El Raval District
 

So I ended up choosing a very nice-looking apartment in the Raval District in Barcelona. It's between Las Ramblas and MACBA, with the Placa de Catalunya to the north. But now I am freaking out because I have read that the Raval is dangerous and dirty and filled with prostitutes and low-lifes. Can anyone tell me if the area to the east of the museum is any better than the rest of the Raval District? This apartment appears very near the Casa Camper, which everyone seems to rave about and even say it's in a good location. I'm traveling with my in-laws, one of which is an artist, my husband, and my toddler. I need some comforting words ...

Hello don't worry, Raval had a bad rep a while ago, but all the art galleries and chic shops/restaurants in this part have brought it up a bit.
the hookers hang out closer to sant antoni end of raval, but in a year i have only passed them twice, so its not likely you will be bothered.
btw there are lots of hookers every night on las ramblas but its still one of the most popular places to visit in barcelona. tell your husband to beware if he's walking on his own on las ramblas one night (how ironic!)
where you are in raval is a nice area. edgy and arty, but not "dangerous". its reputation also means that it is slightly less touristy, more local, less expensive to eat out, but right in the centre and you can walk everywhere. there!

Thanks so much for this information. It's a huge relief!

What is the MACBA?

I just stayed in the Raval in May down toward the water. That area is not as nice as near the Placa Catalunya.

We are a family of artists and unless you are major Miro fans, you can skip that museum. The Picasso Museum will more instructive from a historical perspective than an artistic one.

What we find, most interesting is the detail in the architecture of Gaudi and Puig. We have been Barcelona three times, and always enjoy walking the City. If you have time go to the Cathedral on Saturday evening or Sunday and watch the Catalans ance the Sardana. It is a traditional folk dance with deep meaning regarding Catalan culture and unity.

This article describes the art scene in Barcelona along with some comments about the neighborhood near MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona).

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/02...tml?ref=travel