
Strict entry policy for latecomers. Even a few minutes can mean being denied entry.
Check Website or Visit Early :ticket:
Online ticketing can be glitchy; consider buying in person to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Version Screenings
Main Auditorium
Enjoy films in their original language with subtitles – a cinephile's dream for classic and documentary lovers.
Historic Theatre Ambiance
Auditorium
Experience a classic cinema setting, with comfortable seating and good visibility from most spots.
Affordable Cinephile Haven
Ticket Booth
Incredibly low ticket prices make this a fantastic spot for exploring interesting repertoire cinema.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Screenings
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Be Late! ⏰
Strict entry policy for latecomers. Even a few minutes can mean being denied entry.
Check Website or Visit Early :ticket:
Online ticketing can be glitchy; consider buying in person to avoid disappointment.
Rialto theatre question
Rialto Theater
Comfortable Seating :chair:
Seats are generally comfortable, but consider lower balcony for best views if available.
Original Language Films :movie_camera:
A haven for cinephiles, showing films in their original version with subtitles.
Rialto Theatre?
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Be Late! ⏰
Strict entry policy for latecomers. Even a few minutes can mean being denied entry.
Check Website or Visit Early :ticket:
Online ticketing can be glitchy; consider buying in person to avoid disappointment.
Comfortable Seating :chair:
Seats are generally comfortable, but consider lower balcony for best views if available.
Original Language Films :movie_camera:
A haven for cinephiles, showing films in their original version with subtitles.
Cafe for a Quick Bite :coffee:
Attached cafe offers coffee and light meals, but service can be slow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Rialto Theatre and Filmoteca for its dedication to showing films in their original version with subtitles and its incredibly affordable ticket prices, making it a cinephile's dream. However, some find the strict late-entry policy and basic amenities, like restroom facilities and slow cafe service, to be drawbacks.
"The ticket booth is along Plaça de l’Ajutament and it opens 1.5 hrs before the screening.
No, tickets are not available for purchase online.
Tickets are cheap "
duckula
"Rudimentary cinema whose personnel is sick worried about people taking food and drinks inside 🫤 and that closes on Mondays, like a museum. Good for the workers to get this arrangement, for the cinephile it is frankly bonkers, I tried to buy a ticket on Monday at the venue for a different day but this wasn't possible.
They sell tickets online but the day I tried to buy one the website was not working, all was fixed the next day but beware, in any case most locals I have talked to seem to think no show ever sells out but I come from out of town centre, so I am not prepared to risk the trip while attending something popular.
The cinema is located in the 4th floor of the building, so if you have any problems climbing stairs don't even try it, there's a lift that looked in good order for your perusal.
The seating is comfortable and the screen should have proper visibility from anywhere in the theatre (I was in the 3rd row but there were quite a few people at the back), audio seemed adequate but the films I was watching probably didn't need complex arrangements.
This being a cultural institution thankfully leaves dubbed films out of the door (at least that seems to be the case).
The saving grace of the place is that they show interesting repertoire cinema, often within curated cycles, and the ticket price is alarmingly low.
A good option for the cinephile but we are down to basics here, the toilets are haphazardly distributed in the different floors and frankly it was difficult to say which ones were for males, females or if they were unisex, the first cabinet I tried didn't have toilet paper, not a strange occurrence in the land but I would expect better from a cultural landmark .
Arrive well watered and fed, specially for long features, there's plenty to eat and drink around the cinema building, including a coffee shop attached to it, but the service was too slow so I left after waiting too long to be served, so you can have something probably somewhere else before and probably after the film, even after the late features which may start as late as 10pm (a Valencian speciality: they know there's little or no public transport after the film is finished, but whatever).
The closest metro stations are 10-15 minutes walk, Valencia town centre is poorly served by metro, there are some buses and there's a taxi rank just outside the cinema building, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly, there are plenty of parking lots in the vicinity, with the amount one is not paying for the tickets one can invest it into parking."
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"Very cool venue. Just don’t be late for the movies!! Went to see a film at the Human Rights Film Festival, which was awesome by the way, but arrived 3 minutes late and the lady at the ticket office wouldn’t even look me in the eye!! Inside the people that work at La Filmoteca told us emphatically that we couldn’t come in because we’re late - THREE minutes late!! So eventually one of the organisers came down and let us in, no problem!
