1Sights
In the Barri Gòtic and La Ribera you’ll find the bulk of the city’s ancient and medieval splendours. Along with El Raval, on the other side of La Rambla, and Port Vell, where old Barcelona meets the sea, this is the core of the city’s life, both by day and by night. Top attractions here include the Museu d’Història de Barcelona, La Catedral and the Museu Picasso. L’Eixample is where the Modernistas went to town. Attractions here are more spread out, but Passeig de Gràcia is a concentrated showcase for some of their most outlandish work.
Other areas of interest include the beaches and seafood restaurants of the working-class district of La Barceloneta. Montjuïc, with its gardens, museums, art galleries and Olympic Games sites, forms a microcosm on its own. Not to be missed are the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Fundació Joan Miró.
Gaudí’s Park Güell is just beyond the area of Gràcia, whose narrow streets and squares set the scene for much lively nightlife. Further out, you’ll find the amusement park and church of high-up Tibidabo, the wooded hills of Parc de Collserola, FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou football stadium and the peaceful haven of the Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes.
Barri Gòtic, La Rambla & El Raval
1Top Sights
1Sights
2Activities, Courses & Tours
4Sleeping
5Eating
6Drinking & Nightlife
3Entertainment
7Shopping
The Barri Gòtic is flanked by mile-long La Rambla to the south-east and the Via Laietana to the north-west. At its heart is the vast, Gothic cathedral, while some of the city’s best museums, such as the Museu d’Història de Barcelona and the Museu Frederic Marès, are within a short walk. Two important squares, useful for orientation, are the Plaça de Sant Jaume, where the government buildings are found, and the handsome, arcaded Plaça Reial.