We take you on a tour of Barcelona's El Born district. This trendy district, located to the east of the Gothic Quarter, on the other side of Via Laietana, is a maze of old streets lined with Gothic churches, tapas bars and other trendy restaurants. El Born is one of Barcelona's most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, where Gothic churches, tapas bars, and trendy restaurants mingle to create a lively and exciting atmosphere. If you're looking for the city's cultural highlights, El Born is home to the iconic Picasso Museum, where you can explore the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. For music lovers, the nearby Palace of Catalan Music is a must-visit destination, showcasing stunning architecture and world-class performances. As a popular area for foreign investors, there is no shortage of accommodation options in El Born, ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious villas. To find the perfect place to stay during your trip, check out the Hilton Barcelona, a stylish and comfortable hotel that offers easy access to all of El Born's attractions and beyond.
Find our tips, tricks and good advice on each of the districts in our Barcelona City Guide. If you are preparing your first trip to Barcelona, don't hesitate to read our article my first trip to Barcelona. You will find many tips to help you prepare your stay in Barcelona.
By the way, we are Franck and Richard. We are travel bloggers and have been exploring the world by sharing our inspiring stories, itineraries, city guides, practical tips and alternative travel plans with you since 2008 on OneDayOneTravel.
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We also have a local travel agency MimpiGO, based in BALI, Indonesia. Since 2021, we have been offering 100% tailor-made, authentic, eco-responsible and solidarity-based trips.
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And Barcelona looks like this in video!
Map of the areas to visit in Barcelona
On the interactive map of Barcelona below, find all our favourite addresses.
The hotels where we like to put our suitcases in blue,
The gourmet places where we eat good tapas in purple,
Our must-sees in Barcelona in red,
Some ideas for walks in green
History of the El Born district
In medieval times, the district was the city's commercial district thanks to its proximity to the port.
Rich merchants built beautiful houses and palaces that can still be seen today. With the passing of time and the construction of a citadel that replaced part of the district (today's Parc de la Ciutadella), trade diminished and the district gradually fell into poverty.
In the 19th century, with the reorganisation of the space due to the great construction of theEixample district, the El Born district was given a new lease of life, especially with the creation of two wide arteries that aerated the district.
Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, many immigrants moved in and the district quickly became overcrowded.
In the 1980s, the municipality of Barcelona decided to completely renovate the neighbourhood. As a result of this successful renovation, El Born is home to an increasing number of art galleries, trendy bars and other fashionable addresses.
El Born in Barcelona is the perfect demonstration that old and new can be perfectly combined.
How to get to El Born?
El Born borders the Gothic Quarter and the port. The port is a 15-minute walk from the church Santa Maria del Mar and the Ramblas. The main entrance to the El Born district is the carrer de l'Argenteria, which is taken from the exit of the gothic quarter through thevia Laietana (metro Jaume 1).
The other access to the El Born district is from the Ciutadella Park at the Arc de Triomphe. For more information, don't hesitate to consult our article on transport in Barcelona.
What to see and do in El Born?
Church Santa Maria del Mar (or Church of Santa Maria del Mar)
The church is open every day from 9am to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8pm. If you're lucky, you'll be able to attend one of the many concerts that this 14th century monument hosts. Architecturally, the two octagonal towers of this massive building can be seen from several alleys. Not easy to photograph due to lack of perspective. It should be noted that the church is actually in the Ribera district, which we deliberately confuse with the El Born district, because when you walk around this area you don't even realise that you are changing districts.
Guided tour of the church of Santa Maria de la Mar
Tip: You can access the roofs of the church to enjoy a beautiful view of the historic centre of Barcelona.
Complete guided tour of theSanta Maria del Mar church with towers and terraces
The church overlooks a square where tapas bar lovers meet. This photo was taken from the tapas bar Bastaix, which we recommend during a visit to the neighbourhood. More information in the section "Where to have a drink in El Born ".
Visit the Paseo del Born
Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the district to discover the soul of a historic district and to shop in the numerous boutiques selling both chic and casual clothes. There is something for everyone.
Dates of the sales in Barcelona
Near the various museums, you will find souvenir shops.
This area is also very popular in the evening, especially Passeig de Born. This is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and other travellers over a mojito for example in one of the many tapas bars open in the evening. We recommend the Mirame Lindo bar.
