An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in The Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Last Updated on 5th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
With its maze of winding streets, smattering of museums, and countless tapas bars, it’s no wonder that the Gothic Quarter tops many traveller’s bucket lists as a must-see destination in Spain. Here’s your insider’s guide to the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, as well as what to know before you go.
In Catalan, the Gothic Quarter is known as Barri Gòtic or El Gòtic and in Spanish, the area is known as Barrio Gótico. This is easily one of my favourite districts of the city and is the one area of Barcelona you can’t miss, even if it’s your first visit!
The Gothic Quarter is one of my personal favourite districts of Barcelona and is usually where I choose to stay when in the city. After all, as well as being the literal birthplace of the city, it’s where you’ll find some of the oldest cafés, museums, and eateries.
It’s also almost all pedestrianised, making it incredibly easy to get around on foot (just be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the cobbled lanes can be a bit rocky).
Contents
Where is the Gothic Quarter?
The Gothic Quarter is situated in the very heart of the oldest part of Barcelona, a city in Catalonia, Spain. The district itself encompasses the area between La Rambla and Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere.
The Gothic Quarter is largely a collection of 13th to 15th-century buildings which is based on the plan of Roman Barcelona, then known as Barcino. Barcino was actually enclosed within protective defensive walls right up until the 1850s.
What is the Gothic Quarter known for?
The Gothic Quarter is most famous for being home to the oldest parts of Barcelona. Indeed, Barcelona started out life as a Roman village, and today remnant’s of this Roman past can be found scattered around the Gothic Quarter in the form of ancient ruins.
The Gothic Quarter is also known for its winding, narrow lanes. A bit like a labyrinth in its nature, it can be hard to navigate as the streets are much more tightly packed together than in many other parts of the city.
The only way to get around much of the district is on foot so be sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes and avoid high heels as cobbled streets are abundant. During the 20th-century, the area became popular among writers, thinkers, and artists of the time, including Dali, Miro, Picasso, and Antoni Gaudi.
As you can imagine, thanks to its historic nature and wealth of attractions, El Gòtic is also one of the most popular places to visit in Barcelona among tourists and so is often one of the busiest places to explore. As such, I would recommend making this one of the first stops on your Barcelona itinerary.
How long do you need to visit the Gothic Quarter?
It will take several hours to enjoy all that the Gothic Quarter has to offer. Alternatively, if you want to discover the Gothic Quarter together with some insider knowledge, then be sure to book a guided tour like this one.
Things to do in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
Wander around
Truth be told, one of the best ways to get to know the Gothic Quarter is simply to stroll around and allow yourself to get a little lost. The quietest area of the district can be found between Plaça Reial and the seafront.
Wherever you choose to explore, you may well want to download a map on your phone or alternatively bring a paper map along as GPS signal can be weak due to the high walls in the district, which are all tightly packed together.
Pont del Bisbe
If there’s one spot which is perhaps snapped more than any other, it’s the street directly below Pont del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge). This marble walkway is an ornamental Gothic bridge which was constructed in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition and was actually inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Plaça Reial
This iconic square is famed for its beautiful Gothic architecture which showcases the medieval history of Barcelona. Right next to La Rambla (the famous diagonal shopping street which carves its way through Barcelona), there’s always something going on here.
During the warmer months of the year, street performances are a regular ocurrence and bars and cafés spill out onto the street. One of the main highlights of the square that you shouldn’t miss is the presence of Gaudí designed lampposts.
Plaça Nova
One of the best places to start your exploration of the Gothic Quarter is in Plaça Nova, which is actually the birthplace of Barcelona. The city was founded by the Romans as the city of Barcino and in Plaça Nova.
You’ll find the name Barcino spelled out in big metal letters, announcing the entryway into what was once Roman Barcelona. At the start of the Gothic Quarter, on the corner of Plaça Nova, there is a fairly well-preserved slice of Roman wall which is all that is left of the former Roman gateway.
Plaça del Pi
One of the smaller and off the beaten path spots within the Gothic Quarter is Plaça del Pi. One side of the square backs onto the back of the 14th-century Gothic Church of Santa Maria del Pi.
On the first and third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month an artisanal food market is hosted in the square. For more Sunday inspiration, check out our suggestions for the best things to do on a Sunday in Barcelona.
Placa de Sant Jaume
One of the more open areas of the Gothic Quarter can be found on the Square of Saint James (Placa de Sant Jaume) which is so-called as it sits on the same space which was once home to a church dedicated to Saint James. Back when Barcelona was known as Barcino, this is where the Roman forum would have stood.
Plaça George Orwell
Yet another square in the Gothic Quarter that’s worth checking out is named for the very same man who wrote 1984 and Animal Farm. Plaça George Orwell has bars spilling out onto the street and is where Orwell’s former home during the war was located.
