This barri (neighbourhood) off the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, just a stone’s throw from Las Ramblas, combines an edgy mix of art, vintage shops, drinking and eating spots. Once known for its nightlife, it has since evolved into a cultural hub and is a favourite amongst locals. So if you find yourself in the area (which we highly recommend you do) we’ve made a short guide of the best places to check out.
La Boquería
Halfway down Las Ramblas you’ll find one of the more touristy spots in the city. However, don’t let that
put you off. La Boquería is a must-visit, and with plenty of reason! The huge food market is lined with stands stocked full of fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, meats, fish, juices, and more. If cooking isn’t your thing, no problem. At La Boquería you can also find traditional Spanish tapas dishes, bocadillos and paella that you can enjoy there (accompanied by a cerveza) or take away to devour as you discover the city. Be prepared, the crowds are tricky to avoid but it’s worth a visit regardless!
La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona
Palau Güell
Another stop worth visiting is Palau Güell. Built between 1886 and 1888, this is one of the first important commissions Antoni Gaudí received at the start of his career. Eusebi Güell wanted Gaudí to build the palace
as an extension of his family home on Las Ramblas. Today you can visit the breathtaking mansion and admire the beautiful early architecture of Antoni Gaudí, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona
Rambla del Raval
This street, beloved by locals, is known as the small version of Las Ramblas. Created in 1995, the fairly recent addition to the city was built with a view to improving the neighbourhood, which it most certainly has. Now filled with young locals and visitors, here you can eat, drink or just sit on a bench under the palm trees and watch the world go by. Lining the sides of the road are all sorts of restaurants with outdoor terraces to enjoy international cuisine under the Mediterranean sun. Admire Fernando Boterothe’s Gat sculpture, watching over the passersby.
Rambla del Raval, 08001 Barcelona
Museums
One of Barcelona’s most well-known museums lies in El Raval. MACBA, a museum of modern art, is as cool on the inside as it appears from the outside, surrounded by a young, hip crowd skateboarding, reading, and socialising. Visit their website for information about their exhibitions: http://www.macba.cat/en/index
Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona
The CCCB museum is also worth a visit on a rainy day or to escape the heat. The theme of this museum is city and urban culture and it is one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Check out their website for more information: http://www.cccb.org/en
Carrer de Montalegre, 5, 08001 Barcelona
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Gran Teatre del Liceu is an opera house on Las Ramblas whose interior is more breathtaking than its exterior, which may seem hard to believe when standing outside the main entrance gazing up at the building in front of you. Various operas perform at this theatre for around 8 consecutive days every few weeks, so be sure to be on the lookout for the upcoming performances so you don’t miss the chance to see an opera at quite possibly one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world! Visit their website for more information: http://www.liceubarcelona.cat/en#
La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Barcelona
El Pachuco 
For some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in the city, stop by this cosy yet very edgy joint just off Rambla del Raval and give Spanish food a run for its money! Loved by tourists and locals alike, both the food and the buzzing ambiance of this place will have you thinking you were in the heart of Mexico! Make sure you get there early to avoid a long queue (demand for El Pachuco seems to be endless). The margaritas are flowing, the portions are big and the nachos are out of this world!
Carrer de Sant Pau, 110, 08001 Barcelona
Caravelle
This bar-cum-café in El Raval is a great option to enjoy a good lunch, brunch, dinner or just a drink during your journey throughout El Raval. From healthy bowls of quinoa and avocado to indulgent burgers with melted cheese, Caravelle has something for everyone. They even craft their own beer, offering all sorts of flavours so you can feast on the lunchtime Cuban sandwich with slow-cooked pork belly, ham, cheese, mustard and pickles, washed down with an ice cold brew.
Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 31, 08001 Barcelona
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