So in summary: great event, cool venue but the staff ought to chill out a bit!! Hence 3 stars (one for each minute we were late 😉)"
Felipe S N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest metro stations are a 10-15 minute walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area. Taxis are readily available outside the cinema. Parking lots are plentiful nearby if you prefer to drive.
Yes, there are numerous parking lots in the vicinity. Given the affordable ticket prices, you can allocate some budget for parking.
The nearest metro stations are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Rialto Theatre and Filmoteca.
Yes, several bus routes service the area around the Rialto Theatre and Filmoteca. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most convenient options.
Public transport can be limited after late-night screenings, which is a common characteristic of Valencia. Plan your return journey accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While tickets are sometimes sold online, the website has been reported to be unreliable. It's often recommended to purchase tickets in person at the venue to avoid issues.
Tickets are described as alarmingly low and very cheap, making it an affordable option for cinephiles.
The ticket booth typically opens 1.5 hours before the screening time.
The Rialto Theatre has a strict policy against late arrivals. Even being a few minutes late can result in being denied entry, so arrive well in advance.
Many locals believe that shows rarely sell out, but it's still advisable to book in advance for popular films or festivals to be safe.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The cinema is located on the 4th floor and is accessible via a lift.
The seating is generally comfortable, and visibility is good from most parts of the theatre.
The audio is considered adequate, and the screen visibility is good from all seats.
Thankfully, as a cultural institution, the Rialto Theatre primarily shows films in their original version with subtitles, avoiding dubbed content.
Restrooms are somewhat haphazardly distributed across different floors, and it can be difficult to determine if they are for male, female, or unisex use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The staff is reportedly very concerned about patrons bringing outside food and drinks inside. It's best to consume these before entering the cinema.
Yes, there is a cafe attached to the cinema that serves coffee and light meals. However, service can be quite slow.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink around the cinema building, both before and after screenings.
While there are options nearby, be aware that public transport may be limited after late features, so plan accordingly.
The service at the attached cafe has been noted as being too slow, with one visitor leaving after waiting too long to be served.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, it's generally discouraged to take photos during screenings in most cinemas to avoid disturbing other patrons.
The historic architecture of the theatre itself, particularly the auditorium and facade, would make for great photographic subjects.
Yes, the exterior of the Rialto Theatre is a landmark and can be photographed.
Filming is typically not allowed inside cinemas during screenings. Check with staff for specific policies.
A camera with good low-light performance would be ideal for capturing the ambiance of the historic theatre.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the schedule for family-friendly classics or documentaries that might appeal. It's also wise to plan meals beforehand as the cafe service can be slow, and bringing snacks might be frowned upon.
💰 Budget Travelers
Factor in the cost of parking if driving, or utilize public transport and enjoy the walk. The value proposition here is exceptionally high for anyone looking for an authentic cultural experience without breaking the bank.
🎬 Film Buffs & Cinephiles
Be prepared for a no-nonsense approach to cinema; the focus is purely on the film. Arrive early, understand the ticketing nuances, and immerse yourself in a truly authentic cinematic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cinephile's Paradise: Programming and Film Selection
This focus on quality programming, combined with remarkably low ticket prices, makes the Rialto a cultural institution that prioritizes artistic value over commercial appeal. It's a place where you can discover hidden gems and revisit beloved classics in a setting that respects the art of filmmaking.
While the amenities might be basic, the core offering – a diverse and thoughtfully curated film selection – is what truly sets the Rialto apart. It's an essential destination for anyone seeking a genuine cinematic experience beyond the typical blockbuster fare.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
Inside the theatre, while the seating is comfortable and visibility is generally good, be mindful of the basic restroom facilities which can be difficult to locate and may lack supplies. It's also advisable to eat and drink before entering, as the attached cafe's service can be slow, and outside food policies are strictly enforced.
For those with mobility concerns, the lift access to the 4th-floor auditorium is a welcome feature. However, the overall experience is one of a functional, no-frills cinema that prioritizes the film itself above all else.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit