Guide to the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona /

The Gothic Quarter is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Barcelona. Characterized by its winding romantic streets and ancient Roman feel, this district should definitely be on your list of places to visit on your travels to the Catalan capital. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of the iconic must-see sights, as well as the interesting shops and restaurants that make this area so special. So, without further ado, here’s our guide to the Gothic Quarter.

Take a walk around the neighborhood

The Gothic Quarter has a history of more than 2,000 years, dating all the way back to Roman times. If the ancient city walls could talk, they would certainly have many secrets to tell! The best way to really enjoy the flavor of this magical neighborhood is to let yourself wander through the winding roads and discover the many shops and boutiques that are located nearby.

As you will discover, the ancient history of the Gothic Quarter is very interspersed with the contemporary businesses and attractions that flourish in this district. There’s a perfect mix of fun and new, with traditional and authentic, making it an absolute must-see neighborhood on your trip.

Visit the Placa de Sant Jaume

In the middle of the Old Town you will find the Plaça de Sant Jaume. This old square dates back to 1823 and is widely known as the beating heart of the Gothic Quarter. This beautiful square is the central focal point of the district, surrounded by famous shops and buildings of interest. It is the administrative center of Barcelona, ​​home to both the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat.

Something to eat?

With all that walking, where better to stop and rest than in one of the many bars and restaurants in the Gothic Quarter?

Why not try the Bosc de les Fades restaurant, located on the Passatge de la Banca. This magical restaurant transports you to a fairytale world, with an interior that resembles that of a woodland forest, complete with fairy lights, waterfalls and twinkling lights. Bosc de les Fades is tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. It’s the perfect place to try delicious Spanish food and enjoy a completely unique setting.

Barcelona Cathedral

The next part of your tour of the Gothic Quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral. This ancient monument is another must-see attraction on your tour of the Catalan capital. This sight is wonderfully atmospheric and reminiscent of the Barcelona that once was, with a history dating back to 1339. The walls of the cathedral are ornate and intricate, alongside soaring spires and ancient wooden doors. You won’t need long in this place, but it’s definitely one to add to your list.

Why not see the beauty of Barcelona Cathedral from above? At the Hotel Colón, opposite the cathedral, there is a great rooftop bar with fantastic views. This is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail in a super stylish setting, while admiring Barcelona Cathedral in all its glory.

Visit Placa Reial

The next step, in the Gothic Quarter, is Plaça Reial. This iconic square is another great location to enjoy a cocktail in a scenic location. Located just off the Ramblas, this square is a super busy and popular location, especially for tourists. There’s so much on offer here (especially food-wise), with restaurants everywhere offering delicious Spanish tapas and Catalan dishes.

Plaça Reial is also a top spot to keep in mind as night falls. There are often great street performers performing acrobatics and interactive shows around the plaça, and musicians singing their tunes. It is therefore no wonder that the square is home to many nightclubs and night bars. Our personal favorite club on the square is Jamboree. This place doubles as a jazz and blues bar all week and turns into a funky nightclub on weekends. If you want to party in the Catalan capital, Plaça Reial is a great (and central) location to keep in mind!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are reading this article anywhere other than A Luxury Travel Blog, chances are this content has been stolen without permission.

Please note the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to notify them of this issue.

Thank you for helping us fight content theft.

So there you have it! Our guide to the Gothic Quarter. We hope you enjoyed this blog and feel inspired to travel to the heart of the city and explore the magical labyrinth of streets and landmarks of the Gothic Quarter. One thing is certain, you will not be short of anything!

Sandra Roig is marketing director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental company offering more than a thousand short and long term apartments all over Barcelona.

If you would like to become a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to boost your profile, please contact us.