El Raval is the heart of alternative Barcelona. Here you'll find the best record stores, vintage clothes shops, and bars. The best streets to find all this stuff are Carrer de Joaquín Costa and Carrer de la Riera Baixa. Be sure to check out Riera Baixa on a Saturday as there is an alternative market here throughout the day, where you can find products from local shops as well as eat paella made on the street. My favourite place to buy vintage clothes in Barcelona is La Principal retro&co, which you can find just off Joaquín Costa on Carrer de Ferlandina, 37.

Les Corts (pronounced "Las Corts") is a fairly suburban district of Barcelona. You'll be quite far-out if you stay here, but it would be fairly cheaper, and of course you'd be in close proximity to Camp Nou. I would recommend staying here only if you are crazy about all things Barça!