Barcelona city guide: Raval

Raval is just on the opposite side of Gotic, separated by Las Ramblas, the most well-known avenue in Barcelona: facing Las Ramblas from the sea, Gotic is on the right, Raval on the left. It is what we could define as the old town of Barcelona and a neighborhood not only known for its nightlife and diversity, but also acknowledged as a modern & contemporary art hub with the Macba and CCCB museums being its main insignia. La Boqueria (the city's most famous market) is here, and although it's a very crowded place, the vast amount of fruits and vegetables from all around the world make it a foodie wonderland. We visit quite often this neighborhood for its museum exhibitions (we are quite the museum junkies!) and to buy vintage (both clothes and furniture) & gifts.

eat

We don't visit the restaurants in the Raval as much as we used to.

• Lukumas: Lukumas is a small shop to devour greek-style donuts. The seating area is tiny but it nevertheless makes a good breakfast spot. Check schedule, it tends to be a little confusing for me sometimes. If you like their donuts, there is another Lukumas in Gracia.
  Address: Carrer de Valldonzella, 36
• Bun Bo Vietnam: There are two colorful Vietnamise restaurants called Bun Bo in Barcelona city center, one in Raval and the other on the Gotic neighborhood. They are very fun to visit for their vibrant decoration and it's quite perfect when going out with a group of friends for their seating benches (and mojitos!).
  Address: Carrer dels Àngels, 6

Shop

• Fusta'm: If you like vintage furniture the little Fusta'm is a treat for the eyes. They also have smaller decoration items, if you fancy taking a souvenir home with you. Our favorite living room sideboard comes from this shop!
  Address: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 62
  
• Vintage stores in Tallers street: There are several vintage stores in Tallers street that you shouldn't miss: Flamingo vintage (with two locations) and Holala are the most popular. The maxi dress in this post comes from Flamingo!
  Address: Carrer Tallers
• Fantastik: A kitschy crazy store with Mexican meets Chinese decor items & gifts. You won't regret stopping by a few minutes or taking some of their knick knacks home!
  Address: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 62
  
• CCCB shop: I had to include this bookstore/design store from the CCCB museum because we always find something we like, both to give as a gift and for ourselves. If you have penpals, I'm pretty sure you'll find here a cute postcard or stationery to send them!
  Address: Carrer de Montalegre, 5

Visit

• Palau de la Virreina: This is a photography gallery just by Las Ramblas. Exhibitions have free entrance and you will be able to enjoy the wonderful palace hosting it, don't miss it.
  Address: Les Rambles, 99
• Macba: The modern museum of Barcelona is very dear to our hearts (check the blog post linked below to know why). The museum is not only architectonically interesting but also has an interesting collection and a make-you-feel better atmosphere.
  Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1
  Featured in our blog: here
• Palau Güell: You should definitely visit Casa Batlló, Park Güell and/or La Pedrera, but afterwards if you are still with the Gaudí hype the Güell Palace is a must. We think that Palau Güell is the best place to learn and see all the remarkable and admired characteristics of the famous architect in a single place, from the chimneys on the top terrace to the stable. Visits are restricted to hours, which makes it less crowded and they include a very interesting audio guide.
  Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5
  
• CCCB: CCCB is a modern gallery that features a great range of art representations. They annually host the World Press Photo, maybe the most popular of their exhibitions, and during August they organize an open air film festival that we never miss. They also have a closed balcony on top with some views of the city.
  Address: Carrer de Montalegre, 5
  Featured in our blog: here
  

Check this & more (equally cool) addresses of the area in our map: