What is the Barcelona Gothic Quarter?

Spend a day at the Barcelona Gothic QuarterBarcelona’s tourist attractions are so numerous and intriguing; from the towering Sagrada Familia to the sunny Barceloneta Beach, you’ll never run out of things to do in this city.  While planning a trip to this incredible destination, you might have trouble choosing which sights you want to see first.  However, the Barcelona Gothic Quarter is, without a doubt, a must-see spot in this city; containing many different restaurants, shops, and historical sights, this area has all the ingredients for an enjoyable experience.  Discover everything you need to know about the amazing Barcelona Gothic Quarter and add it to your vacation itinerary today!

What is the Barcelona Gothic Quarter?

The Barcelona Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is a beautiful historic district that draws both visitors and locals alike with its peaceful atmosphere and one-of-a-kind activities.  Comprised of a myriad of streets and squares, this neighborhood gives you a peek into Barcelona’s fascinating past.  This area contains the City Hall as well as the beloved Barcelona Gothic Quarter cathedral.  You can even see the remains of the ancient Roman temple of Augustus nearby.

Where is the Barcelona Gothic Quarter Located?

This place is easy to find; located in the center of the old city of Barcelona, it stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana.  You might stumble upon it when you spot the tall spire of the Cathedral Santa Creu, a gorgeous cathedral that has been in the Barcelona Gothic Quarter since the year 1298, when its construction began.  Metro stops are located at both sides of this neighborhood, making it even easier to reach.  

What Can You Do at the Barcelona Gothic Quarter?

There are so many fun things to do at this favorite Barcelona tourist attraction!  First, you should take a Barcelona Gothic Quarter walking tour to see all the breathtaking sights of this area with a knowledgeable guide to teach you about the history of each one.  Next, settle down for a delicious meal at one of the many Barcelona Gothic Quarter restaurants; after all, no trip is complete without treating yourself to some delectable dining!  Head to Tapeo Bar if you’re craving some authentic Catalan food (like tapas, of course!) or El Quatre Gats, which is famous for being the site of Picasso’s first art exhibition ever.  After you’ve satisfied your appetite, complete your day here by browsing the many shops and stores lining these streets to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip!

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

After your exciting afternoon of exploring Barcelona’s finest attractions, take some time to unwind by staying in the best accommodations possible!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers luxurious lofts, villas, cottages, and apartments located throughout the most picturesque parts of town.  Whether you want to treat yourself to views of the beach or settle down in the heart of the city, we have the perfect spot for you!  We know you’ll love our comfortable furnishings and incredible amenities, so check our availability online right now to book your favorite vacation rental in Barcelona!

Photo by thehague / Thinkstock

Sagrat Cor is One of the Best Barcelona Sights

Your Guide to 4 of the Most Incredible Barcelona Sights

Barcelona consists of countless, awe-inspiring attractions, which all combine to make it one of the most incredible places on Earth.  Whether you want to learn more about historic architecture by taking a walking tour or dance the night away to your favorite music in a club on the beach, Barcelona has just the place you desire.  With the increasingly growing number of things to do in Barcelona, you might feel overwhelmed trying to decide where to go first.  The Barcelona sights map below specifies the top 4 favorite Barcelona sights to see and tells you what to do and look for when you get there!  Explore these amazing hot spots to enjoy your Barcelona dream vacation to the fullest!

The Top 4 Barcelona Sights to See

  1. Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain

About:  The remaining remnants of a Roman village, the Gothic Quarter is now a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood filled with shops, bars, and cafes.  

What to See:  In the very center of this time-honored region is a gorgeous courtyard, filled with flowers and benches for relaxing or reading.  

  1. Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain

About:  One of the finest works of architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, the towering structure of Casa Batlló can be toured to learn more about its maker as well as early modernism.

What to See:  Notice the colorful facade, which was designed to represent the sea, as well as the balconies; these are supposed to resemble the bony jaws of a ferocious beast (which is why some locals refer to it as the House of the Dragon).

  1. Sagrat Cor in Barcelona, Spain

About:  The Temple of Sagrat Cor, a towering Roman Catholic Church, is one of Barcelona’s most ancient and detailed attractions; you can explore inside or take a lift to the roof.

