Among the most popular of European city breaks is Barcelona. Its mild climate, vibrant culture and quick (and inexpensive) flights make it a perfect weekend trip from London.
Many visitors are familiar with the popular areas of La Rambla, Place de Catalunya, Park Guell and Diagonal. But visitors shouldn’t miss the historic area around the modern art museum and the Rambla del Raval – a cooler, less touristy and more authentic Rambla than its better known counterpart, south of Place de Catalunya. I was introduced to ‘Raval’ by my daughter, who studied its development as a student.
To get to Raval, head west of La Rambla and find the Museu D’Art Contemporani De Barcelona. This giant white building dominates the Placa dels Angels, contrasting strongly with the older buildings surrounding it. The art collection exhibits the principal movements in contemporary art since 1945, mainly in Catalunya and Spain. Just along from the museum, stop at one of the coffee bars in Carrer de Ferlandina and soak up the local atmosphere, free from our fellow visitors.
Nearby is the Rambla Del Raval. It is a wide tree lined boulevard is home to many bars and restaurants, catering mainly to Barcelona’s young professionals and students. Visit the FilmoTeca de Catalunya for showings of films on Catalan themes.
This vibrant area added a new historical and cultural dimension to Barcelona (and Catalonia) for me, don’t miss it on your (next) visit.
For more information on the museum and cinema, follow these links: