Raval
3.5
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The area
Neighborhood: La Rambla
Barcelona's most famous street was once a dry riverbed. Now, La Rambla is a 1200-meter boulevard, and a major draw for visitors. During the day, La Rambla fills with pedestrians, some of which stroll past impressive human statues and artists while others take a break to people-watch while enjoying a drink at one of the many terraces. Housed here is the iconic Boqueria Market that offers one of the most varied and appetizing selections of local produce and specialty meats and treats. While it’s important for tourists to keep an eye on their belongings at all times, this area is most safely explored in the daytime and is a must see for everyone who visits.
How to get there
- Sant Antoni • 6 min walk
- Liceu • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,563 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,483 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
289 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
114
Average
43
Poor
21
Terrible
30
debbie
Aberaeron, UK16 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
The trip adviser description on this area is very misleading as it only focuses on La Rambles. This is just one street and, as it indicates, is very set up for tourist. The surrounding area is not and sadly has a rundown appearance with graffiti on every available surface, quite shocking in this modern city. However despite the warning of pickpockets and shady streets we never felt unsafe or worried. It is also a great location from which to explore being a short walk away from the Marina, Gothic Quarter and of course La Rambles.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johan Molin
Stockholm, Sweden45 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
It’s a rough neighborhood with a large cultural diversity. Many poor people and drug users. Although there is a beauty and harmony in everything. Great for photography if you dare.
Written April 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Los Angeles, CA16 contributions
Jan 2023
I stayed on the border of El Ravel and La Rambla/ El Born at Hotel Niu Barcelona. It was a good place to stay. The staff, price, and location were all great. I understand what people are saying about the neighborhood. You need some street smarts to stay here. Walk on main streets, and be wathchful. I am a woman and travelled alone and had no trouble, but then I also lived in the Lower East Side, NYC in the 80s, so I'm careful. I didn't see any trouble, but I also wasn't out too late. Midnight or so. I think If I had stayed cheper and further in I might have regretted it.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia20,935 contributions
Nov 2022
We are simply surprised by the negative reviews regarding this area, yes it is predominantly an immigrant area, however, that is its charm, also the shopping from, grocery items to fruit and veg is incredibly cheap, as is the array of ethnic eateries, we felt safe at all times of the day, even at night.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James S
Toronto, Canada1,817 contributions
Sep 2022
One of the two neighbourhoods bordering La Rambla is the famous Gothic Quarter. On the other side of this street is the other el Ravel. This neighbourhood isn’t quite as old as it’s neighbour nor as famous but still worth a look. We heard about it from one of the staff at our hotel, a Filipina like my wife. It made sense to take a morning and stroll through it, especially as we had planned to visit the nearby Mercat de Sant Antoni.
While not as old as the Gothic Quarter there are still several narrow streets to wander about listening to the sounds, sights and smells of the area. In addition, parts of the area like Ronda de Paul and Ronda de Sant Antoni resemble the nearby L’Eixample District with its wide tree lined boulevards and stately buildings with their distinctive wrought iron balconies.
It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Today it is home to about 50,000 people, many born elsewhere. It has always been a neighbourhood of immigrants. Originally it was informally known as Barrio Chino or Chinatown. Now there are South Asians, South Americans, Filipinos and Eastern Europeans living here, many of whom work in the shops and restaurants of the neighbouring more touristy areas. My wife even found several Filipino business that cater to the 5,000 or so countrymen of hers that work and live in Barcelona.
While the Gothic Quarter to the north is known as a tourist attraction, el Ravel has had another reputation. During the last century it was best known for its nightlife and clubs including many of an adult nature. With this came prostitution and crime. While many of these clubs have long since gone sadly the crime remains.
Most travel sites post numerous warnings about going into this neighbourhood especially at night. This is probably true but I found it perfectly safe during the day if using normal precautions. In fact, I would say the absence of large numbers of tourists made it a bit safer as that meant fewer pickpockets and other similar types around due to a lack of potential victims.
The lack of tourists also means that prices here are a bit cheaper. The shops and cafes cater more to the residents than visitors and this is reflected in their costs. While there is no great selection of souvenirs, other items are readily available and there are worse places to grab a coffee or lunch at. The el Ravel district is probably not for everyone, but then that is one of the charms of Barcelona, there is always something for every taste.
