The Raval is the most decadent neighborhood from the ancient city (ciutat vella) of Barcelona. It has always been full of controversy, as it is linked to prostitution, drugs, immigrants ... It was not in vain called "Chinatown"Or"the red light district”, With its connotations by all known. But in recent years we have seen a very positive change, it is no longer the forgotten area of the center of Barcelona, but has become the neighborhood with more personality of all! I would say that at the height of Grace. We like it for that, for the interesting streets and the character of its people.
But, What do we like about him? We can summarize it in these points:
It is located in the old town of Barcelona, forming part of what we can call the “golden triangle” of the city: Borne, Gothic, Raval. It is a step away from the Rambla, Plaza Catalunya and Plaza Universidad, so the communication with the rest of the city is fantastic. There are no excuses away for not visiting it!
It is a neighborhood full of life, both day and night. Things always happen in its busy streets. When you walk around here notes that something is cooked in the environment. So don't just take a few pictures and get carried away by this halo of vitality and mix to the point of be part of it. You can cut your hair for the symbolic figure of 5 euros, go blind from the delicious Arabic cupcakes or drink an absinthe in bars full of stories ...
This is fantastic! It is our favorite hobby, sitting on a small square, in the shade of a palm tree, and watch people go by. Sometimes you will seem to be in a very distant country! Sikh Indians with their long beards and impeccable turbans, groups of Filipino kids with their skateboards, Arabs stuck to their mobile phones, some clueless Chinese, hippies walking with their dogs ... and of course, Japanese with their cameras! Where can there be so much mix of cultures more than here?
The gastronomic offer is extraordinary. There are many cafes in its narrow streets, and each with a special charm: we, for example, ate the Indian Maharaja restaurant very well! Although sometimes it is best to break the prejudices and get into the darkest and seemingly less attractive place, just wait to see what happens ... So we arrived at a Moroccan restaurant with exquisite homemade food!
Here are two of the most famous markets in Barcelona: La Boqueria and the Mercat Sant Antoni. The first much more tourist and photogenic, and the second much closer, but both with their personality and authenticity. It is worth visiting them if only to buy some fresh fruit or to try some typical dish.
If you are not afraid of being hit by skaters in some of his jumps, sit in the museum square and contemplate them, maybe you will dedicate some of his pirouettes ... And if you are more street art than closing in a museum the Raval is ideal: when you least expect it you will be surprised with murals Creative and very beautiful.
El Raval is the mecca of “alternative” shopping: in the 200 meters of the Tallers street you will find gothic shops, handmade dress boutiques and a wide variety of music and merchandise stores. And if your style is more vintage, point this street: Riera Baixa, Here are different stores of second-hand clothes, colorful and fun. If you like the design of the '60s, the accessories of the' 70s and you are nostalgic for the '80s… this is your place!
Everything told so far It focuses on this avenue. One of the best places to eat or rest having tea with mint and some cupcake. You can't leave without taking a picture with the most photographed (and fat) cat in the city: Botero cat.
In itself, the Raval attracts for its history, for its character, for its unique personality and for its streets full of life. In short: we love it!
And you, have you visited Barcelona? What is your favorite neighborhood? Do you know more stuff what to see and do in El Raval?
