If you are still discovering the city, it’s a good idea to check out different neighbourhoods – during the day, or in the evening. Some areas are quieter in the evening, whilst others come alive at night.
Quick guide to the barrios
Have you heard of the 15-minute city. Welcome to Barcelona. Public transport works well and is often much quicker than private transport. Many areas offer a great street life, as well as a diverse range of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.
If you are looking for.a place to live, or just want to explore, here are a few areas to get you started:
- El Born: This charming neighbourhood is known for its narrow, winding streets, trendy boutiques, and great restaurants. The area is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Picasso Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
- Gracia: Known for its bohemian atmosphere and home to several squares and plazas, including Plaça del Sol and Plaça de la Vila de Gracia. Gracia is also home to many independent shops, bars, and restaurants, so it is popular in the evenings and on weekends.
- Raval: Located just west of the city center, the Raval is known for its multicultural population and vibrant street life. The neighbourhood is home to several museums, including the MACBA contemporary art museum and the CCCB cultural center.
- Poble Sec: Located just east of Montjuic, this neighbourhood is known for its lively streets, great bars, and authentic tapas restaurants.
- Eixample: This neighbourhood is known for its wide streets and grand, modernist buildings. It is also home to many of the city’s best shopping and dining options, as well as several famous landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batlló.
After a while dawn tinged the sky with amber, and Barcelona woke up. We heard the distant bells from the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, just emerging from the mist on the other side of the harbour.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
On foot…to discover the city’s charms.
With a mixture of architecture, history, and street life, there is always something to see and another place to discover in Barcelona. In the centre distances are short, and it’s easy to take a metro a few stops if you want to move to another area.
The old city…ciutat vell
The old city is always worth exploring. It attracts lots of tourists, especially along the Ramblas and in the streets around the Cathedral, but many people from Barcelona as well. From the shopping streets of Porteferrisa and Portal d’Angel, the old medieval quarter, or a walk along the old port, there is plenty to see and do.
A few recommendations:
- Lunch by the old port
- Explore the old Jewish quarter behind Plaça Sant Jaume
- Stroll down the Ramblas – or at least part of it.
