Moon Barcelona Walks by Moon Travel Guides

Author:Moon Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalon Publishing
Published: 2017-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

WALK 4

EL RAVAL & SANT ANTONI

ABOUT THE WALK

On this medium-length walk, you’ll come across a surprising medley of Bohemians, immigrants, and fashionistas. Tired of tapas? There are plenty of enticing alternatives for a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Take this walk in the morning if you want to see the city wake up, and visit the market without the tourist crowds.

THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Once you see one barber, Bollywood film rental shop, and kebab place after the other, you know you have arrived in El Raval (“The Suburb”). This traditionally immigrant neighborhood was the first expansion of Barcelona in the 14th century. The first settlers came from the Catalan backcountry, but immigrants from the rest of Spain found salvation here as well. This area has become more popular with foreign immigrants in recent decades.

For a long time, El Raval was known as Barcelona’s most infamous barri (neighborhood), but the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) in 1995 spurred a revival of the neighborhood. In 2000 the neighborhood got its own ever-expanding Rambla, which is now a popular meeting point. Gritty streets were cleaned up and uninhabitable buildings were demolished.

Today, El Raval is a hotspot for bohemian immigrants who all live side by side. Back-alley neighborhoods and modern growth go hand-in-hand in this borough. Don’t be surprised if you emerge from a dark alley and stumble across a new boutique hotel. Barcelona’s fashion hipsters set the scene here. The ancient monasteries, which now serve as museums, popular cafés, and restaurants, are reason enough not to miss El Raval.

The same applies to the neighboring barri of Sant Antoni, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, partly due to the increased culinary offerings. Chef Ferran Adrià has opened various restaurants here, and many others have followed his example. This neighborhood is an excellent choice if you are looking to reward your taste buds. You’ll see fewer tourists here than in the center.

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