Hello,
I've narrowed down my apartment options in Barcelona, and I really like the look and layout of one in particular. I'm worried about the location. Anyone have any specific knowledge about these streets? The apartment is a few blocks west of Las Ramblas and few blocks from Placa Catalunya. Here is the link to the apartment. The maps are a bit fuzzy, so I can't read the exact street name. Thanks! http://www.visit-bcn.com/inglaterra/opcion_paloma.htm

Quite a good area. This might help :


http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s-ramblas.html

Thank you very much, Kaneda. I think this apartment is very pretty, but I had heard bad things about Raval, and this is on that side. But it sides like this area is close enough to the center of things that is it still nice. Thanks much!

This apartment is located in a typical area of Barcelona and it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, parkings and a lot of places of interest such as the MACBA and the nightclub LA PALOMA.

http://www.top-barcelona-apartments....od=47#LOCATION

Buy a map when you get there, about 2 euros.

Thanks, Kaneda. My main concern is that it's safe, since I'll be with my toddler and in-laws. Seems like it has easy access to interesting sites, too, right?

its very likely that they have named this apartment after the street or the big nightclub, la paloma. the street is called calle paloma. did you post recently about raval as well? i think i have answered your question on the other post.
You should read this area guide about raval: http://www.way2stay.com/area-info-Barcelona-en-52.htm you might have a look at some more apartment options here too.

I would not stay in Raval. You need to be on the other side of Las Ramblas, Barrio Gotico. Raval is ok closer to Las Ramblas. However, there is a very poor moroccan section leading outwards. Seems safe enough during the day but I wouldn't risk it at night.

PMR - I'm also looking at Paloma for next year - have you decided to take it?

PMR - this link is neat

La Paloma is on Carrer Sitges - if you go to the link below and select Barcelona and then input "Sitges" as the street - you can take a visual walk around the neighbourhood........quite interesting. It looks a lot like the area of Trastevere in Rome we stayed in

http://www.qdq.com/indexfotos.asp

Thank you for the cool web site, Elizabeth S. -- at least now I know what it looks like there. What did you think of the neighborhood in Rome where you stayed? Aside from one spot of graffiti, the buildings seem to be in decent shape ... though, it's a very valid point that at night it could be scary. Unfortunately, although now I have been told not to stay in Raval, I have already put a deposit on the apartment. I will definitely post upon my return (I go in late Sept/early Oct) to weigh in. Someone mentioned "a very poor moroccan section leading outwards" -- do you have any specifics about where this is? We're not far from Casa Camper, which people seem to rave about -- even the location. Thanks everyone!

It is nice to see the street, isn't it? We found graffiti endemic in Rome (sadly) and learned not to judge a neighbourhood based on the presence of graffiti.

I posted the apartment map on Slow Trav and here's a couple of comments I received (posters were comparing Upper Ravel which La Paloma's neighbourhood versus Eixample)

"The area is the up-and-coming Upper Raval. Great location. Very hip. Near the Boqueria market. Near transport. Safe.
Between the Eixample and Upper Raval, - we are comparing two very nice neighborhoods, - I would choose Upper Raval, especially now. Upper Raval has become an astonishingly exciting yet livable neighborhood. Strolling there and stopping at Granjas Viader for its famous ... milk(!) before doing my food shopping at the Boqueria, that was my daily high point."

I feel good about the location - our problem is it's way more than our budget for 8 weeks..........

What else was on your short list?

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Elizabeth!!! I can actually sleep now! I have felt so much pressure playing travel agent for my husband and his family. They're very sweet, and I don't mind doing it -- but I would feel so horrible if I got us into trouble. Thanks again!

Hello

I live this area because it´s multiethnical and popular for it´s bars, designer shops and restaurants. I stayed once there in an apartment:
http://www.cocoonbarcelona.com/apart...cal-center.php

I really recommend this area if you like a multicultural flair. There are nice restaurants with cheap prices to eat.

It´s also very near to the historival center.

I wish you a nice stay

Maria

Thank you, Maria! Any restaurants you can recommend?

pmr - do you leave soon? We chose a different apartment (nearby) for a variety of reasons but would love to hear about your trip......Regards

Elizabeth: La Paloma is on Tigre St. The only famous bar on Sitges (the small street off of Tallers) is l'Ovella Negra.

Also, is this Elizabeth from Houston?

I'm Elizabeth from Toronto

Sorry! Something in your post sounded exactly like a girl from Houston I know. Her name is Elizabeth and her last initial is S. It would not be the first time I ran into someone here.