El Raval — The Multicultural District

The Raval is Barcelona's roughest, most multicultural, and most underrated district. Once notorious as "Barrio Chino" (Chinatown) — although no Chinese ever lived here, but rather prostitutes, sailors, and bohemians — the Raval has transformed into a creative melting pot over the past 20 years. Alongside the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the CCCB (Cultural Center), you'll find the best international restaurants, underground bars, and a street art scene reminiscent of Berlin.

MACBA — Museum of Contemporary Art

The MACBA (1995, architect: Richard Meier) is the center of Barcelona's contemporary art scene. The white building on Plaça dels Àngels is a skateboard mecca during the day — the smooth surface in front of the museum attracts skaters from around the world. Inside the museum: changing exhibitions of Catalan and international contemporary art. Admission: 11€, Saturdays from 4 PM: 4€.

Palau Güell

The Palau Güell (1886–1890) is Gaudí's early masterpiece — a city palace for his patron Eusebi Güell, hidden in a narrow alley of the Raval. Strict on the outside, an explosion of space, light, and material on the inside. The rooftop terrace with its colorful chimneys is a foretaste of Gaudí's later works. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission: 12€. Much less visited than Casa Batlló or La Pedrera — an insider tip for Gaudí fans.

Dining in Raval

The Raval is Barcelona's culinary district for international cuisine: Pakistani restaurants (the best samosas in the city for 1€), Mexican taquerias, Lebanese hummus, and Japanese ramen — all at prices unthinkable in the Born or Eixample. In between: traditional Catalan bars and the trendy cocktail scene around Carrer de Joaquín Costa.