Why you should live in El Raval

El Raval is an area that offers a rich, artistic culture by day, and a young, lively atmosphere by night. El Raval is a mixture of cultures and has one of the most diverse communities in the city. The area is brimming with hipsters, young artists, and students making it the heart of the alternative scene in Barcelona. What’s more, El Raval is home to some the trendiest, yet still cheap bars and restaurants in the whole of the city. People are often attracted to Raval by the lack of traffic, a factor that also influences the stream of young Spaniards moving out and into these suburbs. This area is far from the most populated and the majority of the residents are part of the lower- or middle class. The Spanish government is investing in Raval and making improvements to the area and the properties within, rapidly evolving into one of the best and most interesting places to buy in Barcelona as a result.

You can spend hours walking around every street discovering beautiful murals and street art, vintage stores, international restaurants, bars and plazas. It is a melting pot where you can find people from all over the world.

The flats in El Raval combine the classic architecture of the 19th century with artistic modernity. It’s the perfect location to find a cool and unique apartment and this is the reason it is such a magnet for young people. The apartments are usually relatively small but if you are lucky you could find a big, stylish loft, decorated with wooden beams and brick walls. Furthermore, the prices are almost always lower compared with other areas in Barcelona.

• Accomodation
  
• Arts and Culture
  
• Beaches
• Dentists
• Education
• Expat Groups
• Health and beauty
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Recreation and leisure
• Walks and wildlife

Raval has a bad reputation from it’s more dangerous past. However, nowadays it is turning itself around as the government has put a lot of money into improvements. The north of Raval, in particular, is now a really nice and cool place to live. If you are a young, creative person, then Raval may be the ideal location for you as there are lots of galleries and art museums, as well as quirky bars. In fact, Raval is a great area for vegan cafes and restaurants. One bar, in particular, that is a must is Bar Marsella, which used to be the old local of the famous artist Pablo Picasso.

• Metro: L3 Liceu, Drassanes, Universitat
• Walk: the central location of this neighbourhood makes it easy to walk to the key districts of Barcelona.

Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

This museum has won over the hearts of many Spaniards, housing a solid collection of Spanish and Catalan art from the 1940s onwards, as well as hosting contemporary exhibitions of upcoming, international and experimental artists. Whilst this is all very cultured, just outside is the Placa dels Angels where you will find crowds of skateboarders doing tricks on the large open space.

The wall of Keith Haring

One of Barcelona’s great public art treasures is an intensely red linear mural on a concrete wall near the entrance of the MACBA in the Raval. The long horizontal piece depicts a horror story of drugs: illness and death being attacked by various Haring-esque creatures, humanoid forms and a condom. Good ultimately triumphs over Evil, and its message is upbeat: “Todos juntos podemos parar el sida” (Togheter we can stop AIDS) Sadly, AIDS stopped Keith Haring, one scant year after his visit to Barcelona.

One-Off Boutiques

If you’re wanting to escape the commercial giants, such as Zara and Desigual, go and explore the narrow streets of Raval. There are so many quirky, independent shops that you’ll have a completely different shopping experience as you explore all the street art and pass so many secret individual bars.

La Boquería

Officially known as the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, but more commonly known as La Boqueria, this huge public market is one of the city’s most famous tourist landmarks. This market is so eclectic and there are so many things to see, from a rainbow selection of fruits and fresh juices to meats and fish to authentic olives, oils, and sweets. It’s a must when visiting or living in Barcelona! La Rambla de Raval Lined with trees and cafes,

Rambla del Raval

Features plenty of street art, quirky bars, and brilliant restaurants. Every morning, this is the perfect destination to relax and take a breath of fresh air, but in the evening, there’s a vibrant nightlife on every corner – and there really is something for everyone!