El Raval is a neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia. The neighborhood, especially the part closest to the old port, was formerly (informally) known as Barri Xinès or Barrio Chino, meaning "Chinatown". El Raval is one of the two historical neighborhoods that border La Rambla, the other being the Barri Gòtic; it contains some 50,000 people.
An area historically infamous for its nightlife and cabarets, as well as pr*stitution and crime, El Raval has changed significantly in recent years and due to its central location has become a minor attraction of Barcelona. It currently has a very diverse immigrant community (47.4% of its population was born abroad, ranging from Filipinos, South Americans, and Pakistanis, to a more recent Eastern European community, especially from Romania). It is home to many bars, restaurants, and night spots.
There are so many sides to the vibrant area known as El Raval, an interesting and exciting area in Barcelona; however, it is not known as the safest area or the cleanest area in Barcelona, but it does have a special personality and character all of its own that makes this area a compelling visit.
El Raval is part of the second stage development of historic Barcelona and used to be densely populated until the city walls were removed around the turn of the 20th century and the Eixample area was built. The Southernmost part of the El Raval, near the port, also used to be famous as the city's red-light district. However, in 1988, the government started a huge urban regeneration project and invested a lot of money in cleaning up the area, and it has become more modern and safer. However, even after this urban cleanup, there are still locations within Raval that are unsafe at night. There are also localised areas where pr*stitution continues.
So what is the appeal to El Raval? The area is vibrant, historic, authentic and full of personality. It is a lively, multi-cultural neighbourhood with a huge variety of tempting cafes, restaurants and bars. The area has also become fashionable being host to a wide variety of art studios, galleries and trendy bookshops, not to mention the imposing MACBA (museum of modern art) and CCCB which is the neighbouring exhibition centre.
Clothes shopping is also a pleasure in El Raval thanks to the little one-off boutiques that line some of the streets giving you a varied and interesting shopping experience. Unlike the Eixample with its large branded name designer labels, Raval is where you find the small privately-owned shops selling clothes you can't find anywhere else.
El Raval is alive all through the day and night so you will never be without an eatery to entice you in the early hours of the morning.
El Raval offers a central location within walking distance of many of the other popular areas such as the Gothic Quarter and Eixample. The nearest metro stops are on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street which runs up one side of El Raval.
Staying in El Raval also means that you are situated between two of Barcelona's famous food markets, La Boqueria on Las Ramblas and Mercat Sant Antoni. Both places are worth a visit to stock up on fresh fruit to get you through the day or to sample Spain's delicious chorizo or Jamon Serrano.
In terms of location El Raval gives you good access to many of the city's main attractions which are within walking distance.
The Raval is a prime area for pick-pockets and other unsavoury characters, so it is worth being wary when in the area, especially at night.
I love El Raval. It is real, it's not that clean, beautiful nor the safest neighbourhood in the city, but it does have so much personality and character that I consider it tod be a crime not to visit this area! ;-)