El Raval boasts the bohemian spirit in
Barcelona. Artists live here and fill the space with their exciting works and even more exciting ideas. Bars and cafes serve as hangouts and lay down the table for sharing ideas and debating beliefs. If you want to see a new and more unique side to Barcelona beyond its famous landmarks and popular hotspots, then El Raval is the place for you. Not only does it flourish with the city's local identity and spirit, but it's a welcoming place for everyone to see and understand Barcelona's creative energy.
Where is El Raval in Barcelona?
El Raval is right by the Ciutat Vella district, making it one of
Barcelona's central neighborhoods. Its location makes it one of the more coveted addresses in the city. Not only is it right beside many of Barcelona's other popular areas, but it's also one of the few that has parts that are in the city center and other parts near the coast. You couldn't have asked for a more convenient and comfortable location within one of the world's biggest metropolises. El Raval is surrounded by the likes of El Poble Sec, Sant Antoni, the Gothic Quarter, and La Barceloneta, to name a few.
Is it Safe in El Raval, Barcelona?
The answer to this is a bit more complicated than most. For starters,
Barcelona's crime rates are already just mid-range, so the entire city is fairly safe overall. Generally speaking, El Raval is also safe, with only mid-range crime rates and well-lit streets. But there's also no denying that the city has a gritty past, and remnants of it remain in some of the darker corners. They're easy enough to avoid, but it's still worth being aware of them, especially if you choose to settle down here. There's also the fact that El Raval is known for its nightlife, so the liveliness can sometimes turn rowdy.
What's The Vibe in El Raval, Barcelona?
The vibe at El Raval in Barcelona is all over the place, and that's the best part about it. Parts of the neighborhood champion the city's alternative and bohemian scene. They hang out in hip hotspots to express their creativity, bring about new ideas, and talk about all sorts of things. It's because of this that El Raval has become one of the go-to nightlife districts in Barcelona. Even more so since it's a multicultural neighborhood. El Raval is home to many international communities, and they've set up restaurants, shops, and more that add a bit of a global touch to the area.
Is it Expensive in El Raval, Barcelona?
The
living costs in Barcelona are generally high, so no matter where you end up in the city, you're bound to spend a lot. With that said, however, El Raval is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the city. This isn't to say that the place is cheap, but rather it's simply more expensive in other central districts. Case in point: eating out! What it would cost you about €25.00 to €40.00 per meal in other, more popular neighborhoods, you can dine for as low as €15.00 to €20.00 per meal in El Raval. Shopping in El Raval, namely on Riera Baiza and Los Encantes, is relatively inexpensive as they're mostly local boutiques and secondhand stores.
What to See in El Raval, Barcelona
You'd be surprised at how much there is to see in El Raval, Barcelona. The rest of the city may tend to look down on this once-gritty neighborhood, but it has since blossomed into a popular district with fairly many noteworthy sights. One that's a bona fide must-see is the large “El Gato de Raval” street sculpture. Not only is it a quirky piece of street art, but it's become the neighborhood's unofficial mascot. The famous La Rambla thoroughfare is also in El Raval, and it's a whole host of beloved sights, including Virreina Palace, the Christopher Columbus Monument, and Plaça de Catalunya by the end.
What to Do in El Raval, Barcelona
If you were to ever
move to Barcelona and settle down in El Raval, you'll likely spend every day outside. That's how much there is to do around here! Naturally, one of the most popular is to explore and shop along La Rambla. It's one of the city's major thoroughfares, famously lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. If you fancy yourself a foodie, you can indulge in authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines in beloved food markets, La Boqueria or Mercat Sant Antoni. And of course, you can't forget about the many museums and galleries here. They're solid proof of how artistic El Raval truly is.
The Best Restaurants in El Raval, Barcelona
Speaking of the neighborhood's culinary scene, you shouldn't miss the best restaurants in El Raval, Barcelona. The previously mentioned food markets are great, sure, but there's no denying that the area's bars, bistros, and other hotspots are what draw in both locals and tourists alike. A Tu Bola on Carrer de l'Hospital is a standout as it’s famous for its vegan, gluten-free options. Not only are such options rare in Barcelona, but this place arguably serves the best in the city. This and the other top-notch hotspots listed below are truly worth checking out, especially since some are
Barcelona's best Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Arume Restaurant on Carrer d'En Botella
- Alegoría Restaurante Barcelona on Carrer d'en Xuclà
- Cera 23 on Carrer de la Cera
- Cañete on Carrer de la Unió
- A Tu Bola on Carrer de l'Hospital
- Caravelle on Carrer del Pintor Fortuny
- El Pachuco on Carrer de Sant Pau
- El Cafeti on Carrer de Sant Rafael
- Louro Restaurant on Rambla de los Capuchinos
- Palosanto. Tapas Bar on Rambla del Raval
What to Know About El Raval, Barcelona Apartments
The main things to know about El Raval's real estate market is that it's diverse and largely affordable. For the former, the area has several types of properties in all sizes, ranging from small studio apartments and cozy one-bedroom flats to some of the biggest
luxury homes to rent in Barcelona. This is paired with El Raval's relatively low average rent, which is from €900.00 to €1,500.00 per month. So, no matter your budget and the kind of rental you need, you'll still find a place that's right for you and that you can afford here.
Creative energy and the bohemian spirit pulsate at El Raval in Barcelona. This is the neighborhood where artists live and work, hotspots liven up after dark, and the city's underlying passion is unleashed in full force.
