El Raval Tour: Barcelona's Forbidden District History & Art
History and culture of Barcelona’s El Raval – from the former “Barrio Chino” to today’s street-art scene; we cover Rambla del Raval and MACBA, Casa de la Misericordia and its “vampire” tale, Botero’s Cat, and Gaudí’s Palau Güell.
Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Urban Outfitters, corner of Bergara Street and Plaza Cataluña Nearest public transport: La Rambla metro station; Pelai (FGC) metro station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Barkeno Tours guides. Look for the guide with the pink umbrella.
Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 6 people on them. If you travel in a party of 7 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Enter with us what was once the forbidden and most infamous of all the Barcelona districts. Discover the notorious El Raval!
Areas close to ports had forever been known for their bad reputations, and El Raval was not any different. Factories, workers, immigrants, sailors, prostitutes, alcohol, crime and murder were what once defined this neighbourhood. Because of all the social problems and difficulties, it was often called the Barrio Chino – the Chinatown of Barcelona. But those days are long gone, now El Raval is the hottest place in the city, a cool bohemian zone full of street and urban art, where all the artists and creative spirits are streaming to. It is also a place where Barcelona’s nightlife pulsates, where you can find some of the best bars and pubs in the city!
The city council had its fair share of improving the living conditions of the neighbourhood by creating new streets like the Rambla del Raval and institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art that changed the way people perceive it.
During our tour, we will discover both the past and present of El Raval. We will delve into its dark days to talk about Casa de la Misericordia, old, ivy-covered orphanage and its peculiar history or the figure of the infamous vampire of El Raval accused of prostituting and slaying young children. We will also introduce you to the present day life and culture of the area full of shops, galleries, modern art and murals.
Interested? Intrigued? Come with us to discover all the flavours of the coolest district of Barcelona!
Highlights
- 1
Barrio Chino
Discover the notorious past of El Raval, once Barcelona's most infamous and dangerous neighbourhood.
- 2
Vampire of Raval
Hear the terrifying story of a serial killer who became a dark local legend in the city.
- 3
Casa de la Misericordia
Uncover the peculiar history of the neighbourhood's old and mysterious ivy-covered orphanage.
- 4
Palau Güell
See one of the earliest architectural masterpieces designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí.
- 5
Botero's Cat
Meet the charming, chubby cat sculpture that has become an icon of the modern El Raval.
- 6
Urban Art Scene
Explore the area's vibrant culture through its many colourful murals and modern street art.
7La Boqueria Market
Get directed to Barcelona's most famous and bustling food market on the edge of the district.
Map
Urban Outfitters, corner of Bergara Street and Plaza Cataluña Nearest public transport: La Rambla metro station; Pelai (FGC) metro station
