El Raval is a historic, cosmopolitan and traditionally working-class neighbourhood to the south of the Ramblas. Due to its central location and a vast investment by the city over the past decade, it is rapidly becoming a sought after place to live and socialise, with an ever-increasing number of trendy bars, cafes and restaurants, especially around the MACBA modern art museum (see our museums guide). The upper area of the Raval has become quite chic, and the recent opening of an upscale hotel on the Rambla de Raval has definitely added to the neighbourhood's growing appeal amongst visitors. That being said, the Raval remains true to its eclectic, neighbourhood spirit: it is still a multifaceted place where people from every corner of the globe come together to create a unique atmosphere. Artists' studios, bohemian hideouts, cheap falafel and kebab joints, pricey nouvelle cuisine landmarks, unpretentious Catalan home cooking, art museums, skater shops, Gothic architecture, dive bars, chic cocktail lounges and street beer vendors: you'll find all of this and a whole lot more in the colourful universe of the Raval. In the lower Raval, one can still encounter some unsavoury corners that recall the area's past as a redlight district, but all in all the Raval has become one of the city's most creative, lively and diverse neighbourhoods.
Orientation: The Raval is flanked on the northern side by the famous Las Ramblas, by the Old Port (Port Vell) to the east, and by Montjuic mountain to the south, which is home to the Olympic stadium and the exotic botanical gardens. The west side of El Raval opens up to the area known as Eixample, once considered the playground of the rich and famous, and home to countless stunning modernist buildings.
The Maritime Museum is at the Port end of El Raval, and there are various theatres along Parallel, the main thoroughfare leading up the south side of the area. The traditional Market of Sant Antoni lies a little further up this side. It is a great place for getting local food produce and on Sundays converts into a paradise for book collectors.
On Nou de la Rambla, which crosses Parallel, one comes across the Palau Güell, designed by legendary local architect Antoni Gaudi for his patron Eusebi Güell. As part of the Raval´s transformation, many roads have been pedestrianised, fashion boutiques have sprung up and a five-star hotel now overlooks the Rambla de Raval. In a few years, the area has undergone a stunning metamorphosis and now rivals the Born in terms of nightlife, dining and shopping.