The first time I visited Barcelona, I was immediately captivated by the endless art all over the city. You don’t have to go to a museum to experience the work of a famous artist. Just wander the streets and you’ll find art all around you. One place in the city that is incredibly special is Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This is the historic center of old city Barcelona and a must visit for anyone heading to the city. Step away from Las Ramblas and dive deep into the heart of Barcelona.
The Gothic quarter is not a place to simply pass through. No, this area must be savored. Spending a day here is a dream. There are interesting sights all over the Gothic Quarter and neighborhoods within neighborhoods. It’s easy to get lost in the captivating maze of narrow streets that lead to interesting piazzas. Art is everywhere, not to mention some fabulous museums including one dedicated to the works of Picasso. With so much to explore, you want to make the most of your time. I’ll guide you through some of the more interesting parts of the quarter so you can maximize your time here.
Getting There
Las Ramblas is one of the most recognizable streets in Barcelona. It gets incredibly busy with tourist, street performers and everything else. Don’t get distracted by the flurry of activity on this street. Locate the Columbus Monument at the very end of Las Ramblas (near the sea) in order to begin your walk from there. This iconic statue of Christopher Columbus points out to sea, symbolizing his return to Spain from the Americas. We all have mixed feelings about Columbus and his “discovery” of America but you can deal with that once you get oriented for your walk. Turn away from the sea and head towards Palau Marc then take a right into the tiny alleyway to begin your discovery of what makes the quarter so special. Wander through the narrow streets, popping into a few local artisan shops along the way. Set your sights on the Sinagoga Major for your first stop.
First Stop: Sinagoga Major
Delve into El Call, the historic Jewish Quarter within the Gothic Quarter. As you make your way to one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, take your time to really explore the buildings and people of this neighborhood. Sinagoga Major marks the center of history and culture of Barcelona’s Jewish community and is certainly worth a stop on your walk. In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll get a feel for the diversity of Barcelona.
Next Stop: Barcelona Cathedral
The Gothic architecture of the Barcelona Cathedral itself is a work of art. Admire the intricate carvings and soaring arches as you approach. Then, go inside for a closer look or cross the street directly in front of the cathedral and head to Hotel Colon. The terrace bar here provides a spectacular view of the Cathedral not to mention, the bartenders have crafted the perfect sangria. Check out my blog on the Ultimate Guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona for more insight on the rooftop bar scene. Is it wrong to admire a cathedral while sipping a sangria? In my view, there is no better way to do it.
Just around the corner from the Cathedral toward Plaça d’Isidre Nonell you’ll find the “Kissing Mural.” This was originally designed as a temporary mural unveiled in 2014. Since then it has become a permanent fixture of Barcelona street art. Take your obligatory selfie then keep it moving.
Next Up: Palau de la Música Catalan
A short walk up Via Liaetana, take a right near the Carrefour market and you’ll soon run into Carmela. A large 3D cast iron sculpture of a woman’s face just steps away from Palau de la Música Catalan. The illusion is magnificent and really dynamic as it seems to change as your vantage point shifts. When you take your eyes off of Carmela, you’ll be awestruck by the facade of the Palau de la Música Catalan. While the outside is a work of art, the inside will certainly blow you away. Take some time to explore the grand archways that make up this building. As you leave the area, pass by the Ohla Barcelona Hotel to grab a photo of the eyes that adorn the facade. They also have a pretty cool rooftop bar but it’s only open in the evenings.
Continue your walk through the narrow streets stopping at a few shops along the way. When shops are closed, you can also get a peek at the street art that adorns the rollaway doors. Some have been designed by commissioned artist who create one of a kind murals for the establishment. While others are just taggers trying to make their mark. But I’ll leave that discernment up to you since art is in the eye of the beholder. As you wander, keep an eye out for mosaic tiles embedded in the walls and sidewalks. Set your sights on Plaça del Pi as your next destination.
Next Stop: Plaça del Pi
The Plaça del Pi often hosts local artists displaying their work, offering a chance to take home a unique piece of Barcelona. Each day is different so you never know what you’ll find. As your exploration continues, take a moment here to refresh at one of the cafes in the area. Nearby, you will find the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi with a huge multicolored rose window. Cast your gaze upon the magnificent gothic facade of the building that has more than 1000 years of history.
Finally: Mercado de la Boqueria
By now you are probably exhausted. Make your way to Mercado de la Boqueria just on the other side of Las Ramblas. This market has a little bit of everything. If you love oysters, the vendors here have some of the best in town and the price is the lowest I saw anywhere. Do a lap around the market to explore the vendors then find a stool at one of the bars and settle in for inexpensive glass of wine and afternoon tapas.
What Else?
It’s hard to believe that you can spend a full day walking in this quarter and still not see everything. This walk only covers part of the Gothic Quarter and misses one of the most important museums in the city. Not to mention all the other fabulous places to see outside of the quarter.
There are few more places that you will need to spend focused time to experience, especially if you love art. One of them is the Picasso Museum. No art tour of the Gothic Quarter would be complete without a visit to the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso). Located on Carrer Montcada, the museum houses an extensive collection of Picasso’s early works. Don’t just pop into this one and leave. You’ll want plan an adequate amount of time to explore the museum fully so I’d recommend you plan a day around this and a few other sites outside of the quarter. Visits can be booked online but fill up quickly.
My Perspective
I love Barcelona and the Gothic Quarter is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. I don’t think I’ve done it justice in this blog which means you just have to go see for yourself. Get lost in the streets and immerse yourself in the culture that is distinctly Barcelona.
Discover more from TwoBlackTravelers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
