About this free tour
El Raval is the neighbourhood that has changed the most, and the one that best preserves the soul of authentic Barcelona. On this free tour, guided on foot by a local historian, you'll explore its lesser-known corners: the immigrant communities that have transformed it, the taverns that have seen generations of workers, the cultural centres keeping the neighbourhood's memory alive, and the art spaces that coexist with the everyday life of its people.
Route highlights
- Rambla del Raval – the neighbourhood's new heart
- MACBA – contemporary art in a working-class neighbourhood
- Mercat de la Boqueria – the entrance and the reality behind it
- The 'Chinatown' myth versus the reality
- Sant Pau del Camp – the hidden Romanesque church
The itinerary, step by step
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Rambla del Raval
The public space that transformed the neighbourhood.
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MACBA and Plaça dels Àngels
Art and neighbourhood life sharing the same space.
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Carrer Hospital
The central axis of medieval and modern El Raval.
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Sant Pau del Camp
The 12th-century Romanesque monastery that tourism forgets.
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Mercat de la Boqueria – behind the stalls
The reality of a market caught between two speeds.
Meeting point
In front of the Botero Cat, Rambla del Raval, Barcelona
Available on 2, 3 and 4 October, at 11am and 6pm
Prefer to go at your own pace?
This same route is also available as a self-guided audio tour: listen whenever you like, with no schedule or group, with unlimited access for 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does this route take?
- This route lasts approximately 2 hours and covers 2.8 km through El Raval. The difficulty level is easy, suitable for most visitors.
- Where is the meeting point?
- The meeting point is at Rambla del Raval (In front of the Botero Cat, Rambla del Raval, Barcelona). Available on 2, 3 and 4 October, at 11am and 6pm.
- How much does this free tour cost?
- This free tour is pay-what-you-want: there's nothing to pay to book, and at the end of the route you leave whatever tip you consider fair based on your experience. If you'd rather pay a fixed price, this route is also available as a self-guided audio tour for €7.99. Check our pricing guide.
- What languages is the route available in?
- This route runs in Català, Castellà.
