Today we take you on a tour of the Gothic Quarter (barrio gótico) in Barcelona, the city's emblematic district. On the programme, we'll tell you about the history of the district, as well as tips, tricks and good addresses. This old quarter, located in the heart of the Catalan capital, is a must for all travellers to Barcelona.
From the magnificent Plaça Reial with its tall palm trees to the narrow streets around the cathedral, Barcelona's Gothic quarter is also a throwback to the Roman era when Barcelona was called Barcino.
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 plans with you since 2008 on OneDayOneTravel.
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If you want to go shopping, the area is ideal for buying tourist souvenirs but also for doing business in the many shops in the area. We've been going on holiday to Barcelona for 20 years and we'll tell you the truth: we love the Gothic Quarter!
Before we tell you more about the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, you can 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 and advice to help you prepare your stay in Barcelona.
In video, Barcelona looks like this!
Summary of this blog post about visiting the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.
1. Map of the areas to visit in Barcelona
On the interactive map of Barcelona below, you can find all our favourite addresses in Barcelona.
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The hotels where we like to put our suitcases in blue,
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The gourmet places where we eat good tapas in purple,
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Our must-sees in Barcelona in red,
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Some ideas for walks in green
Both the capital of party people and the epicentre of European culture, Barcelona has become one of Europe's top tourist destinations. The Catalan capital combines all the charm of Mediterranean cities: a relaxed lifestyle, endless sunny days and exquisite food. With multicultural influences, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city.
2. History of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, shaped like an egg, is the historic heart of Barcelona. Built on a site chosen by the Romans, the city was then called Barcino. As proof, there are still vestiges of this distant past in the district, such as a wall from the 4th century. In the city's history museum (see below), you can go back in time by visiting the foundations of the city.
Then, the Gothic art replaced the Romanesque art and then many buildings were built. The district has retained this architecture. The gothic cathedral is a perfect example. Although very touristy, it is easy to get lost in one of the many narrow streets and feel the soul of the district.
If you want to learn more about the neighbourhood, we recommend this guided tour of the Barrio Gótico. The tour is offered in different languages and helps you to understand the history of the city. We explore the neighbourhood in small groups. We love it!
3. How do I get to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter?
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From Plaça Catalunya, which houses Barcelona's largest metro station, you can enter the Gothic Quarter by takingAvenida del Portal de l'Angel. As the name suggests, this is a wide, completely pedestrianised street with shops such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Benetton, etc. The first building on the street, which also overlooks Plaça Catalunya, is theBarcelona Tourist Office. After that, all you have to do is get lost in the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.
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From Las Ramblas, on the left as you walk down the avenue from Plaça Catalunya. It's nice to enter the Gothic Quarter starting with a photo session in Plaça Real. You then walk up the neighbourhood and get lost in the area until you reach the Cathedral.
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From Via Laetana, Plaça Jaume I ( Jaume I metro station). Take Carrer Jaume I and go straight to Plaça Sant Jaume, which houses Barcelona City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya. On the right you will see the famous neo-Gothic suspension bridge, carrer des Bisbe. At the end of the street, Barcelona Cathedral opens its doors to you.
To help you get around Barcelona, check out our article on transport in Barcelona.
4. Things to see and do in the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the historic heart of Barcelona. If there is only one guided tour to do in Barcelona, it is the guided tour of the Gothic Quarter. These tours are always led by a Barcelona expert and enthusiast. This gives you the impression that you are getting to know the city better and, above all, its evolution over the centuries. You can't imagine that walking around the old town centre is a real journey through time.
The visit to the Gothic Quarter is done on foot. You take the time to discover each pedestrian street in Barcelona's oldest district. You go back in time and often look up to admire the richness of the buildings and monuments as you stroll through this historic district.
Go to the Plaça Nova near the Cathedral to admire the remains of the Roman wall of Barcino, the ancient name of the Catalan city. On the way, you may come across a charming little square where you can enjoy some tapas and a drink.
Book your guided tour of the Gothic Quarter
4.1. La Seu Cathedral
Although the interior of La Seu Cathedral is impressive, it is the walk through the surrounding streets, along its walls, that you will remember. You will certainly be treated to an acoustic concert in Carrer del Bisbe. Guitarists, singers and violinists like to play in this alley because of the exceptional resonance.
Tip: You can enter the gothic cathedral from this alley. Or, at the end of the alley, you can reach the Nova Square, where you can see the 4th century Roman wall and the Gothic Cathedral side by side.
