El Raval

Despite El Raval’s reputation as one of Barcelona’s shabbiest and most intimidating districts, it undoubtedly boasts some of the trendiest bars in town.

Populated by a diverse mix of immigrants, tattooed skateboarders, and hipsters, the area offers plenty of café terraces and avant-garde hangouts at which to spend a leisurely afternoon of people-watching.

The El Raval parade continues after dark as the nightly pilgrimage of clubbers makes its way from the popular meeting points of Plaça Reial and Las Ramblas, down the Nou de la Rambla, and finally to the alternative club Sala Apolo, often stopping off at various bars en route.

Gritty as it may be, El Raval is still a much-loved neighborhood popular with local youth, Erasmus students, and all who fly in the face of commercial, conservative society.