Barcelona’s Dark History Walking Tour in El Raval
Street art and buried secrets in an edgy urban core
$32 per adult €29 per adult £25 per adult C$44 per adult A$47 per adult
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Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Explore this vibrant neighborhood and its edgy roots away from the tourist crowds.
- Hear the blood-chilling legend of the Vampiress of the Raval.
- Tour the ancient Hospital of la Santa Creu where doctors performed autopsies in theatrical style.
- Learn about the troubled past of the city’s oldest church, the Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp.
- Check out the political street art of the south side of Raval, once called the Chinese District.
- See a former house of mercy that hides dark secrets within its walls.
What you'll do
Begin your Raval Walking Tour outside the church of Sant Pere Nolasc Mercedaris, located right by the buzzing Plaça de Castella. From here, you’ll journey through the vibrant streets of Barcelona’s grittiest neighborhood, the Raval.
First up, we’ll visit the Casa de la Misericordia, where children ...
Begin your Raval Walking Tour outside the church of Sant Pere Nolasc Mercedaris, located right by the buzzing Plaça de Castella. From here, you’ll journey through the vibrant streets of Barcelona’s grittiest neighborhood, the Raval.
First up, we’ll visit the Casa de la Misericordia, where children were abandoned and some (they say) still walk the halls. From that spooky start, we’ll take a turn to stroll down Raval’s narrow medieval streets, crowded with eclectic shops and striking architecture.
Making our way through the neighborhood, we’ll stop by the skater’s paradise known as the MACBA, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Hidden away behind this architectural masterpiece is one of the most important pieces of public art in the city: a mural of whimsical stick characters with a politically charged message, created by influential pop artist Keith Haring.
And when you least expect it, we’ll stop by a vampire — well, by the place the Vampire of Raval used to live. But, do vampires ever die? You’ll see for yourself how the lines between life and legend blur with this story of Barcelona’s most infamous serial killer.
At the former Hospital of la Santa Creu, wander the grounds and a garden where shows and spells of the most macabre once took place. Passing next by La Rambla de Raval, we’ll continue to the Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in town. Since its opening over 200 years ago, it’s been the preferred watering hole of the city’s greatest creative minds — Dalí, Gaudí, Picasso, and more.
From the oldest bar to the oldest church, Sant Pau del Camp, located just on the other end of the Rambla del Raval, is a Romanesque building over 1,000 years old. Not only is it Barcelona’s oldest church, but it also hides a troubled past tied to a local legend.
As the tour comes to a close, you’ll discover Raval’s south side. Hear shocking tales of the clubs, cabarets, and casinos that were the main attractions here a century ago. A few have even survived to the modern day — your guide will point them out to you.
This is also a great place to see street art. Close to a former power factory, you’ll admire colorful graffiti art that is constantly changing. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see street artists in action!
Itinerary
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Casa de la Misericordia
A house of both mercy and misery for five centuries of the city’s outcasts
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Keith Haring Mural
A politically charged mural by one of the world’s most influential street artists
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The House of the Vampiress of the Raval
A stop outside a humble shopfront, where one of Barcelona’s most notorious daughters once lived
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The Royal Academy of Medicine
Part of the former Hospital of la Santa Creu, a site infamous for its history of unorthodox autopsies
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Bar Marsella
Welcoming the greatest creative minds, from Dalí and Hemingway to Gaudí and Picasso, since 1820
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Church of Sant Pau del Camp
Barcelona’s oldest church, home to a legend of conquest and promiscuity
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Three Chimneys Park
Birthplace of protests that won the five-day work week, now a canvas for the city’s top street artists
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Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Tour ending point
This tour ends at the Three Chimneys Park (Jardines de las Tres Chimeneas).
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Reviews
Eogen (Owen) was a wonderful guide. He was warm and sociable and had such an impressive knowledge of the histories of the community. It was honestly one of the best tours I've ever been on. You can tell he knows what he's talking about and is engaged and present with those he guides. Would absolutely recommend.
— RyleaMeeting point
We’ll meet outside the Church of Sant Pere Nolasc, in Plaça de Castella, 08001, Barcelona.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
This tour covers around 2 miles at a leisurely pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.