If you’re a first-time visitor to Barcelona and you want to visit a neighborhood that will offer you a true taste of local life, Raval is the place for you. You’ll find a vibrant atmosphere, authentic shops and restaurants as well as a great selection of cool bars.
This neighborhood is the heart of Barcelona’s art scene with galleries, a MACBA museum and an eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants. However, it also has its rough edges.
1. La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market is a true gem of Barcelona that brings together the very best of what the city has to offer. It is a place where food lovers can find anything they desire, from all kinds of seafood and fresh produce to the finest in meat, cheese, and wine.
The atmosphere is lively and full of life as you walk through the bustling streets. The floors are slippery with melted ice and fruit skins, but this adds to the charm of the experience.
Located right off La Rambla, the market is a must for visitors to the area. It is one of the most well-known and popular markets in the world, and offers visitors the opportunity to taste and purchase a wide variety of foods.
2. CCCB
Raval is known for its multi-cultural heritage, interesting restaurants and cafes, and MACBA (Modern Art Museum). It’s also a good place to hang out and see the local people.
It’s also a great place for vintage clothing and independent apparel shops that you won’t find anywhere else in Barcelona. You can buy unique, authentic items for a fraction of what you’d pay in other areas.
The CCCB is a cultural centre in the heart of Raval that hosts a variety of events. Its exhibitions are often free and open to the public. It also has a film archive that showcases films in original language versions.
3. Rambla del Raval
If you are looking for a quiet place to sit and watch the bustle of the neighborhood then the Rambla del Raval is a great option. With palm trees, cafes and benches on both sides of the promenade it's a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.
It also offers a chance to see one of Fernando Botero's famous cat sculptures that kids love to climb.
The area is undergoing a major urban renewal program with new hotels, modern restaurants and the opening of an excellent cinema. The MACBA modern art museum and the CCCB are other popular attractions.
4. Bar Marsella
Bar Marsella has been around since 1820 and is a must-visit if you're a fan of absinthe. It's a place where bohemians drop in on their favourite drinks and you can easily see why Picasso, Dali and Hemingway frequented it over the years.
Inside the bar, you'll find marble round tables covered in dusty old bottles, period lights, and antique mirrors. There's also a lot of sawdust on the floor which adds to the charm.
The bar is a great place to visit after midnight as it really gets going at that time. The crowd here is a diverse mix of locals, students and tourists and the atmosphere is lively and bubbly.
5. Bar Leopoldo
Located on the Rambla del Raval, Bar Leopoldo is the ultimate destination for those looking for an invigorating experience. Its sexy black-and-white lobby (dotted with splashes of color) and Jetson-esque seating lends a space-age vibe to the hotel, which also features an outdoor pool and rooftop bar.
It’s a popular spot among visitors to the area and new residents alike, as the restaurant serves up both Spanish and Asian cuisine. The small servings are served in tapas style, allowing for sharing without feeling overstuffed.
While some visitors to the area may think of El Raval as a run-down neighborhood, it is a vibrant area that now has much more to offer than its past. It has a buzzy nightlife, authentic restaurants, and the MACBA Museum, which is worth checking out for its impressive collection of modern art.
