El Raval, the so-called dark district - what to know about it?

If you want to experience a slightly different Barcelona, ​​you must not miss it barcelona district called El Raval. It is located in Old town, lies nearby port, to the west of the famous La Rambla.

Locals refer to this district as barri xinès, i.e. like Chinatown. It is not quite true - in addition to the Chinese, Pakistanis, Indians or even Romanians are represented here in abundance. Just a classic immigrant neighborhood, which strangely many tourists are afraid of. Why?

 

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Why the tourists of the Barcelona district El Raval do they avoid

This has its share in the not-so-distant past, when Raval was known as a not-so-safe neighborhood full of drugs, homeless people, prostitution, thieves and lots of other bad elements. Although those days are long gone, many people have a distorted view of the safety of Raval and prefer to avoid the area when wandering around the city. 

How is it in El Raval with security today?

I'm not saying that today Raval is spotless and that none of the things mentioned happen in this neighborhood, but I think that as tourists you don't have to avoid Raval at all and that except in rare cases it's just as safe here as in other parts of the city. 

Sure, a lot of people of different cultures and ethnicities still meet here, there is a very rich nightlife, famous (and some infamous) there are probably more clubs, cabarets and thieves here than anywhere else. And you will also come across prostitutes in some streets in the evening (prostitution is not illegal in Barcelona). However, despite all that, I believe that 99% of people will not encounter any real danger or risk here. 

We stayed here with my family several times in apartments via Airbnb and it was always cool. I had my phone stolen out of my pocket today while I was white, but it could easily have happened a few blocks away anywhere else in the centre. Even if it's Barcelona petty theft and pickpocketing declared, thieves almost never resort to physical contact or violence, they simply rob you as much as possible and you will notice it much later :-)

What are you? El Raval will he get 

I would say that the multiculturalism and rich history will be the most attractive for tourists in Raval. 

Addition El Raval over time it has acquired the status of a slightly bohemian and cultural district, as there are several galleries (CCCB, MACBA, Gallery H2O), lots of wonderful ethnic bistros (we liked the Arab one, for example Bismillah Kebabish), places for brunch, restaurants and independent artist shops. 

Some monuments on the edge of La Rambla, such as the market, also partially interfere with the Raval La Boqueria or Palace Güell. 

My tip: If you want to know El Raval as it really is and to learn something about its history, present and future, try a unique tour called "Migrantour" - someone from the local community will guide you through the local streets and answer all your questions. Definitely very interesting if you want to go a little deeper! More info>

Where in El Raval live?

• In Raval, you will primarily find a lot of private apartments and apartments that you can book through Airbnb and similar services. 
• Although many houses look pretty awful from the outside, they are really nicely decorated inside, so don't be fooled by the first impression. 
• If you choose accommodation in a private flat or apartment, I recommend looking for a place around the main streets and avoiding the part south of the Rambla del Raval (which I don't think is so gentrified yet); for example, we lived on Joaquin Costa; you will appreciate the location of the accommodation in Raval especially at night, especially if you are traveling solo.
• A big advantage is the prices, which are often much lower than in other parts of the city
• It is probably the most famous and largest hotel Barcelo Raval, which, with its modern building, does not quite fit in with the local architecture, but will offer you even better comfort and services. The hotel is also popular Sixties Ramblas. If you have a limited budget, try for example Youth Hostel Gat Raval.