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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Salero

The “Salt Cellar” has an all-white interior offset by flickering candles. An innovative menu features Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine.
Schilling

Fronted by large windows overlooking the throngs on Carrer Ferran, this spacious bar draws a sociable mix of both visitors and locals.
Senyor Parellada

Excellent Catalan cuisine, including speciality bacalao (cod) and butifarra (sausage), is the deal at this elegant restaurant.
Sidecar Factory Club

Barcelona’s music scene is like a motorbike to which Sidecar is inseparably bound. They say the American 6th fleet once hired the whole venue and made merry. Music, theatre, cabaret, video and good food can all be found.
So_da

By day, this stylish little store sells designer clothes; by night it metamorphoses into a mellow lounge bar with cocktails, where DJs spin ambient house.
Suborn

Start your evening at this busy El Born café-restaurant. Or end it here as night descends and it transforms into a bar-club with DJ-spun house and techno.
Taxidermista

Dine under the Plaça Reial’s arches at this stylish restaurant in a former taxidermist’s shop. The first-rate menu offers the likes of white tuna with capers.
Tetería Salterio

Sit back and relax with tea and sweet Arab cakes. Do not miss the Sardo, an Oriental style pizza with a variety of fillings.
Txakolin

At the large bar enjoy great Basque-style pinchos (tapas), from cured ham to creamy crab salad. The restaurant serves superb Basque fish and meat dishes.
Venus Delicatessen

Colourful and inviting, this café-restaurant serves great coffee and tea as well as plenty of fresh fare, including innovative salads such as “Erotica”, with asparagus, tuna and tomato.

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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