Guide to the Barri Gòtic neighbourhood in Barcelona

Are you coming to Catalonia soon? Discover everything you need to know about the impressive Barri Gòtic district in Barcelona!

When you come to the Catalan capital, you can’t make a dead end on its charming and famous Gothic quarter! The Barri Gòtic is certainly one of the most beautiful areas in the city. Located at the site of the ancient Roman city and then rebuilt in the Middle Ages, it represents the glorious past of Barcelona. To the sons of the beautiful narrow medieval streets, you will discover sublime buildings, but also trendy Catalan restaurants and friendly bars where to taste delicious tapas!

Dynamic and lively, this Gothic quarter is also lined by the very lively avenue of La Rambla. In its heart, you can admire the Plaça del Pi and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, visit the Cathedral of Barcelona or the Museum of History of the city. Are you coming to visit Barcelona soon? So we tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful Barri Gòtic neighbourhood!

Barri Gòtic in a few words

The Gothic Quarter is in the centre of the Old Town of Barcelona. His history dates back to the reign of Augustus, the first Roman emperor. At that time, this illustrious civilization founded a colony on the site of the Barri Gòtic. On Plaça Nova, you will see two cylindrical towers dating from the Roman era. Today, the district extends from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere.

It thus encompasses the oldest parts of the city of Barcelona, such as the vestiges of the Roman wall of the city and especially several essential medieval monuments. However, it must be known that despite its name, a number of emblematic Gothic buildings in the neighbourhood do not date from the Middle Ages. In truth, this neighborhood was completely transformed and restored for the 1929 International Exhibition and then again afterwards. Despite everything, this fact does not alter the beauty and historiality of the neighbourhood. The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthic street plan, with many small streets opening onto squares, as in the Middle Ages.

What to see and what to do in the Barri Gòtic district in Barcelona?

The Barri Gòtic district is certainly the most popular in Barcelona! To explore it at best, we recommend you voluntarily lose yourself in its labyrinth of alleys and alleys. This is the best way to visit the Barri Gòtic district and find charming cafés, tapas bars or typical shops. To help you discover, here is a small itinerary to admire each of the wonders of the neighborhood.

Plaça Reial and La Rambla

To start or finish your visit to Barri Gòtic, there is nothing better than La Rambla and especially the beautiful Plaça Reial. Quiet day, it is one of the busiest places when the sun goes down. Surrounded by arcades and sprinkled with palm trees, it frogs from tourists, restaurants and bars, as well as more authentic shocks.

Long 1200 metres, Rambla is certainly the most famous street in Barcelona. Traced in 1766 along the old medieval wall, it marks the border between the Barri Gotic and El Raval districts. Follow the north to get to Plaça del Pi.

The Church of Santa Maria del Pi

Built between 1319 and 1391 on the remains of an ancient Romanesque church, the current building is of the purest Catalan Gothic style. One of its peculiarities is its huge rosace of nearly ten meters in diameter, which adorns the facade. The Basilica was burned in 1936 by anarchists. It had thus undergone a large restoration in 1940 after the Spanish Civil War. The current windows date from this time.

The Cathedral of Barcelona

Join the Cathedral of Santa Creu, nicknamed the Seu in Catalan. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the old Romanesque cathedral, its style is mostly gothic despite the various styles that followed during the construction. Major, this cathedral is to be visited absolutely. Don't miss climbing on these roofs. There you will enjoy a sublime view of the Barri Gòtic.

Not far from the cathedral, you can also admire the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, seat of the Catalan government. Then join the Plaça del Rei, one of the city's most beautiful interior squares. It symbolizes perfectly the Gothic architecture of the city and its medieval history. Built in the ramparts, you will also see the bell tower of the Santa Agueda Chapel, built in 1302.

The Barcelona History Museum

After admiring the surroundings of Plaça del Rei, don’t miss visiting the Barcelona History Museum. This museum preserves, studies, exposes and transmits the historic heritage of the city from its origins to the present day. You will discover the remains of the Roman and medieval era, as well as exhibitions on the more contemporary history of Barcelona.

South of the neighborhood

To finish your visit to the Barri Gòtic district, you can return to Plaça Reial to enjoy a delicious meal, pick up some tapas and drink a drink. Many wonders are still hidden in the neighborhood. You can thus leave to explore the southern part of the neighborhood. Don’t hesitate to lose yourself in its charming streets, you will also find many bars, cafes and welcoming restaurants.

At the turn of a path, you may eventually lead to the Port Vell and the seafront. Join then Mirador de Colom a monument dedicated to the famous explorer. This column marks the beginning of La Rambla.

