The majority of buildings in Barcelona’s El Raval are older, as the district has been a part of the city’s history for a very long time. Barcelona is a lively city, with a large portion of its energy in El Raval. When you visit El Ravel, walk down the principal street Rambla del Raval, known simply as La Rambla, for something interesting to see or listen to at practically any time of day or night.
La Boqueria is a permanent market that’s been operating next to La Rambla since 1217. Visit from Monday to Saturday to experience the taste and smell of exceptional regional food. Stroll though La Boqueria to become acquainted with the many delicacies found in this part of Catalonia. Find exquisitely displayed fruit, hams aged for many years and Spanish-style baked goods. Sample the many bars, restaurants, bakeries, boutiques and discount stores.
El Raval offers varied artistic expression, as you’ll witness from the amount of street art here. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, MACBA, lets you experience many forms of creative style. Attend an exhibition or event at the nearby Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona, CCCB. One recent attraction, Gameplay, allowed visitors to play video games and understand the video game culture. Check online descriptions for shows, which are sometimes controversial.
For operas, dance and family shows, Gran Teatre del Liceu is a majestic building featuring seat-back screens providing subtitles in several languages. Find Maritime Museum of Barcelona along the waterfront, with its display of older vessels.
Works by artist and architect Antoni Gaudí are everywhere in Barcelona. Visit the Palau Güell mansion that Gaudi built for a business tycoon.
In El Raval you’ll also find one of Barcelona’s oldest churches, Sant Pau del Camp, dating back to the 10th century. Notice that the building is quite small compared to similar buildings constructed later.
You can reach El Raval by bus, metro or train. Once there, travel around on foot to appreciate the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
