Barcelona is a great place to live, and a fantastic place to visit for a short city-break holiday. Everyone knows that of course, which is why the apartment rental market has exploded since I first moved here in 2002. Now there is no shortage of offer – though sometimes the quality of the accommodation may be lacking. Here’s my recommendation if you’re looking to rent an apartment in the Raval area of Barcelona. The Raval district is unrelentingly “real”, and is breath of not-quite-so fresh air amidst the heavily-touristed (can I say that?! spell check sure doesn’t like it…) Barrio Gotico and Las Ramblas. Full of bars, restaurants, and night-life, super-close to all the tourist spots whilst being very much authentic, it’s a lively multicultural area of BCN. Enjoy!