Location

The following map displays the location of the apartment and several of Barcelona´s attractions.

Terrace cafes/bars

Close to the apartment are some good terrace cafes/bars which are a lovely place to relax and perhaps look at guide books to plan where to go. Also a lovely place to sit and chat in the summer evenings and nights. One nearby terrace cafe/restuarant with many tables outside and sun most of the day has a 3 course menu for 7.5 Euros with beer/wine/water/bread which is very enjoyable !.

There is a wide variety of cafes and bars from basic bars, chic/stylish, sofa bars, Morrocan normal cafe/bars, Pakistani/Indian, latin style/music, original/antique, dissused furniture style !, serving hatch style ! (if it rains you need an umbrella !!), student style and many terrace bars/cafes/restuarants.

The 1st photo shows the nearby Rambla Raval. There you will find lots of cafe terraces for a morning coffee or for eating outside in the evening.

The 2nd photo shows a nearby cafe/bar terrace.

The 3rd photo shows a lovely square a few minutes walk from the apartment, it has a fenced off area for children to play, two cafes and is an especially nice place on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The 4th photo shows the popular nearby local cafe/bar/restuarant with the 7.5 Euros menu.

Dynamic Area

The neighbourhood has been going through a dynamic phase with new bars/cafes/restuarants/shops etc opening. The nearby Rambla Raval was only finished in approx 2000, and previously the art centre MACBA opened in approx. 1990 and this has helped to open up the Raval district and make it more open etc and this has gradually brought more tourists and locals into to the area which helps open more cafes/bars/galleries/restaurants etc.

In the last few years the area has been a nice mix of local people, students and relatively small numbers of tourists etc. However as more and more hostels and hotels open in the area the number of tourists is increasing every year (and also 10% more tourists arrive in Barcelona every, year on year !) and as the numbers of tourists increases it will slowly lose its 'local' character (separated from the tourist crowds on Ramblas and more relaxed) to become a tourist dominated area......so don't leave your visit too late !.

Great Variety

The neighbourhood has an amazing mix of different 'things'. From candle making shop, a street selling mostly second hand clothes, the 600 year old stone library of Catalunya, a bar selling Absenta (latin for 'to forget' ! ) ( a great bar I think), the even older maritime centre ( Museo Maritim) (Catalunya was a major naval power around 1300/1400 with control of distant places in the Mediterrean), ancient churches, largest remaining part of the city wall..........

This photo is from the public gardens of the Library of Catalunya, dating from 1401, which is close to the apartment.

The Boqueria Market

The excellent Boqueria market with an amazing selection of fresh fish/shells/shrimps, meat and with fruit from all over the planet.
And much of it at excellent prices as long as you avoid the stalls by the entrance where many tourists pay 3 times the price inside the market ! The Boqueria is also an excellent place to have a coffee or meal at one of the many places inside the market, all the food of course being super fresh; very nice atmosphere with all the life of the market. The market is only 3 minutes walk from the apartment.