Today we take you to visit the El Raval district in Barcelona, the last rehabilitated district of the Catalan capital where you can walk around and why not stay. El Raval is a district full of history that you must visit, as we shall see, and which is also full of good addresses. We love this area.
By the way, we are Franck and Richard. We are travel bloggers and have been exploring the world by sharing our inspiring stories, itineraries, city guides, practical tips and alternative plans with you since 2008 on OneDayOneTravel.
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We also have a local travel agency MimpiGO, based in BALI, Indonesia. Since 2021, we have been offering 100% tailor-made, authentic, eco-responsible and solidarity-based trips.
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And it all starts with a video!
We take you on a tour of Barcelona with us in this video vlog. Between the visits of the districts and the essential museums, we also give you a lot of advice, especially about the Raval district.
1. Map of Barcelona's neighbourhoods
Barcelona has become one of Europe's top tourist destinations, both as a party capital and as an epicentre of European culture . The Catalan capital combines all the charm of Mediterranean cities: a relaxed lifestyle, endless days of sunshine and exquisite food. With multicultural influences, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city. Let's discover the Raval district and its special atmosphere.
On the interactive map of Barcelona below, find all our favourite addresses in Barcelona.
The hotels where we like to put our suitcases in blue,
The gourmet addresses where we eat good tapas in purple,
Our must-sees in Barcelona in red,
Some ideas for walks in green.
2. Visiting the Raval district in Barcelona: What to see? What to do?
El Raval is a neighbourhood full of history, cosmopolitan, and traditionally poor. Located at the bottom of Las Ramblas and not far from Montjuïc, it is at the heart of the city centre. The streets that run through it are semi-pedestrian and therefore ideal for strolling. The district has undergone a considerable transformation in recent years, especially since the establishment of hotels for high budgets.
The Raval district also offers good accommodation.
Processed with VSCO with c7 preset
The Raval is the controversial district of Barcelona. It is a place where people live and go out in the many trendy bars and restaurants that are open late at night, especially in the area between the MACBA and the Rambla del Raval.
It is certainly not the healthiest place in Barcelona, but it does have a strong personality and character.
2.1. The Barcelona Museum of Modern Art
The highlight of the district is the MACBA, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona. The museum displays mainly contemporary works from the second half of the 20th century. The permanent collection is impressive, as is the building's exterior and interior architecture. The temporary exhibitions are regularly worth a visit.
Book your MACBA ticket online
And even if you're not a museum fan, the square in front of the MACBA and the surrounding area is a great place to walk around. You'll meet a lot of young people, some of whom wouldn't give up their skateboards for anything in the world ^^
2.2. The Antiguo Hospital de la Santa Cruz, not to be missed in the Raval
The Raval district has always been a district where culture has predominated. The convents and buildings belonging to different religious orders have been very present since themedieval period in the 14th century, which makes visiting El Raval even more interesting.
While we were walking around, we came across this hospital at a gate. There are unusual places like the Antiguo Hospital de la Santa Cruz where you can take a break for a few moments in the shade of the orange trees while admiring the architecture of the building's 15th and 17th century façades.
A real invitation to relax.
Carrer de l'Hospital, 56
2.3. Visit the Palau Güell
The Palau Güell is Gaudí's first imposing work. Visit this unique palace in the Raval district.
Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5
Summer opening hours (1 April to 30 September): 10am to 8pm (last entry at 7pm)
Winter opening hours (1 October to 31 March): 10am to 5.30pm (last admission at 4.30pm)
Closed on Mondays
2.4. Rambla del Raval
This square, lined with palm trees, is the heart of the Raval district. The square was created in 1995. The municipality decided to demolish several unhealthy buildings in the hope of revitalising the district. The decision was successful when the square was turned into theEl Barcelo hotel. Numerous bars and restaurants, some of them trendy, then opened their doors.
To the south of the square, you can admire the statue of The Cat, by Fernando Botero.
2.5. The Boqueria market
After all that sightseeing and walking, you'll probably be a little hungry. Take a break at the Boqueria market. It's easy to find and is located very close to the Ramblas.
La Boqueria market. Las Ramblas, 91. THE market not to be missed in Barcelona!
Magnificent stalls, fresh products, tapas bars, this market is to be tried!
