In this article, I present downtown Barcelona and its assets, so you won't miss a thing during your stay.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of downtown Barcelona
- What you can find in this neighborhood
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, tour tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about downtown Barcelona, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Barcelona city center: article summary
Barcelona city center: the starting point for your stay
Start a stay in Barcelona by its city center is an excellent idea, since this is where most of the city's city highlights. It is located in the eastern part of the Catalan capital.
The city center, which is relatively small compared to other major European cities, is made up of several districts:
- El Centroa small central point where the famous Place Catalunya. It is the focal point for most of the neighboring areas, and a must-see.
- To the north is the L'Eixample district and its major monuments
- To the east, the small bohemian district of Born waiting for you
- To the south, the Gothic Quarter and the Raval form the old part of Barcelona, known as the La Ciutat Vella
If these districts form the hard core of what we'll call downtown Barcelona, we can add Barceloneta and its waterfront.
As you can imagine, there's a lot to discover in the area, and below I've listed the must-sees in Barcelona city center.
What can you see and do in downtown Barcelona?
Numerous monuments and a variety of activities are located in the downtown area. Here are the main ones, neighborhood by neighborhoodto explore Barcelona during your stay in the Catalan capital.
El Centro
The main attraction of the central district is the Plaça de Catalunya. From this large square, you can access to the RamblasBarcelona's most famous avenue, for shopping and street performances along the way.
Good to know : since the airportBy taking the shuttle bus, you're sure to arrive in this district!
L'Eixample
The Eixample district is the largest in downtown Barcelona and is the city's star attraction: La Sagrada Familia. Other major works by Gaudias the casa Pedrera or the casa Battlo.
You can also stroll along one of Barcelona's most beautiful avenues: the Passeig de Graça !
Born
In the El Born district, a more chic atmospherewith numerous museums (including the superb Picasso Museum) and the vast Parc de la Citadelle.
Another place to visit in downtown Born is the Santa Catarina covered market. What to find various Catalan specialitiesto nibble on or take home as souvenirs.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is certainly downtown's most charmingwith its winding streets, medieval style and inimitable ambience.
The impressive Barcelona Cathedralthe beautiful place royale or the Plaça Sant Jaume and its large administrative buildings.
A perfect place for go to get lost in the cityand a must at must-sees in Barcelona.
El Raval
In Raval, you'll find the la Boqueriaone of the most beautiful in the world. If you like full of colors and good smellsDon't miss it!
You can also visit several museums - as the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Maritime Museum of Barcelona. And discover one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau: Guell Palace.
Barceloneta
You'll find the beachthe Barcelona Aquarium and its famous sharksor the Museum of the History of Catalonia. In the area, many tapas bars and a relaxed atmosphere, just a stone's throw from the sea!
Getting around Barcelona city center
If you've got good legs, the best way to discover the city center is on foot. On footYou'll move effortlessly from one district to the next, along the city's superb avenues.
But you can also use :
- The metrowhich serves the city center particularly well
- Visit tourist bus with its many stops on major squares
- A taxi/uber, for a quick trip from one neighborhood to another
Good to know: you may be interested in the unlimited travel card Hola BCNfor maximum savings!
Barcelona city center: where to sleep? Where to eat?
To discover the city center as simply as possible, without wasting time, I recommend staying in one of the central districts. You'll be close to everything, including great restaurants!
Where to sleep in downtown Barcelona?
You can easily find hotels and accommodation in the center, and there's something to suit every budget. From 2 stars to the bed and breakfastthrough practical aparthotelsAll you have to do is make your choice, according to your budget and criteria.
Where to eat downtown?
Visit restaurants to sample local dishes and the best tapas and pinchos in the city center, with :
- From trendy restaurants to discover a revisited cuisine
- From romantic establishments for couples!
- Very good fish restaurantsfor a delicious seafood paella
- Numerous restaurants offering quality tapas, such as the Ciudad Condal or the Vinitus !
Good to know If you're looking for something to eat around the Sagrada Familia, beware of the tourist traps. Visit my Top 8 to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What to see and do in the area?
Barcelona's city center is home to many must-see sights and activities, but the Catalan capital has much more to offer! Here's what you'll see when you leave the center:
- Montjuic and its hill! With its castlewith its parks and viewpoints, this is one of the most popular most beautiful districts Barcelona
- Graciato the north of the city center, which remains one of the city's most attractive districts.
- Poblenoua neighborhood lively and creative that will delight fans of the unusual!
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