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.