DK Travel : Barcelona : Barri Gòtic & La Ribera

Though hard to imagine today , there was a time when Barcelona was just a small Roman village (named Barcino) encircled by protective stone walls. Over the centuries, the village grew, culminating in a building boom in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), a beautifully preserved neighbourhood of Gothic buildings, medieval places (squares) and atmospheric alleys, exists today as a splendid reminder of Barcelona’s medieval heyday. The web of ancient, treasure-filled streets in this compact area is best explored by aimless wandering. The barrio’s centrepiece – and its religious and social heart – is the 13th-century Cathedral and surrounding complex of period buildings. Nearby, the stately Plaça del Rei (Perfect Squares), is ringed by some of the best preserved medieval buildings in the area. Extending east of the Barri Gòtic is the ancient barrio of La Ribera, which includes El Born (El Born). Here, the lovely Carrer Montcada is lined with medieval palaces – five of which house the must-see Museu Picasso.

Cathedral spire

For sights & attractions on La Rambla see La Rambla . For more on Barri Gòtic squares see Perfect Squares . For more museums see Museums .

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Cafè de l’Acadèmia

Superb Catalan cuisine and top-notch desserts are served at this restaurant in an 18th-century building.
Café del Born

Plaça Comercial is dotted with cafés, including the laid-back Café del Born, which evolves into an amiable bar as night descends.
Cafè d’Estiu

Tucked away on the patio of the Museu Frederic Marès (Museu Frederic Marès) is this alluring, sun-strewn terrace café, replete with stone pillars, climbing ivy and orange trees.
Café Royale

A sleek, 1970s-styled bar with leatherette couches, Café Royale attracts gay and straight drinkers who come to sip cocktails and enjoy eclectic tunes from Duke Ellington to techno.
Cafè-Bar del Pi

The Església de Santa Maria del Pi casts a shadow over this café’s terrace. And for when you’re in that kick-back-and-do-nothing mode, street artists keep you entertained.
Cafè-Bar Jardín

This lovely outdoor café, hidden upstairs at El Mercadillo (El Mercadillo), is shaded by trees and vine-covered walls.
Cafè-Bar L’Antiquari

In summer, bask in the old town’s medieval atmosphere at the Plaça del Rei terrace. By night, sip Rioja in the intimate, rustic basement bodega.
Cal Pep

Taste the tantalizing tapas, including the finest cured hams, at this established eatery.
Carrer de Santa Llúcia

At weekends, amateur opera singers perform on this medieval street, home to the Casa de l’Ardiaca Casa de L’Ardiaca, which has a ravishing little patio.
Carrer del Bisbe

Medieval Carrer del Bisbe is flanked by the Gothic Cases dels Canonges (House of Canons) and the Palau de la Generalitat (Carrer del Bisbe). Connecting the two is an eye-catching Neo-Gothic arched stone bridge (1928).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €10
- €10–20
- €20–30
- over €30