Gothic Quarter
The beautiful neighbourhood known as the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is so called because it used to be the Roman village and therefore has some remnants of its glorious past. However these days due to the constant modernization its very possible to spot an ancient building right next to one built in the late 90s. It is this mix of old and new that brings people from across the globe to visit the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.
The narrow, winding streets create quite a labyrinth and means that it may take a while to get your bearings. We recommend you always look up and around or you may just miss some of the best bits this area has to offer. However you wont be able to miss one of the stand out attractions: the huge Cathedral which has a stunning courtyard full of plants and oddly, geese.
The Barri Gòtic has many peaceful squares (Plaças) where you can sit back and enjoy your surroundings. You will be spoilt for choice of restaurants and bars, especially around Plaça Reial which is always a hive of activity day and night. The night life in the Gothic Quarter is lively to say the least and you will always find somewhere to have a drink or, if your legs are not too tired from exploring the city, a bit of a dance. Calle Ferran, which is just to the side of Plaça Reial leading up to the imposing government buildings of Plaça Sant Jaume, is also good for bars and restaurants.
From the more commercial area of Calle Portal de L’Angel to all the little boutiques on Calle Avinyo the Gothic Quarter is a shopoholics paradise. Make sure you walk around to experience all you can, the Gothic Quarter is the perfect go to are for that afternoon stroll whilst walking off your Menu del Dia.
There are metro stops on both sides of the Gothic Quarter, there are 3 on Las Ramblas which runs up one side of the area, and on the other is Jaume 1. However you are in the centre of the city and many of Barcelona’s attractions are just a walk away.
