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Soaring over the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona’s mighty Cathedral dating from 1298. See Barcelona Cathedral

In the heart of the Barri Gòtic is the beautifully preserved, medieval Plaça del Rei (Perfect Squares), presided over by the 13th- to 14th-century Palau Reial (royal palace). The impressive palace complex includes the Saló del Tinell, a massive hall crowned by Gothic arches, where Ferdinand and Isabel welcomed Columbus after his 1492 voyage to the Americas. The medieval Capella de Santa Àgata has a beautiful 15th-century altarpiece by Jaume Huguet. A visit to the Museu d`Història de la Ciutat gives access to the Palau Reial and to one of the largest underground excavations of Roman ruins on display in Europe.

The spacious, breathtaking interior of this 14th–century church, designed by architect Berenguer de Montagut, is the city’s premier example of the austere Catalan Gothic style. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, the patron saint of sailors, and an ancient model ship hangs near one of the statues of the Virgin. Dubbed “the people’s church”, this is the city’s most popular spot for exchanging wedding vows.

Pre-Columbian art and artifacts, spanning 3,000 years, are exhibited in the 16th-century Palau Nadal. Sculpture, ceramics and detailed gold and silver pieces represent the rich artistic traditions of the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. Temporary exhibits explore the richness and diversity of these civilizations.

A fascinating shrine to objects large and small, this museum houses the life collection of wealthy Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès. And what a trove. No mere hobby collector, the astute (and obsessive) Marès amassed holdings that a modern museum curator would die for. Among them, an impressive array of religious icons and statues – dating from Roman times to the present – and the spectacular “Museu Sentimental”, which displays anything from ancient watches to fans and dolls. Also worth a visit is the inviting Cafè d’Estiu (Cafés & Light Eats) on the museum’s sun-dappled patio.

Discover the youthful repertoire of one of the 20th-century’s most revered artists. See Museu Picasso.

Housed in a pair of adjoining medieval palaces, the Textile and Fashion Museum traces the evolution of clothing and textiles from Egyptian fabrics to Baroque tapestries to haute couture designs. Innovative temporary exhibits explore the fashions of yesterday and today, occasionally showcasing creative new talent. The small but ultra-cool museum shop sells funky clothes, accessories and design items, while the Tèxtil Cafè beckons with outdoor tables in a shady courtyard.

The site of the Plaça de Sant Jaume (see Perfect Squares) was once the nucleus of Roman Barcino. With these roots, it seems fitting that the square has become home to Barcelona’s two most important government buildings: the Palau de la Generalitat (seat of the Catalan government) and the Ajuntament (city hall). Look for the detailed carved relief of Sant Jordi, Catalonia’s patron saint, on the 15th–century Generalitat façade. Within is the lovely 15th–century Capella de Sant Jordi (Capella de Sant Jordi), designed by architect Marc Safont. A highlight of the Gothic Ajuntament is the lavish red-and-gold Saló de Cent, where the Council of One Hundred ruled the city from 1372 to 1714. Also of note is the Pati dels Tarongers, a graceful patio with orange trees.

Late 19th–century elegance meets sangria–swilling café society in the arcaded Plaça Reial, one of Barcelona’s most emblematic and entertaining squares. The plaça is planted with towering palm trees and encircled by stately, 19th–century buildings. The Modernista lampposts were designed by a young Gaudí in 1879. At the square’s centre is a wrought–iron fountain representing the Three Graces. The square is the best place to start a big night out, with a cluster of restaurants, bars and cafés that draw the hoi polloi – including all sorts of shady pickpockets.