Raval is one of Barcelona’s most exciting areas, with fantastic nightlife, thrift stores, and lots of great restaurants. It’s also sadly known for pickpocketing, muggings, and narcopisos (empty apartments occupied by drug dealers). It’s still worth exploring; just make sure to keep a watchful eye. 

You can grab a bite at La Boqueria market on the Rambla and then head to one of the many bars on Joaquin Costa street for a drink, or catch a movie at the Filmoteca. Many films are in Catalan, but they have showings in all languages. RavalCo is a good coworking space in the area, and Caravelle is a popular brunch place with WiFi, outlets, and lots of space.