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Discover 12 things to see and do in the Raval district

El Raval is one of Barcelona’s most artistic neighborhoods and is home to some of the city’s most emblematic places. The streets are full of history and the artistic and cultural atmosphere of this neighborhood makes it a place full of things to see and do. Read on and discover an itinerary of the best activities and things to do in El Raval.

What to see and do in El Raval

1. Visit the Centro de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona

Address

C/ de Montalegre, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

6 €

Buy your tickets

We start this route with one of the most important cultural centers of Barcelona. This building houses some of the best exhibitions and activities of contemporary art and culture. They’re aimed at audiences of all ages, so if you’re looking for things to do in El Raval, the Centro de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona is what you’re looking for. View the activities program on their website.

2. Go to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Address

Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

10,80 €

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Are you an art lover? If the answer is yes, you shouldn’t miss this amazing museum in Barcelona. For just €10,80 you can enter the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona and enjoy all the works of art it houses. Artworks, sculptures and exhibitions are just some of the things the artists have in store for you at the MACBA. We recommend that you check the official program of the Barcelona Art Museum as the exhibitions are constantly changing.

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3. Be enchanted by the museum of illusions

Address

C/ del Pintor Fortuny, 17, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

9 €

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One of the things you must visit in El Raval, and even more so if you go with the family, is the Big Fun Museum (Barcelona’s illusion museum). This remarkable museum is full of optical illusions guaranteed to make you laugh. It costs €9 and inside you will find several paintings of the city of Barcelona that create an incredible visual effect. If you’re looking for something different to do in El Raval and want to take a few different photos to remember, don’t miss the Illusion Museum.

4. Look at the architecture of the Virreina Palace

Address

La Rambla, 99, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The Virreina Palace is located at the beginning of Barcelona’s emblematic Ramblas. This city palace is one of the greatest examples of Baroque civil architecture in Catalonia. The rooms and courtyard of the palace are the headquarters of the cultural department of the Barcelona City Council. It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and currently serves as a building for temporary exhibitions, although one is always permanent, the Gegants de la Ciutat and the Àliga de Barcelona.

5. Eat at the Boqueria Market

Address

La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

1-20 €

Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions in the El Raval district of Barcelona is the Boqueria market. This market is responsible for supplying some of the best restaurants in El Raval and is one of the most touristy spots in Barcelona. One of the best things to do in this area is stroll through the market and enjoy the traditional food stalls while admiring the architecture dating back to 1836.

6. Take a tour through the National Library of Catalonia

Address

Carrer de l'Hospital, 56, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

Free

Yes, you read that right, one of the best things to do in El Raval is going to the National Library of Catalonia. This place is not only important because of the large amount of books and cultural activities that take place there, but it also has one of the most beautiful architectural designs in Barcelona. The group of buildings that make up the library were created in the 15th century, so seeing the facade and interior of the library as you enter is a real walk through history. If you are a culture vulture, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

7. Take a tour and see a play in the Liceo

Address

La Rambla, 59, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Variable depending on the play and the seat

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We already mentioned this grandiose building when we talked about the history and architecture of Ciutat Vella. However, it would be a crime not to mention it on a route through the El Raval district. The Gran Teatre del Liceu hides a great history of tragedy and cooperation between citizens. In addition, many of the best plays performed in the city are performed in this theater thanks to its great acoustics and size. This is one of those activities in El Raval that every culture lover should not miss.

8. Go and see the sculpture of El Gato by Botero

Address

Rambla del Raval, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

Free

The dristic of El Raval hides one of Barcelona’s most curious sculptures. The story of Fernando Botero’s El Gato is one of the city’s most peculiar works of art. This statue was purchased by the Barcelona city council in 1987 and from then until 2003 it wandered the streets in search of its final location. First it was the famous Parc de la Ciutadella, then the Olympic Stadium and a few years later a small square behind Drassanes. Ultimately, Botero’s El Gat was placed at the end of the Rambla del Raval. It is one of the icons of the district and therefore one of the things to visit in the Raval if you want to discover the history of the place.

9. Enjoy the 360º view from Barceló's observation deck

Address

Rambla del Raval, 17, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

10-35 €

The Barceló Raval hotel has panoramic views of the city. On the roof of the hotel is one of the best bars in the Raval with an incredible 360º view of the entire city. On the roof you will find great quality cocktails and food to accompany the whole experience. A drink at this amazing place is one of the best things to do in Raval. Plus, it’s a great way to see everything the neighborhood has to offer thanks to the full view. Do not miss it!

10. Enter the Sant Pau del Camp Monastery

Address

C/ de Sant Pau, 99, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

6 €

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This former Benedictine monastery is one of the best preserved Romanesque buildings in the world. Although there is no exact information about its origins, it is believed to have been founded at the end of the 9th century. If you like old architecture, this is one of the must see places in Raval. Inside are courtyards and other structures that were used in the daily life of the monastery. The entrance fee is just €6, making it one of the cheapest things to do in the Raval district to appreciate the architecture.

11. Take a tour of Barcelona's Maritime Museum

Address

Av. de les Drassanes, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

10 €

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In a city where sailing has been so important, there can be no choice but to have an entire museum dedicated to it. The Maritime Museum of Barcelona houses models and real scale models of boats used in the port of Barcelona throughout history. You can see everything from ships used by the Romans to models of the ships used in the exploration of the Americas. If you like history, you should definitely visit this remarkable museum in El Raval.

12. Go to Christopher Columbus Monument

Address

Plaça Portal de la Pau, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Price

Free

We end this route with one of the most characteristic monuments of Barcelona. It’s located at the end of the Raval district, just at the end of Barcelona’s Ramblas. Here you will find the large monument to the explorer Christopher Columbus. Although it’s no longer possible to climb to the viewpoint and enjoy the view, you can still see the statue and lions at its base. One of the curiosities of this monument is that it’s not known where the statue of Christopher Columbus points, although many people believe it points to America.

The El Raval district is becoming one of the most culturally important places in Barcelona. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere that surrounds El Raval every day, we make it easy for you at Loca Barcelona. Check out our selection of apartments in El Raval and our properties for rent in Ciutat Vella, and take the step into your new life in the big city. What are you waiting for!

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