While not as old as the Gothic Quarter there are still several narrow streets to wander about listening to the sounds, sights and smells of the area. In addition, parts of the area like Ronda de Paul and Ronda de Sant Antoni resemble the nearby L’Eixample District with its wide tree lined boulevards and stately buildings with their distinctive wrought iron balconies.
It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Today it is home to about 50,000 people, many born elsewhere. It has always been a neighbourhood of immigrants. Originally it was informally known as Barrio Chino or Chinatown. Now there are South Asians, South Americans, Filipinos and Eastern Europeans living here, many of whom work in the shops and restaurants of the neighbouring more touristy areas. My wife even found several Filipino business that cater to the 5,000 or so countrymen of hers that work and live in Barcelona.
While the Gothic Quarter to the north is known as a tourist attraction, el Ravel has had another reputation. During the last century it was best known for its nightlife and clubs including many of an adult nature. With this came prostitution and crime. While many of these clubs have long since gone sadly the crime remains.
Most travel sites post numerous warnings about going into this neighbourhood especially at night. This is probably true but I found it perfectly safe during the day if using normal precautions. In fact, I would say the absence of large numbers of tourists made it a bit safer as that meant fewer pickpockets and other similar types around due to a lack of potential victims.
The lack of tourists also means that prices here are a bit cheaper. The shops and cafes cater more to the residents than visitors and this is reflected in their costs. While there is no great selection of souvenirs, other items are readily available and there are worse places to grab a coffee or lunch at. The el Ravel district is probably not for everyone, but then that is one of the charms of Barcelona, there is always something for every taste.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia18,666 contributions
Aug 2022
This was my third time in Barcelona and the first time I've been in this neighborhood.
Reason - a great Indian "Tandoori Nights" which is in the middle of that area.
We walked almost the entire neighborhood until we found it, and wanted to give it up several times - it's an old neighborhood with narrow streets like Gothic and Ribera quarters, but on a rundown and neglected side. It reminds on Naples pretty much.
It's an Arabic neighborhood full of suspicious people hanging around, hookers and drug user in midday - we went there for lunch, I can only imagine how it looks like at night.
That night I've read many articles about Raval and consider ourselves lucky we finished our visit without a problem, but anyway we felt unpleasant during those two hours.
Reason - a great Indian "Tandoori Nights" which is in the middle of that area.
We walked almost the entire neighborhood until we found it, and wanted to give it up several times - it's an old neighborhood with narrow streets like Gothic and Ribera quarters, but on a rundown and neglected side. It reminds on Naples pretty much.
It's an Arabic neighborhood full of suspicious people hanging around, hookers and drug user in midday - we went there for lunch, I can only imagine how it looks like at night.
That night I've read many articles about Raval and consider ourselves lucky we finished our visit without a problem, but anyway we felt unpleasant during those two hours.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Portugal46 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Nothing special to see here
A bit dirty
A lot of drugs being used on the street, so it’s a bit dangerous for tourists, not recommend to go there at night.
A bit dirty
A lot of drugs being used on the street, so it’s a bit dangerous for tourists, not recommend to go there at night.
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
75 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Dangerous place, we saw two couples getting mugged during our 5 night stay and a big brawl with 20 guys in front of our hotel barcelo. Hookers and drugs dealers in broad day light. This is not Barcelona but an Arabic neighbourhood. Will never go there again.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiz S
Rome, Italy191 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Absolutely safe and definitely the trendiest neighborhood of Barcelona. In Raval you can find narrow picturesque streets, great places to shop, amazing cafes such as the hidden and gorgeous “La Central del Raval” near Plaça dels Àngels, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona MACBA with many skateboarding teenager having fun riding and “performing” on their skateboards in front of the Museum. This is my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Instructor T
1 contribution
May 2021
The Raval is one of the most dangerous areas in Barcelona. I do not recommend it for tourists. A lot of taxis do not even go there. Theives work in groups and live in this area. It is very dangerous if you do not live in the area. Mainly Morrocan gangs, but also prositution and drugs.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Javier S
Barcelona, Spain23 contributions
¿Miedo? Primero, esa no es la Plaza de los Farmacéuticos, esos son los Jardines de Rubió i Lluch, que dan acceso a lo que fue desde el 1400 hasta principios del siglo XX el Hospital Central y único de Barcelona, y que ahora es la Biblioteca de Cataluña. Segundo. Si esas personas viven y duermen aquí es porque el resto de la ciudad los ha expulsado hacia aquí, que es donde están todos los comedores sociales y servicios de ayuda a los pobres. Quizás lo que da miedo es el resto de la ciudad, de una ciudad sin alma cuyos políticos siempre buscan alcanzar una utópica uniformidad social, o racial, o vete a saber qué. Y es por eso que existe el Raval tal cual es, porque aquí los pobres encuentran un lugar donde no los echan a patadas. Las personas que duermen en la calle no tienen por qué dar miedo. No creo que te pasara nada, ¿verdad? Pues seguro que nuestro barrio tiene un millón de veces más dignidad, vitalidad y alegría que el sitio donde tú vives. No tengas ninguna duda, porque es así.
