Top 5 El Raval Day Trips: See Barcelona’s Soul

So, when you think of Barcelona, you might picture the fancy architecture of Gaudi or maybe even the beaches, but there’s a certain neighborhood, El Raval, which gives a look at a side of the city which is gritty, authentic, that is full of culture. Visiting El Raval feels very much like peeling back a layer and discovering something that those postcards you see just never show. Now, if you’re all set for checking out something really different, come with me, that way we can tour the top five day trips that highlight what makes El Raval something so very special. Actually, these are great plans to experience the heart and the soul of Barcelona.

1. MACBA: Contemplate Contemporary Art

Okay, so let’s start things off with the MACBA, it’s almost the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Right in the center of El Raval, this place really has a collection which is both stimulating and also a little challenging. It’s housed inside a striking building designed by Richard Meier, anyway, the architecture of the museum in itself is like a piece of artwork, and the exhibitions in here, they feature art from the mid-20th century until today. As a matter of fact, MACBA art collections display Catalan and Spanish art. I mean you might see everything from abstract expressionism up to the performance art which could stretch the idea of what art could possibly be. Typically, if you’re someone into art which is thought-provoking that makes you ask all sort of “what if” questions about society, culture, plus the world surrounding us, then the MACBA seems to be one trip you should take.

2. La Boqueria Market: Enjoy a Foodie Adventure

Visiting La Boqueria might be so much more than just the visit to a certain market; It feels much more like entering a foodie’s wildest fantasy. Just off La Rambla, and it marks an entry point right into the heart of El Raval. First off, just about every one of your senses gets ignited here with the colors, the smells, plus all the energy that goes bouncing all all around this area. You might see vendors that sell the things, from just piles and piles that comprise the fresh produce and those vibrant spices too it’s almost the expertly curated seafood which glistens. Really, La Boqueria has a sample of just everything you might even think about trying. Next time you’re there, sample some of those freshly squeezed juices; alternatively, snack on those empanadas which are right off the cart. Or, what if you tried getting lost wandering through those various stalls that lead directly to discovering a very new snack to have? As a matter of fact, La Boqueria Market tours usually take an extended part of an afternoon. Oh, and really don’t be scared to haggle just a little or try any of the free samples because these merchants right here will actually be passionate and are quite happy sharing the items which make this spot amazing.

3. Palau Güell: Explore a lesser known Gaudi Marvel

Alright, so everyone knows the Sagrada Familia, as well as Park Güell, that is, however, you know about Palau Güell? That too’s a masterpiece of Gaudi, only this one happens to be a little more of what many may consider hidden away inside El Raval. Initially designed like a residence on the very rich industrialist Eusebi Güell, the spot displays Gaudi’s genius and even during its younger years. As a matter of fact, step just inside, next thing you know, prepare that way to feel transported right back to the late 19th century and to see this home which is filled using architectural that is innovative, which showcases all that from elaborate ironwork up to the ceilings in stained glass. As I was saying, when exploring, just make sure that way you pay some real close notice directly to the roof terrace, with the unique chimneys as well as colorful tile work, because, really these provide certain, sweeping that is panoramic of that very neighborhood that’s nearby. Anyway, in some respects, Palau Güell shows up a completely new, intimate viewpoint on Gaudi’s creativity. Palau Güell tours make excellent photographs.

4. Hospital de la Santa Creu: Find Serenity Inside an Oasis

Usually, right in El Raval, find the Hospital de la Santa Creu. It serves much more as a bit of oasis when escaping each street there’s that buzz around here. That very complex, in which it had been made within the 15th century, has actually long been used as either a hospital but it’s additionally become your home directly to some libraries as well as art schools over the time too. In some respects, what makes the spot especially cool can actually just only wander from the central courtyard since that happens when getting a little break in the day in order to soak each peaceful bit on architecture or those historical things the spot offers. Now, for those whom truly have interest, what if we looked at each library housed by each building considering each collections that could come through each ages too. By the way, Historic landmarks inside El Raval happen on occasion to appear on itineraries and it is for good reason because each building is such certain treasure just inside El Raval.

5. Filmoteca de Catalunya: Experience Cinematic Treasures

Filmoteca de Catalunya seems to be very essential that way in you being into something from film, as you’d be seeing Barcelona in a rather cinematic fashion. So, the cultural institution screens classics of Catalan, of Spanish films as much from internationally. So it can work perfect when spending a certain afternoon. Clearly, the building offers multiple screening rooms, an archive as much an exhibitions so there’s almost always things that’s something or things available just when discovering, anyway for everyone to get submerged. When visiting consider if browsing from program. I mean they’ve some type curated series, screenings too from very directors since it can provide the new context as well appreciating each media. Really Filmoteca it’s one gem just inside Raval, really what if seeing culture in film being different here or wanting see Catalan movie industry. Really that way see culture in film gives better insight, too it’s great being someone into film.