A pastry shop not to be missed in this area: Hofmann(address at the end of the article).
St Catherine's market
The Saint Catherine's market is our favourite market in Barcelona, architecturally speaking, but also because all the food offered is of very good quality. Everything is beautiful but quite expensive. In the market, don't miss the typical tapas bar Cuines Santa-Caterina. On the terrace or at the bar inside, all the products are fresh and delicious.
Getting lost in the narrow streets of the neighbourhood
From the Passeig de Born or from the Saint Catherine market, renovated in 2005, you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the El Born district. It has a very special atmosphere.
You always end up in a recently refurbished square where you can have a drink and eat tapas for cheap. There are also some more chic establishments.
Palau de la Musica Catalana (or Palace of Catalan Music)
In the very north of the district, near the Plaça Urquinaona, is the Palau de la Mus ica, a splendid concert hall designed by the architect Luis Domènech i Montaner in a modernist style. The Palace of Catalan Music is located in the St Peter's district, which is deliberately attached to the El Born section. Inside, you will be surprised by the volume of the building, the enormous marble staircase and, above all, the magnificent ceiling, a true masterpiece.
Ticket for the guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana
Picasso Museum
Barcelona's favourite museum for tourists. Many people wait to visit it at weekends and during the tourist season. The museum is housed in an old palace in a charming medieval alley. The museum houses an important collection of Cubist sketches and paintings.
Pass to visit the Picasso Museum
Tickets for Barcelona Museum Pass: Ticket sale
Parc de la Ciutadella
To the east of Born is the Parc de la Ciutadella, the ideal place to take a break and rest in the shade of a tree. It houses government monuments, museums and the city's zoo.
A nice visit in this green lung of Barcelona to be found in our article on the Ciutadella Park.
Where to eat in the Born district?
Near the Santa Maria del Mar church
Miramelindo. Pg. Born, 15. The ideal place to enjoy a mojito in the evening. Colonial decoration. Crowded on weekends. The cocktails are prepared in front of you. There is always a good atmosphere, good music and excellent mojitos...what more could you ask for?
Bastaix. C/Ases 5. Good choice of tapas at reasonable prices. Excellent location, 2 steps from the entrance to the Santa Maria del Mar church.
Hofmann Patisserie, Carrer Flassaders, 44. The best croissant in Spain in 2010! If you like pastries and good food don't miss this delicious address!
El set del Born. Carrer Esparteria, 7 . Good address and has been for several years. Great choice for charcuterie fans.
Close to the Music Palace
El Bitxo. Calle Verdaguer i Callis, 9. We love this tapas bar located in an alleyway directly overlooking the Palace of Catalan Music. Very good atmosphere in this small tapas bar. The welcome is very warm. Three tables are waiting for you. You choose your dishes by consulting the many meal ideas written on sheets of paper on the walls. Successful associations of flavours in original and colourful dishes! We particularly recommend the cheese platter accompanied by the vino de la casa. Bon appétit
At the Santa Catarina market
Cuines Santa Catarina. Inside the market. At the entrance, take a menu, a pen and tick off what you want to taste. Everything is good and fresh. The tapas are prepared in front of you. The prices are reasonable. Be careful here, as pickpockets may arrive and blend in with the clientele if you decide to sit in this bar area. You can also eat on the terrace. A large restaurant area is also present. We LOVE it!!!
Mundial Bar. Plaza Sant Agusti Vell, 1, in the direction of Parc de la Ciutadella. One of the oldest tapas bars in Barcelona. Excellent seafood tapas.
Behind St Catherine's Market, we like the quiet atmosphere of the Catalina Café for a coffee or a sandwich.
Where to sleep in El Born?
Rent a flat. There are plenty of flats for rent in the area to suit all budgets. You'll find plenty of ideas and reviews on specialised websites like Airbnb.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can also enjoy yourself in El Born! With so many hotels competing with each other, it's easy to find good deals all year round to stay in El Born.We like the Chic&Basic. Calle Princesa, 50, near the Ciutadella Park. A hotel that we have tested and that we like. Nice decoration. Everything is white with curtains and light effects. Correct price.
Complete file : Where to sleep in Barcelona?
All our articles on Barcelona
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