Guided tours to do in Barri Gòtic

To learn more about this neighborhood and especially not to miss anything, you can obviously opt for a guided tour of the Barri Gòtic! Here is an overview of the visits that exist:

Guided walking tour

To visit the Barri Gòtic district, there are two and a half hour walks at 3 o'clock. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the alleys of this historic district of Barcelona.

In particular, you will discover the Gothic cathedral, whose construction began in the 13th century and was completed only 6 centuries later. Contemplate the vestiges of the Roman wall on Plaça Ramon Berenguer, you will walk on Plaça del Rei and admire the ancient palaces of kings and popes. In short, you will dive into the exciting history of this neighborhood! This type of guided tour of the Barri Gòtic, frequently available in French, usually costs 18€ to 30€ per person.

Guided cycling tour

You don’t like walking so much? Then discover Barcelona and the Barri Gòtic district by bike with a guide! These visits lasting 3 hours on average will lead you through the alleys of the Catalan capital. You will admire the Gothic Quarter, the Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya.

But you will also discover from your bike the Sagrada Familia, the arenas, the Old Town as a whole and the beachside promenade. For this type of guided tour, sometimes available in French, count from 20€ to 50€ on average.

Guided tour of segway

If cycling and walking are not your cup of tea, then know that there are guided tours in segway! With this means of transport, you will sail quietly and effortlessly from wonders. As with bike tours, the visit usually starts with the Gothic Quarter, then continues elsewhere in Barcelona. You will discover other important sites such as the Ciutadella Park, the monumental fountain or the Catalan parliament. Your guide will obviously punctuate this visit of anecdotes, comments and explanations about the city, its monuments and its history.

This type of visit usually costs around 50€ per person, for a duration of 2 hours. As with other visits, it is possible to be accompanied by a professional guide speaking French.

In the heart of legends

Several thematic guided tours of the Gothic district exist. For example, you can do the Ghosts and Legends Tour. This one-and-a-half hour tour of dusk takes place in the Gothic Quarter. Your English guide will tell you the stories and legends of ghosts in the neighborhood. The visit starts and ends with a cocktail intriguing in a bar at the Barri Gòtic.

Around flamenco

What if you immerse yourself in the backstage of flamenco? A true religion in the four corners of the country, flamenco is also invited to Barri Gòtic for an immersive experience. In the program, an audiovisual exhibition on the origins of this art, followed by an express course with two English-speaking artists. Then finish your day with a show dinner at Palacio del Flamenco, a reference theater restaurant!

The best hotels to stay in Barri Gòtic

To further explore the Barri Gòtic, we recommend that you stay in this bouillon neighbourhood during your stay in Barcelona! The first address we recommend is the Hotel Catalonia Portal de l’Àngel . Offering reasonable rates, this hotel is ideally located in the neighborhood, close to the Cathedral and Plaça de Catalunya. The Portal de l’Angel also has a garden with swimming pool, a little more appreciable! One night in this charming hotel will cost you 80€ on average.

The Mercer Hotel Barcelona is also an excellent choice. This very high-end hotel is located in a quiet street in Barri Gòtic. Located in an old building, it offers refined rooms, modern facilities, a rooftop with pool, as well as two restaurants. A night in this chic hotel will cost you an average of 250€.

Finally, we recommend it Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona , located facing the sea. With its roof terrace, beautiful swimming pool, cocktail bar and restaurant, it is obviously an ideal option for a stay in the Barri Gòtic. A night in this great hotel will cost you on average 95€.

Where to eat in the Barri Gòtic district of Barcelona?

As previously stated, this neighborhood is the most popular, most visited and appreciated in Barcelona. As a result, you will obviously find plenty of cafes, typical restaurants and tapas bars. During your visit to the Barri Gòtic or even your stay, you will only have the embarrassment of choice for your meals. We particularly recommend the following addresses:

• The Fifteen Nits : located on the beautiful Plaza Real, it is a restaurant offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices.
• El Salón : a small bistro with Catalan and French influences to try absolutely during your stay!
• Le Pla Restaurant : near Plaça Sant Jaume, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and dishes with delicious Mediterranean accents.

How to get to Barri Gòtic?

Barri Gòtic is surrounded by lines metro . You will thus have no trouble joining him by public transport.

• Along the Ramblas you can stop in Drassanes, Liceu or Catalunya with the clear green line L3.
• On the other side of the neighborhood, yellow line L4 offers the stops Urquinaona, Jaume I and Barceloneta. The latter is just a step away from the seafront.
• Line L1 red also stops in Catalunya, one of the main places in the city.

We recommend you not come to this neighborhood with your vehicle. The city centre of Barcelona is very congested and not suitable for traffic. Parking places are also expensive. It is better to leave his car on the outskirts of the city and then join the Barri Gòtic in public transport.