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.

16-barri-gotic-spa12

Barri Gòtic, La Rambla & El Raval

1Sights

13Centre d’Art Santa MònicaF6
 Centre de la Imatge(see 26)
15Església de BetlemD3
17Font de CanaletesC1
23Mosaïc de MiróD4
24Museu de l’EròticaD3
27Palau MojaD2
33Via Sepulcral RomanaD2

2Activities, Courses & Tours

1La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

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.