Javier S
Barcelona, Spain23 contributions
Me muero de vergüenza de pensar que en el CSIC tenemos gente tan absolutamente mediocre. España nunca ha sido una potencia investigadora, pero con personas como tú, incapaces de ver más allá de sus propias narices, jamás llegaremos a nada. ¿Que lo único que merece la pena del Raval es que está al lado de las Ramblas y del Gótic? Espero que no seas historiador, porque está claro que no tienes ni idea de historia, pero tampoco de sociología, ni de antropología. Por cierto, el Gótic es un barrio creado ad hoc para engañar a la gente, casi todo es decorado. ¿Un investigador que desprecia a las personas pobres? Eso es lo mismo que despreciar a la humanidad, y un investigador que desprecia a la humanidad no es investigador, es un fraude. Cualquiera de esas personas que estaba ahí, en nuestro barrio, seguro que tiene un millón de veces más dignidad que tú. Seguro que tú nunca llegarás a vivir en la calle, porque, visto lo visto, está claro que te dedicas a vivir de la mamandurria. ¡La corrupción va a acabar con este país!
Maria & Jony
1 contribution
Hola, qué tan segura es la zona de carrer de Sevilla en Barcelona?no soy de aqui y me han dicho que está cerca del raval...
Gabriel
2 contributions
Hola , no se que tan cerca esta esa zona respecto de el Raval, solo puedo confirmarte que en el Raval me han sutraido una mochila con mis pertenencias y fui testigo al mismo tiempo de otra persona que le habían robado la billetera, ambos nos encontramos buscando algún policía que nos pueda ayudar pero en el Raval no hay presencia policial, saludos
Brenda F
Lanus5 contributions
Hola nos hospedaremos en la calle Reina Amalia número 9. Es un lugar peligroso?
Instructor T
1 contribution
El Raval es una de las zonas más peligrosas de Barcelona. No lo recomiendo para los turistas. Muchos taxis ni siquiera van allí. Las muestras trabajan en grupos y viven en esta área. Es muy peligroso si no vives en el área. Principalmente pandillas Morrocan, pero también de prositución y drogas.
primitivogijon
gijon136 contributions
Tenemos reserva en el hotel curious en calle del carmen aunos metrosde de las ramblas esperemos que no sea una calle peligrosa, alguien puede informar, gracias.
Fernan62
Barcelona, Spain16 contributions
La calle del Carmen, tocando a Las Ramblas es de lo más seguro de la calle, si sigues esa calle dirección contraria a Las Ramblas, toca madera. Las Ramblas es una de la calles más turísticas de Barcelona, pero 0 en comida, caro y pésima calidad, cocinado como si los turistas no tuvieran paladar, ojo con los trileros, carteristas, tironeros, manteros,es decir un submundo de delincuencia al servicio del incauto. Si queréis comer bien, salid de esa zona y hacerlo en el ensanche, el eixample, que decimos aquí. Como todas las ciudades turísticas siguiendo las normas que os dicte el sentido común, Barcelona tampoco es la Cueva de Alí Babá. Resumiendo, Las Ramblas y y calle del Carmen, no son para ir presumiendo de bolso, cámara, joyas etc, etc,
Antonella T
17 contributions
C è una metropolitana che dall aeroporto che ti porta all albergo?
DAB_traveller
Milan, Italy415 contributions
No. Però ci sono collegamenti con autobus da aeroporto al centro e viceversa.
Sono comodi ed economici e molto frequenti.
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