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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Harlem Jazz Club

Dark and smoky, this kick-back jazz haunt features a choice line-up of jazz and blues, flamenco fusion, reggae and African music.
Jamboree

This Barri Gòtic institution has live jazz every night (11pm-1am). It then evolves into a dance club, with DJs spinning everything from hip-hop to R &B and salsa.
Karma

The hippie origins and 1970s glamour at this club are as popular as ever.
La Manual Alpargatera

What do the Pope, Jack Nicholson and legions of Barcelonins have in common? They buy their espadrilles (alpargatas ) here.
La Vinya del Senyor

A classy, yet cosy, bar attracting wine lovers from all over the city, who come to sample a rich array of Spanish and international varieties in the company of other wine aficionados.
L’Arca de l’Àvia

Amazing antique clothing from flapper dresses to boned corsets, silk shawls, puff sleeved shirts and pin-tucked shirt fronts. There’s also a selection of antique dolls and fans.
Montfalcón

Survive Barcelona’s summer heat the old-fashioned way: buy a fan. From antique to hand-painted and contemporary fans, there are plenty to choose from. Also featured are original paintings by Catalan artists.
Mudanzas

This long-time favourite hang-out has circular marble tables, black-and-white tiled floors and an informal, “everyone’s welcome” vibe.
Museu Barbier-Mueller d’Art Precolombí

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.
Museu Frederic Marès

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.