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What are the main districts to visit in Barcelona?

What I love about Barcelona is that it's so varied, and that each district has its own character. a special soul.

It's as if you turn the corner and find yourself in a different atmosphere, with different people!

Each neighborhood has its own distinctive character.

This article will help you differentiate between these different neighborhoods and find out exactly what to do in them!

 

There are 4 districts that form the historic heart of the city: the Gothic Quarter, Born, Barceloneta and Raval.

Then there are three outlying districts that are a little higher up, but which are all worth a visit: l'Eixample, Gracià and Montjuic.

The other districts on the map are already less interesting to visit...

1. The Gothic Quarter

The historic heart of the city, the Gothic district was already occupied by the Romans. They named this space Barcino.

The district stretches from Plaça de Catalunya, along the left side of the Ramblas towards the old port, and is bounded by the Via Laetana..

The Gothic Quarter is the very essence of the old town! These are the alleys, romantic bridges, myths and legends.

 

What to see in the Gothic Quarter

• Holy Cross Cathedral, imposing Gothic building overlooking Plaça Nova ;
• El Puente del Obispo A medieval-inspired bridge of enchanting legends ;
• La Plaça Sant Jaume and its administrative and political buildings;
• La Plaça Reial for its arcades, fountain and lively night-time atmosphere;
• La Plaça Felip Neri for its silence and romanticism, far from the crowds...

 

2. Le Raval

The Raval, the city's most popular district, is very pleasant because all nationalities cross paths.

Considered to be a little more dangerous than the others, don't worry, it's here too. a breath of culture and artistic expression and shouldn't be missed.

This neighbourhood has changed a lot over the years!

 

What to see in the Raval

• MACBAthe Museum of Contemporary Art for its excellent temporary exhibitions, and the CCCB next door;
• Visit Boqueriathis covered market in the heart the Ramblas where you can buy all kinds of exotic products; 
• La Rambla del Raval where you'll find tapas bars, restaurants and cafeterias...;
• Palau Güellone of Eusebio Güell's first commissions from Antoni Gaudi. A modernist masterpiece of unique Gothic inspiration;
• Trendy stores for every style!
• And we keep an eye on the walls because it's the Mecca of street art!

 

3. Le Born

Le Born is the more upscale part of the old town.

The streets are less narrow than in the Gothic style, and it is filled with museums, art galleries and small designer stores.

It's a very fashionable district, as it suffers less from the tourist influx than the Gothic Quarter.

A lively neighborhood that's a pleasure to live in!

 

What to see and do in Born?

• Discover the seaside and its marvellous Santa Maria del Mar church (Sainte Marie de la Mer);
• Several of Barcelona's great museums are located in the Born. Of course, the famous Picasso Museum but I also recommend a visit to the Mercat el Born.
• I recommend you go and see a concert at this incredible venue. Palau de la Musica Catalana, modernist masterpiece by architect Domènech i Montaner.
• To continue seeing splendors and experiencing contemporary culture, I recommend visiting art galleries like the BlueProject Foundation or take a stroll through Montcada street, Antic Sant Joan street, Sombrerers street...
• And if you want to have a bit of fun and enjoy yourself, I recommend stroll to the Arc de Triomphe and the Parc de la Citadelle, or have a drink on the Passeig del Born.

 

4. La Barceloneta

Barceloneta is an old fishing district.

And today, we still feel with its narrow streets, small central market and the warmth of its inhabitants. They don't hesitate to bring out their tables and eat right in front of their house!

The children play quietly in the street and you can feel sea air.

 

What to do in the Barceloneta district

In the BarcelonetaThe ambiance of the sea, the beach and cocktails at all hours...

 

So you can :

• Eat tapas on the seafront or near the central market. Especially seafood! Let yourself be tempted by small octopus or fried squid; 
• Stroll along the beach, discover the Olympic port, enjoy a rooftop on the seafront or have a cocktail in one of the Xiringuitos...;
• Take sailing, surfing or paddleboarding lessons...

But that's not all!

The 4 districts that make up the city center are splendid and beautiful to visit, but I recommend that you also take the time to visit Gracià with its wonderful Passeig de Gracià, which takes you from Plaça Catalunya to the old village of Gracià. Today, it's a trendy district where designers, organic boutiques and small squares rub shoulders.

But also a gateway to the Park Güell...

 

And the Eixample, where you'll find, among other things, the Sagrada Familia.

 

And Montjuic with its castle, Olympic city and Greek theater...