Barcelona's most colorful district by a margin of at least several rainbows and one kaleidoscope. Here you'll find many of Barcelona's best bars, hippest restaurants, contemporary culture and a never ending parade of weird and wonderful characters.

Located on the opposite side of Las Ramblas to the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), El Raval constitutes a major sway of Barcelona's Old Town and was located within the city walls until they were knocked down in 1859 as the city threatened to burst at the seams. As the area was urbanized gradually over time it is characterized by winding streets and vernacular architecture, rather than the grid-like urban-planning of L'Eixample, which naturally help lend the district plenty of charisma. The closest district to Barcelona's port, it's perhaps no surprise that as early as the beginning of the 19th century the downtown area of Raval has been associated with large-scale immigration, poverty, prostitution and other social problems.

There are so many sides to the vibrant area known as El Raval that it makes it a real challenge to write this article. Raval is an interesting and exciting area in Barcelona however it also has its darker and seedy side that you ought to be aware of. It is certainly not the safest or the cleanest area in Barcelona but it does have a special personality and character all of its own that makes this area a compelling visit.

If you are a seasoned traveler, then I would have no hesitation in recommending this area if you want to experience an authentic and stimulating Barcelona neighborhood. If, however, you are not comfortable with walking through seedy areas or if you are particularly sensitive to street noise then this may not be the area for you.

El Raval is part of the second stage development of historic Barcelona and used to be very densely populated until the city walls were removed around the turn of the 20th century and the Eixample area was built. The Southernmost part of the El Raval, near the port also used to be famous as the city’s red-light district. However, in 1988 the government started a huge urban regeneration project and invested a lot of money in cleaning up the area and it has become more modern and safer. However even after this urban clean up there are still locations within Raval that are unsafe at night. There are also localized areas where prostitution continues.

So what is the appeal to El Raval? The area is vibrant, historic, authentic and full of personality. It is a lively, multi-cultural neighbourhood with a huge variety of tempting cafes, restaurants and bars. The area has also become fashionable being host to a wide variety of art studios, galleries and trendy bookshops, not to mention the imposing MACBA (museum of modern art) and CCCB which is the neighboring exhibition centre.

Clothes shopping is also a pleasure in El Raval thanks to all the little one-off boutiques that line some of the streets giving you a truly unique shopping experience. Unlike the Eixample with its large branded name designer labels, Raval is where you find the small privately owned shops selling clothes you can’t find anywhere else.

El Raval is alive all through the day and night so you will never be without an eatery to entice you in the early hours of the morning. El Raval offers a central location within walking distance of many of the other popular areas such as the Gothic Quarter and Eixample. The nearest metro stops are on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous street which runs up one side of El Raval.

Staying in El Raval also means that you are situated between two of Barcelona’s famous food markets, La Boqueria on Las Ramblas and Mercat Sant Antoni. Both places are worth a visit to stock up on fresh fruit to get you through the day or to sample Spain’s delicious chorizo or Jamon Serrano.

In terms of location, El Raval gives you good access to many of the city’s main attractions which are within walking distance. However the area can be noisy so be careful if you are easily disturbed when sleeping. The Raval is a prime area for pick-pockets and other unsavory characters so it is worth being wary when in the area, especially at night. Don´t wander down any unlit alleys and be watchful of your belongings everywhere.

Raval's central position in the heart of the Old Town has made it a very attractive spot for hotels and hostels alike, especially as many are seeking to cash in on the area's exploding hip factor. Barcelo Raval is one of the most famous, thanks to its sleek circular look and designer interiors, although those on a tighter budget might want to look towards Hosteria Grau, a family-run boutique hotel one minute walk back from Las Ramblas or Barcelona Ramblas Hotel, a very comfortable budget option. Hostels-wise Barcelona Mar and Barcelona Sound are two superb choices that place you in the heart of the action. Finally, if you prefer your own pad then there's no shortage of apartment rental agencies who will help you bed down in El Raval. You can get there via direct flight to Barcelona or to Girona, Reus or Lleida – Alguaire.