El Raval

El Raval is also known as Barri Xino (Chinatown). This because of the narrow streets and tall buildings, but also because it used to be one of the most dangerous areas with a lot of criminals and a ghetto.

Luckily that changed! Now it is one of the upcoming trendiest neighborhoods in the city where various artists live and work. There are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs in this district. El Raval is one of the two historic neighborhoods directly adjacent to the Rambla (the other is Barri Gòtic). 

Places worth the visit are:

Drinks:

• Bar Betty Ford’s (Carrer Joaquim Costa, 56)  

• Casa Almirall (Carrer Joaquim Costa, 33) 33/45

• Bar & Gallery (Carrer Joaquim Costa, 4)

• Absenta del Raval (Plaza Pes de la Palla, 5) 

• La Confiteria (Carrer Sant Pau, 128) 

• Bar Mendizabal, this is a typically Spanish tapas bar where you have to eat and drink while standing outside (Carrer Junta del Commerc, 2) – FAV! 

• Bar Muy Buenas (Carrer Carme, 63) – FAV!

Dinner:

• Gats restaurant (Carrer d’en Xuclà, 7) – FAV!

• Bar Lobo with sunny terrace (Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 3) 

• Chivuo’s slow street food & craft beer (Carrer Pintor Fortuny, 15) – FAV!

• Makan Makan, Asian food (Carrer Lluna, 4) 

• Taco Alto, Mexican food (Rambla del Raval, 2) 

• Frankie Gallo cha cha cha (Carrer Marqués de Barberá, 15) 

• The Fish & Chips shop Raval (Carrer Peracamps, 7) 

• Kalso (Carrer Guardia, 10)

• My fucking restaurant (Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 35) – FAV!

Coffee & lunch:

• Departure Coffee Co (Carrer de la Verge, 1) 

• Tropico (Carrer Marqués de Barberá, 24) – FAV!

• Dalston coffee (Carrer Ramelleres, 16) 

• Komo en Kasa (Carrer Joaquim Costa, 3) 

• Terracccita next to the MACBA museum, they have a lunch menu where you get 3 coures for 13,- and there is always sun and no wind. All locals go here! – FAV!

• Caravelle for brunch (Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 31) 

• Flax & Kale for trendy and bio food (Carrer dels Tallers, 74b) – FAV!

• Vegan bowls (Carrer dels Tallers, 79)

• Nomad coffee: overpriced but my favorite coffee in Barcelona only inside (Carrer Joaguin Costa, 26) – FAV!

Tip: for a quick grab & go sandwich go to bakery 365 or to the Boqueria market at the Ramblas.

Sightseeing:

• Hotel Barceló for a 360 panorama view (Rambla del Raval, 17-21) 

• The Catalan library with a cute coffee spot with inner garden: El Jardi (Carrer Hospital, 56) – FAV!