If you are in the area on Saturday evening or Sunday lunchtime, you may be lucky enough to see a popular demonstration of traditional dances called sardanes on the square in front of the Cathedral.
4.2. Pont del Bisbe in the Gothic Quarter
Carrer del Bisbe and its neo-Gothic suspension bridge
The Pont del Bisbe, which seems to hang like lace from a balcony, links the Canons' House, a Renaissance building, to the Palau de la Generalitat. A beautiful building that attracts all the tourists.
Who hasn't taken a photo in front of this famous bridge?
4.3. The plaza Real
Plaça Reial. This is our favourite square in Barcelona. A real oasis in the city. The plaza Real (or Reial) is one of the most popular squares not to be missed when visiting Barcelona. It is rectangular and lined with classical-style arcades. The buildings are in the Napoleonic style.
You can also admire the fountain of the "three graces" and a work of Gaudí's youth, 2 magnificent candelabras.
The Royal Square or Plaza Reial is located in the old part of the city, close to Las Ramblas, and is therefore a must-see on a tour of the gothic part of the city centre.
If you want to know more about this square?
Book your guided tour of the Gothic Quarter
4.4. Plaça del Pi
Plaça del Pi is one ofthe most beautiful squares in Barcelona. There is a beautiful church to visit. Stroll through the market stalls, painters and café terraces.
Agood place to stop for a break is one of Barcelona's oldest and most famous tea rooms, at Carrer Petritxol 2, open daily from 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm. You can enjoy a good chocolate with delicious churros. Nearest metro station: Liceu.
4.5. The City History Museum
Barcelona City History Museum. Plaça del Rey.
This museum is very well designed. The visit begins by entering a lift where, once the doors are closed, it is not the floors that go by but the years that go backwards.
You literally go back in time to the medieval period, walking through the foundations of the city of Barcino. From time to time, an opening to the outside has been created to have an outside view of a present-day alleyway at the same time.
The tour is very well thought out. A visit that we recommend to everyone. Not boring at all and not too long either.
The Museum of City History, the museum to start with in order to understand the history of Barcelona and then better understand each district of the Catalan capital.
4.6. Shopping in the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is also about shopping! The big names have set up shop in Plaça Catalunya and on the pedestrian avenue of Portal de l'Angel, but also in the neighbouring streets. If you go a little deeper into the district, you will still come across independent and creative shops that make shopping in this area so charming. In short, you can find everything in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona: souvenir shops, clothing, shoes etc...
As we said in our blog post " Visiting Barcelona for the first time "Barcelona is a must-visit destination during the sales. The deals are really good! The dates of the sales are updated annually in the article.
5. Where to eat and drink in the Gothic Quarter?
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The Shilling. Calle Ferran 23 at the corner of Calle Raurich. This bar opened in 1900, yes yes in 1900, is rather quiet, well placed between the Ramblas and plaça Sant Jaume. You can have a glass of wine and a drink. The guacamole is to die for. We've known about this place for a long time and every time we visit Barcelona, we stop here. Nearby, don't hesitate to visit the contemporary art gallery Artevistas(Passatge del crèdit 4), where you may fall in love with the work of current contemporary artists.
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Ménage a trois. Carrer Bot, 4. This establishment is based on the original concept of "Music-Art-Restauration". Ménage a trois has been open for about ten years and offers cocktails and tapas. You can eat very good dishes and original menus. The mojitos are great. Do not hesitate to try the terrace but also the interior of the bar whose decoration does not leave indifferent.
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Dulcinea. n°2of Carrer Petritxol. This is one of the oldest and most famous tearooms in Barcelona. Open every day from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm. You can enjoy a good chocolate with delicious churros. Nearest metro station: Liceu
6. Where to sleep in the Gothic Quarter?
When it comes to accommodation, we highly recommend staying in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, which will allow you to explore the area at your own pace. One great option is Hostal Rembrandt, a cozy and affordable hotel located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a friendly staff that can provide you with insider tips on where to go and what to do in the area. Its central location allows you to easily reach many of the Gothic Quarter's main attractions on foot. Make sure to book your room in advance as it tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
There are many possibilities to rent typical flats in this area. You can find a lot of ideas and reviews on specialised websites like Airbnb.
Join Airbnb and get a €25 discount on your first stay of at least €65! Click here.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can also have fun in the Gothic Quarter! With cheap rooms and many luxury hotels competing with each other, it's easy to find good deals all year round to stay in the Gothic Quarter.
To find our tried and tested accommodation deals in the Gothic Quarter, check out this article :
Where to sleep in Barcelona?
All our articles on Barcelona
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