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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El Xampanyet

A boisterous tapas bar serving champagne, pitchers of cider and generous portions of tapas.
Escribà Confiteria i Fleca

If the glistening pastries and towering chocolate creations aren’t enough of a lure, then the Modernista store-front certainly is. Buy goodies to go, or enjoy them on the spot in the small café.
Església de Sant Just i Sant Pastor

This picturesque Gothic church (1342) has sculptures inside that date back to the 9th century.
Església de Santa Anna

Mere paces from La Rambla is the unexpected tranquillity of this Romanesque church, with a leafy, 15th–century, Gothic cloister.
Església de Santa Maria del Mar

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.
Espai Barroc

Filling the gorgeous courtyard of the 17th-century Palau Dalmases is this sumptuously-decorated “Baroque Space”. Live opera and classical music are often featured in the evenings, but drinks are pricey.
Fonfone

A contemporary club awash with backlit geometric shapes. Experience different dance sounds every night, from fusion jazz to house music.
Gimlet

The original cocktail bar in El Born, the intimate, 1950s-style Gimlet pours nice (read: potent) cocktails to a local clientele.
Glaciar

Occupying a prime corner of Plaça Reial, this atmospheric café-bar brings in all types. Grab a spot on the terrace with a front-row view of the plaça activities.
Govinda

This soothing eatery offers vegetarian Indian main dishes and delec-table desserts, but no alcohol.

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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