What to See:  Notice a statue of Jesus Christ at the top of the church; also, since it is located at the summit of Collserola Mountain, you can see panoramic views of practically all of Barcelona!

  1. Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain

About:  Dedicated to commemorating the life of the beloved artist, Pablo Picasso, the Picasso Museum consists of numerous buildings and exhibits to browse.  

What to See:  This museum consists of five different buildings as well as picturesque courtyards.  You also need to see all 39 paintings in their permanent collection as well as their many other temporary exhibits.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Now that you are aware of the many breathtaking sights of Barcelona, start planning your dream vacation by staying in the best Barcelona lodging!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals provides many luxurious villas, penthouses, lofts, and apartments that you can rent while you explore this amazing area.  Each rental is located in an attractive part of Barcelona; stay in an apartment minutes away from the beach or settle down in a quiet neighborhood for a more secluded residence.  With our comfortable furnishings and high-quality amenities, you’re bound to feel right at home!  Don’t hesitate a moment more- check our availability and book your stay today!

Photo by Alberto Mansavo / Thinkstock

barcelona gothic quarter

Get Lost in the History of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter

You won’t just get lost in the history of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter but also in the amazing variety of things to do in this corner of the city that is among the most visited places by tourists and residents alike. With its labyrinthine streets, it’s best to pay extra close attention to your surroundings as it’s common to literally get lost in the area. Along with beautiful squares that make for the perfect place to relax for an afternoon with a bottle of wine or a good book, there are numerous great boutiques for shopping, a grand cathedral, and a lively nightlife. During your next visit to Barcelona, be sure to take a walking tour though the Gothic Quarter!

History of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city of Barcelona. Many of its buildings maintain their medievally designed integrity though there were many additions and improvements throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The Roman Wall remains are evidence that the gothic quarter dates as far back as the Roman settlement in Barcelona. The labyrinthine street layout is further evidence, with many of the streets opening up into squares that would have been markets and meeting places in medieval times.

Barcelona Gothic Quarter Attractions

Gothic quarter of Barcelona in wet weather conditions
Photo Credit: bbsferrari/iStock/Thinkstock
  • The Barcelona Gothic Quarter Cathedral is one of the main attractions in this area and is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, as well as breathtaking sight. Having been constructed from the 13th to the 15th centuries, its neogothic style is complete with rooftop gargoyles and other domestic and mythic animals.
  • Plaça Sant Jaume is located at the heart of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter and is the administrative center of the city as home to both City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat of Catalonia. The square is home to many big events throughout the year.
  • Plaça Reial sits between the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla and is a popular attraction. It is well known for its rich nightlife as it is home to many famous nightclubs and outdoor venues. It is one of the most popular spots for national celebrations like New Year’s Eve.
  • Portal de l’Àngel is known among locals for being one of the premier locations for shopping in Barcelona, since it is a pedestrian-only street – it attracts many of the best-known local and international fashion brands. The huge footfall on Portal del’Àngel makes it Barcelona’s (and Spain’s) most expensive retail location.
  • The Barcelona Gothic Quarter also has its own collection of ruins, such as the Temple of Augustus, an old Roman temple built during the Imperial period. After being demolished, its remains were not discovered for centuries and have been slowly restored as they have been found.

A Few Fantastic Gothic Quarter Restaurants

There are far too many romantic restaurants in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, but a few highly-recommended spots to eat include: Bilbao Berria, Cal Pep, and Pla Restaurant.

Whether you like shopping, nightclubs or are more interested in a beautiful place to sit outside and take in the atmosphere, you will enjoy the Barcelona Gothic Quarter.  There are numerous short term holiday rentals around this area giving you a historic experience on your stay here. While they are in the medieval corner of Barcelona, these flats are all newly remodeled with all the modern features you’re used to at home. Our Gothic Quarter apartments are conveniently located at the center of the city giving you easy access to whatever you might want to see on your stay. Our vacation rentals are where to stay in Barcelona, and are a perfect alternative to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter hotels.