A visit to Barcelona can be challenging – there are so many exceptional and exciting places to visit and stay! If you would enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of a genuine Catalan neighbourhood, but appreciate a few holiday treats, why not find a base in El Raval – where old and new Barcelona sit side by side. You won’t be short of choice when it comes to renting since apartment Raval and studios lets are affordable. From the moment you wake up, you can experience the real Barcelona!
Strolling In El Raval
So what’s on your doorstep in El Raval? Churros and hot chocolate on Rambla Ravel is a great start to the day before heading off down Carrer de l’Hospital. Enjoy the gloriously Gothic courtyard of this old Hospital building with it’s soothing fountains and scented orange trees. You can have a cup of coffee here too in the very decent courtyard café. Head north from the square and you’ll be in a shoppers paradise in a few minutes on the tree-lined Carrer d’Elizabets – a charming street, brimming with shoe and clothing boutiques. Just a couple of streets away is Barcelona’s Contemporary Art Museum and the Centre for Cultural Events. There are always displays and exhibitions running – and it’s a lively and busy spot with plenty of independent galleries and small, family run café’s.
If you enjoy buying your own food, try out Sant Antoni Market which is one of Barcelona’s most colourful markets for quality food. Practice your Catalan, and purchase some of the local, fresh food to cook in your apartment. If you need inspiration, take a visit to Buffet Iambigu – a bookshop for cooks and chefs! Its a bit fiddly to find, since its located down a passage from the Boqueria Market, but it’s worth the hunt. Many of the books have English translations – great for developing your confidence when it comes to the more unusual ingredients in Catalan dishes!
If you are interested in herbal remedies and natural products, you might enjoy a visit to Herbolari, http://www.herbolarifarran.es/ on Carrer d’en Xucla – the staff are professionally trained in natural remedies and will happily assist you if you have a particular health concern.
Entertaining and Eating – Catalan Style
Whilst there are plenty of options to while away the daytime hours, the evenings are buzzing with bars and restaurants. Cash works best in the local establishment – since credit card facilities are often not available. Bar Almirall has a beautiful white marble bar top, intricate stained glass and a lively local crowd; Boadas Cocktail Bar has a history of serving cocktails – great for a late night brandy after you have left Theatre Goya www.theatregoya.cat .Theatre Tantarantana is a fantastic family venue; dramas for adults and puppet shows and musicals for youngsters. There is plenty of variety in Barcelona – try an evening at Tinta Rojo for live tango, cabaret acts and circus skills!
If you like the water, but prefer a pool – dive in at the deep end with a family visit to Bernat Picornell Swimming Pool. www.picornell.cat which was given a new lease of life for the Olympic Games. Again, cash only. Poble Espanyol is another great choice for families, since children can try experience making traditional crafts under the gaze of a tutor – Fiesta decorations, weaving and engraving are all offered here. The courtyard opens up in summer for Club nights and it’s worth the wait to get in – dancing under the stars with great views and a glass of chilled wine is a pretty good end to a day in Barcelona!
Leave a Comment