If you've read any guidebooks or articles about Barcelona, you've probably been advised at some point to stay away from Raval. I used to believe them too but now that I've been there many times, I call bullshit! It is true that sometimes it is not very easy on the eye, but it is full of history, charm and places to discover.
One of my favorite bars there is Beirut. It is located in one of the busiest streets of the neighbourhood, Joaquin Costa. This bar has been there since aproximately 1930. In the early 2000, it was changed to what is known as Beirut 37 now. They made sure to keep an important part of the old place which is "la gorda", a statue of a big lady standing on the bar. The rest of the decorations is a little bit more unconventional. They have naked dolls and crucifixes hanging on the walls and the whole place smells of incense.
The drinks are quite a surprise too, as the prices are pretty cheap. There is also a big selection of cocktails to choose from. Just make sure to order at the bar because there are no waiters there.
Find your way with 178 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Bun Bo" Barcelona is one of the restaurants I keep going back to. Here I spoil myself with Asian delights when I am too lazy to cook. Very cheap too!
by
"Zizinia de les Flors" in Barcelona is founded on food autonomy and is by far one of the most interesting restaurant concepts I have ever visited...
by
"Es Bien Brunch" in Barcelona not only has amazing coffee - I love their menu of the day (the quantity of food is really impressive here!)
by
"La Brillantina is an awesome restaurant owned by a Colombian/Argentinian couple. The colorful walls give you a hint of the fresh South American cuisine...
by
"Fika Coffee" in Barcelona is a bit far from the center, in Sant Andreu, but their specialty coffee and Nordic concept have already brought them success!
by
Where do all the people on Plaza del Sol in Barcelona get their beer from? Why, from "Sol de Gràcia"! This corner shop is every beer lover's dream...
by
"Candela Canela" is the kind of place you bump into and fall in love with. They make hands down the best cinnamon rolls in Barcelona! Great coffee, too.
by
"Maison Carne" has become one of my favorites in Barcelona. The concept is simple: a 1kg of ribeye steak for two, with fries & salad. Simple. Perfect.
by
"Albé" in Barcelona is a restaurant that offers the best of Catalunya together with a genuine Lebanese touch. In Arabic, it means 'my heart' - no wonder...
by
Here, classic bar snacks like croquettes, bravas, and potato salad coexist harmoniously with more substantial, stew-based dishes.
by
"CCCB", or the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona has a lot of temporary exhibitions. I love going there on Sundays, when it's free to enter...
by
"Contracorrent Bar" is one of those spots in Barcelona you should not miss if you are a natural wine fan, especially since it's at a very central spot!
by
178 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 178 Insider Tips