The Historic Transformation of El Raval
El Raval's history is a rollercoaster. Once a rural area outside the city walls, it became a gritty hub for sailors and nightlife. Today, it's transformed, but its edgy past still whispers through the streets.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of El Raval with a private, personalized experience led by a local.



Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had a wonderful experience on the LGBTQ walking tour in Barcelona. Our guide, Stefano, was fantastic—his love for the city was so clear and made the tour engaging from start to finish. We learned a lot about Barcelona’s LGBTQ history and culture, and Stefano also shared excellent restaurant recommendations that made the rest of our trip even better. Highly recommended!"
"HIGHLY RECOMMEND Stefano for the LGBT tour of Barcelona. Stefano was thoughtful of my wife who was struggling a bit and he paced the tour and took some shortcuts to eliminate some walking. He showed us what we wanted to see and also made great recommendations on anything and offered assistance after the tour should we have questions or needed help in any way he too gave a great bookstore near our hotel and we were unable to make it but local family owned shops are important to shop"
"Stefano was a super guide. Enjoyed the tour and the history of the LGBT community in Barcelona. He is a well educated guide as well as friendly, with a good sense of humor as he pointed out the good, and bad, of the history of the LGBT community. Stefano genuinely has a passion for sharing these stories. It’s what makes him a great guide. Gracias. "
"We had a wonderful tour with Stefano. This tour was clearly a labor of love for him and his passion for the queer history of Barcelona really made the bricks and alleys of the city come to life. He spent more time with us than was advertised and gave excellent recommendations to set us up for the rest of our trip in the city. Highly recommended!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Barcelona with locals






Our locals will give you the best experiences that Barcelona has to offer
Discover experiences based on your interest
Ready to explore the real Barcelona? El Raval is a vibrant mosaic of culture, history, and raw energy. Forget the tourist traps and dive into the authentic stories of El Raval with a local expert.
El Raval's history is a rollercoaster. Once a rural area outside the city walls, it became a gritty hub for sailors and nightlife. Today, it's transformed, but its edgy past still whispers through the streets.
El Raval is Barcelona's cultural playground! Home to the MACBA and the CCCB, it's a magnet for artists, skaters, and thinkers. Feel the creative pulse of El Raval's vibrant streets and galleries.
From hidden tapas bars to trendy vermuterias, El Raval is a feast for the senses. Don't miss the bustling Boqueria Market on its edge. A local guide knows the best spots for an authentic bite!
The controversial French writer Jean Genet was captivated by El Raval's underbelly in the 1930s. His novel 'The Thief's Journal' paints a vivid picture of the district's past. Walk the same streets.
The heart of the neighborhood is the Rambla del Raval. Grab a seat at a terrace, sip a coffee, and watch the world go by. It’s a local pastime and the best way to soak in the diverse atmosphere.
Don't just see El Raval, experience it! Book a private tour with a passionate local guide who can't wait to share their neighborhood's hidden gems and secrets with you. Your unforgettable Barcelona adventure awaits. Book your El Raval tour now!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Knowledgeable, friendly, engaging, and fun, Stefano overcame communication challenges to create a great experience. Two months after a confirmed booking and after several unanswered messages, we finally received a response shortly before the scheduled start of the tour. Apparently, WithLocals did not convey our messages to Stefano. Things happen. The test of one’s mettle is how well they adapt to the challenge. Stefano adjusted his life schedule to accommodate us. He provided an informational experience and excellent overview of the community. We met interesting people and saw key sites. We learned a lot in an enjoyable manner. Stefano was an excellent guide. He was a ten-star host. The communication challenge with WithLocals caused the loss of a star. We would do the tour again."
"Stefano was accommodating and friendly. His knowledge & passion for the LGBTQ history of Barcelona was eye-opening and enriching! I recommend Stefano and this tour."
"Thank you Stefano. It was a very informative and thoughtful tour covered many landmarks and stories of LGBTQ+. Stefano is very patient with us and great with recommendations from everything from bookstores, restaurants to ice cream. He is also very willing to share his personal stories and why he is so passionate about LGTBQ+ rights. Highly recommended!"
"Stefano is very knowledgeable, intelligent, personable good-humored and engaging tour guide. He showed me some rarely seen places and gave me a ton of valuable tips on how to best experience Barcelona. He was very flexible, and made changes on the fly depending on what interested me at the moment. Couldn’t ask for a better guide."
"Super friendly, knowledgable, fun and highly recommended. "
"Stefano was the best tour guide ever. He was extremely knowledgeable and allowed us to customize our tour to accommodate my physical ability. He took us to all the interesting places that we would have never found on our own. I would highly recommend his tour. He has a wonderful personality and will make your tour very enjoyable. A personal thank you Stefano!"


Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.