Location: Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Top Things to do in Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
10 Things to do in Ciutat Vella (Old Town) That You Shouldn't Miss
Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.
Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,946 reviews
The Central historical part of Barcelona, located between the streets of Rambla and Laetana.
Reviewed By HelenaLoenberg - Holstebro, Denmark
Great spot to walk around and find different cozy restaurants, cafés, cocktail bars, shops etc. beautiful area!! Our favorite spot in Barcelona
2. Mercat de la Boqueria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,088 reviews
This popular food market sells some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.
Reviewed By 712lees - Singapore, Singapore
Amazing market with lots of fresh food fresh fruits flowers chocolates nuts spices olive oil sea salts Jamon ham at reasonable prices !! It’s amazing and open everyday except closed on Sundays.
3. Port Vell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,296 reviews
This lively harbor, full of yachts and cruise ships, is home to a popular entertainment complex, featuring a mall, several restaurants, a movie theater and an aquarium.
4. Palace of Catalan Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,470 reviews
The Palau, an icon of modernist architecture in downtown Barcelona The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most representative monuments of the city and It is one of the most recommended tourist attractions of Barcelona. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Catalonia and essential part of any visit to the city, as any of the most fascinating Gaudi buildings. This historical building, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, offers an experience so magical that visitors fall in love with it. From the hand of experienced guides, the wonders of this architectural pearl discovered and visitors into a fantasy world full of details and references to the characteristic nature of modernist architecture. An essential visit in the list of top 10 things to see in Barcelona.
Reviewed By camm3653 - Toronto, Canada
My husband and I are so glad that we took the official guided tour of this hidden gem designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Tucked away amongst the narrow streets of La Ribera, it was quite a treat to come across the Palau de la Musica Catalana for the first time and see its facade of beautifully detailed sculptures and intricate mosaics. Once we went inside and saw the interior, especially the concert hall itself, we were even more impressed. Our guide did a masterful job of providing the history and explaining the details of the building including, the ironwork, mosaics, stunning stained glass windows and skylight, and the ornate sculptures. As part of the tour, we had the opportunity to sit back and listen to the organist play. Not only was the concert hall gorgeous, the acoustics were amazing too. Our only regret was not being able to see a performance at the concert hall during our stay in Barcelona. We highly recommend booking this one hour guided tour. It must be booked on the official website in advance as spots are limited and it often sells out. If you book 21 days in advance, there is a small saving of 4 euros per ticket off of the standard rate of 20 euros.
5. Barcelona Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,669 reviews
A beautiful gothic cathedral with stained glass windows dating back 500 years.
Reviewed By Mihaela11 - Amman, Jordan
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a beautiful Gothic church built from thirteenth to fifteenth century with a roof famous for its gargoyles featuring many animals. The stained glass windows are awesome.
6. Gran Teatre del Liceu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
This luxurious theater stages fine opera and ballet performances.
Reviewed By sergezeta - Paris, France
such a beautiful theater in central barcelona. wonderful when there is an opera but worth a visit as well
7. Ciutat Vella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,133 reviews
This fascinating area is steeped in history, with city hall located in the same spot where kings once reigned. You'll find narrow streets and squares here, with Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants. The Placa del Rei is reputedly the place where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Columbus after his voyage to America.
Reviewed By melb0urnef00die
We walked this area almost everyday and there's always a shop or place that we only just noticed while walking past. Includes Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi and the Cathedral of Barcelona
8. Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,133 reviews
Ancient and medieval Barcelona in the monumental ensemble beneath Plaça del Rei, organised in the 20th century. A tour through 4,000 square metres in an underground archaeological site that takes us from Barcino to Barcinona. Exhibition on the emergence of the medieval city. Visit to the Palau Reial Major palace.
Reviewed By Basspohl - Lansing, United States
My 17 and 21 year old daughters, husband and I visited this museum on a weekday afternoon. There was no line and in fact few other visitors while we were there. There was a very interesting display of Barcelona and surrounding region from prehistory through the 13th century, including tools, currency, and life story. For me the real magic is UNDER the MUHBA where Roman ruins have been excavated. The manner in which they are presented, with audio and written explanations of the city composition, clothes dying and washing, wine making, roads, and manner in which structures were reused was fascinating for all of us. The price was the deal of our Barcelona visit, at 7 euros per adult and 5 euros per student.
9. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,776 reviews
The Gothic Church, built in the 14th century, is located in the quarter of La Ribera.
Reviewed By 523travelbug - Melbourne, Australia
Grand old church with opera buskers very fitting indeed, The church has a wonderful history and very beautiful piece of architecture dating back to 1700;s
10. Parc de la Ciutadella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,545 reviews
The 44 acres (18 hectares) are home to Castell dels Tres Dragons, the Umbracle (plant house) and Hivernacle (glass house).
Reviewed By Chow_TW - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
One of the larger parks in central Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella has alot to offer, being near the Zoo (which requires a ticket purchase), as well as some other historic landmarks like the Castle of the Three Dragons. However, even if you arent the photo-taking type, this park has alot of sitting areas (benches or grass patches) where you can escape the crowds in other parts of Barcelona. There are also many locals who use the space for exercise or practising their hobbies so you almost feel like you are immersing with everyday life here. Spent a good few hours here just wandering around and lazing with friends in a very people-friendly green space!
TAGS
