Welcome to the most vibrant and exciting neighbourhood of Barcelona!
Located in the Ciutat Vella (old city) of Barcelona El Raval is literally minutes away from Barcelona's major tourist attractions but has been largely overlooked by the typical tourist due to its notoriety as the "red light" district of Barcelona. Although these elements can still be readily observed the area is being gradually gentrified and as long as you keep your wits about you the area is now probably no more dangerous than the Ramblas, the Gotic quarter or El Borne. Though it is a lot more interesting!
Being a port city Barcelona has always been a multicultural melting pot and Raval has retained this element, more than 40% of the population are immigrants providing this historic area with authenticity, life and personality. Raval is a secret to be explored and savoured in its streets are business of all nationalities and hidden bars and shops abound, especially in the upper part of the neighbourhood where my flat is located. Shopping in the Raval is a pleasure thanks to the unique boutiques that provide an unforgettable shopping experience. Unlike the Paseig de Gracia in Eixample, with its well-known designer brands. The Raval has those little stores that sell unique items you will not find anywhere else. Staying in the Raval also means being located between two of the most famous food market of Barcelona, Las Ramblas Boqueria and Mercat Sant Antoni. These two places are worth visiting to stock up on fresh fruit to eat during the day or try a delicious Spanish sausage or Serrano ham. It also houses many art studios, galleries and bookstores as well as the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the CCCB (exhibition center) and recently an institution dedicated to cinema, The Filmoteca.
The Raval, it is a real place with a real personality, completely removed from the Tapa's bars of EL Born, the late night faux Irish bars of El Gotic and the high end designer shops of Exiample. Not that there is anything wrong with this but El Raval has so much personality and character that would be a crime not to visit.
