The very best way to get to know Barcelona - without a doubt - is to understand the distinct character of city district. From touristy Las Ramblas to the posh Eixample, from bohemian Raval to the seaside Barceloneta, every neighborhood offers different charms and attractions. We're here to tell you all about them!
The What Barcelona City Guide section is designed to give the traveler, visitor or resident of Barcelona a comprehensive overview of each "barri," the Catalan word for "neighborhood," or in Spanish, "barrio." This way, you can identify the zone that best fits your interests, as well as plan walking tours by neighborhood. You won't miss any highlight!
Old Barcelona - "Ciutat Vella"
Gothic Quarter & Las Ramblas
The Gothic Quarter is full of medieval architecture and narrow, winding streets, and is home to city's cathedral, La Seu. It's bordered by the Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous and lively avenue, if undoubtedly touristy, avenue.
La Ribera & El Born
Pegged to the northeast side of the Barri Gòtic, the Born is Barcelona's version of SoHo, with hip galleries and shops and innovative restaurants. La Ribera also holds the must-see Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Zoo and Ciutadella, one of the city's biggest parks.
El Raval
This old red-light zone is now the center of alternative, hipster, bohemian Barcelona life. It's also home to 2 great centers dedicated to contemporary art: the Museu d’Art contemporani de Barcelona and the Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona.
Port Vell & the Barceloneta
Port Vell is the site of Barcelona's centuries-old port, and is now built up with an aquarium and shopping center. The Barceloneta is the city's main beach, with sand-side refreshment huts and great seafood restaurants.
New Barcelona
Port Olímpic, El Poblenou & El Fòrum
Further down the beach, there's a posh marina and hotels that were built up for the 1992 Olympic Games.
The Eixample
Any visitor to Barcelona must explore this neighborhood - it's an architectural dream. L'Eixample is full of the 19th century Art Nouveau buildings of Antoni Gaudí, including his fantastical church in progress, the Sagrada Familia.
Gràcia
Formerly a village separate from the city, this is another hip area with artsy restaurants and nightlife.
Sants & Les Corts
This area is important because it's home to the city's main train station, Barcelona-Sants, and FC Barcelona's football stadium, Camp Nou.
Montjüic & Poble Sec
Montjüic is a hill will great vistas and a large park, plus you'll find 2 of Barcelona's most noteworthy museums here: the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya & the Fundació Joan Miró.
