Visiting Barcelona also means strolling through its neighborhoods. From the narrow, tumultuous streets of the Gothic Quarter to Gracia and the Born, each district has its own history, atmosphere and architectural character. There’s something for everyone.
The famous and imposing Plaça Catalunya is right in the center of Barcelona. This square is considered the heart of the city, its hypercentre. Around it are the various districts that make up the city center.
“El Barri Gotic is Barcelona’s oldest district. It is its historic heart. It’s also the city’s most touristy barrio. To the north is the Plaça Catalunya. On either side are the famous Rambla and Avenida Laietana. To the south, you’ll find the Barceloneta district.
El gotico is essentially made up of narrow, pedestrian streets. The concentration of bars, restaurants, stores and hotels is quite phenomenal! Wandering and getting lost in its streets is undoubtedly the best way to visit it. Not to be missed in the Gothic Quarter: the sublime Plaça Reial and Santa Creu Cathedral.
The Eixample district is one of Barcelona’s largest. Located north of Plaça Catalunya, it runs up to the main avenue Diagonal and extends as far as Plaça Espanya to the east and Plaça Tetouan to the west. In the Eixample, you’ll discover some of the city’s must-see buildings, and not the least of them. Antoni Gaudi left his mark on this district. These include the famous Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. In addition to its architectural prowess, the district is essentially made up of wide residential streets and avenues. Particularly noteworthy is Passeig de Gràcia, a long avenue running from Plaça Catalunya to the Gràcia district. If you’re looking for luxury boutiques and 5-star hotels, just walk up it!
On the other side of the Gothic Quarter and via Laietana is “El Born”. This small district extends as far as the Parc de la Ciutadella. Another popular area for tourists, it is also home to trendy boutiques and bars. El Born is a great place to live. Strolling around, discovering the little squares and shopping are the perfect recipe for an afternoon in central Barcelona.
Le Raval is on the other side of La Rambla. More “popular”, this central district is very lively and will suit those wishing to stroll off the beaten track. Special mention should be made of the lovely Rambla del Raval and its palm trees.
Wedged between Raval and Montjuïc, the buildings in this district are unique in that they are built on an ascending slope. As a result, the view from the rooftops of Poble Sec has little to envy that from the hill of Montjuïc. This is a rather peaceful area close to Barcelona’s hypercentre. One of its main streets is Carrer Blai, which offers a whole range of tapas bars. The speciality of these bars is the sale of Pintxos, a Catalan specialty. A street not to be missed!
One of the 4 districts making up the “Ciutat Vella”, Barceloneta is a very touristy area, as it’s close to the sea and the beaches of the city center. So if you want to get to the beach without straying far from the heart of the city, don’t hesitate! A former fishermen’s district, La Barceloneta remains an area strongly influenced by the sea (restaurants, water sports clubs, marina, fishing port, museums…). Following the Barceloneta beach, you’ll reach the Olympic Port area (Vila Olimpica), named after the 1992 Olympic Games, which attracts thousands of revellers every night. With its nightclubs (including Opium, Pacha, Shôko, Carpe Diem and Catwalk), trendy restaurants and bars, and even the Barcelona Casino, this is one of the most popular areas for partying.
Just before Barcelona’s northern mountains lies a district of unrivalled charm. Gracia is like a village in the city. The calmness of its streets and squares is typical of Catalonia, and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona’s main avenues. Located to the north of the Eixample and not far from the famous Parc Guell, Gràcia will introduce you to another side of Barcelona, where many craftsmen and artists have settled. The Plaça del Sol is one of Barcelona’s favorite places to enjoy a drink on a terrace, in an authentic setting away from the tourist hotspots. Finally, Carrer Verdi will delight shoppers with its small designer boutiques.
This large district near the Mediterranean stretches as far as the Parc del Forum (Barcelona’s main exhibition and festival venue). Poble Nou is a blend of historic Catalan and modern architecture. The Agbar Tower is a perfect example. Formerly an industrial district, it is now quite residential. It’s home to Barcelona’s biggest nightclub, Razzmatazz.
Barcelona is one of the few major Mediterranean cities to have its city center so close to the beach. Although not natural, Barcelona’s beaches are a year-round delight for locals and tourists alike.
Accessible from the metro stop of the same name (yellow line 4), Barceloneta is the closest beach to the center of town. It’s also the busiest, especially in July and August. A wide range of water sports are available. A special feature of this “playa” is its distinctive tower, proving once again that architectural masterpieces are never far away in Barcelona!
Also accessible by metro (L4), getting off at the “Ciutadella – Vila Olimpica” stop, this beach is ideal for those looking for a quieter, less crowded place without straying too far from the heart of the city.
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From France +33 1 87 65 28 12
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