Find our article and our good tips to better visit the Boqueria market.
3. How to go to the Raval district?
The Raval district is very well served by metro. Here is a list of the most convenient stops to getto the Raval district.
Catalunya (L1)
Catalunya (L3)
Liceu (L3)
Drassanes (L3)
Parallel (L2 and L3)
Sant Antoni (L2)
Universitat (L1 and L2)
For more information and clarity, please see our article on transport in Barcelona. The map of the Barcelona metro can be found there in pdf format.
4. Where to sleep in the Raval district?
4.1. Renting a flat in the Raval
There are many possibilities to rent a flat in this area. You can find a lot of ideas and reviews on specialised websites like Airbnb. For example, we loved sleeping in a flat with access to a terrace 50m from the Barceló hotel (link to the flat)
Join Airbnb and get a 25€ discount on your first stay of a minimum of 65€! Click here.
If you prefer to sleep in a hotel, we can treat ourselves to the Raval! With cheap rooms at the many luxury hotels nearby, it's easy to find great deals all year round for staying in the Raval.
4.2. Staying in a hotel in the Raval
If you're looking for a place to stay in El Raval, consider Hotel Midmost, which is just a short walk from the MACBA museum. This hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms with all the amenities you need, as well as a rooftop pool and terrace with stunning views of the city. With its central location and welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Midmost is the perfect base for exploring this vibrant neighborhood.
Hotel Barcelo Raval. Trendy, high-end hotel. Rambla del Raval 17-21
5. Where to eat and drink in the Raval?
There are many typical cafés and tapas bars in all the streets, but not only. All types of cuisine are represented. The addresses we have given you have been tested by us.
We recommend these addresses:
5.1. Vegetarian restaurant
Cheap prices and the dishes are always very good. Also recommended by Emilie and Guillaume, 2 French people who have been living in Barcelona for 7 years. Closes very late at night.
Veggie Garden
Carrer dels Àngels, 3
Tel: +34 931 80 23 34
5.2. Underground café and bar
Underground café and bar known to the locals for its relaxed atmosphere and cosy ambience. The decor: gold frames and strange cabinets. Very nice view on the Rambla del Raval square. There is also a terrace opposite directly in the centre of the Rambla del Raval. Beer or a glass of house wine(vino de la casa) is 2 euros.
Ambar Barcelona
Sant Pau, 77 (down Rambla del Raval)
Open Monday to Wednesday from 8pm to 2am and Thursday to Saturday from 8pm to 3am
5.3. Asian fusion restaurant
You choose your ingredients and sauce and in 5 minutes. The dishes are then prepared in front of you in a wok. You can eat in or take away. This has been the trend in Barcelona for a few years. Very cheap.
Wok to walk
Carrer de Sant Pau, 27
Open Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2.30am and until 3am at weekends.
5.4. Barcelona's historic bar
Marsella is more than a bar. It's a dusty piece of history where you drink absinthe like Hemmingway or Picasso once did. Great atmosphere in the evening.
Marsella
Carrer de Sant Pau, 65
Open at night and crowded around midnight.
5.5. Bocadillos and tapas
Everything is delicious in this tapas bar. Don't hesitate for the cheese, ham and wine. The owner is French and has very good advice. Very good atmosphere for an aperitif in the evening. Located not far from the Ramblas, behind the Liceu, away from the tourist traffic.
La Perla de Oro
Carrer Unio, 34
Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to midnight.
5.6. Gastronomic tapas in the Raval
A chic tapas bar. The menu is so extensive that it is difficult to choose. More expensive than our previous addresses of course.
Bar Canete
Carrer Unio, 17
Open every day from 1pm to 1am.
5.7. Spanish restaurant
No tapas here. Trendy but not touristy. Remember to book (Tel: 93 443 38 53). Limited menu but quality products. Dishes around 20 euros. Warm welcome.
Lo de Flor
Calle Carretes, 18
Open every day except Tuesday from 6pm to 2am.
To conclude this city guide to the Raval in Barcelona,
Barcelona's El Raval district is the new must-see area of Barcelona. After 20 years of repeated visits to Barcelona, the Raval is definitely one of our favourite areas.
Visiting Barcelona for the first time
All our articles on Barcelona
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