Location: Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Top Things to do in Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Ciutat Vella (Old Town), Catalonia
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. 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
2. Palau Guell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,723 reviews
This palace was the home of industrialist Eusebi Guell and was Antonio Gaudi's first major building in the city..
Reviewed By Journey814115 - Charlotte, United States
This wonderful facility, just off the Rambla, provides a fascinating view of the early Gaudi (and the generosity of the Guell family.
3. Placa Reial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,073 reviews
Known for its many outdoor venues, restaurants and nightclubs, Plaça Reial is a popular meeting place during the summer when open air concerts take place, and during other celebrations such as New Year’s Eve.
4. Santa Anna Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
5. Galeria Maxo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By producertiffany - Los Angeles, United States
Stumbled into this gem of an art gallery/studio on our first night in Barcelona and kept coming back. The atmosphere is magical. Just walking inside feels like you've come away with an artistic experience. I did end up purchasing a small piece on our last morning there because I just couldn't get it out of my head. Whether you decide to purchase or not, do yourself a favor and go inside!
6. Placa del Rei
7. Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By DaveTheShorts - Menston, United Kingdom
We visited this place without the kids as they wanted time to explore the city before our planned visit to Sagrada Familia. So glad I found this place whilst researching Barcelona. After Parc Guell (a bit disappointing because so much of it is out of bounds for renovation) we walked down from the free bus stop and we were amazed at the beauty of these old hospital buildings right in the heart of the city. The stories told and the images show some great pieces of architecture. It is an oasis of calmness in the mad place that is Barcelona. It is tranquil and worth a trip for an hour or so. Great exhibits and it is being carefully restored to show what it was like when originally used as a hospital. Go now before it gets busy!
8. La Casa de la Seda Barcelona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
'La Casa de la Seda' (The House of Silk) is the only guild house in Barcelona open to the public with regular visits from Monday to Saturday. It also has beautiful rooms to celebrate all kind of events. Discover a unique house in Barcelona. Visit the luxurious headquarters of the Art of Silk Association, one of the most influent institutions of the 18th century Catalan society. The visit includes: • The amazing guild room with silk lined walls and rich ornaments. • The library with more than three thousand documents from 1533 until today. • The majestic presidential office and the meeting room.
