Raval

The Raval was a traditional industrial neighborhood of Barcelona in the 19th century and has continued having a mainly working class social composition at the beginning of the 20th century. In fact it was the centre of the first working class movements. Population's concentration in Raval, a net of narrow and tortuous streets, the vicinity of the port and the transformation of many indoor spaces to bars and show rooms configured the south area of Raval.   The life experiences of its inhabitants show small stories that are knitted between the reality and the fiction to show a true portrait of the socio-cultural situation of one of the neighborhoods with most contrasts of the city that has been facing a quick transormation over the last years. Raval is located in the old part of Barcelona, and at the moment concentrates a great amount of immigrant population. Its streets are filled with small trade and handcrafts shops that offer to tourists the opportunity to buy handmade articles at a very good price. During the 20th century the district of Raval went through a spectacular urban remodeling, witnessed by the famous Rambla de Raval, which has become the central point of the quarter. Musical and cultural shows often take place at this renewed Rambla. Nowadays, most varied public strolls down its streets, the immigrants that live and work there, the tourists enjoying the magic of this peculiar and cosmopolitan area, and local people. This district offers many lodging options for visitors, short term apartment rentals, hotels and hostels. It’s a popular site for young people and bohemian artists, famous for its bars, clubs and various restaurants. Inspite its bad reputation in the past, this quarter it is not at all dangerous, neither violent, you just need to pay attention on your personal belongings and wallets (like in the rest of the old town!), since it’s frequently and daily visited by many tourists, easy victims of small thefts. We believe a visit to this quarter and a taste of its everyday life is a must for any visitor!