Barcelona has a lot more to it than just the popular walking street of Las Ramblas, and the historical El Raval is one up-coming district, or barri as it's known in Castilian, that's worth exploring for its own unique characteristics and style. It's very easy to find, start off at Placa Catalunya and head down the Las Ramblas and El Raval is on the right-hand side. Venture into one of the small roads off here and you'll find a wealth of trendy boutiques, alternative stores and funky restaurants.

Once the main area of the red light district, El Raval has come a long way in recent years and these days it's a place where people of all ages and styles want to be, and want to be seen. This multi-cultural area embraces those with a sense of style, and bohemian and alternative are two words that are not out of place here. The architecture is nearly as awe-inspiring as the Gothic Quarter and the winding narrow streets give you the flavour of local life and apartments for rent in this area are often cheaper than other areas of the city.

The University of Barcelona, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the Pompeu Fabra University and the IESE Business School and Ramon Llull University are all located in or around the city. This means of course that there are lots of students living in the city looking for a lifestyle they can relate to, and El Raval is one of those places. Popular with students, hip locals and tourists it offers something different to neighbouring districts with its great selection of alternative styles of clothing and d?cor, and restaurants selling all kinds of cuisine with chic interiors and good food.

Also located in this district on the Pla?a dels ?ngels is The Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona. The MACBA Collection consists of lots of different works from Catalonian, Spanish and International artists. Located in a striking white building designed by American architect Richard Meier you'll find works of art by Tapies, Oteiza, Rauschenburg, Calder and Chillida. On the other side of the square is The Centre for Contemporary Culture, a huge space with three exhibition galleries, lecture halls, an auditorium and multi-use spaces including the Pati de les Dones courtyard and the Mirador Hall. It arranges everything from exhibitions, debates and festivals to concerts and conferences, and promotes artistic research and debate in a wide range of areas and subjects.

Sitting alongside these cultural icons are some of the best bars and restaurants found in the city. Art galleries, bookshops and workshops appeal to passersby and you can find unique pieces of work that make great souvenirs to take home. There are rental apartments available at good prices in this area too and locating here means you are within walking distance of all the city centre attractions and entertainment. If you want an experience that has you living amongst the locals rather than tourists then you really should check it out.

A great little find is the London Bar which seems to have been open for ever. The likes of Hemingway, Orwell, Picasso and Mir? have all been known to have stopped off here for refreshment and, although it's a run-down sort of place, it has a great atmosphere and is worth the visit. The venue often has live music in the evenings from blues, jazz and rock. You'll find it on Carrer Nou de la Rambla.

Saying all this El Raval still has a bit of a reputation that makes people on their guard after dark. Covering quite a large area there are 2 parts to it, the more funky where most of the bars and the museum are located, and the area nearest the sea that is a little more seedy. Take some good advice and don't wander alone in an alleyway here after dark and keep your bags and wallets safely tucked away on your person. Although improving steadily the streets are still not as clean as elsewhere in the city and some people are uncomfortable with this, if that's the case then stick to the more touristy areas. However it's a colourful area that would be a shame to miss out on, as long as you are street wise and use your common sense you shouldn't experience any problems.