In the last years, Barcelona has become a theme park according to many local residents. Areas of interest such as Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta attracts millions of tourists each year, eager to discover the history of this wonderful city. However, most of them are concentrated in Ciutat Vella, the first district and the oldest one.
But Barcelona has a lot more to offer if we ventured beyond the historic center. And this is what the City Council is trying to achieve with the campaign “10 Barcelonas” referring to the 10 districts that comprise it. The main objective: let the visitors know that there are lovely places to discover beyond the city center.
In these post series, we will discover together the 10 districts of the City of Barcelona.
Ciutat Vella:
As mentioned, been a tourists you’ll probably spend most of your time in the City Centre Districts of Ciutat Vella, full of streets and squares where you can live and feel the history of Barcelona. Featuring a mix of shops, churches and cafés, this district reveals a mix of old and new Barcelona.
Ciutat Vella comprises the barris of Barri Gòtic, El Raval, La Barceloneta and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera (El Born neighbourhood).
A main spot you should not miss in Barri Gòtic is the Gothic Cathedral: This spot has been in continuous use as a place of worship for more than 1500 years. What we see today, however was begun in the 13th century and not completed until the neo-Gothic facade was tacked on 1913.
One of my favorites squares of the Barri Gòtic is Plaça Reial, an arcaded plaza built in 1846, dotted with lampposts designed by Gaudí, just few steps from Las Ramblas. As you make your way to Plaza Catalunya you will find the city’s opera house, Gran Teatre del Liceu. This hall will be the stage for the Suite Festival BCN Music Experience, a concert series designed to attract a broader audience, beyond habitual opera-goers.
If you are looking for a great place to stay at Ciutat Vella, don’t miss our Parsifal Apartment. The perfect spot if you are planning to enjoy Woddy Allen New Year’s Eve Concert at Liceu, the first of eight artists that will be playing from December to April 2015 at Liceu.