El Raval by sue_stone
The El Raval district is located west of La Rambla. It has long been known as one of the rougher parts of the city, but these days is becoming a hip address, if you are into that inner-city-grungy type of thing. It is worth a wander around, and has a few attractions to keep us tourists happy.One of the most interesting buildings in the district is Palau Guell, a Gaudi extravaganza. This modernista mansion was created in the 1880's for his wealthy friend Eusebi Guell. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations last time I visited (Jan 2007), but I hear the roof of the building is particularly worth a look.
El Raval even has it own La Rambla, not surprisingly called El Raval Rambla. It is a fairly short pedestrian street lined with palm trees and plenty of seats to sit on and do some people watching. There is a giant (and kind of ugly) sculpture of a cat here too. Worth a look, but be wary of some of the dodgy looking characters loitering around here.Take a walk into the pretty courtyard gardens of the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. In the 15th century this was the city's main hospital. These days it is home to the Biblioteca de Catalunya (National Library of Catalonia) and the Institut d'Estudis Catalans (Institute for Catalan Studies).
If you are an art lover then you may want to visit the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, or if not, then at least walk buy and admire its gleaming white facade. Next door you will see the remains of the Convent dels Angels, a 400 year old convent, which these days is used for exhibitions. There is some interesting graffiti on its exterior.
Lastly, have a browse in the shops along Carrer dels Tallers - great for vintage music and alternate clothing. (Last visit it seemed to be a bit of a Goth meeting place). You could even stop off at one of the oldest bars in town, Boadas Bar, for a cocktail, located at 1 Carrer dels Tallers.