Ancient Synagogue
Known in Catalan as the Sinagoga Major de Barcelona and in Spanish as the Sinagoga Mayor de Barcelona, this historic place of worship is believed to have been a place of worship since at least the 3rd or 4th centuries CE, making it the oldest Synagogue in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. Today the Synagogue has been transformed into a museum.
Barcelona Cathedral
One of the more historic buildings in the Gothic Quarter which you won’t want to miss is the Barcelona Cathedral. Also known as La Seu, this church was consecrated in the middle of the 11th-century, though the front façade wasn’t completed until the 15th-century.
The cathedral is free to visit and its official name is Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. Highlights include the neo-Gothic façade and over two dozen richly decorated chapels which are dedicated to various Saints.
There’s a strictly enforced dress code which means you can’t enter the ecclesiastical building without covering your shoulders and knees so be sure to wear something you can enter the cathedral in, even during the summer months.
Spy street art
As well as a plethora of Gothic architecture, there’s also a fair bit of street art nestled within the narrow maze of streets which make up Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. One of the most famous artworks adorning the walls here is the 26 foot long The World Begins With Every Kiss mural which is by Catalan artist and photographer Joan Fontcubertat and can be found near the cathedral.
Els Quatre Gats
The name of this art nouveau beer bar literally means ‘the four cats’ and it’s rumoured to have been inspired by Le Chat Noir in Paris. Opened to the public in the late 19th-century (1896 to be precise), this café was once a hub for the Modernisme movement.
Indeed, Picasso started frequenting the café from the age of 17 and even held his first solo exhibition in the main room. Due to this illustrious history, the eatery has since become something of an institution in its own right. Head there today and you can expect to find a menu filled with Catalan cuisine.
Can Culleretes
While we’re on the subject of food, it’s worth noting that the oldest restaurant in Barcelona and the second oldest restaurant in Spain (to have never closed its doors since opening) can be found in the Gothic Quarter. Can Culleretes opened in 1786 and serves up traditional Catalonian food such as seafood, salads, and stews.
Calle Avinyo
If you’re in search of a unique shopping opportunity, then you need to look no further than Calle Avinyo. This narrow street is located in the very heart of the Gothic Quarter and is lined with independent boutiques selling wares such as shoes, decor, and even foodie souvenirs like local beverages and dried products.
Temple of Augustus
Located in an otherwise neglected and often forgotten corner of the Gothic Quarter of the city, you’ll find one of the last well-preserved vestiges of Roman Barcelona, the Temple of Augustus, a structure dating two millennia.
All Corinthian columns in a covered setting, the structure dates all the way back to the 1st Century BCE and was once the main focal point for Roman Barcino, i.e. the Roman Forum. Though many claim that the Temple was dedicated to Augusuts, this has so far not been proven.
Museum of History of Barcelona
If you’re curious to learn more about the history of Barcelona and its surroundings, then you would do well to set aside some time to discover the Museum of History of Barcelona.
Known as Museu d ‘Història de la Ciutat locally, the museum showcases the history of Barcelona from Roman times right up until the present day. One of the main highlights of visiting is the chance to see well-preserved Roman streets that appear just as they would have done 2000 years ago. In the museum you can also learn about wine making during the 3rd century.
Museu Diocesà de Barcelona
Though not quite as well-reviewed as some of the other museums in Barcelona (it’s pretty expensive for the size and quality of the museum), the Diocesan museum showcases artworks, jewelry & ceramics from the Middle Ages to the 20th century which have been preserved within various churches in Barcelona.
Monument to the Heroes of 1809
One of the larger artworks located within the Gothic Quarter is a large bronze depicting five men. The statue is called the Monument to the Heroes of 1809 and represents when around 8,000 citizens attempted to overthrow occupying French troops. Eighteen conspirators were tried by a military court, and of these, five were found guilty and executed in Barcelona’s citadel.
Where to stay in the Gothic Quarter
Thanks to its enviable location in the very heart of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter makes for a great base from which to explore the rest of the city for those who love to be in the heart of all the action. There are tons of tapas bars, clubs, museums, and more, all on your doorstep if you choose to stay in this lively part of the city.
Mid-range: There are a number of mid-range hotels in the Gothic Quarter, which provide the perfect blend of being affordable, while also being comfortable and within easy access of many sites. I personally stayed at this boutique hotel in the Gothic area of the city and loved every moment of it. From easy access to nearby restaurants to a rooftop pool complete with panoramic views over the city, I highly recommend booking to stay at this Barcelona accommodation.
Luxury- hotel Neri: Those who are looking to book a truly unforgettable trip during their time in Barcelona should check into this five-star hotel. Highlights include a 12th-century building backdrop, a restaurant on-site, and a 24 hour front desk. Check prices and availability here.
Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona? Pin this article now, read it again later:
