Je vais partir avec des amis à Barcelone fin août. Une amie qui vit là bas nous propose un plan, sous louer un appart d'amis à elle qui seront en vacances. Cet appart est dans le quartier raval.
Apparament c'est un quartier un peu chaud qu'en pensez vous?
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses.
Marie
Je vais vous exposer les bons et mauvais côtés de l’un des quartiers de Barcelone les plus controversés mais aussi l’un des plus intéressants.
Le quartier très animé d’El Raval a tant de facettes qu’écrire quelques mots à son sujet constitue un véritable défi. El Raval est un quartier intéressant et passionnant, mais avec ses côtés plus sombres et inquiétants qu’il vous faut garder en tête. Ce n’est pas le quartier le plus sécurisé ni le plus propre de Barcelone, il a du caractère, beaucoup de personnalité et un cachet bien particulier qui le rend digne d’une visite.
Si vous êtes un voyageur aguerri je n’hésite pas à vous recommander ce quartier pour une expérience hors des sentiers battus et plus authentique dans Barcelone. Si en revanche vous n’aimez pas vous rendre dans des coins un peu douteux, que vous êtes particulièrement sensible au côté sombre et bruyant de ces rues, alors le quartier n'est pas pour vous.
El Raval a fait partie de la deuxième phase du développement historique de Barcelone et était très densément peuplé jusqu’à ce que les murs de la Cité soient détruits vers la moitié du 19e siècle et que le quartier de l’Eixample soit construit. La partie la plus au Sud d’El Raval, à côté du port, était aussi le « quartier rouge » de la ville. Cependant en 1988 le gouvernement a lancé un grand projet de réhabilitation urbaine et a investi beaucoup d’argent dans ce quartier qui est de plus en plus sécurisé et moderne. Cela dit, même après cette réhabilitation, il y a des endroits du Raval qui ne sont pas très sûrs la nuit. Il y a aussi des endroits où la prostitution se pratique encore.
Quel est donc l’intérêt d’El Raval? Le quartier est très vivant, historique, authentique et plein de personnalité. C’est un quartier animé et multiculturel avec un grand nombre de cafés, restaurants et bars. Le quartier est également devenu à la mode car il abrite divers ateliers d’artistes, des galeries d’art et des librairies à la mode, sans parler de l’imposant MACBA (musée d’art moderne) et CCCB qui est le centre d’expositions situé à proximité.
Il est aussi très agréable de faire du shopping dans El Raval parmi toutes les petites boutiques indépendantes, vous faisant vivre une "expérience shopping" véritablement unique. Au contraire de l’Eixample et de ses grandes marques, El Raval est l’endroit où se regroupent les petites boutiques et les marques indépendantes de vêtements que vous ne trouverez nulle part ailleurs.
El Raval est animé nuit et jour, vous trouverez donc toujours un endroit où aller manger, même très tard dans la nuit. C'est un quartier central d’où l’on peut rejoindre à pied beaucoup d’autres endroits comme le quartier gothique et l' Eixample. Les arrêts de métro les plus proches sont sur Las Ramblas, la rue la plus connue de Barcelone qui longe l’un des côtés d’El Raval.
Séjourner dans El Raval signifie également que vous êtes situé entre deux des marchés alimentaires les plus connus de Barcelone, La Boqueria sur Las Ramblas et le Mercat Sant Antoni. Les deux endroits sont dignes d’une visite pour acheter des fruits, par exemple, ou goûter le délicieux Chorizo espagnol ou le Jamón Ibérico de cerdo à patas négras.
En termes de situation géographique, El Raval est à une distance raisonnable à pied des centres d’intérêt principaux de la ville. Cependant ce quartier peut être bruyant donc faites attention si vous avez le sommeil léger.
El Raval est le quartier de prédilection des pickpockets et autres curieux personnages, donc il est préférable de rester vigilant dans ce quartier, surtout la nuit. Ne vous promenez pas dans des rues mal éclairées et faites attention à vos affaires partout où vous êtes. Pour ma part j’adore El Raval mais ce quartier ne plaît pas à tout le monde. C’est un quartier authentique, pas très propre et pas très joli; ce n’est pas le quartier le plus sûr de la ville mais il a tant de personnalité et de caractère qu’il serait dommage de ne pas le visiter.
Pourquoi se dit-on toujours APRES qu'il aurait fallu s'en occuper AVANT ?
J'ai déjà été à l'hotel dans ce quartier (appelé souvent barrio xino, mais je crois que la délimitation officielle du Raval est un peu plus grande que l'ancien xino).
Central, toujours assez populaire et cosmopolite, pas encore véritablement "hype", rock, une ou la dernière place alternative de BCN (en admettant que cette scène n'ait pas disparue de BCN). Quelques secteurs en travaux si je me rappelle bien... demande si tu n'auras pas une pelleteuse sous tes fenêtres.
En aout en plus ce sera forcément plus tranquille.
Ma soeur habite depuis un certain temps à Barcelone, en ce moment sur la Rambla, pres du métro Liceu, et elle cherche à changer d'appart et cherche plus particulièrement dans El Raval.
Donc en me basant la dessus, je te dirai que c'est un très bon plan qu'on te propose.
Tu seras super bien située pour toutes tes visites.
Je prépare un éventuel voyage de 3 semaines à Barcelone. 1ère fois en Espagne. J, aime bien être près du métro mais sans être dans le centre touristique.…
Nous sommes un coupe avec un enfant de ans. nous devons nous arrêter à Valence pour une soirée et une nuit et voudrions prendre une chambre dans un coin sympa…
Avant de me rendre au festival de Benicassim, je passe la soirée de SAmedi soir avec des amis sur Barcelone. Dans quel quartier me conseillez vous d'aller pour…
Nous partons à deux pour Valencia le 15 avril 2016. Pouvez nous indiquez dans quel quartier prendre l hotel afin de pour voir sortir le soir à pied: bars,…
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Bonsoir qui connait l'Algarve ?
Lagos une location ou un hôtel, comment aller de l'aéroport au bord de mer, comment visiter la ville ? Quoi à voir ?quoi à faire ?
Merci pour vos idées et conseils
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi,
My daughter is heading to Iceland for a 4- to 5-day trek. Our Belgian network doesn’t cover Iceland. What’s the best alternative to stay reachable as much as possible, even while hiking?
Thanks
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi there, a friend will be visiting Great Britain in August and would like to explore some representative spots in Denmark before heading back to Canada.
What affordable activities could you recommend to him?
He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Séville, Cordoue et Grenade, une bulle arabo-andalouseFR
Aragon méconnuFR
Un grand week-end de novembre en EspagneFR
Minorque, une île des Baléares préservée et authentiqueFR
Majorque, rien que pour vos yeuxFR
Andalusia with family (and two families) by car, late April 2019
Belles îles en mer: Malte et Ibiza en photosFR
